The term “eschatology” originates from the Greek word “éschatos,” which signifies the extreme or most remote location, the final number, or simply the conclusion. In the context of time, it refers to the culmination of a time period or the ultimate end of time. However, when defined, dictionaries often introduce their own interpretations rather than providing a precise definition, employing terms such as death, judgment, and final destiny. In theological discussions, the term “eschatology” pertains to the study of the end times, but it does not encompass the end of humanity. Instead, it focuses on the conclusion of this phase of existence that is characterized by sin followed by the commencement of eternal life with Jesus. Therefore for Christians, this concept should be viewed as a transition rather than a definitive conclusion. Conversely, for those who have not accepted Jesus’ free offer of salvation, this represents the end where death and judgment will transpire, leading to eternal torment.
Nearly every religion and theology developed encompasses some form of eschatology, ranging from highly detailed and intricate to straightforward and simple. In this review of eschatology, we will exclusively focus on the Christian perspective presented in the Bible. While Christian eschatology may be less convoluted compared to some other eschatologies, it is not devoid of interpretive variance, leading to ongoing debates and divisions. Given the emotionally compelling and defensible nature of various Christian eschatological viewpoints, it is crucial to exercise discernment before delving deeper into this subject. In other words pray before proceeding!
So before we peel back the many layers of eschatology we need to look into what makes something right and other things wrong. Don’t panic or worry, it won’t take long to read.
When we are introduced to a new idea have you ever wondered how does that idea goes from a possibility to an absolute in our minds? We certainly can’t research and think about every iteration or variable before we think “okay that’s a fact.” For most people that process is bypassed when the source of that ‘fact’ is trustworthy and respected. Many theological theories are accepted as being true simply because the theologian who presented the idea is trusted. Typically that would be considered a good and healthy process, but when it comes to the Bible we need to get it 100 % correct. In Acts 17:11 Luke lauded the Bereans for doing something most teachers would take exception to, he wrote, “And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.” (NLT) After they heard Paul and Silas they went home, brought out their Scriptures to make sure what they were told was indeed true. While the study of eschatology may not directly affect one’s salvation it can indirectly influence one’s fellowship with God or perhaps worse.
Trusting a theologian should not be ‘automatic’ just because you had agreed with them on some previous issue or interpretation. All theological dogmas, principles, and theories should be closely examined in light of Scripture, God’s Word, not humanity’s interpretation. For those who have been raised in a Christian family may have been brought up in a specific Christian denomination and that denomination’s theology was taught from an early age forming your worldview. Many elements of that theology can become presuppositions which we from an early age blindly accept as being true. Those are perhaps the hardest barriers to recognize and correct.
Understanding Our Responsibility to Interpret God’s Word Correctly
In his second letter to his protégé Timothy, Paul emotionally conveys several powerful points and insights. As Paul undoubtedly knew that this was his last letter, he combined words of both encouragement and empowerment. In the first chapter he gives thanks to God for Timothy and to “Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.” (2 Timothy 1:14, NLT) To guard the truth from what? Likely from corruption! Just like Timothy, we also are to guard the truth. Paul then begins to explain how in the following chapter.
You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, (2 Timothy 2:1, ESV)
Paul is telling Timothy to be strengthened by Jesus’ grace, that of receiving something that is not deserved. This is certainly contrary to our human nature. I like how the “God’s Word” version of the Bible renders this verse, “My child, find your source of strength in the kindness of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:1, GW) Our source of strength is Jesus! Not just strength to proceed but strength in His grace and kindness, which implies interacting with others.
and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)
The Voice Bible version translates this verse as, “Whatever you heard me teach before an audience of witnesses, I want you to pass along to trustworthy people who have the ability to teach others too.” (2 Timothy 2:2, The Voice) Paul is instructing Timothy to pass on what he (Paul) taught to trustworthy people so they can teach. Here again we run into entrusting the truth (see 2 Timothy 1:14). God’s Word must be taught pure! It also must be interpreted and conveyed in a pure and unadulterated form (that’s pure by God’s standards, not human standards where something can be 99% or less pure).
Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:3, ESV)
Paul is calling Timothy (and us readers) into action and to expect hardship and suffering as a result of teaching and conveying the truth. If the teaching is already compromised then likely the teacher and student will not be in many spiritual battles, but that’s not the goal for soldiers of Christ Jesus.
No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. (2 Timothy 2:4, ESV)
Paul then uses three distinctively different professions to teach three lessons. Here in verse four Paul notes that soldiers don’t get involved in civil matters as they only serve and obey their superior officer. Christians only have one Commander and Chief, Jesus.
An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (2 Timothy 2:5, ESV)
Paul makes a valid point, if you are going to do something that counts, and in this case for the kingdom of God, one needs to follow the instructions per the rules given to us in the Bible. Of course the only way to know that for sure is to study the Bible for ourselves. If we “run a race” using a different route or use the wrong ball in any sport, we are disqualified. The same applies to living, reading, or teaching the Bible. Plus, if something is taught wrong the long-term affect can have eternal consequences.
It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. (2 Timothy 2:6, ESV)
Paul writes that a farmer who has worked hard to produce a crop should be the first one to enjoy the fruit of his labor. God may not reduce the burden but will reward those who are diligent and willing to do the labor. Like a farmer planting a crop, our work for the kingdom of God may take time to produce any fruit, long hard hours of labor are to be expected. But it will be worth the wait!
Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. ( 2 Timothy 2:7, ESV)
Depending on the Bible translation, the ending of this verse varies. For example the New English Translation reads, “Think about what I am saying and the Lord will give you understanding of all this.” (2 Timothy 2:7, NET) Here the ending conveys the idea that God will give to the reader understanding of the last five verses, but the Greek word ‘pasin’ which does refer to the totality of something, it is not given a substantive article, meaning it likely is indeed referring to everything (as presented in the CSB, ESV, KJV, NASB, NKJV, etc.)
In summary, Paul says: 1) we are to guard the truth entrusted to us; 2) our strength and willingness to serve others comes from Jesus; 2) that when the Word of God is taught it must be presented as God intended, pure and accurate; 3) we need to be found doing what Jesus called us to do, 4) following His rules (see Matthew 28:18-20); 5) we are to expect to work hard and long; and 6) we are to think (reason it out) since Jesus will give us understanding in everything. Just like Stephen who had the Holy Spirit in him when he was dragged in front of the Sanhedrim (see Acts 6:8-7:60), we have the Holy Spirit to discern the truth about the Scriptures.
So if all believers possess the Holy Spirit then why do we have so many churches and denominations that can’t agree on what they believe? Some answer bluntly saying that those who believe wrongly are not Christian believers. Others accuse anyone not believing like them are blinded by their presuppositions and are not listening to the Holy Spirit. Both statements come from people who assume that their interpretations are correct, effectively pitting one Christian group against another. It is interesting to note that this conflict was prayed for by Jesus long before the Church even got started. In the garden the night before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” (John 17:20-23, NLT, emphasis added) Later Paul wrote about the necessity for unity, “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.” (Ephesians 4:1-6, NLT, emphasis added) Sadly, the lack of unity between churches has become a stumbling block for many unbelievers, causing us to fail in the Great Commission.
