Eschatology in the Charismatic Movement

Charismatics like any other side of Christianity, have varying views on eschatology. but a careful study and proper interpretation of God's Word will settle the matter.

 

Those whom I know who are Assembly of God, do believe in speaking in tongues, that the gifts did not die out with the Church in Acts, do support Israel as God's chosen people, and are pre-tribulation dispensationalists who would likely be considered fundamental "Baptists" in every area except that of speaking in tongues and the doctrine of OSAS (easy believerism). Does that help? I have more fellowship with them than I do some "baptists" (and I use the word as generic here) on this board. (meaning the AG I know believe in the infallible inspired Word of God, a literal interpretation (not fables), that homosexuality is an abomination, etc., etc.)

Speaking in tongues doesn't seem have anything to do with eschatology.

 

Speaking in tongues and related signs and wonders have much to do with one's eschatology! It is related to what one believes the "last days" refer to in the scriptures(Acts 2, quoting Joel 2). If we are still in them today--cessationism has little logical support. It can only be assumed from absence of practice in later N.T. epistles. Not sufficient to establish a doctrine.

Charismatics are being consistent here, non-charismatic futurists are not. A preterist(partial) view of the "last days" makes cessaionism a logical outflow of the end of the "last days" of O.T. Israel in 70 AD. The signs were given for the benefit of the Jews, once the unbelievers of them were destroyed, and the new covenant fully established with God's new people, there was no longer any need for those gifts to continue.

Charismaticism is the logical outgrowth of Dispensationalism (though they generally don't like it).

In Christ,

Tim

 

Here is a web site:

http://www.rightlydividingtheword.com/

 

we must remember what the Lord tells us in Luke 21:36 that those believers living before Him in holiness will NOT go through the Great Tribulation. "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man"

why would the Lord tell us to prepare for our escape if it is not going to happen?

I believe with all of my heart based upon the Word of God that you and I will NOT go throguh the great tribulation.

the Bible also reveals that God has NOT appointed His people to wrath. "For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him."

the Lord said if we would live a life pleasing to Him that he would keep us from the hour of temptation ( tribulation) that is coming upon the world.

"Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown"

in 1 thess. 4:13-18 the return of Jesus is described in detail, the dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. thsi is what I call the "great escape!" you will not be here for the great tribulation, you will be GONE!

in 2 Thess, 2:1-8 the apostle paul cautions us not to be troubled concerning the things that are coming upon the earth - the iniquity, the rise of the anti christ, and perilous times - because we wont be here!
in 1 Cor. 15:50-53 we learn additional details reguarding the rapture includign the fact that it will occur "in the twinkling of an eye" scientists at general Electric have measured the twinkling of an eye and found it to be 11/100 of a second, thats how fast we will be gone!

in the O.T. it confirms how God delivered His people from judgement. when God sent plagues upon the eqyptians Israel was spared ( Ex. 5-12 ) when God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah , Lot was spared. the angel told Lot that God couldnt send judgement until Lot was out of the city (Gen. 19:22)
God remembered the prayers of Abraham and delivered Lot (Gen. 19:29). in the perilous times coming upon this earth dont you think God will remember you and I and deliver you and your loved ones who know Him?
if God spared Israel who walked under the law in the Old covenant how much more will He spare you and i who walk under grace?

all you and I need to do is abide in Him!

abiding means walking with God on a daily basis if you do this you will remain strong in your walk with God and receive a full reward when Christ returns: "Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward." (2John8)

and dont forget he has promised you and i that he is able to keep you from falling and present you before the throne with joy. "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy," ( Jude 24)

Jesus is returning soon, hold fast to that which you have ( Rev. 3:11 ) dont loose it! the greatest escape in world history is almost upon us, so commit yourself unto Him for He promised he would never leave you or forsake you (Heb. 13:5 )

 

"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man"

This is why Jesus told them this in vs. 20:

20 But when ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that her desolation is at hand.
21 Then let them that are in Judaea flee unto the mountains; and let them that are in the midst of her depart out; and let not them that are in the country enter therein.
22 For these are days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

This is how they escaped. The only ones left in Jerusalem were those who did not heed the warning.

Notice He says THESE are the days. Not now in 2003 but 1st century days. Notice ALL things are fulfilled. Do a study of "the days of vengence" and see what you come up with.

why would the Lord tell us to prepare for our escape if it is not going to happen?

It did happen in 70AD.

I believe with all of my heart based upon the Word of God that you and I will NOT go throguh the great tribulation.

We agree.

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown"

What does quickly mean? Quickly now or 2000 years ago?

Jesus is returning soon, hold fast to that which you have ( Rev. 3:11 )

What does soon mean?

in 1 Cor. 15:50-53 we learn additional details reguarding the rapture includign the fact that it will occur "in the twinkling of an eye" scientists at general Electric have measured the twinkling of an eye and found it to be 11/100 of a second, thats how fast we will be gone!

My bible says "changed" not "raptured".

"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man"

Audience relevence.

 

It's amazing how much we all have in common if we could all just get the timing right!