JAMES WHITE'S POSTMILLENNIAL FALLACY

Sermon: My Journey to Hope for the Future - YouTube

Last year, Reformed Baptist Pastor James White (director of Alpha and Omega Ministries) announced that after many years of being a "pan-millennial" (it will all pan out in the end), he has finally opted to support the postmillennial eschatological position. 

There are essentially four eschatological views: Historic Premillennialism, Dispensational Premillennialism, Amillennialism, and Postmillennialism. The summary of each of these positions below is very brief and variations within them are not included. 

Historic premillennialism is so called because it was the view articulated by the early church fathers including Irenaeus, Papias, Justin Martyr, Tertullian and Hippolytus. Historic premillennialism (known in the early church as chiliasm) is the literal futuristic view that the second coming of Jesus Christ will occur prior to the thousand-year reign subsequent to the great apostasy. Historic premillennialists deny a pre-tribulation rapture and anticipate that the church will go through the great tribulation. (2 Thessalonians 2:3; Matthew 24:3-21).

Dispensational premillennialism is the view developed by John Nelson Darby and popularized by CI Scofield in the 19th century. This view supports a literal thousand year reign of Jesus Christ after an alleged "seven year tribulation". Dispensational premillennialists make a rigid distinction between Israel and the church, maintaining that God does not work with the Church and Israel at the same time. There are many exegetical problems associated with this view, not least, the popular, but problematic, pre-tribulation rapture theory.  

Amillennialism (non-millennial) is the view that the millennium and the book of Revelation are allegorical. 

Postmillennialism is the view that Jesus Christ will return at the end of an indefinite period of time (the millennium) after the majority of the world has been converted to Christianity. Reformed theologian, Kenneth L Gentry Jr gives a brief summary of modern Reformed postmillennialism below:

"Postmillennialism holds that the Lord Jesus Christ established his kingdom on earth in the first century through his preaching and redemptive work. Since then he has continued to equip his Church with the gospel, empower her by his Spirit, and charge her with the Great Commission to disciple all nations. Postmillennialism expects that eventually the vast majority of men living will be saved. Increasing gospel success will gradually produce a time in history prior to Christ’s return in which faith, righteousness, peace, and prosperity will prevail in the affairs of men and of nations. After an extensive era of such conditions, the Lord will return visibly, bodily, and gloriously, to end history. Associated with his return will be the general resurrection and the final judgment after which the eternal order follows. Because of its worldwide historical implications, postmillennialism generates an holistic worldview touching on all areas of life.." {1}

The aim of this post is to critique the postmillennial view as articulated by James White in the above sermon livestreamed by Apologia Studios on the 14th February 2021.   

It doesn't take James White very long to dismiss what he refers to as "beasts in Revelation" and "obscure passages in Daniel". Like many of us, James White admits to having been negatively impacted by "Left Behind" pre-trib dispensational premillennialism as touted by Hal Lindsey and Tim LaHaye. While I agree that it is advisable to reject the eisegetical teachings of the pre-trib camp, it would be catastrophic to dismiss explicit eschatological material in the book of Revelation and related Old Testament passages. According to pre-trib scholar Arnold Fruchtenbaum, there are over five hundred references to the Old Testament in the Book of Revelation: "Some of these references back to the Old Testament do speak of the very same thing as the Revelation. However, in others, the Revelation merely borrows a phrase or motif for the purpose of developing a new area. This distinction should be kept in mind in the study of those Old Testament references." {2} 

The Gnostic Roots of Postmillennialism

In common with Calvinism, the roots of postmillennialism go back to 4th century philosopher, Augustine of Hippo. Augustine infused Christian doctrine with Neoplatonism and was the primary catalyst that brought about a shift in thinking about the literal one thousand year view of the millennium in the west. Most historians agree that Augustine was amillennial, as was Jerome, his counterpart in the Eastern Orthodox Church. In Augustine's City of God, an earthly or physical millennial kingdom is repeatedly dismissed. {3}. In the late 2nd century, a literal thousand years was challenged by Origen and Clement of Alexandria who favoured allegorical biblical interpretations.

The first person to articulate a definitive postmillennial view was Church of England minister, Daniel Whitby (1638-1726). 

Clarence Larkin: "... a new interpretation of the Millennial Reign of Christ was demanded. This interpretation was furnished by the Rev. Daniel Whitby (1638–1726), a clergyman of the Church of England, who claimed that in reading the promises made to the Jews in the Old Testament of their restoration as a nation, and the re-establishment of the Throne of David, he was led to see that these promises were spiritual and applied to the Church. This view he called a 'New Hypothesis.' 
His 'New Hypothesis' was that by the preaching of the Gospel Mohammedanism would be overthrown, the Jews converted, the Papal Church with the Pope (Antichrist) would be destroyed, and there would follow a 1000 years of righteousness and peace known as the Millennium; at the close of which there would be a short period of Apostasy, ending in the return of Christ." {4}

A postmillennial (allegorical) interpretation of Revelation 20:1-10 is highly problematic for at least four reasons.