The question remains largely unanswered as the number of disagreements are significant. On the subject of eschatology alone there are literally hundreds of different variations. Does that sound like the Word of God has been guarded or left pure? Assuming no one intended to introduce error or corruption on purpose, that means there are a lot of misguided theological thinkers who think they are right! Since many of the eschatological theories are polar opposites, they certainly can’t all be right.
When reviewing the various theories we need to determine if the Word of God was truly guarded (protected from outside influence). Common issues include limiting God (He does not share man’s limitations), inability to comprehend God (His ways are not our ways, see Isaiah 55:8-9), not reading or studying the whole Bible before forming an opinion (understanding that Scripture is consistent), and of course presuppositions.
We also need to understand that God does not need our help in revealing some hidden truth, nor will He hide a valuable truth. His desire is for all to be saved (see 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9). If He wants to convey a message and the Bible is the Word of God, then it should be received, studied, and accepted as being from God, He will say what He means and mean what He says, no allegory should be assumed. For example if the Bible states that there will be a thousand-year kingdom on earth, then we should expect there will be a thousand-year period in the future.
The most important element required for any Bible study, as mentioned earlier, is prayer. But not one that is said with no intention of obeying the Holy Spirit! Honestly answer this, “Would you be willing to forfeit a presupposition if prompted by the Spirit to do so?” Our hearts and minds need to be in alignment with God, and there will be times that will come with a ‘price’. Not of money but to allow the Holy Spirit permission to “renew” your mind (see Romans 12:1-2).
Once we are “in sync with God,” then we can begin to understand and actually know what is right. Now we can go back and continue our primer on eschatology.
That chapter name may sound to some to be a silly question. But since eschatology has attracted some very fanciful ideas and some “way-off-biblical” theories, its probably a good idea to look at the reason why all that we know and relate to must end. Actually, the reason can be summed up in one word, ‘transition’. We currently live in a sin-ridden world which is under God’s curse (it was cursed because of that sin, see Genesis 3:16-19; Romans 8:20-22) and we are still sinners (whether you think differently or not, see 1 John 1:10), but God is holy (no sin, perfect). Do you see the problem? Plus, as believers we are promised to be like Jesus (see Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:21; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 3:) and spend eternity with Him (see John 14:2-3; 2 Corinthians 5:1; Revelation 21:3-4). If God is eternal and not affected by time (He created time, see Psalm 90:4; 2 Peter 3:8), will we also in our glorified bodies be outside of time? Some say that the best way to define eternity is when time no longer matters. So, will time matter in heaven? Probably not.
The world that we know will transition, along with our bodies (see Job 19:25-26; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58; Philippians 3:20-21), into what the apostle Paul described as imperishable bodies (see 1 Corinthians 15:53). Every transition requires something to end before the next can begin. Time ends so that eternity can begin. It seems that the Bible brings its readers to a point in time that we will no longer need instruction since Jesus Himself will teach us from that point on (see Ephesians 2:6-7).
Introducing the Primary Controversial Components
There are eight extremely controversial components that make up what we might call a Christian eschatology doctrine, but before looking at them there is one question I need to ask. Do you believe the Bible is the Word of God and that He says what He means? If you truly believe the Bible is from God then you are likely to agree that as the creator of language He is the ultimate author. If you are still with me then you probably agree that the Bible’s primary purpose is to convey from God to humans His plan of salvation that He made available through His Son Jesus. In this plan we see that He focuses on a man early in the Bible who eventually led to the creation of a nation, and from that nation a supernatural man was born to save all of humanity. The people of that nation and the nation itself are still important to God, so much so that the end times cannot be understood away from them, and yes, you guessed it, they are the first component. Bluntly stated, if your understanding of the end times does not include the people and the nation of Israel, it is wrong.
Now let’s move on to the remaining seven components. The next one relates to the return of Jesus as promised, we all know it as “the Second Coming” (see Matthew 24:27; John 14:3; 2 Peter 3:3-10; Revelation 22:12-17), or more precisely, the question of when. Next, we look at two time periods. The first one is called the time of tribulation, depending on your view point it will typically be either be three and a half years or seven years (see Daniel 7:25; 9:24-27; 12:7; Revelation 12:6; 13:5), but not in everyone’s eyes. Followed by the one-thousand year period often referred to as the Millennium (see Revelation 20:1-10), questions include, “Will there be one?” “Will it be really be 1,000 years or will it be more arbitrary?
The fifth component concerns the removal of believers prior to punishment and judgment of unbelievers. The common term is ‘rapture’, a word adopted from the Latin Vulgate Bible. The Greek word is ‘harpazō’, referring to being snatched up or removed quickly. The question is two fold, “Will there be a rapture?” And if so, when?
Next, the Bible identifies an invasion of Israel by several surrounding nations. It is often referred to as “Gog and Magog,” or the “Magog Invasion.” Since those names can be found in both the Old Testament (see Ezekiel chapters 38-39) and the New Testament (see Revelation 20:8) there is a debate as to when that invasion will occur.
Number seven on this list is about the Kingdom of God. This seemingly innocuous subject is potentially the greatest source of controversy! Some debate when the kingdom began (or will begin), many even question, “Where will it be?”
The eighth component is a little more complicated. It is about some of the devastating events that are typically identified in the Bible as being yet to be fulfilled in the future. Some interpret them as being already completed (they usually point to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 A.D.) or that they will be fulfilled in the future.
Other less-controversial eschatological components: the resurrection of Old Testament saints, and the resurrection of believers.
Those eight components have become like children’s building blocks in a theological playground, as theologians place one block on another and then shuffle them around only to end up starting all over again. The sad commentary is that each ‘theologian’ takes their approach very seriously and typically refuse to go back to the Bible to see if their beliefs match what God says, after all it’s His interpretation that counts not ours! If He can’t say what He means then we need to go back and question the premise that He is the ultimate communicator.
I am not suggesting that I know the proper way to correctly interpret each of these components, I just want readers to consider revisiting their eschatological viewpoints. In other words, having a willingness to ignore previous presuppositions and look at Scripture in a fresh new way. The key to all Bible studies is to seek the true meaning of the text, not what it means to us (many modern Bible studies seem to be fixated on finding out how we the reader feels, the story is His not ours). Each component should be evaluated and explored through the ‘lens’ of Scripture.
Does Israel and the people of Israel (the descendants of Jacob, aka Israel) matter to God today? Absolutely, yes! Many so-called Christians have embraced a theology that denies the importance of Israel. They often quickly respond by saying, “They rejected their Messiah!” Even if that was true, and for the most part it is true, but they couldn’t be forfeited from God’s promise any more than a Christian believer’s salvation could be denied. It is God’s nature to keep His promises! So, did Israel lose God’s favor, no.
