The Contribution Of The Transfiguration To A Literal View Of The Kingdom -- By: Jerry M. Hullinger

Journal: Journal of Ministry and Theology
Volume: JMAT 08:2 (Fall 2004)
Article: The Contribution Of The Transfiguration To A Literal View Of The Kingdom
Author: Jerry M. Hullinger


The Contribution Of The Transfiguration
To A Literal View Of The Kingdom

Jerry Hullinger

Bible Teacher

Pensacola, Florida

The transfiguration is one of the crucial episodes in the earthly life of Christ. Its collocation with other momentous events in the life of Christ such as the birth, baptism, temptation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension demonstrates its signification. As S. Lewis Johnson suggests, “I am not so sure however, that it is not as important as the temptation and I think it is definitely as vital as the ascension.”1

There are several reasons, therefore, that the transfiguration merits serious study, but this article will focus on the vital truth which this event presents regarding the nature of the kingdom offered by Christ.2 The thesis of this study is that the transfiguration buttresses the view of the dispensational premillennialist3 regarding the nature of the kingdom presented to Israel by John the

Baptist and Christ. In other words, this study will argue that the transfiguration supports the view of a literal earthly kingdom.4

The Pre-Transfiguration Prediction

Each of the Synoptic writers precedes his account of the transfiguration with a prediction made by Christ. For example, Matthew’s statement reads as follows: “Verily I say unto you, there are some standing here, who shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom” (16:28).5 The interpretation of this prediction made by Jesus is the most discussed aspect of the transfiguration because the view one takes of this prediction will betray the interpreter’s system of hermeneutics and eschatology. If one believes in the literal reign of Christ, then the language is plain; but if one does not, then an alternative must be suggested.

The Resurrection VIew

Some have understood the transfiguration to be a picture of the resurrection of Christ. For instance Margaret Thrall writes, “I suggest, therefore, that Mark deliberately associates the transfigured Christ and the risen Christ, and that he presents the transfiguration as the prefigurement of resurrection.”6 This position was also espoused by Calvin who believed that “by the coming of the kingdom of God we are to understand the manifestation of heavenly ...

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