1. Postmillennialism does not align with an exegetical reading of Revelation 20:1-10. There is no indication in the book of Revelation that the events described are allegorical. Revelation 1:1 describes "what must (dei - necessarily) soon come to pass". As such we must take the events literally in order to follow accepted principles of sound exegesis. 

2. The historic premillennial view was the predominant view of the early church fathers e.g. Irenaeus, Papias, Justin Martyr, Tertullian and Hippolytus. We therefore have early church tradition as a powerful witness attesting to historic premillennialism.  

3. Postmillennialism has its roots in Gnosticism.

4. The Enlightenment and the optimism of the 18th century "the golden age of theodicies". More information on this subject can be found at: FULL_TEXT.PDF (manchester.ac.uk)

Revelation discloses definitively what must literally soon (tachos - speedily) come to pass.

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John, who testifies to everything he saw. This is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near. (Revelation 1:1-3 cf. Daniel 12:1-13).

The book of Revelation gives a stern warning not to change (add or subtract) any part of its contents. (Revelation 22:19-20). I don't know what the consequences are for those who either allegorize or reject this book completely! 

Postmillennials have made a disastrous false assumption i.e. that the evangelization of the world leads progressively into the millennium and that the majority of people will be saved. However, the scriptures are clear that the evangelization of the world is a prerequisite to God's judgement on the wicked (the Day of the Lord), followed by Christ's physical return when His kingdom will be established on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10). And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14). The evangelization of the world is finally fulfilled by the first of the three angels in Revelation 14:6-9.

Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” (Revelation 14:6-7).

The worldwide proclamation of the gospel by the first angel is followed by a second proclamation, the impending doom of Babylon (second angel); and a third proclamation, the specific warning not to take the mark of the beast (third angel). (Revelation 14:9-11). In light of such explicit warnings, postmillennialism is left floundering. 

In this video James White concentrates the entirety of his efforts on Psalm 2, Psalm 110, Isaiah 42:1-4 and 1 Corinthians 15:20-27. These passages are eschatological, but they do not support postmillennialism. In common with the pre-trib rapture theory, not one verse of scripture supports the postmillennial view.

James White's worldly emotional appeal 

 

James White spends some time describing the current global situation as "..a rapid major movement of the entire globe toward a secular anti-Christian mindset and governmental system". He asks: "What is the intention of the church in light of advancing global secular totalitarianism?" I share his concerns about advancing global totalitarianism. However, current events align with the scriptures i.e. things will get worse and worse rather than better. There is no indication in the scriptures that the world will improve, rather the reverse is indicated. (Matthew 24:37; Luke 17: 22 -37; 2 Timothy 3:13; 1 John 2:17). 

James White's concerns for our progeny (the future of our children and future generations) appears to be based on an emotional reaction based on human concerns rather than the concerns of God. (Mark 8:33). As believers, our optimism must be founded on the coming of Jesus Christ, our blessed hope, NOT on some unscriptural assumption that the world will eventually be evangelized and will improve. ..waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (Titus 2:13). 

Look up - or wait for the world to improve? 

In order to be postmillennial you must reject the book of Revelation, Daniel and associated scriptures. You must also reject the explicit warnings of Jesus Christ concerning the end of the age in the Olivet Discourse. (Matthew 24:3). 

So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ described by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve anything from his house. And let no one in the field return for his cloak.(Matthew 24:15-18).

Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.. (Luke 21:10-19).

"And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-28 cf. Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24; Acts 2:20; Revelation 6:12-13, Isaiah 13:10; Joel 2:31).

For all of James White's protestations that he is scriptural, his soteriology (Calvinism) and eschatology (postmillennialism) are based on Gnosticism and do not reflect either the scriptures or early church tradition.

They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. (Titus 1:11).

1. Definition | Postmillennial Worldview
2. revelation.pdf (rebel13.nl)
3. De civitate Dei, 18.52-53; 20.7, 9, 19
4. Chapter 2. Pre-Millennalism - Dispensational Truth - Study Resources (blueletterbible.org)

JAMES WHITE VS WILLIAM LANE CRAIG: CALVINISM VERSUS MOLINISM - THE PROBLEM OF EVIL

William Lane Craig vs James White - Calvinism vs Molinism on the Problem of Evil - YouTube

Molinism is a complex philosophical theory that attempts to explain the compatibility of divine providence and human freedom (libertarianism). Libertarians believe that free will is incompatible with the Calvinist view of divine causal determinism i.e. the view that God unilaterally determines every event that occurs in the history of the world. The terms employed in this debate may present a challenge for those not familiar with philosophical concepts. 

