An Attempt To Date
the Second Coming
July 30, 2015
G.D.O'Bradovich III
part the first:
the second coming of our lord
the second coming of our lord
We often take many things for granted, that is, we assume-and we admit our guilt in our assumption that self professing Christians know the basic doctrines or ideas associated with Christianity. We stumble each time they talk at us. While the return of Christ to judge the world is not necessary for judgement [there exists an immediate personal judgement at death], the Greek Church has never been ignorant of the second coming of Christ to "judge the living and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end."
Previously, we questioned how Martin Luther was the first person to understand "Sola scriptura" and our astonishment continues when we sincerely ponder how anyone could be read the Gospels and not reach an understanding or conclusion of the second coming.
If we research documentation of the second coming in the English language, we will be disappointed at the late results of our efforts. To that end, we researched words associated with the second coming and a priori dismissed words whose origin was from the 17th century or later, with the reasoning that if the second coming were a recent invention, then it was not originally an aspect of Christianity. The Oxford English Dictionary was consulted:
1550 R. Hutchinson Image of God f. cxxviiiv,
Cherubin and Seraphin and all the blessed companie of aungels are ignoraunt of the maiestie of God, for they knowe not the daye of Christes glorious returne.
1557 R. Edgeworth Serm. very Fruitfull f. clxxiii,
To be well occupied against our lordes returne when he shall come to the iudgemente to sitte on oure audite.
The earliest evidence that anyone in England knew of Christ's return was from the year 1550. Although we have never questioned that the English were Christians, we are surprised that knowledge of the second coming was a later development or realization for the English. We are forced to conclude that either the English were neither Christians or that they were ignorant of the Gospels.
For completeness, the following citations are included to the year 1900:
1656 R. Fletcher Poems in Ex Otio Negotium 161
So thy Redeemer lives, and that hee's gone Hence to prepare thy heavenly mansion And when the trembling hearts of them that slew And peirct his pretious body quake to view The terror of his glorious return, When time shall be no more.
1720 T. Brett Disc. conc. Ever-blessed Trinity 264
Expecting the glorious Return of our Redeemer to us; who then shall never leave us again, but will translate us into those eternal Mansions whither he went to prepare a Place for us.
1828 Eclectic Rev. Sept. 204
He does not think it enough, that this earth should witness the return of the Saviour.
1870 Christian 10 Nov. 4/2
This is the hope of the Church—not death, but the return of the Lord Jesus.
Second advent
n. Theol. the expected Second Coming of Christ as Judge.
1736 Gentleman's Mag. June 347/2
But all,..who hope And love his second advent, will receive The same reward.
The word "Parousia" was borrowed from the Greek language in the late 18th century. Theol. The appearance of Christ in glory at the end of time; the Second Coming.
1781 H. Taylor (title)
Thoughts on the nature of the grand apostacy... To which are added, Three Dissertations:- I. On the Parousia of Christ: II. On the millennium: [etc.].
1844 J. R. Hurd (title)
Hyponoia; or, thoughts on a spiritual understanding..of the Apocalypse..with some remarks upon the Parousia, or Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1875 Expositor May 385
The feverish expectation of a visible parousia was requiring modification.
The millennial reign of Christ is associated with the second coming. To favour millenarian views.
1593 T. Bell Motives Romish Faith Ep. Ded. sig. ¶2,
If Tertullian..erred montanizing:..if Eusebius arrianizing;..if Ambrose millenizing [etc.].
Previously, we questioned how Martin Luther was the first person to understand "Sola scriptura" and our astonishment continues when we sincerely ponder how anyone could be read the Gospels and not reach an understanding or conclusion of the second coming.
If we research documentation of the second coming in the English language, we will be disappointed at the late results of our efforts. To that end, we researched words associated with the second coming and a priori dismissed words whose origin was from the 17th century or later, with the reasoning that if the second coming were a recent invention, then it was not originally an aspect of Christianity. The Oxford English Dictionary was consulted:
1550 R. Hutchinson Image of God f. cxxviiiv,
Cherubin and Seraphin and all the blessed companie of aungels are ignoraunt of the maiestie of God, for they knowe not the daye of Christes glorious returne.
1557 R. Edgeworth Serm. very Fruitfull f. clxxiii,
To be well occupied against our lordes returne when he shall come to the iudgemente to sitte on oure audite.
The earliest evidence that anyone in England knew of Christ's return was from the year 1550. Although we have never questioned that the English were Christians, we are surprised that knowledge of the second coming was a later development or realization for the English. We are forced to conclude that either the English were neither Christians or that they were ignorant of the Gospels.
