Not Escaping but Advancing: Hope-Fueled Christianity in a Dark World

Introduction

It is not difficult to look at the modern world and feel overwhelmed. From political corruption and economic instability to cultural decline and moral confusion, many Christians are tempted to retreat, to wait for rescue, or to believe that darkness is destined to prevail. But the Bible offers a different vision—a victorious one. Rather than living with a bunker mentality, Scripture calls us to live with bold confidence that Christ reigns now and that His kingdom is expanding. This is the heartbeat of postmillennialism: not escaping the world, but advancing in it with gospel hope.

The Problem with Escapism

Modern evangelical eschatology has often leaned toward defeatism. Dispensationalism, in particular, popularized a pessimistic narrative in which the world spirals into chaos, the church is powerless to stop it, and rescue comes only through the rapture.

Emerging in the 19th century through John Nelson Darby and spread widely via the Scofield Reference Bible, dispensationalism has shaped the theology of millions. Preachers like John MacArthur, Greg Laurie, Chuck Swindoll, and David Jeremiah have all taught a version of dispensational futurism that includes a rapture of the church prior to a seven-year tribulation.

The Left Behind series of the 1990s further embedded this framework, dramatizing a world thrown into chaos after the sudden disappearance of Christians. While compelling, this vision often encourages passivity and cultural withdrawal rather than engagement and transformation.

This mindset produces Christians who avoid politics, education, and societal investment. Expecting collapse, they disengage—and by disengaging, they contribute to decline. Worse, this distorts Christ’s call to disciple the nations.

Christ’s Victorious Kingdom

Scripture presents a very different story—a story of triumph and present reign.

Preterism and the Fulfillment of Prophecy

Theologians like Kenneth Gentry, Gary DeMar, and Greg Bahnsen argue that key New Testament prophecies—especially Matthew 24 and much of Revelation—were fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Gentry, in Before Jerusalem Fell, identifies Nero Caesar as the “beast” and argues that apocalyptic language in Revelation parallels Old Testament imagery used for national judgment—especially regarding God’s judgment on Jerusalem in AD 70.

Matthew 24:34 (ESV): “Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.”

Gentry emphasizes that the phrase “this generation” in Matthew 24:34 refers to Jesus’ contemporaries, making it a cornerstone of the preterist interpretation.

Preterism offers a powerful alternative to speculation and fear. It sees prophecy as largely fulfilled, affirming Christ’s past victory and present authority. In contrast to futurism—which projects prophecy into a yet-unrealized tribulation—preterism anchors Christians in historical fulfillment and forward-moving hope.

This view also avoids the pitfalls of “newspaper eschatology”—a reactive habit of linking biblical prophecy to current headlines. Rather than promoting anxiety and fruitless date-setting, preterism calls believers to build, disciple, and endure.

Historical Roots of Hopeful Eschatology

Preterism and postmillennialism are not new inventions. Early church historian Eusebius interpreted the fall of Jerusalem as a fulfillment of Jesus’ words in the Gospels. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Puritans like John Owen and Jonathan Edwards embraced postmillennialism, expecting the gospel to spread and transform nations. Edwards linked global missions and revival to Christ’s advancing kingdom in works like A Humble Attempt.

R.C. Sproul, while not a full preterist, also affirmed partial preterist interpretations and suggested that many New Testament prophecies referred to first-century events. These perspectives reflect a long tradition of optimistic eschatology, grounded in both Scripture and history.

The Reign of Christ Now

Jesus begins the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20) with a triumphant declaration: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This is not a future hope—it is a present reality. Christ’s resurrection inaugurated His reign, and He is subduing His enemies (Psalm 110:1; 1 Corinthians 15:25).

The kingdom of God is not postponed until a future age. It is active now—growing like leaven (Matthew 13:33), expanding like a mustard seed (Matthew 13:31–32). Christ’s kingdom is advancing.

The Church’s Role in Cultural Engagement

Christians are not spectators but ambassadors. The church is Christ’s instrument to manifest His reign on earth, engaging every area of life: family, education, government, business, and the arts.

Postmillennialism fosters a long-term vision. If Christ reigns now and will continue reigning until all enemies are under His feet, then our work matters. Raising children, building institutions, and shaping culture are kingdom efforts—not distractions, but essential missions.

Historical Encouragement

History affirms this hope. The early church reshaped the Roman world. The Reformation reshaped Europe. Missionaries built hospitals, schools, and civil societies rooted in Christian values. These weren’t driven by fear of the end, but confidence in the King.

Postmillennialism doesn’t deny hardship. It acknowledges suffering, setbacks, and persecution—but sees them as temporary. Christ will win. The church will prevail. The nations will be discipled. This isn’t triumphalism—it’s trust in God’s promises.

Conclusion: Advancing with Hope

Though the world is dark in many places, the darkness is not winning. Christ has already won. He is bringing all things under His feet. Our posture should not be retreat—but righteous advance.

We do not cower, we build. We do not despair, we hope. We do not escape, we engage.

This is the vision of ChristReignsNow.com—a space for kingdom-minded believers to live boldly, think biblically, and labor generationally. Not escaping, but advancing. Because Christ reigns now.