But what about the church, the Body of Christ? When Jesus came to earth, lived a sin-free life, suffered, died, and rose to life again, He (and He alone) fulfilled the requirements of God’s law in order to provide passage for believers from a temporary life to a permanent life with Him. Since we possess the ability to choose (aka “free will”), God gives us a choice, those that choose Jesus He calls them His church. The church has been given promises just like the people of Israel have been given promises. Some promises overlap, such as the need for the Messiah for salvation, but many promises are unique. To assume that the church is now the recipient of Israel’s promises is wrong and potentially vain.
Snapshot Overview
Who
The nation and people of Israel. It seems that everyone has a different name for this people group so I will just refer to them as the Jews, but Israelites and Hebrews work as names too.
What
The promises of future events both in punishment and blessings. God will restore the nation of Israel, but not until they see Jesus as their Messiah. According to the Scriptures they will be subjected to a period of great hardship (during the Tribulation period) before they turn to Him.
When
The subject of when the Tribulation will occur is one of the eight controversial components and will be reviewed in greater detail below.
Where
The nation of Israel, but God also promised much greater boundaries early in the Old Testament which have never been to date fulfilled (see Genesis 13:14-15; 15:18-21; 17:8; Exodus 23:30-31; Numbers 34:1-15; Joshua 1:3-6). The current boundaries will be expanded to those promised during the Millennium (see below).
Why
God always keeps His promises. If a promise has not been fulfilled to date, then it will be fulfilled in the future. And if it pertains to the world as we know it, then the fulfillment will occur prior to eternity beginning (when God ‘upgrades’ existence with a new heaven and a new earth (see Revelation 21:1-5).
The Controversy
By quoting verses like Jeremiah 3:6-8 and Matthew 21:43 to justify their belief that the Jews lost their favored position before God, many theologians and denominations have embraced Replacement Theology (or similar). While these verses do indeed point to God’s chastisement and potential judgment, they are not referring to a permanent rejection. We should also understand that this idea of the church replacing Israel is not a recent development as several early church leaders and theologians initiated and developed the concept and further promoted the idea through their writings.
Replacement Theology (aka “Fulfillment Theology” or “Supersessionism”) is the belief that the New Testament church is the new and true ‘Israel’ and that it has ’superseded’ the nation of Israel as being the people of God. It is often viewed as a punitive action taken due to the people of Israel rejecting Jesus as their Messiah. That now, apart from repentance and accepting Jesus and thus joining the church as individuals, there is no further connection between the nation of Israel, or the Jews, to God. But that is not what the Bible teaches.
First, when we go back to the promises given to Abraham we read that the covenant between God and Abraham was unconditional and eternal. This covenant was reiterated to Isaac and Jacob (also known as Israel). If this ‘Abrahamic Covenant’ was unconditional and God later revoked His covenant due to a ‘condition’ (the rejection of Jesus), then He broke His own covenant. The good news is that He didn’t break that covenant, as He will never break a promise (see Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Psalm 89:34; Ezekiel 24:14).
Secondly, the Bible teaches that God is not finished with Israel. Perhaps best stated by Paul in his epistle to the church in Rome. He begins with the question, “I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.” (Romans 11:1-2a) He later explains, “So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!” (Romans 11:11-12) And further notes that, "a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:25b-26b). Note that a partial hardening, the inability to see Jesus as their Messiah, came from God, also note that this ‘blindness’ is only temporary.
Here is a short list of respected theologians and councils that have contributed to the church rejecting Israel: Ignatius of Antioch (late first century), wrote "If any one celebrates the passover along with the Jews, or receives the emblems of their feast, he is a partaker with those that killed the Lord and His apostles";[1] Justin Martyr (early second century), stated that the church was the true spiritual Israel and that the Gentiles have replaced the Jews;[2] Irenaeus (middle second century) wrote "the Jews...would themselves never have hesitated to burn their own Scriptures, which do declare that all other nations partake of [eternal] life, and show that they who boast themselves as being the house of Jacob and the people of Israel, are disinherited from the grace of God";[3] Tertullian (160 A.D. - 240 A.D.) wrote how he believes that the Jews have been rejected by God;[4] Origen (circa 185 A.D. - circa 253 A.D.), often called the father of anti-Semitism, also popularized allegorical Scriptural interpretation; Eusebius (circa 260 A.D. - 339 A.D.), wrote that the promises of Scripture were meant for the Gentiles and the curses were meant for the Jews. He also asserted that the Church was the “true Israel”;[5] Saint Hilary of Poitiers (291 A.D. - 371 A.D.), wrote: “Jews are a perverse people accursed by God forever”; John Chrysostom (349 A.D. - 407 A.D.) stated that the Jews could never receive forgiveness and claimed it was a Christian's duty to hate Jews; Augustine of Hippo (354 A.D - 407 A.D.), claimed that the Jews deserved death but were destined to wander the earth to witness the victory of the Church over the synagogue. In addition to the writings of individuals, several Christian councils have convened through the years that have denounced the Jews including: The Council of Elvira in Spain (also known as the Synod of Elvira, circa 300 A.D.), it was a group of bishops, presbyters, deacons, and laymen that developed 81 'canons' regarding procedures and 'proper Christian' behavior, where they prohibited Christians from associating with a Jew; Council of Nicea (325 A.D.), They are largely responsible for changing the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the Jewish Feast of First Fruits to Easter in an attempt to disassociate it from Jewish feasts. Eusebius of Caesarea quotes Constantine the Great (Roman Emperor, 227-337 A.D.) who wrote after the Council of Nicea, “At this meeting the question concerning the most holy day of Easter was discussed, and it was resolved by the united judgment of all present, that this feast ought to be kept by all and in every place on one and the same day. For what can be more becoming or honorable to us than that this feast from which we date our hopes of immortality, should be observed unfailingly by all alike, according to one ascertained order and arrangement? And first of all, it appeared an unworthy thing that in the celebration of this most holy feast we should follow the practice of the Jews, who have impiously defiled their hands with enormous sin, and are, therefore, deservedly afflicted with blindness of soul. For we have it in our power, if we abandon their custom, to prolong the due observance of this ordinance to future ages, by a truer order, which we have preserved from the very day of the passion until the present time. Let us then have nothing in common with the detestable Jewish crowd; for we have received from our Saviour a different way.”[6] The council decided that “the Sunday a week after the Sunday after Passover would be the official date, and that all celebrating on Passover would be considered anathema.” It is interesting to note that the Catholic Church reveres Constantine.