For completeness, the following citations are included to the year 1900:
1656 R. Fletcher Poems in Ex Otio Negotium 161
So thy Redeemer lives, and that hee's gone Hence to prepare thy heavenly mansion And when the trembling hearts of them that slew And peirct his pretious body quake to view The terror of his glorious return, When time shall be no more.
1720 T. Brett Disc. conc. Ever-blessed Trinity 264
Expecting the glorious Return of our Redeemer to us; who then shall never leave us again, but will translate us into those eternal Mansions whither he went to prepare a Place for us.
1828 Eclectic Rev. Sept. 204
He does not think it enough, that this earth should witness the return of the Saviour.
1870 Christian 10 Nov. 4/2
This is the hope of the Church—not death, but the return of the Lord Jesus.
Second advent
n. Theol. the expected Second Coming of Christ as Judge.
1736 Gentleman's Mag. June 347/2
But all,..who hope And love his second advent, will receive The same reward.
The word "Parousia" was borrowed from the Greek language in the late 18th century. Theol. The appearance of Christ in glory at the end of time; the Second Coming.
1781 H. Taylor (title)
Thoughts on the nature of the grand apostacy... To which are added, Three Dissertations:- I. On the Parousia of Christ: II. On the millennium: [etc.].
1844 J. R. Hurd (title)
Hyponoia; or, thoughts on a spiritual understanding..of the Apocalypse..with some remarks upon the Parousia, or Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1875 Expositor May 385
The feverish expectation of a visible parousia was requiring modification.
The millennial reign of Christ is associated with the second coming. To favour millenarian views.
1593 T. Bell Motives Romish Faith Ep. Ded. sig. ¶2,
If Tertullian..erred montanizing:..if Eusebius arrianizing;..if Ambrose millenizing [etc.].
part the second:
the rapture
the rapture
The entry in the Oxford English Dictionary for "rapture" was updated in the year 2008. Therefore, we have the most modern research techniques and competent philologists at our disposal to aid us in our understanding of the "rapture" as recorded in English sources. The following is the result of their efforts:
In Millenarian theology: the transport of believers to heaven at the Second Coming of Christ. More fully rapture of the Church (also saints) .
1768 T. Broughton Prospect of Futurity iii. viii. 357
We have determined likewise, from the Circumstance of the Rapture of the Saints,..that the Air or Atmosphere will be the Place of the Judgement.
1848 J. N. Darby Exam. Statements Apocalypse 20
The immensely important fact of the rapture of the Church... Nor can this rapture take place till after He has left the throne.
1903 W. Kelly Rapture of Saints 3,
I am not aware that there was any definite teaching..that there would be a secret rapture of the saints at a secret coming.
1992 D. Morgan Rising in West iii. xiii. 227
He believed in the imminence of Christ's return and the ‘rapture’ of the church.
2002 Church Times 24 May 20/3
What happens to the people in an aircraft if the pilot is a true believer and the Rapture takes place in mid-flight?
In Millenarian theology: to cause (believers) to ascend into heaven as part of the rapture of the Church . Usu. in pass. In quot. 1865 perh.: to cause to ascend into heaven after death.
1865 J. H. Carroll in G. Hallock Hist. South Congregational Church 247
To rise from the carnal with so little memory of earth..—to be raptured as a blessed babe through the gates of Paradise.
1899 J. H. Garratt Coming Judgment 82
We shall in glory, by and by..Be raptured up; then as thy own Blood-purchased Bride, wilt share thy throne.
1936 Chron.-Telegram (Elyria, Ohio) 18 July 3/2
Many Christians are asking whether or not all of the saints will be raptured at the coming of Christ.
1992 M. E. Marty & R. S. Appleby Glory & Power ii. 50
Jesus would ‘rapture’, or gather up the faithful.
2005 Vanity Fair (N.Y.) Dec. 204
Evangelical Christians are ‘raptured’ up to heaven, leaving secular humanists to perish in an epic bloodbath.
The earliest recorded date for the concept of the "rapture" is the year 1768. We do not doubt that the Gospels and Saint Paul's epistles existed before that time, however no one was commenting upon, or creating, a rapture scenario or cottage industry as we understand it today.
In Millenarian theology: the transport of believers to heaven at the Second Coming of Christ. More fully rapture of the Church (also saints) .
