Introduction to Eschatology
eschatos
/ˈes.kʰa.tos/ • Greek adjective
Meaning "last" or "farthest". The root word for Eschatology: the study of "last things".
Eschatology is not merely about predicting the future or decoding complex symbols. It is the theological study of the culmination of God's redemptive plan for history.
Common Errors in Approaching Eschatology
Ignoring the Subject
Many Christians overlook end-times teaching despite its biblical prominence.
Wrong Emphasis
Focusing on secondary issues while missing central themes.
Ignorance of Views
Not understanding different theological perspectives on the end-times.
Biblical Prominence of End-Times Teaching
Old Testament
- Over 1,800 references
- 17 books give prominence to this theme
New Testament
- 300+ references in 260 chapters
- 23 of 27 books refer to Christ's return
- 8 prophecies of Second Coming for every 1 of the First
Key Insight: 1 out of every 30 verses in the Bible mentions Christ's return or the end of time.
What We Agree On
Before diving into the debates, it is crucial to anchor ourselves in the "mere Christianity" of eschatology. Regardless of one's view on the millennium, all orthodox believers affirm these central truths:
The personal, visible return of Jesus Christ
The resurrection of believers and unbelievers to judgment
Believers will appear before the judgment seat of Christ
God will create a new heaven and a new earth
The wicked will enter conscious, eternal punishment
Believers are to be watchful and prepared
The Meaning of the Millennium
The word "millennium" comes from two Latin words: mille (thousand) and annus (year).
It refers specifically to the "thousand years" mentioned in Revelation 20:1-6. This is the only passage in the Bible that explicitly speaks of a thousand-year reign of Christ.
The central debate among theologians is not whether Christ reigns, but the nature and timing of this thousand-year period:
- Literal vs. Symbolic: Is it exactly 1,000 calendar years, or is it a symbolic number representing a long period of time?
- Future vs. Present: Is it a future earthly kingdom, or is it the current spiritual reign of Christ through the Church?
"Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven... He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years... The others of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended... they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years."— Revelation 20:1-6 (NIV)
Five Major Questions to Tackle
Is teaching on the millennium intended literally or symbolically?
To what do the resurrections of Revelation 20:4-6 refer: spiritual or physical resurrections?
Is the millennium future or present?
Is there any basis for an optimistic future on earth?
Will the church escape the great tribulation?
Four Major Views
Dispensationalism
Christ will return to earth before the millennium to establish a literal 1,000-year earthly kingdom. During this time, Christ reigns physically on earth with believers.
C.I. Scofield, John MacArthur, Tony Evans, Charles Swindoll
- Literal interpretation of Revelation 20
- Distinction between the Church and Israel (in Dispensational variety)
- Satan is bound during the 1,000 years
- Expects society to grow worse before Christ returns
Coming to a Position
Three fundamental questions to help you develop your eschatological position:
Will there be a Millennium?
An earthly reign of Christ?
Arguments for Yes
- •Natural reading of Revelation 20
- •Other passages suggest millennial conditions
- •Two separate resurrections indicated
Arguments for No
- •Only one obscure passage teaches it
- •Jesus and Paul didn't teach it
- •Revelation is symbolic
When will the Second Coming take place?
Before or after the Millennium?
Arguments for After
- •Great Commission expects worldwide success
- •Parables of kingdom growth
- •Historical Christian progress
Arguments for Before
- •Biblical indication of end-times wickedness
- •Few will believe (Matthew 7:13-14)
- •World conditions not improving
Will Christ remove the church before the Tribulation?
Before or after the Tribulation?
Arguments for Before
- •Tribulation is God's wrath
- •Revelation 3:10 promises
- •Need unbelievers for millennium
Arguments for After
- •Matthew 24 mentions the elect
- •Tribulation vs. God's wrath distinction
- •Church has always faced tribulation
The Goals of This Study
Understanding
That you will understand the four major eschatological views and their biblical foundations.
Decision
That you will make an intelligent, informed decision as to which view you hold.