Millennialism 101 - Lecture 3: Covenant Theology and Eschatology

Introduction

• Third lecture in Millennialism 101 series
• Focus on Covenant Theology in the context of eschatology
• Argument: Reformed Covenant Theology and Amillennialism are interconnected

Presuppositions and Methodology

• Completed broad discussions, moving to specific Reformed Amillennial methodology
• Importance of understanding presuppositions before discussing eschatology

Nature of Revelation

• God is unknowable unless He reveals Himself
• Theology of the Cross vs. Theology of Glory
  • Luther and Calvin opposed speculative theology
  • God revealed through the cradle and the cross
• Revelation as a basis for eschatology, focusing on Scripture

Eschatology in Christianity

• Christianity is inherently eschatological
• History is redemptive, moving towards a final goal
• Scripture's purpose: God's plan to redeem humanity

Redemptive History

• Scripture is eschatological throughout
  • Old Testament anticipates Christ
  • New Testament fulfillment of Old Testament promises

Prophets and Eschatology

• Old Testament prophets predicted a coming Redeemer
• Eschatological outlook is essential for understanding Christian doctrine

Covenant Theology

• Covenants as essential to understanding Scripture
• Two Main Covenants: Covenant of Works and Covenant of Grace
  • Covenant of Works requires perfect obedience
  • Covenant of Grace involves God's promises and Christ's fulfillment

Importance of the Covenants

• Understanding covenants aids in interpreting scripture as one cohesive narrative
• Covenants show the continuity and fulfillment of God's promises

Practical Implications

• Law and Gospel: Understanding the difference is essential
  • Law shows human sinfulness
  • Gospel reveals salvation through Christ
• Importance of understanding Christ’s role in fulfilling the law

Conclusion

• Eschatology covers past, present, and future events
• Future events are tied to what God has already done
• Covenant Theology provides a framework to understand eschatology comprehensively

Questions and Answers

• Discussion on dividing the law and understanding biblical theologies
• Melchizedek as a Christological figure pointing to Christ's fulfillment of the law