I believe everything has been fulfilled, in every way, until Revelation 20:8. The difference in our interpretations seems to seems to be our interpretations of the old testament. Many of those who attempted to take it literally in the past paid a heavy price. Therefore, I rely on the new testament, first, for interpretation of events. If the old testament doesn't match the new, then I assume I am misinterpreting the old.
Another major difference in our interpretative methods is I believe scriptures on the coming of Christ, which he and his apostles mentioned in many different ways, all pointed to a time during the lifetime of his disciples: during their generation. I see no need to explain that away to fit any pre-conceived notions about the future.
>>>Too many things haven't happened yet to believe it ALL has already happened.<<<
All I see remaining is the defeat of Satan, the final judgement, and everyone living happily ever after.
Philip
I don't believe we are interpreting the words "respecter of persons" the same way. That term, as I understand it, only applies to His and our judgements, and must always be devoid of any notion of race, wealth, position of authority, etc..
That was not true before the days of Christ. For example, when the Peter saw the vision of the beasts, and was instructed to eat, he eventually understood it to mean that God was no respecter of persons in the sense that the Gentiles were now included in the kingdom. This is how Peter explained it:
"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." (Acts 10:34-35 KJV)
Therefore, Peter saw that God now considered the Gentiles as equals to the Israelites in the kingdom, and his continued exclusion of them in his ministry would be a sin.
That in no way implies that God does not distinguish between the evil and the good; nor does it imply that some are not more righteous that others. Those of the small elect: the remnant of Israel, were certainly more righteous than their fellow Israelites. Therefore, they received the promise, and the other Israelites were rejected. Some within the ranks of the elect, such as the apostles, received special and permanent positions within the kingdom. But that has nothing to do with showing respect of persons. James explained it this way:
"For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:" (Jam 2:2-3 KJV)
Recall that the apostles avoided any appearance of respect by wearing simple clothing, and taking the position of servant, rather than master, as did Jesus by example.
Jesus also showed how we can show respect of persons in other ways by his parable of the Good Samaritan. I personally believe that anyone who claims that the Israelites as a race are still God's chosen people are showing respect of persons.
Philip