1768 T. Broughton Prospect of Futurity iii. viii. 357
We have determined likewise, from the Circumstance of the Rapture of the Saints,..that the Air or Atmosphere will be the Place of the Judgement.
1848 J. N. Darby Exam. Statements Apocalypse 20
The immensely important fact of the rapture of the Church... Nor can this rapture take place till after He has left the throne.
1903 W. Kelly Rapture of Saints 3,
I am not aware that there was any definite teaching..that there would be a secret rapture of the saints at a secret coming.
1992 D. Morgan Rising in West iii. xiii. 227
He believed in the imminence of Christ's return and the ‘rapture’ of the church.
2002 Church Times 24 May 20/3
What happens to the people in an aircraft if the pilot is a true believer and the Rapture takes place in mid-flight?
In Millenarian theology: to cause (believers) to ascend into heaven as part of the rapture of the Church . Usu. in pass. In quot. 1865 perh.: to cause to ascend into heaven after death.
1865 J. H. Carroll in G. Hallock Hist. South Congregational Church 247
To rise from the carnal with so little memory of earth..—to be raptured as a blessed babe through the gates of Paradise.
1899 J. H. Garratt Coming Judgment 82
We shall in glory, by and by..Be raptured up; then as thy own Blood-purchased Bride, wilt share thy throne.
1936 Chron.-Telegram (Elyria, Ohio) 18 July 3/2
Many Christians are asking whether or not all of the saints will be raptured at the coming of Christ.
1992 M. E. Marty & R. S. Appleby Glory & Power ii. 50
Jesus would ‘rapture’, or gather up the faithful.
2005 Vanity Fair (N.Y.) Dec. 204
Evangelical Christians are ‘raptured’ up to heaven, leaving secular humanists to perish in an epic bloodbath.
The earliest recorded date for the concept of the "rapture" is the year 1768. We do not doubt that the Gospels and Saint Paul's epistles existed before that time, however no one was commenting upon, or creating, a rapture scenario or cottage industry as we understand it today.
part the third:
the 1,000 year reign
the 1,000 year reign
The following citations are for the multiple entries for words associated with the future reign of Christ. Citations after the year 1800 have been omitted.
1664 H. More 2nd Lash Alazonomastix 512
Every faction will be content to be Millennists upon condition that Christ may reign after their way or mode.
1755 Johnson Dict. Eng. Lang.
Millenist, One that holds the millennium.
1795 W. Seward Anecd. (ed. 2) I. 318
So feeble-minded as to be a Seeker and Millennist.
A person who holds the doctrine of a millennium, esp. one who believes that Christ will reign on earth in person for a thousand years.
1552 Articles of Religion xli,
Thei that goe aboute to renewe the fable of heretickes called Millenarii, be repugnant..to holie Scripture.
1648 R. Weldon Doctr. Script. Ep. Ded. sig. A3v,
The Sacrilege of which Doctrine is more desperate, then the Indulgence of the Millenarians, is vain.
a1674 Earl of Clarendon Brief View Leviathan (1676) 221
He makes his Reign longer upon Earth than ever the Millenarians imagin'd.
1759 A. Butler Lives Saints IV. 700
He [sc. St Dionysius] also..held a publick conference with..the chief of the Millenarians.
1787 Minor iv. ii. 206
Was I a millenarian, I probably should not hesitate to pronounce it the spot intended for the thousand years enjoyment after the day of judgment.
In 1552, we learn that holding the millennial view is "repugnant" to Scripture.
Of or relating to the belief in a future (and typically imminent) thousand-year age of peace and righteousness associated with the Second Coming of Christ.
1626 W. Vaughan Golden Fleece i. xiii. 110
Tertullian held the Millenarian Heresie.
1631 P. Heylyn Hist. St. George 46
So the Papists adore Papias a Millenarian Hereticke.
1759 A. Butler Lives Saints IV. 700
This work St. Dionysius confuted by two books against the Millenarian heresy.
1785 Gentleman's Mag. 55 392
Those Millennarians, believing the certainty of Christ's second coming, and his Millennarian Kingdom, lived not the holy life enjoined them.
A Church Father held to the millennial heresy [1626].
Of, relating to, or characteristic of a believer in a millennium.
1684 T. Burnet Theory of Earth ii. 175
As to the epistle of Barnabas,..the genius of it is very much millenarian.
1650 Bp. J. Hall Revelation Unrevealed xii. 109
The first Paradox of Millenarisme.
1645 in Catal. Prints: Polit. & Personal Satires (Brit. Mus.) (1870) I. 303
Truths Victory against Heresie; All sorts comprehended under these ten mentioned: 1. Papists..9. Millenarists [etc.].
