Nunc-Millennialism Vs Pre-Trib Premillennialism :Hayes-Wiltcher Debate of End-Times Events

By Michael L. Wiltcher

Description of eBook on debate for Smashwords

There are 8,352 verses which are regarded as end-time prophecies with both Old Testament and New Testament. This means that approximately one-third of the bible prophetically describes the events that will occur just before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, from the prophet Moses to the Apostle John, God has shared His “Master Plan” that was devised long before the creation of the heavens and the earth.
Regrettably, the vast majority of God’s sons and daughters ignore the prophecies of end-time events. Through years of conversations with preachers and saints, I have determined that there are four reasons for the neglect of a consistent study of eschatology in local assemblies.

Eschatology seems to be a very complex subject matter that is hard to understand.
There are differing opinions as to how the prophecies should be interpreted, and one gets confused as to what is true and what is mere conjecture.
Because of everyday challenges and responsibilities, the study of eschatology does not seem very relevant to life.
The teaching and study of information is not as appealing as it is to be inspired and motivated by the preaching of God’s promises.

The Apostle Paul wrote to his protégé Timothy, “God has transmitted His very substance into every Scripture, for it is God-breathed. These Scriptures will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness.” (2 Timothy 3:16 TPT)
God never intended for large portions of Holy Writ to be completely disregarded by His sons and daughters. After all, how does one recognize the signs that the Day of the Lord is fast approaching if one is completely unschooled as to what these signs are and what they mean? And how does one determine which interpretation of end-time events are correct and which are not if one has no clue as to God’s Master Plan for the end of the age?
Eschatology is not as complicated as one may think. I have found that God’s Master Plan is easily understood if you begin your studies with three simple questions:

Why do the end-time prophecies exist?
For whom does these end-time prophecies apply?
For what purpose does these end-time prophecies achieve?

Which brings me to the purpose of this book.

You will be hard pressed to find a better platform to study end-time events than a comparison of polar opposite views—Nunc-Millennialism and Pre-Trib Premillennialism. From the method of hermeneutics to be applied to the identity of the term Israel, Nunc-Millennialism and Pre-Trib Premillennialism are as different as day and night.
Nunc-Millennialist Jerry L. Hayes and I engaged in a formal written debate with each side presenting 8 robust and spirited arguments. The reader is given much material to study, and much to consider. In addition to the debate, I reflect back on some of the arguments with in-depth commentary. These extra chapters will also give the reader much information to add to their studies.
Nunc-Millennialism Vs Pre-Trib Premillennialism does not attempt to answer every question about the end-time events. It does provide a detailed outline that will make it much easier for the pastor and lay member to become familiar with God’s amazing plan that will culminate with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Debate topics include the identity of Israel and whether the Tribulation is part of history or yet in our future.

May God bless you as you examine the debate arguments and commentaries of this book. And may God open your understanding as you do your own personal studies in the events whose fulfillment are looming in the horizon.

Michael L. Wiltcher

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael L. Wiltcher
• Release date: Nov 17, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005876906

Book preview

Introduction

Prologue

What is Being Debated

First Nunc-Millennialism Affirmative

First Nunc-Millennialism Denial

Second Nunc-Millennialism Affirmative

Second Nunc-Millennialism Denial

Third Nunc-Millennialism Affirmative

Third Nunc-Millennialism Denial

Fourth Nunc-Millennialism Affirmative

Fourth Nunc-Millennialism Denial

First Pre-Trib Premillennialism Affirmative

First Pre-Trib Premillennialism Denial

Second Pre-Trib Premillennialism Affirmative

Second Pre-Trib Premillennialism Denial

Third Pre-Trib Premillennialism Affirmative

Third Pre-Trib Premillennialism Denial

Fourth Pre-Trib Premillennialism Affirmative

Fourth Pre-Trib Premillennialism Denial

Poisoning the Well

Replacement Theology or Evolution?

Who are the Goats and the Sheep?