Many of these writings and ideas became mainstream forming the theologies of several denominations. To them the nation of Israel is just another nation and the Jews are people representing another false religion. With the presupposition that Israel is no longer relevant, their eschatology is missing the most important component and as a result have developed an inaccurate view of the end times. In order to ‘compensate’ for taking Israel out of the end-time scenario, a significant amount of Scripture would need to be either ignored or modified (such as using unfounded allegorization). When examining Scripture and identifying prophecies both fulfilled and unfulfilled one can easily see the most often-prophesied is about Jesus, but the next most-often repeated subject of prophecy would be the restoration of Israel.[7] A rather peculiar inclusion if they are no longer relevant. The truth is that they are indeed relevant and those presuppositions are wrong. To properly understand the end as God has designed, the nation of Israel needs to be not only included, but they need to be considered ‘center stage’. Why? Because they are the ones who will call Jesus to return. Matthew records Jesus lamenting over Jerusalem, we read, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Matthew 23:37-39) Note that the house of Israel (a familiar phrase from the Old Testament for the nation of Israel) will be left desolate (lonely, in context without Him, their Messiah) until they realize their error in not recognizing who He was and call for Him to return. Saying, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Why would Jesus say that if the nation of Israel is insignificant?
Taking Israel out of one’s view of eschatology can certainly lead to a distain for Judaism, the Jews, and the nation of Israel, but the writings of dead theologians are not the only source of antisemitism. The source of the idea of discounting Israel that has manifested into hatred for the Jews, is none other than Satan himself. He understands the role Israel plays in the end times and is doing everything he can to prevent their involvement (especially stop them from seeking repentance for not recognizing who Jesus was, see Matthew 23:39). He has influenced the world to believe that the Jews are a contemptuous people and that humanity will be better off without them. Prophecy alerts us that antisemitism will increase as we approach the end times, and sadly that will include many misinformed ‘Christians’.
Jesus promised that He would return (see Matthew 16:27; 24:26-31, 36-44; Luke 21:25-28; John 5:28-29; 14:1-3; Revelation 22:10, see also Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 5:1-3; Hebrews 9:27-28; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-16). In addition to those promises the Old Testament has several allusions to the Messiah coming but not as the humble servant to die, but to fight those that oppose Him (for example see Daniel 7:13; Zechariah 12:10; 14:1).
Snapshot Overview
Who
Jesus Christ, the Messiah
What
His return to earth.
When
At the end of the age (see Revelation 19:11).
Where
On earth, but “every eye will see Him” (see Revelation 1:7).
Why
To take away the authority of the devil, to punish the living unbelievers, and to start His earthly reign (see Revelation 20:4).
How
Jesus returns in majesty, riding a white horse, His eyes will be like fire, on His head several royal crowns, and He will be clothed in a robe dipped in blood on which the name “The Word of God.” On His thigh are the names, “King of kings and Lord of lords.” He will be followed by the armies of heaven who will also be riding white horses (see Matthew 24:30; Revelation 19:11-16).
The Controversy
The majority of the debate regarding Jesus’ return pertains to timing, but much revolves around the next component the Tribulation. There are several theories as to when Jesus will return, we will look at the three most popular. The first adopts the idea that there will not be a thousand-year millennial reign of Jesus on earth. The basic premise is that the period we live in today will continue until Jesus returns. This Amillennialism (the ‘a’ prefix indicates a negation) concept suggests that the length of the period is essentially arbitrary (not a literal 1,000 years), and that Satan is bound during our current age (see Revelation 20:2). The second theory is Premillennialism, just as the name implies, Jesus will return before the Millennium begins. The third is called Postmillennialism, it places the return after the Millennium. Here is a brief review of each:
Amillennialists believe we are currently in the ‘millennial’ period, instead of being a literal 1,000 years, it is an arbitrary span of time. This period can essentially be defined as the time between the end of Jesus’ first coming and the beginning of His second coming. They also believe that Satan is bound and rendered ineffective. That due to Jesus’ victory on the cross, Satan was bound as evidenced by the spread of the gospel, therefore he is no longer able to deceive the nations (see Revelation 20:1-3).
Amillennialists also believe: 1) That the promises made to Abraham, Jacob (Israel), and David have been fulfilled by Christ or by His church; 2) Jesus is currently reigning during this time from heaven (also known as Reformed Amillennialism or ‘present’ millennialism); 3) When the Old Testament prophets and writers spoke about the future, they were only able to use terminology that they knew. Therefore, they believe that all eschatological themes in the Bible need to be reinterpreted using more recent New Testament references. Those Old Testament images are types and shadows that are fulfilled in Jesus, meaning that Jesus is the true Israel, the true Temple, and the true heir to David’s throne, etc. 4) They consider the period marked by conflict, martyrdom, and revolt against God. 5) Some believe that since the Bible contains two passages that state that for God one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like one day (see Psalm 90:4; 2 Peter 3:8) that the thousand years are only figurative. 6) Since only believing Jews are the “true Israel” and that the ethnic Jews that did not accept Jesus were cast away, the remnant of Israel has already received the inheritance promised to God’s people since they are the true “children of promise” (see Romans 9:6-8). Due to the ethnic Jews being cast away the door for salvation opened for the Gentiles. and 7) The true Israel are believers and recipients of the inheritance promised to God’s people therefore there are no unfulfilled promises that need to be fulfilled.
Click here to see a brief refutation of Amillennialism.
Premillennialism (there are two popular views)
Dispensational Premillennialism
Dispensational premillennialists believe that Jesus will come before the seven-year Tribulation period to remove all believers and take them (living and dead) into heaven. After the fulfillment of divine wrath He will return to rule from the New Jerusalem the earthly nations for one thousand years. After the thousand years, Satan, who was bound up during Christ's earthly reign, will be loosed to deceive the nations again, gather an army of those who have been deceived, and take up to battle against the Lord. This battle will end in both the judgment of the wicked and Satan and usher in the eternal state of glory. This view is called dispensational premillennialism because it is based on the doctrines of dispensationalism.
Dispensational premillennialism teaches that a seven-year tribulation, as foreseen in Daniel 9:27, will precede a millennium-long period (see Revelation 20:1-6). During this time, Christ will reign on the throne of David, as prophesied in Luke 1:32. Immediately preceding the commencement of the Great Tribulation, all the deceased saints will be resurrected from their graves, and all living believers will be raptured to meet Christ in the clouds of the sky (see 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). During the Tribulation, there will be a three-and-a-half-year period of world peace under the dominion of the Antichrist (see Daniel 7:8; Revelation 13:1-8), during which he will establish a global religion (see Revelation 17:1-15). Subsequently, there will be a further three-and-a-half years of intensified suffering (as described in Revelation 6-18). Concluding this period, Jesus will return (see Matthew 24:27-31; Revelation 19:11-21), judge the world (see Ezekiel 20:33-38; Matthew 25:31; Jude 1:14-15), bind Satan for a millennium (see Revelation 20:1-3), and raise the Old Testament and Tribulation saints from the dead (see Daniel 12:2; Revelation 20:4). At this juncture, the millennial reign will commence, and Jesus will exercise political authority over the earth from His capital in Jerusalem, as envisioned in Isaiah 2:3. Throughout His reign, there will be ongoing peace (see Isaiah 2:4), and even the natural behaviors of animals will be harmonized (see Isaiah 11:6-9). Concluding this era of tranquility, Satan will be released and orchestrate a colossal (but futile) rebellion against God (see Revelation 20:7-9). Following this fateful confrontation, Satan and the wicked will be cast into the Lake of Fire (see Revelation 20:10), while the righteous will continue to live in their eternal state in the realm of the new heaven and the new earth (see Revelation chapter 21).
