Hope Engaged: A Postmillennial Framework

By Matthew Belleville

The first book in this series, Hope Defined: A Postmillennial Primer, was a concise introduction to optimistic eschatology. How you view the future significantly impacts how you live today, which is a major reason for the publication of this trilogy on postmillenialism.

 

While the first book focused on the postmillennial position itself, this current volume focuses on our relationship to Christ's victorious reign — the roles we play and how they affect the present manifestation of the kingdom. Some might consider this an apologetic tool for our active efforts to extend God's kingdom, and they would be right.

 

Postmillennialism isn't for doctrinal musing alone, it informs and empowers our walk in Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Matthew Belleville
• Release date: Sep 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393820475

Matthew Belleville

Matt has lived in multiple countries and has sought to apply God's Word in every area. From crafting digital strategies to equipping refugees. He has obtained his Bachelor of Applied Christian Studies from New Geneva Christian Leadership Academy.

Book preview

Translation Used

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Endorsements

In a day when many Christians are fighting a war of attrition and defeat rather than one of contrition and conquering, Hope Engaged actually proposes the only surely successful paradigm for the future, fully trusting the promises of Christ. One may not necessarily agree with all points to benefit from the trajectory of hope and necessity of engagement proposed herein. Nonetheless, if you want to understand what it means to carry out the great commission and be the feet under which all of Christ’s enemies will be placed, and to be leaf-people binding up the wounds and afflictions of the nations — then take up and read!

-  Brian Mann, Pastor, MTS Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Hope Engaged proves again that eschatology does matter. Matthew lays out a Christian framework of how a life of service, love, and discipleship can be used by God to transform the world. And don’t forget to read the appendix at the end — set your hope on a future that is Christ’s!

-  Kamaron Gray, Pastor of Harvest Bible Fellowship in Pendleton, Indiana

Before we get goin’

The first book published in this series, Hope Defined: A Postmillennial Primer , was a concise introduction to optimistic eschatology. How you view the future significantly impacts your actions today, which is a major reason for the publishing of this series.

The first book focused on the postmillennial position itself, whereas this current volume focuses on our relationship to Christ’s victorious reign — the roles we play and how they affect the present manifestation of the kingdom. Some might consider this an apologetic tool for our active efforts to extend God’s kingdom, and they would be right.

In the end, I hope that you will have a firm grasp of your role in Christ’s advancement of His Kingdom after reading this book.

1. Priestly Army

Psalm 110 is rich in eschatological insights, and verse 1 is the most quoted Old Testament text in the New Testament. Psalm 110, specifically its implications for postmillennialism in New Testament quotations, is dealt with in Hope Defined . Our current endeavor is understanding how it informs our efforts in the postmillennial hope.

The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies!

-  Psalm 110:2

In verse 1, ‘Lord’ refers to the Messiah, David’s Lord. Verse 2 gives us some groundwork regarding the enthroned Lord — Jesus Christ.

First, the ‘scepter’ is that of a king, and the Messiah’s ‘mighty scepter’ connotes both His power and dominion.

Second, the genesis for this mediatorial reign is the ‘seating’ at the right hand of the Father.

Third, the complete and progressive victory of Christ's kingdom is not satisfied with limited dominion. It is ‘sent,’ which means expanded or extended, and implies that Christ's authority will be expressed throughout all the earth.

Fourth, Christ’s dominion and authority cannot be limited to the spiritual realm, since He already completely rules the heavenly ‘Zion,’ and it will be ‘sent’ beyond into other jurisdictions (encompassing both the spiritual and earthly.

Fifth, strong opposition, and seemingly situations of small beginnings or soon-endings are not legitimate arguments against the progressive victory. Christ has, does, and will rule in the midst of His enemies. They feel the