The Church and the Messianic Age Part 1

The Church and the Messianic Age Part 2

The Messianic Age and a Restored Israel

What Did the Old Testament Prophets Know?

A Spiritual Kingdom, An Earthly Kingdom, or Both?

What is The Purpose of The Great Tribulation?

What I Learned in the Debate

Acknowledgements

This book is dedicated to the memory of B. Brian Chelette, my mentor, role-model, and friend. He taught me to love eschatology, and to value truth above personal opinions. He also taught me to be gracious under the withering attacks of those who would disagree with me.

Defending Pre-Trib Premillennialism

Michael L. Wiltcher: (Parson) Pastor Wiltcher is an ordained minister of 44 years, has pastored The Bridge in Bridgeport Texas for 23 years. He has been married to his wife, Jackie Wyatt Wiltcher, for 46 years. He is the author of 10 Tests Every Christian Must Take, and "Scars of Silver, Scars of Gold: Brokenness Made Beautiful, and Wolves Among Us." Both he and his wife, Jackie, live in Paradise Texas.

Defending Nunc-Millennialism

Bishop Jerry L Hayes: Bishop Hayes is an ordained Oneness Pentecostal minister of 52 years. In 2013 Jerry was elevated to the 137th historical bishop from the Apostle Peter in the Apostolic Orthodox Church. Bishop Hayes has published 24 books on major points of Christian doctrine and at the time of the publishing of this work is the pastor of Apostolic Orthodox Church of Lexington Tennessee. Bishop is married to Barbara Reeves Hayes who serves A.O.C.I. of Lexington, Tennessee as Church Administrator.

Bible Versions

21st Century King James Version (KJ21) Copyright © 1994 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc.; Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.; Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation; Common English Bible (CEB) Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible; Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) Copyright © 1998 by David H. Stern. All rights reserved.; Contemporary English Version (CEV) Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society; Darby Translation (DARBY) Public Domain; Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA) Public Domain; Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) Copyright © 2006 by Bible League International; English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.; Expanded Bible (EXB) The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.; 1599 Geneva Bible (GNV) Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved; GOD’S WORD Translation (GW) Copyright © 1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God’s Word to the Nations Mission Society. All rights reserved.; Good News Translation (GNT) Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society; Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.; International Children’s Bible (ICB) The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson™, a division of Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.; International Standard Version (ISV) Copyright © 1995-2014 by ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC.; J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS) The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. Administered by The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. Used by Permission.; King James Version (KJV) Public Domain; Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV) KJV reproduced by permission of Cambridge University Press, the Crown’s patentee in the UK.; Lexham English Bible (LEB) 2012 by Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software, Living Bible (TLB) The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.; The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson; Mounce Reverse Interlinear New Testament (MOUNCE) The Mounce Reverse Interlinear™ New Testament (MOUNCE) Copyright © 2011 by William D. Mounce. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Reverse Interlinear is a trademark of William D. Mounce.; Names of God Bible (NOG) The Names of God Bible © 2011 by Baker Publishing Group; New Century Version (NCV) The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.; New English Translation (NET) NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.; New International Reader's Version (NIRV) Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.; New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.; NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.; New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.; Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB) Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2011 by Artists for Israel International; The Passion Translation (TPT) The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018, 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. thePassionTranslation.com; The Voice (VOICE) The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved. ; World English Bible (WEB) by Public Domain. The name World English Bible is trademarked.; Worldwide English (New Testament) (WE) © 1969, 1971, 1996, 1998 by SOON Educational Publications; Wycliffe Bible (WYC) 2001 by Terence P. Noble; Young's Literal Translation (YLT) by Public Domain

Forward

by Rev. Steve Epley

What an honor to be asked to write the foreword of this excellent book. Elder Mike Wiltcher is truly one of the foremost scholars concerning prophecy in this era of time Although we have never had the pleasure of personally meeting, we have been friends for a couple of decades now. I fondly call him Parson since that was his moniker when I first met him during the Preterist controversy about 20 years ago. He succinctly answered every argument presented by the disillusioned teachers of that heresy.