This view also aligns well with Paul's response to the church in Thessalonica who thought they missed the day of the Lord (see 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2). Paul notes that Jesus will not return until the rebellion and all that takes place in the Tribulation occurs first (see 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). It is interesting to note that Paul includes the warning, "Let no one deceive you in any way." (2 Thessalonians 2:3a). A warning that is perhaps more applicable today than ever before.
Historical Premillennialism
Historical premillennialists believe that the return of Jesus Christ will occur immediately preceding the Millennium, coinciding with a period of profound apostasy and tribulation. Following the Millennium, Satan will be released, and Gog and Magog will rise against the kingdom of God. This will be promptly followed by the final judgment. While Historical Premillennialism shares certain similarities with the dispensational variety (in particular, its belief that Christ’s return precedes the establishment of a millennium-long earthly reign), it diverges significantly in several notable aspects, notably its approach to the interpretation of Scripture.
The historical premillennialist interpretation of Scripture postulate that some prophecies have literal fulfillment, while others require a semi-symbolic fulfillment. For instance, the seal judgments in Revelation 6 are viewed as having fulfillment in historical forces rather than future powers through which God executes His redemptive and judicial purposes leading up to the end times. Instead of believing in an imminent return of Christ, it is held that a series of historical events, such as the rise of the Beast and the False Prophet, must occur before Christ’s Second Coming. This Second Coming will be accompanied by the resurrection and rapture of the believers (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18), which will inaugurate the millennial reign of Christ. The Jewish nation, while capable of joining the church in the belief of a genuine faith in Christ, lacks a distinct redemptive plan as they would in the dispensational perspective. The duration of the millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:1-6) remains uncertain, whether literal or metaphorical.
Postmillennialism is a belief that Jesus will return following an extended era of righteousness and prosperity on earth. Postmillennialists maintain that the kingdom was inaugurated at Christ's first coming and continues to expand through the progressive, yet successful, dissemination of the gospel, until the point where the majority of people on earth are converted. At that juncture, Jesus will return. This process is anticipated to culminate in a global acceptance of Christ's sovereign rule by the church.
Postmillennialists also anticipate a future era of global peace, prosperity, and spiritual glory accepted by most. This 'millennium' can be lengthy but not precisely 1,000 years, which can begin either gradually or abruptly. Perhaps due to sin persisting and not everyone being converted, a brief resurgence of evil is expected before the final judgment.
Today few postmillennialists still believe the “thousand year period” will start in the future and continue until the second coming. Most now view the millennium as the period between Christ’s first and second coming (in other words the time we are living in now), a belief that is similar to Amillennialism.
Most postmillennialists agree that all of the Biblical prophecies concerning future praise, honor, and worship of God during a period of peace will be realized during the "millennium,” similar to premillennial beliefs (see Psalm 22:27; 86:9; 102:15; 138:4-5; Isaiah 2:2-4; 9:7; 11:5-16; 25:8-9; 26:1-4; 65:17-25; Joel 3:16-21; Micah 4:1-4; Habakkuk 2:14; Zephaniah 3:9-10). But postmillennialism asserts that these events will be fulfilled before Jesus returns. It is also unique in believing that the worldwide elimination of those that hate God, as prophesied in the Bible, will occur gradually due to the successful spread of Christianity into every nation (see Psalm 2:1-9; 110:1-2, 5-6; Isaiah 11:4; 25:10-12; 63:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:24-25, 27-28; Revelation 19:11-21).
Click here to see a brief refutation of Postmillennialism
The Tribulation is a seven-year period that is typically divided into two halves (see Deuteronomy 4:30; Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 9:24-27; 12:1, 11-12; Zephaniah 1:1, 15; Revelation 11:2-3). The last half (three and a half-years) is called by Jesus the “Great Tribulation” (see Matthew 24:21). It is a period of punishment and judgment, the Bible describes it as a time of immense suffering. Regarding this period Jeremiah wrote, “Alas! That day is so great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob; yet he shall be saved out of it.” (Jeremiah 30:7, ESV) Note the use of the name of ‘Jacob’ it is being used as a metonym referring to the Jews. This “time of distress” is to be a “wake up call” to help bring the Jews back to God (see Deuteronomy 4:30).
Snapshot Overview
Who
The suffering is for those living on earth at that time and have not accepted Jesus as their Savior. There will be two people that will emerge and rise quickly in politics and world governance (the ones called by theologians the Antichrist and the False Prophet).
What
This will be a period that is described as a series of catastrophic events, including war, famine, plagues, celestial events, and natural disasters (see Revelation chapters 6-16).
When
This period will include the last battle between God and man and will precede the Millennium (see Revelation 20:1-10) and final judgment at the end of this age (see Revelation 19:11-21). The timing is outlined in Daniel 9:24-27 which is also known as Daniel’s Seventy Weeks. The final seven-year period of the 70 weeks (of years, totaling 490 years) is what is identified as the Tribulation.
Where
The events described vary in location, the battle known as Armageddon occurs in Megiddo in the western edge of the Jezreel Valley in Israel.
Why
To bring back the people of Israel to Himself.
The Controversy
The first debate is generally in regard to how long it will last, due to how it is interpreted the choices are either three and a half years or seven years (see Daniel 9:24-27). But the biggest controversy is about whether the church (believers) have been removed so that they will not face God’s punishment and wrath. Followed by another issue, if they are removed then when will that happen? The “removal mechanism” will be the Rapture, which will be examined separately below.
The Tribulation will begin when the “unholy trinity,” that being Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet (all referred to as being ‘beasts’ in Revelation), will begin to rise to center stage. One of the first tasks the Antichrist will do is negotiate a seven-year covenant with Israel (see Daniel 9:24-27). While the identity of the Antichrist is often debated it is likely that will not be known until the Tribulation period is near or begins.