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. iii. xxv. f. 264v,
In a little after there folowed the Millenaries, whiche limited the reigne of Christe to a thousande yeares.
1605 G. Chapman et al. Eastward Hoe v,
I have had of all sorts of men..vnder my Keyes: & almost of all Religions i' the land, as Papist, Protestant,..Millenary, Famely o' Loue,..&c.
1645 R. Baillie Let. 5 Sept. (1841) II. 313
Send me the rest of Forbes:..I marvell I can find nothing in its index against the Millenaries: I cannot think the author a Millenarie.
1708 Brit. Apollo No. 39. 1/2
The Millenaries found their Opinion upon several Texts.
1664 H. More Expos. 7 Epist. Pref. c vij b,
This is that illustrious Reign of Christ in his Millenniall Empire of Love.
1691 R. Baxter Glorious Kingdom of Christ ii. 12
The Millennial Opinion I have never been a censorious opposer of.
1693 Millennianism 22
The Millenians, unwilling their Opinion should have no better Father than Cerinthus,..derive its Pedigree from Men of much greater Honesty and Credit.
a1706 J. Evelyn Hist. Relig. (1850) II. xi. 230
Chiliasts, or Millenians..held that our Blessed Lord should reign on earth a thousand years.
1692 A. Wood Athenæ Oxonienses II. 49
'Tis said that he [sc. Sir W. Raleigh] wrot a Tract of Millinanism [1721, II. 96 Milleninanism].
1693 Millennianism 20
The Apostles having retracted their opinion concerning Christ's Temporal Kingdom, and consequently subverting the foundation of Millennianism, you wonder how it came to be followed by some Christians.
1676 Doctr. of Devils 121
So was the Church in respect of Millenisme, Arrianisme [etc.].
1664 H. More 2nd Lash Alazonomastix 512
Every faction will be content to be Millennists upon condition that Christ may reign after their way or mode.
1755 Johnson Dict. Eng. Lang.
Millenist, One that holds the millennium.
1795 W. Seward Anecd. (ed. 2) I. 318
So feeble-minded as to be a Seeker and Millennist.
1664 H. More 2nd Lash Alazonomastix 512
Every faction will be content to be Millennists upon condition that Christ may reign after their way or mode.
1755 Johnson Dict. Eng. Lang.
Millenist, One that holds the millennium.
1795 W. Seward Anecd. (ed. 2) I. 318
So feeble-minded as to be a Seeker and Millennist.
A person who holds the doctrine of a millennium, esp. one who believes that Christ will reign on earth in person for a thousand years.
1552 Articles of Religion xli,
Thei that goe aboute to renewe the fable of heretickes called Millenarii, be repugnant..to holie Scripture.
1648 R. Weldon Doctr. Script. Ep. Ded. sig. A3v,
The Sacrilege of which Doctrine is more desperate, then the Indulgence of the Millenarians, is vain.
a1674 Earl of Clarendon Brief View Leviathan (1676) 221
He makes his Reign longer upon Earth than ever the Millenarians imagin'd.
1759 A. Butler Lives Saints IV. 700
He [sc. St Dionysius] also..held a publick conference with..the chief of the Millenarians.
1787 Minor iv. ii. 206
Was I a millenarian, I probably should not hesitate to pronounce it the spot intended for the thousand years enjoyment after the day of judgment.
In 1552, we learn that holding the millennial view is "repugnant" to Scripture.
Of or relating to the belief in a future (and typically imminent) thousand-year age of peace and righteousness associated with the Second Coming of Christ.
1626 W. Vaughan Golden Fleece i. xiii. 110
Tertullian held the Millenarian Heresie.
1631 P. Heylyn Hist. St. George 46
So the Papists adore Papias a Millenarian Hereticke.
1759 A. Butler Lives Saints IV. 700
This work St. Dionysius confuted by two books against the Millenarian heresy.
1785 Gentleman's Mag. 55 392
Those Millennarians, believing the certainty of Christ's second coming, and his Millennarian Kingdom, lived not the holy life enjoined them.
A Church Father held to the millennial heresy [1626].
Of, relating to, or characteristic of a believer in a millennium.
1684 T. Burnet Theory of Earth ii. 175
As to the epistle of Barnabas,..the genius of it is very much millenarian.
1650 Bp. J. Hall Revelation Unrevealed xii. 109
The first Paradox of Millenarisme.