His passion is for line upon line contextual understanding of prophecy as he sets in order the prophetical event of the ages. His keen but simple polemic refutations to me should convert the most wayward in their misunderstandings of prophecy. Understanding God’s plan for restored Israel as a nation, then their conversion should leave no doubt.

Parson, the Apostolic movement as a whole is in debt to not only your astute study but the kind manner in how you defend it. Reader you are in for a blessing if you desire to understand the Apostolic Dispensational teaching.

Maranatha!

Pastor Steve Epley

Introduction

by Rev. Mark Bassett

Over the course of years, highlights of society’s concern change as with seasons and unsurprisingly. so do the interests of the churches. A sample the focal issues of long time Christians can reflect the society at large, as areas of thought and action are like the rising and falling of tides.

Over the last 40 years, interest in the Second Coming of the Lord, and discussion of the Bible doctrines teaching the details of a divine timetable for the Church age have likewise, received, and lost attention. With the millennium approaching, the millennialist’s natural anticipation the rapture of the church (a doctrine which received much more attention throughout the 20th century than earlier) and coming of the Lord in general greatly increased. Fanatic reactions – such as people selling land and moving to places to wait for that moment – were seen. Then, as the millennium came and went a rejection of the rapture doctrine grew, resulting in more who proposed the Church would be on earth throughout a great tribulation. The rise of the so-called post-tribulation doctrine clearly resulted as the popular discussion of the immanent return faded as people saw the millennial excitement was misplaced. Perhaps, more plainly, it was a reaction to being wrong since, sadly, it is a fault of humanity to desire to be right, more than to desire to know truth, in spite of having to acknowledge error.

Mike Wiltcher has not engaged with the pre/post rapture question in this book. We have seen how a lack of sound scriptural reasoning have allowed this shifting from side to side on that question. In the debates which frame the occasion of this book, he has addressed an older and possibly a more significant question: What is the present nature of God’s kingdom in this world? Does it rule over and have authority over the events and powers of this earth, as scriptures describes in the millennium, or will there be a literal reign of Christ on this earth bringing a period of peace for 1000 years (whether the length of time is expressed figuratively or not?) Are the churches and the Christianity fully in authority in a substitutionary way as Christ ruling over the earth today or is there a promise and prediction of a period of time when the Lord will be present, bodily, in the earth and divine law brings a halt to the tolerance for overt sin in the earth? What saith the scripture?

In contemplating this introduction, I posed the usual necessary challenge: Does this really matter to the Bible believer? Of course, all communication of God matters, but beyond this, what consequences are there to the idea that the Kingdom of God reigns on the face of the earth today? Clearly many ideas presented concerning the nature of the millennial period must be rendered as figurative and limited if we suppose that predicted millennial reign of Christ has been in power since the end of the life of Christ, two thousand years ago, as do the Nunc-Millennialist (or A- Millennialist.) Does it matter?

Meriam-Webster describes Amillennialism as the denial that an earthly millennium of universal righteousness and peace will either precede or follow the second advent of Jesus Christ

How do we perceive or describe the significance of the world’s peoples and their choices as groups? Seeking to avoid a return to medieval prejudice that has engendered wars against infidels which diminish the potential of individuals within those nations to experience salvation, more modern Christians tend to step away from recognizing the significance of nations in the eyes of God. In the Nunc Millennial model, we see a final and lasting judgment on individuals we see the coming of the Lord as the final judgment of all individuals, who enter their eternal condition at that time and no continued struggle on earth.

Yet, in Jesus’ description of His coming, He not only describes the judgement of nations, which we could possibly interpret as all the peoples, as individuals – He also describes details of a period in which very real circumstances exist where peace prevails, and the rule of God over the people’s enumerated as Gentiles, and Israel also. Over the ages, Christians have had to decide whether extensive texts would be considered figurative or symbolic and here, in conceiving the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ, is one of the most evident. Babylon rose out of the fog of Bible fiction at the beginning of the 20th Century with the excavations of Robert Koldewey, the Tel Dan stele which made King David a real person as late as 1993, walls of the first temple and the even the site of Jesus’ trial identified in 2015. Clearly, we live in an age of revelation and restoration of understanding. Nunc Millennial arguments frequently object to notion of a predicted, real transformation overtaking the social and political life on earth with the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ as the gospel era closes, and judgements reign upon the nations of the earth. Seeing expansion of man’s capacity to penetrate the veil of time have increased so much in the last short burst of knowledge, should we not be willing to consider the plain predictive detail of the scripture more soberly than those before us?