During the first half of the Tribulation Jesus opens a seven-sealed scroll, as He opens it each seal introduces or reveals something different. The first four seals reveal what has been traditionally called the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” each riding a different color horse. A white horse with its rider wearing a crown and bearing a bow to conquer (being a counterfeit christ, often confused with the real Christ, see Revelation 19:11), a red horse whose rider had a sword to slay people removing any thought of peace, a black horse with its rider holding scales in his hand announcing economic collapse, and a pale green horse whose rider was bringing death through famine and pestilence. The fifth seal reveals the souls of those martyred for their beliefs and plead for vengeance (see Revelation 6:9-11). Upon opening the sixth seal a great earthquake shakes the world and the sun, moon, and stars darken causing the inhabitants to run and hide from God (see Revelation 6:12-17). When the seventh seal is opened, seven “trumpet judgments” are revealed bringing: 1) hail and fire that destroys one third of the earth; 2) a fiery mountain falls into the ocean turning the water into blood killing one third of the sea creatures; 3) a star hitting the earth causing a third of all fresh water to be undrinkable; 4) a large cosmic disturbance results in a third of the sun, moon, and stars reducing the light level by a third; 5) evil creatures are released out of the bottomless pit that will torment people; and 6) angels released will kill one third of those living (see Revelation 8:7-9:21). The seventh trumpet will not occur until the second half. During this time God uses two witnesses who will prophesy on earth for 1,260 days (see Revelation 11:1-6). The primary source of controversy regarding these events is whether to interpret them as occurring literally or figuratively. Many believe it is figurative language and that they had already occurred in the past.
In the middle of the Tribulation Satan will be cast out of heaven (see Revelation 12:12-3). The two witnesses will be killed by the Antichrist, but after three and a half days God resurrects them. The Antichrist rises to the position best described as a world dictator and breaks the covenant with Israel. He then demands to be worshiped. He promptly defiles the temple with an abomination that causes desolation (see Matthew 24:15). By enforcing worship compliance he escalates persecution of the Jews, he also begins to pursue any new believers.
Since many believe that there will not be a period of tribulation they have allegorized these events or again state that these occurred in the past and select evil people (like Hitler) in the role of the Antichrist.
It is the last half of the Tribulation that Jesus called the “Great Tribulation” (see Matthew 24:21). At the beginning of the second half, the seventh trumpet reveals seven “bowl judgments” (see Revelation 16:1-21). They are poured out on these locations in this order: 1) on the earth causing painful sores on those who took the “mark of the beast” and worshiped the Antichrist’s image; 2) on the sea which completely turned to blood killing all living things in the ocean; 3) on the earth’s fresh water and all the fresh water was undrinkable; 4) on the sun causing it to flare up and scorch people on earth; 5) on the throne of the Antichrist throwing his kingdom into darkness; 6) on the Euphrates River which dries up allowing military movement to the location of the final battle; and 7) on the air which results in lightning, thunder, a great earthquake, and Jerusalem splitting into three parts while other cities around the world are destroyed (see Revelation 16:17-21). The city of Babylon which became a major finance and trade center during this time will also be destroyed (see Jeremiah 50:9-32, 39-40; Revelation 17:1-18:24).
The Tribulation periods closes when Jesus returns and the battle of Armageddon begins between Him (and they know He is God) and the opposing forces of the Antichrist and the kings of the earth that had gathered their military forces to battle there, but victory will be swift as the opposition has no chance of survival. The Antichrist and the False Prophet will then be thrown into the Lake of Fire (see Revelation 19:20). The rest of the opposition will be killed and their bodies eaten by birds (see Revelation 19:21). Jesus will then stand victorious on the Mount of Olives (see Zechariah 14:3-4).
Again, the controversy regarding these verses focuses on the method of interpretation, be it literal or figurative.
This is a highly controversial subject among Christians, let alone the outside world. It is not the Second Coming of Jesus, but He does come down and greet His believers in the air (see 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53). Like much of the debates regarding eschatology, timing among those who believe that the rapture will occur is passionately defended. Since God has history of removing His people before judgment (for example, Noah’s family before the worldwide flood, and Lot and his family being removed from Sodom before its destruction), this event will occur prior to judgment and punishment (God’s wrath) begins.
Snapshot Overview
Who
Believers living on earth, the church at large.
What
The removal of all believers from the face of the earth.
When
This end of time event can happen at any time as there are no other prophetic events necessary to occur before. However, this is where the church cannot agree on, see below.
Where
This phenomena will be worldwide.
Why
To remove believers from having to face God’s wrath. The Bible teaches that believers will be saved from the wrath of God (see Romans 5:9; 8:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9-10; 2 Peter 2:6-9).
How
The Greek word used to describe this event in the Bible is ‘harpazō’ which literally means to seize by force, to snatch away. The word can be found fourteen times in the New Testament (see Matthew 11:12; 12:29; 13:19; John 6:15; 10:12, 28, 29; Acts 8:39; 23:10; 2 Corinthians 12:2, 3; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Jude 1:23; Revelation 12:5). The text does not state how this will occur, just that it will occur quickly.
The Controversy
The bulk of the disagreements between believers is in regard to timing. The five main view points are: 1) before the Tribulation, 2) in the middle of the Tribulation, 3) after the Tribulation, 4) before the wrath of God, and 5) there is no rapture. This is the source of the terms ‘Pre-Trib’, Mid-Trib’, ‘Post-Trib’, and ‘Pre-Wrath’.
The Pre-Tribulation Rapture theory (Pre-Trib) advocates that the rapture will occur before the Tribulation begins. Believers will be removed prior to any judgment, punishment, or wrath begins. This theory allows the timing to be any time as nothing else needs to be accomplished prior to the rapture, making this the only rapture theory imminent.
The Mid-Tribulation Rapture theory (Mid-Trib) proposes that believers will be raptured at the middle point of the Tribulation. This is to occur after the Antichrist is revealed but before God's full wrath begins. The Church will experience the first half of the Tribulation under the Antichrist but will be taken to heaven before the severe judgment of the second half (aka the Great Tribulation).
Proponents for Mid-Trib often cite Daniel 7:25, which speaks of the saints being given over to the Antichrist for a time, times, and half a time (three and a half years, the first half of the Tribulation), and Revelation 11:15, which describes the seventh trumpet judgment, marking the shift from the Antichrist's wrath to God's wrath. They also note that the trumpet of 1 Corinthians 15:52 is the same trumpet mentioned in Revelation 11:15. They believe that the trumpet of Revelation 11 is the final in a series of trumpets; therefore, it makes sense that it would be “the last trumpet” of 1 Corinthians 15.
Click here to see a brief refutation of the Mid-Trib Rapture theory.
The Post-Tribulation rapture theory suggests that the rapture of believers will occur after the tribulation period. Post-tribulationists believe the rapture and the return of Jesus are essentially a single event, with the rapture occurring simultaneously with the end of the tribulation. However, believers will not be exempt from God’s wrath prior to the rapture.
Like most theological theories the post-tribulation point of view has several proposed variations. There are two primary premises, the first being that all Christians alive during the time of the tribulation period will face God’s wrath. The second premise is that the kingdom of God begins when all His people come together at the end of the tribulation.
Bible verses like Revelation 13:7 that speak of the beast (aka Antichrist) prevailing over the saints are often used to justify why believers will enter and experience the events of the Tribulation. Plus, Post-tribulationists note that the resurrection of the dead in Revelation 20:5 is called the “first resurrection,” and that since this ‘first’ resurrection is to take place after the Tribulation, the resurrection associated with the rapture that Paul wrote about in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 cannot occur until then.