1645 in Catal. Prints: Polit. & Personal Satires (Brit. Mus.) (1870) I. 303
Truths Victory against Heresie; All sorts comprehended under these ten mentioned: 1. Papists..9. Millenarists [etc.].
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. iii. xxv. f. 264v,
In a little after there folowed the Millenaries, whiche limited the reigne of Christe to a thousande yeares.
1605 G. Chapman et al. Eastward Hoe v,
I have had of all sorts of men..vnder my Keyes: & almost of all Religions i' the land, as Papist, Protestant,..Millenary, Famely o' Loue,..&c.
1645 R. Baillie Let. 5 Sept. (1841) II. 313
Send me the rest of Forbes:..I marvell I can find nothing in its index against the Millenaries: I cannot think the author a Millenarie.
1708 Brit. Apollo No. 39. 1/2
The Millenaries found their Opinion upon several Texts.
1664 H. More Expos. 7 Epist. Pref. c vij b,
This is that illustrious Reign of Christ in his Millenniall Empire of Love.
1691 R. Baxter Glorious Kingdom of Christ ii. 12
The Millennial Opinion I have never been a censorious opposer of.
1693 Millennianism 22
The Millenians, unwilling their Opinion should have no better Father than Cerinthus,..derive its Pedigree from Men of much greater Honesty and Credit.
a1706 J. Evelyn Hist. Relig. (1850) II. xi. 230
Chiliasts, or Millenians..held that our Blessed Lord should reign on earth a thousand years.
1692 A. Wood Athenæ Oxonienses II. 49
'Tis said that he [sc. Sir W. Raleigh] wrot a Tract of Millinanism [1721, II. 96 Milleninanism].
1693 Millennianism 20
The Apostles having retracted their opinion concerning Christ's Temporal Kingdom, and consequently subverting the foundation of Millennianism, you wonder how it came to be followed by some Christians.
1676 Doctr. of Devils 121
So was the Church in respect of Millenisme, Arrianisme [etc.].
1664 H. More 2nd Lash Alazonomastix 512
Every faction will be content to be Millennists upon condition that Christ may reign after their way or mode.
1755 Johnson Dict. Eng. Lang.
Millenist, One that holds the millennium.
1795 W. Seward Anecd. (ed. 2) I. 318
So feeble-minded as to be a Seeker and Millennist.
citations in chronological order
All citations in chronological order.
1550 of Christes glorious returne.
1552 Thei that goe aboute to renewe the fable of heretickes called Millenarii, ...
1557 To be well occupied against our lordes returne ...
1561 ... the Millenaries, whiche limited...
1593 ...if Eusebius arrianizing;..if Ambrose millenizing [etc.].
1605 ... Protestant,..Millenary, Famely o' Loue,..&c.
1626 Tertullian held the Millenarian Heresie.
1631 So the Papists adore Papias a Millenarian Hereticke.
1645 (1870) . ...: 1. Papists..9. Millenarists [etc.].
1645 (1841) ... the Millenaries: I cannot think the author a Millenarie.
1648 ...the Millenarians, is vain.
1650 The first Paradox of Millenarisme.
1656 ... terror of his glorious return, ...
1664 Every faction will be content to be Millennists ...
1664 This is that illustrious Reign of Christ in his Millenniall Empire ,,,
1674a (1676) ...Earth than ever the Millenarians imagin'd.
1676 So was the Church in respect of Millenisme, Arrianisme [etc.].
1684 ... is very much millenarian.
1691 The Millennial Opinion I have ...
1692 ...Tract of Millinanism [1721, II. 96 Milleninanism].
1693 ...subverting the foundation of Millennianism, ...
1693 The Millenians, unwilling their Opinion should have no better...
1706a (1850)Chiliasts, or Millenians..held that our ...
1708 The Millenaries found their Opinion upon several Texts.
1720 Expecting the glorious Return of our Redeemer ...
1736 But all,..who hope And love his second advent, will receive ...
1745 ... Affords an Emblem of Millennial Love.
1755 Millenist, One that holds the millennium.
1759 ..the chief of the Millenarians.
1759 two books against the Millenarian heresy.
1768 ...from the Circumstance of the Rapture of the Saints,..
1781 ...On the Parousia of Christ: II. On the millennium: [etc.].
