A Critique of Postmillennialism from a Historic Premillennialist

 Eschatological views, particularly Postmillennialism and Historic Premillennialism, have long sparked theological debate regarding the end times and the return of Christ. Postmillennialism, taught by theologians such as Jonathan Edwards and more recently R.C. Sproul, posits an optimistic view of history, where the world gradually improves through the spread of the gospel, culminating in a "golden age" before Christ’s return. In contrast, Historic Premillennialism offers a more sober and biblically grounded perspective, recognizing the increasing wickedness of the world and the necessity of Christ’s return to establish His kingdom. This essay critiques the weaknesses of Postmillennialism, highlighting its overly optimistic assumptions about human history and its theological implications.

The Overly Optimistic Outlook of Postmillennialism

Postmillennialism hinges on the belief that the world will gradually improve as the gospel spreads, eventually leading to a period of unprecedented peace, righteousness, and Christian influence. This "golden age," according to Postmillennialists like Jonathan Edwards, will precede the return of Christ, who will then come to a world that has been largely Christianized and reformed.

While this view is inspiring in its optimism, it fails to align with the clear teachings of Scripture and the observable realities of human history. The Bible consistently warns that as the end times approach, the world will not progress toward peace and righteousness but will instead experience increasing moral and spiritual decline.

• 2 Timothy 3:1-5: "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people."

This passage vividly depicts a world in decline, not improvement. The idea that humanity, through its own efforts, could usher in an era of near-perfection before Christ’s return overlooks the deep-rooted sinfulness that the Bible describes. History has shown that despite moments of progress, human nature tends to revert to selfishness, conflict, and rebellion against God. The cyclical nature of history—periods of revival followed by decline—suggests that Postmillennialism’s optimism is not only unbiblical but also unrealistic.

The Theological Risks of Postmillennialism

Postmillennialism also carries significant theological risks, primarily by shifting the focus away from Christ’s return and placing it on human efforts to establish God’s kingdom on earth. While it is true that the Church is called to be a witness to the gospel and to work for justice and righteousness in society, Postmillennialism tends to overemphasize the role of human action in bringing about the kingdom of God.

This perspective can lead to a subtle but dangerous reliance on human achievement rather than divine intervention. The New Testament, however, teaches that it is Christ’s return that will decisively bring about the kingdom, not the gradual improvement of the world through human endeavors.

• Revelation 19:11-16: "Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords."

This passage portrays Christ’s return as a dramatic and necessary intervention to defeat evil and establish His rule. Postmillennialism’s view risks diminishing the significance of this event by suggesting that human efforts could somehow prepare or even make the world ready for Christ’s reign.

The Escalating Wickedness of the World

Another critical flaw in Postmillennialism is its assumption that the world is on a path toward improvement. This assumption is increasingly challenged by the observable reality of escalating wickedness in the world. Despite advances in technology, education, and social reform, the 20th and 21st centuries have witnessed unprecedented violence, wars, and moral decay.

• Matthew 24:6-12: "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold."

Jesus’ words here point to a future characterized by conflict, natural disasters, and widespread lawlessness, not the utopian vision of the future imagined by Postmillennialism. The expectation that the world will get better before Christ’s return is not only contradicted by Scripture but also by the daily news, which often reflects the very conditions Jesus warned about.

The Unity of Jews and Gentiles: A Counterpoint to Postmillennialism

The New Testament’s portrayal of the Church as a unified body of Jews and Gentiles further challenges the Postmillennial vision. The Church is depicted as the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel, bringing together all who believe in Christ into one new humanity.

• Ephesians 2:14-16: "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."

This unity does not suggest that the world will improve to the point of near-perfection but that God’s redemptive plan is working through the Church to call out a people from every nation, tribe, and tongue. The focus remains on God’s work through Christ, not on human efforts to create a utopian society.

Conclusion

Postmillennialism, with its optimistic outlook on human history, fails to align with the biblical narrative and the observable realities of our world. The assumption that the world will gradually improve through human efforts undermines the necessity of Christ’s return and risks placing undue emphasis on human achievement. Historic Premillennialism, by contrast, offers a more realistic and biblically grounded perspective, recognizing the need for Christ to return to establish His kingdom in the midst of a world that is growing increasingly hostile to God’s ways.

As we look at the world around us, filled with conflict, moral decay, and growing hostility toward Christian values, the Postmillennial vision appears increasingly out of touch with reality. It is only through Christ’s return that true peace and righteousness will be established. Therefore, the focus should remain on awaiting His return with vigilance and hope, trusting in His power to bring about the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.