The Problem of Hyper-Historicism and Hyper-Reformed Theology in Studying Prophecy

Historicism in Christianity is defined as a method of interpretation of Christian eschatology which associates the prophecies of the Bible with actual historical events, viewing them as that prophecy is happening progressively and continuously.  Now everything in history is part of fulfilling prophecy like the destruction of Babylon, the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., the restoration of Israel in 1948, Iraq's downfall after 70 years of being founded... I do not doubt that history and current events are one way or another important in proving the authenticity of the Bible's prophecies.  However the problem can lie with a heresy I call "hyper-historicism" which was sadly, some Reformers stuck with that heretical view.  Although Protestant leaders like Luther, Calvin, Zwingli and Knox were right about certain issues, however they are also credited for some errors as these are fallible men.  Early Protestantism carried over the heresy of Mary never had any other children, it also carried the erroneous view I would call "hyper-historicism".

The hyper-historicist view rejects futurism as Jesuit heresy.  Some of the have gone as far as to even call the Plymouth preacher John Nelson Darby a "Jesuit", that the Rapture was just invented.  Some great Baptist preachers like Charles Spurgeon and John Gill were stuck with what I'd call hyper-historicist view of interpreting prophecy.  For some, futurism is a Jesuit heresy that was created to distract people from the idea that the Pope is the Antichrist.  The problem here is this... while it's POSSIBLE that the Antichrist will emerge from the papacy, he may come from the lineage of the Popes but the Antichrist is neither a dynasty nor a system.  A closer interpretation of Scriptures would give us the idea that the Antichrist is one man, not a dynasty.  One may think that the Rapture was just an invention of the Jesuits or insert any group.  However the Scripture is clear of the Rapture is a coming event.  What about 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 calls this the "Blessed Hope", the term Rapture did not get invented until later such as Trinity was invented as an alternate word for Godhead or to describe the Triune God.  It's sad to say but some Reformed Theologians and Calvinists are hyper at best.  For example, I even read a ridiculous attack against Dr. John F. Macarthur and Dr. Robert Charles Sproul as "compromising with Jesuit heresy while teaching Protestant doctrine."  

Another is the controversy of the Antichrist.  For the Hyper-Reformer or Hyper-Historicist, they are prone to insisting that the Antichrist is a dynasty.  They think that the Jesuits invented the idea of the Rapture to distract people from knowing the Pope is the Antichrist.  The problem was also when Reformers called the Pope the Antichrist, insisting that the Antichrist is a dynasty.  In spite of their great exposition of the Bible, providing Scriptural insights for Christians today, the problem is how they have interpreted Matthew 24:5 and 1 John 2:18.  For them, anybody who thinks that the Antichrist is one person is dreaming because of the two verses.  Some are even quick to say that there is no futurist part of prophecy is compromising with Jesuit theology (which is also genetic fallacy and guilt by association) and Romanism.  For one, I am believing in the Rapture, a literal Tribulation period and the SIGNS of the times are showing here and there.  But let us examine what these verses say and take it INTO context before we get another "pisseth against the wall sermon" or in short, taking things out of context.  

Let's take a look at Matthew 24:5 and 1 John 2:18.  The passage warns of many people in the end times, that many will come in the Name of Jesus, saying that he is the Christ.  Many will be imposters and deceivers claiming to be Christ.  Certainly the dynasty of the Popes fits into the picture doesn't it?  Some theologians believe that the final Pope is the Antichrist... I cannot be certain but the idea is not at all a bad theory.  The Popes have certainly claimed to hold the place of God Almighty on Earth, to claim to be the Rock which the Church is built upon, to feign succession of Peter which never happened... certainly these Popes are antichrists (note the small letters).  However the problem is that the Popes are not the only persons who are claiming to be Christ.  You have quack persons like Apollo C Quiboloy claiming to be the Son of God in Davao.  You have others who claim to be Jesus reincarnated.  There are many false images of Jesus.  1 John 2:18 says that there are many antichrists (small letter) that time but it also says Antichrist shall come.  Now that doesn't make the Antichrist a dynasty, rather the Antichrist is one singular person and that he is preceded by many antichrists.  An antichrist is a person who's against Christ or an imitation of Christ.  

Another problem posed is in saying that the Rapture is not in the Bible.  Again, I have already pointed out 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17.  The problem is also whenever they may forget that Matthew 24:40-41 gives an illustration on what could happen during the Blessed Hope.  In 1 Thessaloanisn 5:5-17 it says that the Lord will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel adn that, with the Trump of God the dead in Christ shall rise first, and then who are alive will be caught together in the air.  Again, why does it happen that some born again Christians believe that the Blessed Hope is Jesuit Theology?!   Also, what they may be ignoring is this... without the Rapture, the Antichrist cannot fully control the world.  Certainly the Popes did control a huge degree of the world but they have not entirely controlled the world.  Today the Church is still on Earth, a huge monkey wrench towards Satan's final agenda.  You have Christians who are still today marching against sin everywhere.  Just think how painful Christians are to worldly leaders.  When a Filipino pastor preaches against the Reproductive Herod Bill and win people over, just think of how much of a monkey wrench against sin that is!

Another is to even think what 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8 that warn that the Antichrist cannot be revealed fully until there is a falling away and that the Holy Spirit is taken out of the way.  Right now, Christians are a huge wreck against sin and Satan.  Just think of this- if two prophets can heckle the Antichrist during the Tribulation period, today we do have some great men of God past and present.  For example, the Protestant preacher Billy Sunday ran a Christian assembly and his revivals, his preaching job, his pulpit formed an entire army that heckled the sins of his day.  Now when a man of God certainly preaches as empowered by Person of the Holy Spirit, he is really a huge heckler against Satan and sin.  I just could not help but admire how often the Protestant preacher Billy Sunday blasted all types of sin without compromise. Charles H. Spurgeon's battle against sin, won many to Jesus and it was shaking papal influence.  Until Christians are taken out of the way, the New World Order (which is forming today and Hyper-Historicists NEED to read the newspapers if they think the New World Order is just another Jesuit idea) cannot be completed because there is a huge opposition force to oppose it from truly forming.  

As a food for thought, I certainly do appreciate the Reformation and Reformed Theology with a Calvinist viewpoint (but not Hyper-Calvinist) but as said, no theological view by man is perfect and flawless.  In fact, some of the best modern day Reformed Theologians like John F. Macarthur has a historicist and futurist viewpoint.  Not even great men like Charles H. Spurgeon, John Gill, Arthur W. Pink, John Rice and many more were free from errors.  I would even admit some of them just didn't agree with each other in some areas.  For example, certain preachers I know who aren't watered down preachers however are non-Calvinists and reject Calvinism.  David W. Cloud although he admits he can accept a Calvinist Christian as a brother but he also renounces Calvinism as much as Arminianism.  Also, it's best to really avoid the pet issues of futurism and historicism because these are not the real issues.  The real issue is preaching the Gospel right- getting the message of salvation right rather than be stuck with evangelical pet issues.