by Joel Taylor

I recently posted a roundtable discussion on eschatology from Desiringgod.org with John Piper moderating the discourse on the millennium involving Jim Hamilton, Sam Storms and Doug Wilson, with each view of that doctrine – post, pre and amillennial being represented by each participant. I found the discussion to be very beneficial in clarifying the differences of each view.

I commend Dr. Piper for allowing us to ‘sit in’ on the discussion, and making it available to the general public. What I was most pleased with was the obvious desire to make the glory of God a priority in the discussion, a goal made clear both by Dr. Pipers prayer and introduction from the very beginning.

Shortly after the release of the video, I read with great interest the article by Justin Taylor entitled What You Must Believe If You Are A Premillennialist. I say with great interest simply because until now, I knew little about Justin’s position as regards eschatology. I am more than pleased, yes, even thrilled, to say that Justin appears to be quite sound in these matters. And, while I am at it, I might as well admit that I hold his last name in very high regard.

For those of you who have antecedently discovered that I am a ‘reformed amillennarian’, my support for Justin’s well written editorial comes as no surprise. I’ve nothing but extolment for his contribution to pointing out the fallacies of the premillennial position. Kudos ad infinitum.

One comment left in regard to Justin’s article I found especially interesting. The comment itself was not new, it’s been around for generations, and focusing on Isaiah 9:6, was stated as follows:

“…but Isaiah 9 says “a child will be born, a son will be given and the government will be upon His shoulders…” well ‘a child is born’ – that’s only Christs first coming but the ‘government upon his shoulders” – that’s clearly his second coming, but the OT, at first glance, seems to be saying its all at once.”

I would like to express why I find the comment quoted above particularly troubling, especially in regard to what should be a priority in every Christians life – the glory of God. If any doctrine does not exalt Jesus Christ, then something is wrong with that belief.

Isaiah 9:6, 7 states:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

No one will deny, at least within circles of orthodox Christianity, that Jesus of Nazareth fulfills this prophecy that a child was born, to us a son was given. Who, other than heretics, dare question the fulfillment of this prophecy that the Messiah has been named and is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace and not attribute these titles to Jesus the Christ?

But how disturbing is it my friends, that those who would acknowledge Jesus as the fulfillment of these things, yet deny His Kingly rule prophecied in the same verse quoted above?

For the record, let it be known that I hold and practice a Christ-centered hermeneutic. The New Testament interprets the Old ( types, shadows and promises all pointed to Christ)–and this view was taught by none other than Jesus himself. Remember the road to Emmaus?

It is not my desire to be incendiary in any way, yet, what kind of hermeneutic allows one sentence of Scripture to be divided into separate advents of the Christ? More specifically, to acknowledge the Lordship of Christ, yet deny His present reign, i.e. His Kingship over all things? Will you call Him Lord, yet not King, presently reigning?

For example, take this quote from well-known premillennarian on this passage:

…so the phrase refers to Messiah as the supernatural Counselor who, at His first coming, brought words of life, and who, when He comes again, will rule with perfect wisdom. (Charles Ryrie – Ryrie Study Bible)

“Will rule”?  This is what troubles me. The glory of God, something we all should be jealous of, and at all cost willing to defend, yes, even unto death, this is being assaulted by the premillennial doctrine of Isaiah 9:6.

One may ask, how then, has Jesus been given the government upon His shoulder?

I can only answer according to scripture itself:

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

This Jesus is the One whom, according to prophecy, was born a virgin, and who was born towards royalty! He IS a King, right now! He is the King of all and every saint who ever lived. How can anyone attempt to steal His rightful title of Kingship? How can anyone attempt to steal His royal dignity? His government consists in ruling in the hearts of his people, in enacting laws for them, and causing them to submit unto them, in subduing their enemies, in protecting them, their persons and properties, rights and liberties, and in supplying them with everything necessary.

If one declares Jesus King, yet denies the government has yet to rest upon His shoulders, then such a one declares Him a king without a kingdom, and this is greatly dishonoring to what the eternal Word of God declares Him to be, the Lord of all lords, and King of all kings!