The Ongoing Advance of Redemption After the Resurrection | Jonathan Edwards

Deep Dive into A History of the Work of Redemption by Jonathan Edwards - From Christ's Resurrection to the End of the World - How the Success Was Carried OnThe period from Christ’s resurrection until the eventual fall of Antichrist is defined as the appointed day of Zion’s troubles. Throughout this era, the church has existed in a state of nearly continuous affliction. During the first three centuries, believers faced intense reproach and persecution from both Jewish and heathen sources. While the era of Constantine offered a brief interval of rest and prosperity, it was short-lived, followed quickly by the rise of the Arians and the emergence of Antichrist.Under the dominance of Antichrist, the true church was driven into the wilderness, remaining in a state of obscurity, contempt, and suffering for centuries leading up to the Reformation. Surprisingly, the period following the Reformation saw persecutions that exceeded those of previous ages. Even now, the church remains largely suppressed by its enemies, a condition expected to persist until the fall of Antichrist.Scripture represents this suffering as a state of travail, where the church labors to bring forth the glory and prosperity promised for the future. While these trials are significant, they are considered a "little season" when compared to the eternal prosperity of the saints. Central to this narrative is the role of Rome, identified as the spiritual Babylon. Just as ancient Babylon was the primary source of trouble for Jerusalem, Rome has been the main instrument of suffering for the Christian church.This historical cycle transitions from the persecutions of heathen Rome before Constantine to those of antichristian Rome afterward. The era of tribulation will only conclude when this spiritual Babylon is destroyed. Following that destruction, the church will enter an appointed day of earthly prosperity. This shift marks the time when the saints will no longer be suppressed but will reign, and the kingdom will be given to the people of the Most High.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerSpotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdwhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730