1785 Those Millennarians, ... Millennarian Kingdom, ...
1787 Was I a millenarian, I probably should not hesitate to ...
1795 So feeble-minded as to be a Seeker and Millennist.
From the OED, we learn that:
"Owing to differing interpretations of its key source (Revelation 20:1–5), there are two distinct categories of millenarian believer: [1] those who hold that the millennium will follow the Second Coming (known as pre-millenialists) and [2] those who maintain that Christ will return to earth at its close (post-millenialists)."
This explains the development of apparently discrepant senses meaning ‘apocalyptic’ and ‘utopian’.
"Post-millenialism was ruled heretical by the Holy Office of the Roman Catholic Church in 1944."
Only in the year 1944 did the Roman Church rule against the idea of post-millenialism. This fact alone is evidence for the late creation for our current understanding of the rapture and its polarizing views.
Per Wikipedia:
"It would... be Montanism that would lead the Orthodox to decisively reject Chiliasm... and hence the Church in the East was reluctant to accept the Apocalypse of John, as they saw the many heresies developed against what they held were the Traditions of the Apostles."
1550 of Christes glorious returne.
1552 Thei that goe aboute to renewe the fable of heretickes called Millenarii, ...
1557 To be well occupied against our lordes returne ...
1561 ... the Millenaries, whiche limited...
1593 ...if Eusebius arrianizing;..if Ambrose millenizing [etc.].
1605 ... Protestant,..Millenary, Famely o' Loue,..&c.
1626 Tertullian held the Millenarian Heresie.
1631 So the Papists adore Papias a Millenarian Hereticke.
1645 (1870) . ...: 1. Papists..9. Millenarists [etc.].
1645 (1841) ... the Millenaries: I cannot think the author a Millenarie.
1648 ...the Millenarians, is vain.
1650 The first Paradox of Millenarisme.
1656 ... terror of his glorious return, ...
1664 Every faction will be content to be Millennists ...
1664 This is that illustrious Reign of Christ in his Millenniall Empire ,,,
1674a (1676) ...Earth than ever the Millenarians imagin'd.
1676 So was the Church in respect of Millenisme, Arrianisme [etc.].
1684 ... is very much millenarian.
1691 The Millennial Opinion I have ...
1692 ...Tract of Millinanism [1721, II. 96 Milleninanism].
1693 ...subverting the foundation of Millennianism, ...
1693 The Millenians, unwilling their Opinion should have no better...
1706a (1850)Chiliasts, or Millenians..held that our ...
1708 The Millenaries found their Opinion upon several Texts.
1720 Expecting the glorious Return of our Redeemer ...
1736 But all,..who hope And love his second advent, will receive ...
1745 ... Affords an Emblem of Millennial Love.
1755 Millenist, One that holds the millennium.
1759 ..the chief of the Millenarians.
1759 two books against the Millenarian heresy.
1768 ...from the Circumstance of the Rapture of the Saints,..
1781 ...On the Parousia of Christ: II. On the millennium: [etc.].
1785 Those Millennarians, ... Millennarian Kingdom, ...
1787 Was I a millenarian, I probably should not hesitate to ...
1795 So feeble-minded as to be a Seeker and Millennist.
From the OED, we learn that:
"Owing to differing interpretations of its key source (Revelation 20:1–5), there are two distinct categories of millenarian believer: [1] those who hold that the millennium will follow the Second Coming (known as pre-millenialists) and [2] those who maintain that Christ will return to earth at its close (post-millenialists)."
This explains the development of apparently discrepant senses meaning ‘apocalyptic’ and ‘utopian’.
"Post-millenialism was ruled heretical by the Holy Office of the Roman Catholic Church in 1944."
Only in the year 1944 did the Roman Church rule against the idea of post-millenialism. This fact alone is evidence for the late creation for our current understanding of the rapture and its polarizing views.
Per Wikipedia:
"It would... be Montanism that would lead the Orthodox to decisively reject Chiliasm... and hence the Church in the East was reluctant to accept the Apocalypse of John, as they saw the many heresies developed against what they held were the Traditions of the Apostles."
conclusion
The historical church was "reluctant to accept" the Apocalypse.
The documented existence of the belief of the second coming in the 16th century.
The documented existence of the belief in the rapture in the late 18th century.
In 1944, Rome rejects Post-millenialism as a heresy.
The Orthodox Church has not commented on the Apocaplyse, we infer that Rome adheres to pre-millenialsim and the Protestants-they have "sola scriptura"...
The documented existence of the belief of the second coming in the 16th century.
The documented existence of the belief in the rapture in the late 18th century.
In 1944, Rome rejects Post-millenialism as a heresy.