Finally, Nunc-Millennialism must join several other factions in denying restoration of prominence and significance to national Israel. The question of the destiny, or even the legitimacy of a political and social body inheriting the identity of Israel in the present age, which went into diaspora 2500 years ago, and then again 600 years later, clearly has far-reaching implications. Amillennial Christendom (represented by Reformed protestant churches, Lutherans and of interest in this debate, Eastern Orthodoxy), as a part of essential doctrine denies that the of restoration of a national Israel in the current day is empowered and infused with the promise of God. Another description of this belief is replacement theology which is also a component of Partial Preterism. Nunc-Millennialist will disagree, but the belief arose largely at the time of Augustine and dominated Christendom until the 18th and 19th century. In the current day, the implications of one’s belief in the validity of the nation of Israel, and its future is very clear and profound.

In debate with the well-equipped Bishop Jerry L. Hayes, Pastor Mike Wiltcher examines questions vital to the Christian, and the world in the current day. Do modern events suggest a repeat of historic persecutions of the people of Israel? If so, are these events and their consequences described in the trustworthy foundations of scripture or is the dilemma of Israel simply a coincidence?

Concerning Daniel 12:4," But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. Author

John W. Ritenbaugh writes, The phrase ‘knowledge will be increased’ is a direct reference to the concerning the great tribulation period (notably excluded from Nunc-Millennialism) must be prophecy itself; that is, knowledge of the prophecy will be increased. Daniel’s prophecies viewed in a local historical context but deliverance from the forces gathered to destroy Israel (Ezekiel 38-39) and armies circumscribing Israel. As our knowledge increases, we should profit from it, especially when it frees us from misconceptions. The Bible reader who respects and invests in the study of prophecy will be able to see God’s work, and His plan active in our world, even so much more as the day approaches. Mike Witcher’s careful evaluation of scripture and refutation of faulty doctrine will help those who read this offering to obtain confidence on our situation in this world, and to see the perfecting hand of God at work in the world and in the Church in these times.

Mark Bassett

Milford, Connecticut

Prologue

I believe that the pursuit of truth and right ideas through honest debate and rigorous argument is a noble undertaking. ~ Charles Krauthammer

On April 27th, 2021, I received a private message from Bishop Jerry L. Hayes requesting that I accept him as a friend on a popular social media. Bishop Hayes introduced himself as being converted from Pre-Trib Premillennialism to Nunc-Millennialism in 2006. Bishop Hayes stated that he was writing to me to ask if I would be interested in a formal and moderated discussion between the two positions. What Bishop Hayes intended was a formal debate between our views more than a discussion.

This debate would be between two polar opposite views regarding God’s Master Plan for the end-times. Nunc-Millennialism that Bishop Hayes embraced states that most of end-time prophecies have been fulfilled in our past, and that we are currently living in the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ as He sits on the figurative throne of David. Premillennialists state that Jesus will sit on a literal throne of David in Jerusalem. According to Nunc-Millennialists, the Church Age and the Messianic Age of Jesus are one and the same. Nunc-Millennialists state that the only thing that remains to be fulfilled is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to judge all the world in the White Throne judgment. This White Throne judgment will then transition without interruption into the eternal state as described in Revelation chapter 21. This uninterrupted transition from the Church Age to the White Throne judgment to the Eternal State is one of the many fatal flaws of Nunc-Millennialism’s doctrine. (Revelation 20:3, 7)

Premillennialists, specifically the Pre-Trib Premillennialists, state that the rapture of the Church and the final week of Daniel’s 70 Weeks are in our future. In this final week will be the rise of the anti-Christ, the great tribulation, and the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments of Revelation. Before this final week begins, the Church is removed from the earth in order that they would be spared the most horrific events to be recorded in history.

