Years ago in my reading of J. A. Seiss's book "The Apocalypse" (a very good book although his views on a pre tribulation rapture are wrong) I recall him affirming that the human race will continue throughout eternity to be a "self propagating species." In other words, there will always be new generations coming into existence. The contrary view must assert that the human race will end being what it was originally created to be, i.e. a self propagating species. In other words, in the age to come, or the "thousand years" (Millenium), will there be children born? Most Premillenialists will say yes. But, what about the age after the Millenial? After all the apostles spoke of eternity as "endless ages," or as Paul said "throughout the ages of the ages" (KJV 'world without end' - Eph. 3: 21).
Now, I have thought about Seiss's arguments for many years and have never quite settled my mind on the point. Perhaps I can find the place in his writings where he argues for his view and post it in the near future.
What think ye?
Interesting proposition. However how would we interpret Matt 22:30 that says there is no marriage in heaven? Unless those children born during the millennium would continue to propogate while the saints act as "the angels in heaven"....but would they be born with the same free will and would the sin problem start all over? And if hell is finally sealed with Satan cast down, is it possible to have that free will without a tempter? Obviously the answer to this question is "yes" since Satan had no tempter when he fell. But if the saints will not marry, I would assume this would include having not children. Then theres the question of "time". If we are with God, who exists outside of time, how could there be "children" who "grow up" and become adults without time to power the process? So then we are only left with those born during the millennium and whether sin and choice will always be present in some form. Then theres also the similarity to Mormonism that some humans will populate either this world or others forever continuing the process, the difference being of course that we dont believe we can become a god to be worshiped. Whatever happens, I do believe we will continue "creating" or being creative in some way to the glory of God.
ReplyDeleteDear Ken:
ReplyDeleteGood observations. You express some of my own thoughts. However, there are many things to be said for this comment box. It is my intention to write upon this soon and will address your observations along with my own thoughts. As I said, I have not fully come to a conclusion on this, but I do lean in favor of Seiss' view (and many others with him).
Stephen