The Orthodox Church has not commented on the Apocaplyse, we infer that Rome adheres to pre-millenialsim and the Protestants-they have "sola scriptura"...
appendix
All citations after the year 1800 with select commentary.
1818 ... the Manichæan Millenarian....
1826 The last millennial glory.
1828 ... witness the return of the Saviour.
1828 The gradual corruption of the once holy millennians.
1834a (1838) The Catholic Millenaries looked forward...
1844 The Millenists believe in the universal spiritual reign of Christ ...
1844 The works of Irenæus and of other early millennarists.
1844 ...of the Apocalypse...the Parousia, or Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1847 Millenarism... ... the second coming ... the Millenium [sic] ...
1848 ... the rapture of the Church... Nor can this rapture ...
1848 The people..scattered with all possible rapidity, supposing that Millenism ...
1853 Goodwin may have held some millenarian views akin ...
1854 It is free from the Millenarian peculiarities ...
1860 Of Millenaries or Chiliasts there have been three classes.
1865 ...to be raptured as...
1870 This is the hope of the Church—not death, but the return of the Lord Jesus.
1872 (1911) ... excited Millenarian.
1875 The feverish expectation of a visible parousia was requiring modification.
1877 But in Millennial times, how will things be changed!
1879 The visible return of Christ in person is foretold in the New Testament clearly, repeatedly, emphatically, and indisputably... On this point there is no controversy between Millenarian and non-millenarian Christians.
Evidently, the author is incorrect as there is no reference to this "return" until the 16th century, and it is clear that generations of Christians would disagree with this statement.
1890 It is hard to be honestly contemptuous of a convinced Millenarian.
1894 Millenarism of Gospel.
1899 We shall in glory, by and by..Be raptured up; ...
1903 ... a secret rapture of the saints at a secret coming.
1910 The Parousia of the Son of Man ...
1914 The Lord's return seen in history and in Scripture as premillennial and imminent.
Evidently, neither "historical" nor "imminent".
1936 Many Christians are asking whether or not all of the saints will be raptured at the coming of Christ.
The discussion of the Apocalypse results in asking questions that have no definite answers.
1939 A mixture of Jewish millenism & philosophical idealism.
1947 ... expression in the ‘Millenial Laws’.
1952 The Millenarian hope..that the saints should inherit the earth and rule it with or for Christ.
1953 Millennianism in Islam.
The title for an aspiring Apprentice to discuss the similarities between Islam and Christianity?
1955 (1999) I'm a millennist. I believe that there'll be a millennium, a thousand years on the earth that mankind will go right back to God just as he come out from God.
Man originating from God is the Gnostic concept par excellence. "Many heresies..."
1957 Where millenarism survives in countries ...
1957 These Papuans are typical of all millenarists.
1962 ... the millenarism of the Spirituals..
1964 The term millennianism is not used here in the narrow sense of an exact thousand-year period, but with reference to any future era, long or short, marked by a new order of society.
1969 Theology could only answer the complaint that the parousia (coming) had not arrived as expected by saying that..it might occur very soon.
Explicit denial of the imminent second coming.
1971 Justin..has been cited..as a Millenarist.
1971 This decision amounted to an assessment that a mitigated Millenarism..was an error in faith, even if it could not yet be called a heresy.
1975 The early Christians..were millenarians.
NB- No evidence for this statement.
1982 ... of Anglican millenaries like the Cambridge Platonist Henry More.
1986 Almost all of them,... are millenial movements prophesying...
1986 Calvinism was pushed into the background by deism, and deism itself was superseded by revivalism, millenianism, and perfectionism.
1992 ...the imminence of Christ's return and the ‘rapture’ ...
1992 Jesus would ‘rapture’, or gather up the faithful.
1992 His millenarian zeal and his yearning to bring Presbyterians ...
1993 Though many of the millenarians had been impostors, most had sincerely believed their own predictions.
Nota Bene-Sincere belief does not make a correct belief, as one can be sincerely wrong.
1994 A quarter of Pava's settlers are the suicidal Millenarists who profess to believe that the world is so evil that everyone should kill themselves.
No comment.
1997 The first millennium [of literature] was very rich..; the second, with its millenarism, with Justinian and his closing of the Academy, was, on the contrary, very poor.
1998 There are specific millenarian elements: ...
1999 A few years ago, most of us would never have heard the word millennium. Now there's millennian, believers in the millennium.
2002 What happens to the people in an aircraft if the pilot is a true believer and the Rapture takes place in mid-flight?