To briefly summarize: Molinism is the theory that in addition to knowing everything that does or will come to pass, God also has "middle knowledge" i.e. He knows what people will freely choose to do in any given circumstance. If I have understood Molinism correctly, these choices aka subjunctive conditionals or counterfactuals concern what would have been true under different circumstances. For a basic understanding of Molinism, I recommend William Lane Craig's video: What Is Molinism? | Short Videos | Reasonable Faith

Molinism was a Counter-Reformation tactic named after 16th-century Spanish Jesuit priest and Roman Catholic theologian Luis de Molina. According to William Lane Craig, Molinism provides comprehensive answers to all issues related to the problem of evil and free choice. Whilst Molinism is an enterprising attempt to debunk Calvinism, it is not based on sola scriptura, the sole infallible source of authority for Christian faith and practice. (1 John 4:1). In my view, no philosophical concept can begin to explain God's unsearchable ways. (Romans 11:33; Isaiah 55:9; Job 11:7; Colossians 2:8). On another level, we know that the specific objective of the Roman Catholic Counter-Reformation was to destroy the gains of the Protestant Reformation and were not a genuine attempt to discover scriptural truth.

James White's objection against Molinism (and other beliefs that favour synergism), is that free will denies God's sovereignty and places limitations on what God can do. However, this argument fails to take account of God's nature which necessitates that He cannot do certain things. i.e. God cannot lie, He cannot tempt anyone, there is no darkness in Him. God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. (James 1:13 cf. Titus 1:2; 1 John 1:5). 

James White confirmed the Reformed/Calvinist perspective as set out in Chapter 3 of the Westminster Confession of Faith i.e. that God decrees whatsoever comes to pass in time:

"God from all eternity, did, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely, and unchangeable ordain whatsoever comes to pass; yet so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures; nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established.."  {1} 

The conundrum resulting from Calvinism/Reformed theology is baffling. The idea that God predestines all aspects of His creation, including moral evil, thought and will, aligns with the Calvinist doctrine of total depravity. This teaching fails to explain how people have liberty or contingency of second causes when God ordains whatsoever comes to pass?  William Lane Craig points out the inescapable conclusion resulting from causal determinism i.e. that if God ordains whatsoever comes to pass, then He is the author of evil. However, this conclusion flies in the face of God's self revelation in the scriptures i.e. God is good and cannot do evil. The natural objection to Calvinism is that people are blamed and judged for things completely outside their control. 

James White: "The decree of God is not something that results in mankind being mere puppets. Instead that decree is what makes events in time meaningful."

This statement does not solve the conundrum. If the wicked actions of humans are predetermined by God before they are created, and if God has decreed that people are predetermined to do evil and have no choice in the matter, then surely mankind are puppets. According to this theory, God blames people for doing the evil things that they had no choice in doing. I fail to see how this can be meaningful. It seems feasible that God delimits Himself  (to a degree) without compromising His sovereignty i.e. He allows people free will in this present age so that they might perhaps freely seek and find Him: 

And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. (Acts 17:26-27).

John Calvin: "God arranges all things by his sovereign counsel, in such a way that individuals who are born are doomed from the womb to certain death, and are to glorify him by certain destruction.”

One proof text James White gives for determinism is Genesis 50:20 Joseph's brothers evil intentions against him: As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 

There is no indication in Genesis 50 that the evil intentions of Joseph's brothers were decreed by God. God uses their evil for good, but to take the leap that God determines their evil intentions is to go beyond what is written. (1 Corinthians 4:6). God's knowledge of what was in their hearts does not signify that He decreed what was in their hearts. This verse confirms free will, not determinism. James White teaches that God limits mans evil and He he accomplishes His purpose through that evil. However, he does not address the core question: Does God use evil for His own purposes, or does He determine evil? James White openly states that the brothers acted upon the desires of their own hearts, but he does not address why they desired evil in their hearts.

James White's second proof text is Isaiah 10: God specifically identifies Assyria as the rod of His anger and sends them against Israel. However, after they have accomplished His will, He goes on to punish them.

Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath. I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets..  

So when the Lord has completed all His work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, He will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the fruit of his arrogant heart and the proud look in his eyes. (Isaiah 10:5-6, 12).

The king of Assyria takes the "credit" for his own wicked actions:

By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, for I am clever. I have removed the boundaries of nations and plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their rulers. My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped. (Isaiah 10:13-14).

William Lane Craig: "How can God punish the Assyrians for something that He causes them to do? ..God, knowing that the Assyrians would freely invade at that time, uses the unrighteous Assyrians to do something that He knew they they would freely do, and then He can justly punish them because this unrighteous act was done of their own free will.."  (48:00 mark).