You would be hard pressed to find two more diametrically opposed views of the end-times events than Nunc-Millennialism and Pre-Trib Premillennialism.

Typically, I avoid debates like the plague, preferring discussions between gentlemen rather than no-holds-barred verbal fisticuffs where the winner is decided by presentation more than content. In a debate each side postures by playing to the crowds to convince them of their opponent’s incorrect views. In a discussion the focus remains on the subject matter, not on trying to impress those who will judge the winner.

No one goes into a debate seeking what is true, but rather to convince others that what one argues is true. This is shown by a quote of Bishop Hayes as he concludes his final presentation (his fourth denial of the Premillennialism position) at the ending of the debate. Bishop Hayes said, These assumptions constitute the Wall of Defense that encloses Dispensationalism’s teachings of separation of the Church and Israel, pre- tribulation rapture; seven-year tribulation; first and second resurrection – former for the saints, latter for the wicked; and a literal thousand-year reign of Christ upon the earth. It is to this wall that I have marshaled the machinery of war and have put the battering rams to work.

A debate is a war of convictions, not a friendly discussion on opposing views. Please underline Bishop Hayes’ statement, I have marshaled the machinery of war…and have put the battering rams to work. In his first Premillennialism negative, Bishop says, We are waging a war with words…" Bishop Hayes’ battering rams does not suggest that he came to the table to consider as truth any view other than his own. I knew this from the beginning.

While Bishop Hayes declared in his first Nunc-Millennialism affirmative, Truth is my only objective, it would be much more accurate to state that his objective was to show what he perceived to be true. I will add that the same statement would be accurate of me as well. I knew from the beginning that I would not be able to convince Bishop Hayes of his errors. One does not challenge another for a debate with an open mind to learn, but rather a fierce determination to win the war of interpretations.

But, still, I was intrigued for three reasons.

First, I wondered how well I could stand up to the barbed-laced arguments of someone who had polar opposite opinions than I. Until my meeting Bishop Hayes, I had never participated in any type of debate before. Would I be able to communicate my end-time views with clarity amidst the theatrical posturing of my fellow debater? Or would I crushed underfoot, unable to answer the challenges presented by the opposing side? In the chess match of the debate, how would I fare?

Second, I saw the debate as a splendid opportunity to teach eschatology in a format that would be easy to follow and easy to understand. True, the barbs and insults would be a distraction, but it would allow me to provide the reader a side-by-side comparison of the opposing views and allow the reader to determine for themselves as to which view was the most biblically correct. I felt in my heart that the average reader would see the posturing for the showboating that it was and truly consider what the prophets proclaimed regarding God’s Master Plan regarding the end-times.

Third, I realized that with the limitations established in the debate, further explanations of the points argued would be needed. And these explanations could be provided after the debate would be over and made into a book. In a book form the reader would have ample material in his hands from which he could make his own study of prophecies. Therefore, the book then could be offered as a workbook of sorts from which the rich material of end-time events can be examined.

For me, last reason was the deciding factor. Through the years I have discovered that there are many who have shown an interest in end-time prophecies, and with a good reason. Not only does end-time prophecies make up a third of our bible, but they also describe God’s Master Plan that will shape the lives and destinies for all of God’s creations. It is critical that every son and daughter of God understands this plan so that they will not be deceived by the false teachings that will be prevalent in the last days. Apostle Paul warned that, …in the last days many people will turn from their faith. They will be fooled by evil spirits and by teachings that come from demons. (1 Timothy 4:1 Contemporary English Version)

Yet, Christians have avoided any type of end-time studies due to what seems to them to be the complexity of events, symbols, metaphors, and similes. To make matters worse, nearly every aspect of end-time events is interpreted by scholars as having completely different meaning from one another. Those with opposing opinions among eschatology (study of end-time events) scholars, and often these opposing opinions are brutal, even vicious, in their harsh criticism of anyone who disagrees with them. (You will read in the debate that Bishop Jerry Hayes warned me that I was being very close to being blasphemous as I argue the premillennial position. Of course, I was not in danger of committing blasphemy.) But such statements do show the unbridled zeal in which some Nunc-Millennialists propagate their doctrine.