Click here to see a brief refutation of the Post-Trib Rapture theory.
The Pre-Wrath rapture theory says that the rapture will occur before the “great day of their wrath” (see Revelation 6:17). The name is confusing as both Pre-Trib and Mid-Trib are also pre-wrath, but here they make a distinction between the source of wrath. According to the pre-wrath view, believers will go through essentially three-quarters of the tribulation but not the time of “God's wrath” which they claim is just before the end of the tribulation (see Matthew 24:21). Meaning Christians will endure what the proponents call “Satan’s fury” and “man’s persecution,” but will be removed and spared from “God’s wrath.”
The pre-wrath rapture theory views the trumpet and the bowl judgments (see Revelation chapters 7-16) as the “wrath of God,” from which believers are exempt (see 1 Thessalonians 5:9). However, the first six seal judgments (see Revelation chapter 6) are not considered by proponents of the theory as being the ‘wrath’ of God; rather, they are thought as being “the wrath of Satan” or “the wrath of the Antichrist.” This is because there is no direct mention of God’s wrath until after the sixth seal is broken (see Revelation 6:17). Thus, in their minds, the church will experience the judgment of the first six seals along with everyone else.
Click here to see a brief refutation of Pre-Wrath Rapture theory.
There a several Christian eschatological theories that deny there will be a rapture, many of which also deny that there will be a period of tribulation and/or a millennium (such as Amillenialism and Preterism). But there are Christians that believe that they have a mandate to establish God’s kingdom on earth before Jesus returns. Some adherents refer to this theology as “Dominion Now,” whose key points and core beliefs include: influencing government, education, media, and business; to establish God’s kingdom on earth (often supported by Matthew 6:10); and to subdue the earth (see Genesis 1:28). They believe that God’s kingdom can be fully realized now through the church (more details below).
Primarily based on Revelation 20:1-10 the millennium is a thousand-year period where Jesus reigns on earth. Jesus will be joined by believers who have received their glorified bodies. Anyone who became believers during the Tribulation and are still alive after the Tribulation (see Matthew 25:34, 46) will continue to live in their ‘mortal’ bodies. The Antichrist and the False Prophet will be cast into the Lake of Fire (aka Hell), Satan locked in the bottomless pit, Old Testament saints resurrected, believers that died during the Tribulation resurrected, and the judgment of nations (see Matthew 25:31-46).
During this time period the nation of Israel will be restored and possess the land that God promised them (see Jeremiah 31:31-34, see also Isaiah 29:22-24; 30:18-22; 44:1-5; 45:17; Jeremiah 24:7; 50:19-20; Ezekiel 11:19-20; 36:25-27; Hosea 1:10-2:1; 14:4-8; Joel 2:28-32; Micah 7:8-20; Zephaniah 3:9-13; Romans 11:25-27). The millennial Temple described in Ezekiel chapters 40-48 will be built and Jesus will reign on David’s throne (see 2 Samuel 7:12-13; 22:51, see also Micah 4:1-5; Zephaniah 3:14-20; Zechariah 14:1-21). King David (see Jeremiah 30:9) and the saints will reign with Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 15:25; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 3:21; 20:6).
After the thousand years, Satan will be released from the bottomless pit and will once again deceive many, which will result in the final revolt against God. Even though Satan raises a significant army, the battle is over quickly (see Revelation 20:7-9), and Satan will then be cast into the Lake of Fire (see Revelation 20:10).
Before eternity begins all of the wicked throughout history including those who did not accept Jesus as their Savior will be resurrected, and the Great White Throne judgments will commence. Those whose names are not in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be sentenced to hell for eternity, they will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, joining Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet (see Revelation 20:11-15).
Snapshot Overview
Who
Jesus and those who believed in Jesus prior to the rapture. Plus, those who became believers during the Tribulation and are still alive after the Tribulation.
What
A thousand-year period.
When
After the Tribulation and after the Second Coming.
Where
On earth, a worldwide event but Jesus’ throne will be in Jerusalem.
Why
To restore the nation of Israel and to fulfill all of God’s promises that have not yet been fulfilled.
The Controversy
Amillennialism
The belief that there will not be a millennial period. Many Christian denominations promote Amillennialism, see the section on Amillennialism in the review of the Second Coming above.
Preterism
Preterists also reject the concept of a millennial kingdom on earth, see the Preterism section in the review of the Destructive Judgment: Future or Past? below.
There are several “future wars” in Biblical prophecy. The most famous is Armageddon which occurs at the end of the Tribulation. The next well-recognized battle is this invasion, identified with the names Gog and Magog.
Snapshot Overview
Who
Gog, Magog, Meshech, Tubal, Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer, and Beth-togarmah. Perhaps better known as Russia, Iran, Sudan, Libya, parts of Europe, Turkey, and possibly parts of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan.
What
An invasion of the nation of Israel.
When
Literally anytime.
Where
The nation of Israel.
Why
Political, possibly for natural resources, but more than likely the primary motivation is to eliminate Israel.
How
Recorded in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 is an invasion of Israel sometimes referred to as the ‘Magog Invasion’. Since this prophecy has not occurred in history and there are no time frames mentioned in the text, it will happen at some point in the future. But when? Some believe it could occur anytime before the Tribulation period and that it could be before or after the Rapture. Others note that since similar wording can be found in Revelation 20:8 it may be a reference to the final battle at the end of the Millennium before the Great White Throne judgment.
Utilizing the ancient names of the various nations (which can be determined using history to be Russia, Iran, Sudan, Libya, parts of Europe, Turkey, and possibly parts of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan), Ezekiel writes about how Israel will be invaded, but God will intervene in a way that everyone will know that it was God. Many will realize that the God of Israel is the one and only all-powerful God, they will undoubtedly will begin to seek Him.
The Controversy
The primary disagreement stems from Revelation 20:8 where it refers to a Satan invoked battle involving Gog and Magog. Due to differences between the Ezekiel 38-39 references, it is believed to be a separate incident but many believe it is the same battle. The Ezekiel account places it before the Tribulation while the Revelation account places it at the end of the Millennium.
This may seem odd to some to have this listed as a controversial eschatological event as it is assumed that the kingdom of God has always existed. So let me start by stating it has and will always be in existence and that God will always be King. But we read in the gospels phrases like “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2, ESV) and “the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15, ESV), which has been interpreted in a number of ways. Some believe Jesus is referring to a kingdom of believers with Him as the King, many believe He is speaking about His earthly reign on earth during the Millennium and beyond, while others believe that He is referring to a nation governed by Christians. These are only a few variants of how the “kingdom of God” has been interpreted.