James White's third proof text: (55:00 mark)

And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ. In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will.. (Ephesians 1:9-11).

The emphasis of Ephesians 1:1-11 is not on individual salvation, but rather the purpose of God for the chosen i.e. believers in Christ. 

Leighton Flowers: "This passage is not about God predetermining which individuals will be in Christ. It is about God predetermining what will become of those who are in Christ through belief in His truth."  {2} 

Numerous scriptures confirm that sinful intentions do not originate with God e.g.

These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage. (Jude 1:26 cf James 4:6-7).

They built the high places of Baal in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to offer up their sons and daughters to Molech, though I did not command them, nor did it enter into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.

 Why do you provoke me to anger? (Jeremiah 44:8). 

James White rejects Molinist philosophy as unscriptural, and yet at the same time he fails to admit that Calvinism is also built upon a philosophical foundation and is not derived from scripture. The source of Calvinism is unequivocally Augustine of Hippo who inflicted untold damage upon on the church by introducing gnostic elements, particularly Manichaeism. Leighton Flowers has exposed James White's hypocrisy in denying the source of Calvinism: Abusing History - YouTube  It is alarming that Calvinists take the word of two very dubious characters as their authority over and above the scriptures (1) Augustine of Hippo, the so called "Father of Roman Catholicism", and (2) John Calvin, the monster who persecuted and murdered rival theologians and abused the rights of citizens during his Geneva regime!

Benjamin Writ Farley:  

"Has Reformed theology wed itself too closely to the classical world's concepts of God's perfection, omnipotence, omniscience, and immutability in its attempts to witness to the God of Scripture? To be certain, such concepts have their place in guiding the church's reflection on the biblical God of providential activity. They enable the church to avoid the pitfalls of defining God in ways that make him subservient to other factors in the universe; they call the church's attention to glaring inconsistencies in its assertions about deity. But they need not 'control' our understanding of God's interaction with his world.

A third problem with Augustine that is not discussed often is his tendency to develop doctrine based on his experience rather than scripture. I have heard it said, "A man's philosophy is dictated by his morals." The same is true for his theology. Augustine wrote an autobiography, considered to be a classic, Confessions, and in it, he discusses his problems with sin. He spends a great deal of time dealing with an incident (as a young teenager ) in which he stole pears from a neighbor's tree, and uses this event to develop and teach the doctrine of Original Sin.

Because Augustine had a problem with promiscuity and lust, and even as a churchman and bishop, had problems with his thought-life, he concluded that no one is able to choose to do good. His problem with the settings and formed the basis for the doctrine of the other depravity of man. This experiential theology, based on his own moral failures, caused him to attack the Biblical theology of Pelagius and Celestius and Julian of Eclanum, who taught man's responsibility to choose to follow God.

A fourth problem area with Augustine is an area that, while well-known among scholars, is not widely discussed, but is absolutely critical in evaluating the truth of the doctrines that he developed and foisted on the Church. This last area deals with Augustine's method of dealing with those who disagreed with his teachings. Since Augustine's teachings became the touchstone for church doctrine, both Catholic and Protestant, it is vital that we examine the process by which Christian doctrine became settled, and was handed down to us.." {3} 

James White is a seasoned debater and is highly intelligent, gifted and articulate. I do not say this to flatter him, but to point out that he is a particularly dangerous and difficult man to challenge. Nevertheless, challenge him we must! (1 Corinthians 1:27). James White's parting shot: "A lot of the conversation on this subject is not sufficiently deep to address the real issues." I am not sure how we attain this "deep understanding" without violating the scriptures? James White is not averse to employing ad hominem attacks and he often attempts to belittle those who attempt to question his teaching. (Proverbs 16:18). Nevertheless, many believers have managed to grasp the wicked and inescapable inference of Calvinism i.e. that God is the author of evil, and have recoiled from it.   

I have noticed that many false teachers have the tendency accuse their detractors of having a lack of understanding/discernment and/or intelligence. I have been accused of this myself regarding my various objections to the charismatics. It is encouraging to find that even Paul came up against the spiritual pride of those who claimed to have superior revelation/knowledge: I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. (2 Corinthians 12:11 cf. 2 Corinthians 11:4-6). 

Calvinism is no small problem within Christendom. This onerous doctrine not only misrepresents the very nature of God, it splits churches and shipwrecks the faith of some, putting stumbling blocks in the path of vulnerable or naïve believers. (Matthew 18:6).

Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ (Ezekiel 33:11 cf. 1 Timothy 2:4).

James White has recently come to the postmillennial eschatological view. I hope to tackle this subject in another post. 

1. The Westminster Confession of Faith (wts.edu)

2. Ephesians 1: “He chose us to be in Him” or “He chose us in Him?” – SOTERIOLOGY 101

3. Revival Theology Resources