Joseph A. Seiss (1823-1904) has been labeled as one of the most able popular Lutheran preachers of the nineteenth century. Holding several pastorates, he was well-known and in demand as a speaker and author. He wrote over a dozen books; his most popular titles are: The Apocalypse, The Gospel in Leviticus, and The Gospel in the Stars. He also acted as editor of two magazines, The Lutheran and Prophetic Times.
His classic premillennial work is The Apocalypse, which is one of the most important studies ever written on the book of Revelation. It is called "an exhaustive, premillennial exposition" (Barber) and, "the most famous expository work on Revelation . . . sane, suggestive, reverent, . . . dependable" (Smith). Though a respected scholar in the Lutheran church, Seiss met much opposition for his millennial views. Seiss writes: "There is a widespread prejudice against the study of the Apocalypse." He added, "there are religious guides, sworn to teach 'the whole counsel of God,' who make a merit of not understanding [Revelation], and of not wishing to occupy themselves with it."
The key to Revelation, according to Seiss, is that the Apocalypse does not mean a communicated message, "but the coming, appearing, manifestation, uncovering, presentation, of Jesus Christ in person." He adds it is "His own personal manifestation and unveiling in the scenes and administrations of the great Day of the Lord."
Both Seiss and George N. H. Peters were brought to their premillennial convictions through the influence of one of the most outstanding Lutheran scholars of the nineteenth century, Dr. S. S. Schmucker. Schmucker has been called one of the most forceful exponents of biblical prophecy in America during that period.
His classic premillennial work is The Apocalypse, which is one of the most important studies ever written on the book of Revelation. It is called "an exhaustive, premillennial exposition" (Barber) and, "the most famous expository work on Revelation . . . sane, suggestive, reverent, . . . dependable" (Smith). Though a respected scholar in the Lutheran church, Seiss met much opposition for his millennial views. Seiss writes: "There is a widespread prejudice against the study of the Apocalypse." He added, "there are religious guides, sworn to teach 'the whole counsel of God,' who make a merit of not understanding [Revelation], and of not wishing to occupy themselves with it."
The key to Revelation, according to Seiss, is that the Apocalypse does not mean a communicated message, "but the coming, appearing, manifestation, uncovering, presentation, of Jesus Christ in person." He adds it is "His own personal manifestation and unveiling in the scenes and administrations of the great Day of the Lord."
Both Seiss and George N. H. Peters were brought to their premillennial convictions through the influence of one of the most outstanding Lutheran scholars of the nineteenth century, Dr. S. S. Schmucker. Schmucker has been called one of the most forceful exponents of biblical prophecy in America during that period.
