Why Postmillennialism Is Over-Realized Eschatology: A Simplified Critique of Theonomy

This thesis critiques the theological foundations of theonomic reconstructionism by examining its dependence upon postmillennial eschatology. The thesis argues that theonomic reconstructionism, defined as the effort to reconstruct civil governments according to the moral principles of Mosaic law, is logically and theologically dependent upon the truth of postmillennialism. Consequently, if postmillennialism is shown to be exegetically unwarranted, the broader reconstructionist project is likewise undermined. The study employs biblical-theological, exegetical, and theological analysis. First, it demonstrates from the writings of major reconstructionist thinkers, including R. J. Rushdoony, Gary North, Greg Bahnsen, Kenneth Gentry, and Douglas Wilson, that theonomic reconstructionists understand their reconstructionist mission to be logically dependent on postmillennialism being true. Second, the project evaluates several of the most significant postmillennial proof texts, including Matthew 28:18–20, Psalm 2, Psalm 110, Matthew 13:31–33, and 1 Corinthians 15:24–26. Third, it examines these proof texts within the broader biblical themes and intertextual considerations, particularly the New Testament’s portrayal of the church as a pilgrim people, the expectation of suffering prior to Christ’s return, and the use of Psalms 2 and 110 in Revelation and Hebrews.

Grantor dc:publisher

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Thornberg, Gregory John

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Hamilton, James M. Jr

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10392/7667

OAI record oai:identifier

https://repository.sbts.edu/oai/request?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=dim&identifier=oai%3Arepository.sbts.edu%3A10392%2F7667