2005 Evangelical Christians are ‘raptured’ up to heaven, leaving secular humanists to perish in an epic bloodbath.
1818 ... the Manichæan Millenarian....
1826 The last millennial glory.
1828 ... witness the return of the Saviour.
1828 The gradual corruption of the once holy millennians.
1834a (1838) The Catholic Millenaries looked forward...
1844 The Millenists believe in the universal spiritual reign of Christ ...
1844 The works of Irenæus and of other early millennarists.
1844 ...of the Apocalypse...the Parousia, or Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1847 Millenarism... ... the second coming ... the Millenium [sic] ...
1848 ... the rapture of the Church... Nor can this rapture ...
1848 The people..scattered with all possible rapidity, supposing that Millenism ...
1853 Goodwin may have held some millenarian views akin ...
1854 It is free from the Millenarian peculiarities ...
1860 Of Millenaries or Chiliasts there have been three classes.
1865 ...to be raptured as...
1870 This is the hope of the Church—not death, but the return of the Lord Jesus.
1872 (1911) ... excited Millenarian.
1875 The feverish expectation of a visible parousia was requiring modification.
1877 But in Millennial times, how will things be changed!
1879 The visible return of Christ in person is foretold in the New Testament clearly, repeatedly, emphatically, and indisputably... On this point there is no controversy between Millenarian and non-millenarian Christians.
Evidently, the author is incorrect as there is no reference to this "return" until the 16th century, and it is clear that generations of Christians would disagree with this statement.
1890 It is hard to be honestly contemptuous of a convinced Millenarian.
1894 Millenarism of Gospel.
1899 We shall in glory, by and by..Be raptured up; ...
1903 ... a secret rapture of the saints at a secret coming.
1910 The Parousia of the Son of Man ...
1914 The Lord's return seen in history and in Scripture as premillennial and imminent.
Evidently, neither "historical" nor "imminent".
1936 Many Christians are asking whether or not all of the saints will be raptured at the coming of Christ.
The discussion of the Apocalypse results in asking questions that have no definite answers.
1939 A mixture of Jewish millenism & philosophical idealism.
1947 ... expression in the ‘Millenial Laws’.
1952 The Millenarian hope..that the saints should inherit the earth and rule it with or for Christ.
1953 Millennianism in Islam.
The title for an aspiring Apprentice to discuss the similarities between Islam and Christianity?
1955 (1999) I'm a millennist. I believe that there'll be a millennium, a thousand years on the earth that mankind will go right back to God just as he come out from God.
Man originating from God is the Gnostic concept par excellence. "Many heresies..."
1957 Where millenarism survives in countries ...
1957 These Papuans are typical of all millenarists.
1962 ... the millenarism of the Spirituals..
1964 The term millennianism is not used here in the narrow sense of an exact thousand-year period, but with reference to any future era, long or short, marked by a new order of society.
1969 Theology could only answer the complaint that the parousia (coming) had not arrived as expected by saying that..it might occur very soon.
Explicit denial of the imminent second coming.
1971 Justin..has been cited..as a Millenarist.
1971 This decision amounted to an assessment that a mitigated Millenarism..was an error in faith, even if it could not yet be called a heresy.
1975 The early Christians..were millenarians.
NB- No evidence for this statement.
1982 ... of Anglican millenaries like the Cambridge Platonist Henry More.
1986 Almost all of them,... are millenial movements prophesying...
1986 Calvinism was pushed into the background by deism, and deism itself was superseded by revivalism, millenianism, and perfectionism.
1992 ...the imminence of Christ's return and the ‘rapture’ ...
1992 Jesus would ‘rapture’, or gather up the faithful.
1992 His millenarian zeal and his yearning to bring Presbyterians ...
1993 Though many of the millenarians had been impostors, most had sincerely believed their own predictions.
Nota Bene-Sincere belief does not make a correct belief, as one can be sincerely wrong.
1994 A quarter of Pava's settlers are the suicidal Millenarists who profess to believe that the world is so evil that everyone should kill themselves.
No comment.
1997 The first millennium [of literature] was very rich..; the second, with its millenarism, with Justinian and his closing of the Academy, was, on the contrary, very poor.
1998 There are specific millenarian elements: ...
1999 A few years ago, most of us would never have heard the word millennium. Now there's millennian, believers in the millennium.
2002 What happens to the people in an aircraft if the pilot is a true believer and the Rapture takes place in mid-flight?
2005 Evangelical Christians are ‘raptured’ up to heaven, leaving secular humanists to perish in an epic bloodbath.