I have seen first-hand that this pugilistic behavior between scholars has disgusted many who would have considered the arguments presented, resulting in most Christians remaining illiterate to one third of the Bible.

Bishop Hayes and I agreed to a formal written debate of our views and spent time establishing the ground rules where our views could be argued in a public social media. After some discussion Bishop Hayes and I agreed upon the following rules for the written debate. He would present first the Nunc-Millennialists position. As he would be affirming the Nunc-Millennialists doctrine, he would refer his views as the affirmative. Mine would be called the denial. We would then be given afterward three opportunities to reaffirm or deny the arguments before switching roles. I would then present the Pre-Trib Premillennial presentation, to which Bishop Hayes would deny. Then, afterward, we would again have three opportunities to affirm or deny the arguments. Each argument would be limited to three thousand words. Each debater would be given a week to respond to the opponent’s argument. Each debater would present on their social media platform the debate as written.

Remembering the advice of my mentor, B. Brian Chelette, I labor to make the complex end-time plan of God easy to understand. For that reason, I requested of Bishop Hayes that we use the informal English style of writing than the more formal scholarly jargon that many Christians may not understand. Bishop Hayes declined my offer stating that he would much prefer to have the debate perceived and accepted by scholars of eschatology as a masterful work. Therefore, you will find the debate using the jargon of the scholar rather than the layman’s familiar language.

If you have any questions or comments you would like to share, please feel free to contact me on my social media page. I would be delighted to hear from you! To do so you would be able to find me on Facebook as Mike Wiltcher. I can be identified as pastoring the Bridge in Bridgeport Texas. Or Twitter where I am listed as Michael L. Wiltcher

Or you can send me an email at [e-mail]

Chapter 1

What is Being Debated?

Throughout our history God has spoken to our ancestors by his prophets in many different ways. The revelation He gave them was only a fragment at a time, building one truth upon another. But to us living in these last days, God now speaks to us openly in the language of a Son, the appointed Heir of everything, for through Him God created the panorama of all things and all time. (Hebrews 1:1-2 The Passion Translation)

Please underline the sentence: The revelation He gave them [the Old Testament Prophets] was only a fragment at a time, building one truth upon another.

So that you may follow the debate as it unfolds, I think that it would be necessary for the reader to understand exactly what issues that are being debated. By keeping these issues in mind, the reader will be fully equipped to determine which of the two views would be biblically correct. And may I ask the reader to consider both sides of the issue, Nunc-Millennialism and Pre-Trib Premillennialism, with unbiased objectivity, not with battering rams and other machinery of war.

Hermeneutics

Hermeneutics, according to the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary, means the area of study that analyses and explains written texts. Biblical hermeneutics, then, would be the analyses and explanations of biblical text. There are four types of biblical hermeneutics, which include the grammatical-historical (literal), allegorical, moral, and anagogical methods. The type of hermeneutics used by the individual in reading the text determines for the reader how the text is to be understood.

Nunc-Millennialists such as Bishop Hayes, uses the allegorical method, also called the figurative method. The Encyclopedia Britannica states that the allegorical interpretation of biblical narratives has a second level of reference that is more than the people, events and things that are explicitly mentioned. In the New Testament this can also include foreshadowing of people, objects, and events. According to this theory, readings like Noah’s Ark could be understood by using the Ark as a type of the Christian church that God designed from the start. ('Hermeneutics' 2014, Encyclopedia Britannica, Research Starters)

Pre-Trib Premillennialists, such as I, use the grammatical-historical method. The historical-grammatical method is a Christian hermeneutical method that strives to discover the biblical authors' original intended meaning in the text. According to the historical-grammatical method, if based on