Since Matthew is the only gospel writer that recorded Jesus’ reference to the kingdom as “the kingdom of heaven,” while the other gospel writers recorded the same statements as “the kingdom of God,” the words ‘heaven’ and ‘God’ in this context are likely synonymous. The kingdom of God refers to a kingdom of believers that has begun and will extend into eternity. Plus, since God the Father gave all authority to Jesus (see Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 11:27; 28:18; John 3:35; 5:27; 13:3; 17:2; Acts 2:36; Romans 14:9; 1 Corinthians 15:27; Ephesians 1:10, 20–22; Philippians 2:9-10; Colossians 2:10; Hebrews 1:2; 2:8; 1 Peter 3:22) He is our King!
Snapshot Overview
Who
The kingdom of God, believers and Old Testament saints.
What
Since Jesus was victorious over death He has extended an invitation to all who are willing to accept Him as their Savior to live with Him as their King for eternity.
When
And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book. (Revelation 22:7, ESV, emphasis added)
Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. (Revelation 22:12-13, ESV, emphasis added)
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20, ESV, emphasis added) The kingdom is currently in place and will remain for eternity.
Where
Believers alive today represent the kingdom of God as ambassadors (see 2 Corinthians 5:20) but this world is not the kingdom (see Daniel 7:14, 27; John 18:36). The kingdom is in heaven now and will be in the new heaven and earth in the future (see Revelation 21:1-27).
Why
Because God loves us He will restore us so that we can live with Him forever!
The Controversy
Dominion Theology, also known as dominionism, is a Christian political ideology that advocates for a nation governed by Christians based on their interpretations of Biblical law. It is closely related to Christian Reconstructionism and Theonomy. Dominion theology believes that Biblical Christianity will rule all aspects of life, from personal relationships to business. Christian Reconstructionism proponents believe that society will be rebuilt in compliance with God’s law, as taught in the gospel and the Great Commission. It should be noted that, “Reconstructionists believe that Adam lost his God-given dominion over the earth to Satan when he sinned. The God-Man, Jesus Christ, gained this authority back at His first coming and established the Kingdom. Jesus Christ is now at the right hand of the Father mediating this regained dominion through the Church. As the Church evangelizes the world, and will gradually expand to cover the whole earth before Christ's return.”[8] Theonomy is a belief that all the moral laws from the Old Testament are still valid today including capital punishment for adultery, blasphemy, rebellion to parents, false teaching, etc. Even though these “theologies” are very different, the terms are often used interchangeably.
Proponents of these views believe that it is the duty of Christians to create a worldwide kingdom patterned after the Mosaic Law. They also believe that Jesus will not return to earth until such a kingdom has been established. Dominion Theology and Christian Reconstructionism aim for global political and religious control by implementing Old Testament moral laws and punishments, excluding sacrificial and ceremonial laws that were fulfilled in the New Testament. Therefore, this system seeks a government aligned with God's law.
Dominion Theology is largely based on post-millennial beliefs and Covenantalism. Post-millennialism holds that Christ will return after a thousand-year reign (not necessarily a literal thousand years), and Covenantalism divides Biblical history into three covenants: redemption, works, and grace. Adherents believe we are under the covenant of grace, that the church and Israel are the same, and that we are currently in the ‘millennial’ kingdom of God where humans must rule the world in obedience to God's laws.
Advocates often refer to Genesis 1:28, where God instructs humans to have dominion over the earth, as justification for their beliefs.
Kingdom Now theology, a variation of Dominion Theology, emphasizes the idea that believers have a mandate to establish God's kingdom on earth by taking control of various social institutions and cultural spheres. This theological theory asserts that God lost control of the world to Satan after Adam and Eve's sin. Proponents believe God aims to regain control through a special group of believers, who will bring social institutions under God's authority. They hold that, empowered by the Holy Spirit, believers have the authority to manifest the “Kingdom Age” by speaking things into existence. The movement, popular within Pentecostalism, suggests that by taking dominion, believers can prepare the way for Jesus' return.
Those that adhere to the Kingdom Now theology believe that Jesus’ second coming will happen in two phases. First, it will happen through the bodies of believers, especially the apostles and prophets of today. Then, Jesus will come in person to take over the kingdom that was given to him by those who have “overcome” the world. But before Jesus returns, the overcomers must clean up the world of all evil. Kingdom Now adherents believe that Jesus can’t come back until all his enemies are under the feet of the church (including death).
Kingdom Now also denies any form of the rapture. They believe that the rapture is nothing more than the people of God being caught up in rapturous feelings (it is interesting to note that they ignore the fact that the term "caught up" is an idiomatic expression peculiar to only English).
This theology misinterprets Biblical passages about God's kingdom, focusing on an earthly ‘dominion’ rather than telling others about salvation. In addition, the emphasis on worldly dominion can overshadow the importance of any personal spiritual growth and evangelism.
Destructive Judgment: Future or Past?
For most people any discussion of the end times will typically begin with the thought of judgment, punishment, and the wrath of God. But there are many who believe that most, if not all, of the destructive judgment referenced in Daniel, Zechariah, the Olivet Discourse, and Revelation have already occurred. So to ‘align’ that belief with Scripture, they deny that there is a period of tribulation and they deny the Millennium as well.
Snapshot Overview
Who
Those remaining and living on earth at this time who have rejected Jesus.
What
The entire series of judgment and punishments in the Tribulation were initiated by God. At the end of the Tribulation the kings of the world gather their armies to do battle at Armageddon knowing that Jesus is God.
When
When interpreted literally the Bible teaches that these events will occur in the future (aka Futurism).
Where
Most of the battles will be in the Middle-East, while other events are worldwide and even celestial.
Why
To take back the authority from the dark forces of the world, to dole out punishment to those who chose to worship the Antichrist, and ultimately send the Antichrist, the False Prophet, and eventually Satan to the Lake of Fire (aka hell).
The Controversy
The word ‘Preterism’ is derived from the Latin word ‘praetor’ which means beyond, past, or by. In theology preterism is the belief that most (if not all) of the commonly believed end-time events recorded in the Bible have already occurred and a preterist is one who holds that belief.
Just as the name suggests, preterists believe that the events recorded in Revelation chapters six through to the end of the book and in Matthew chapters twenty-four and twenty-five have been fulfilled in the past. That would include essentially everything futurists believe has yet to be fulfilled. But not all preterists believe the same, there are several variations.
Full Preterism is sometimes referred to as extreme (or hyper) preterism, it is the belief that the entire tribulation, the resurrection of the dead, and Jesus’ second coming (see Matthew 24:1-25:46; Mark 13; Luke 21; Revelation 6:1-22:21) all took place in 70 A.D. when Rome destroyed Jerusalem including the Temple during the First Jewish-Roman War (they consider it to be Judgment Day). Some refer to the belief as “Fulfilled Preterism.”
They believe that the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple marked Jesus' spiritual return and the fulfillment of all so-called “end-times” events. That the resurrection is a continual process, with believers entering eternity upon death. And that the book of Revelation symbolically depicts the upheavals and conflicts of the first century, not future events. For example, some interpretations suggest that "the beast" mentioned in Revelation refers to Emperor Nero and the "new heavens and new earth" refers to a “New Covenant” period. Full preterists also deny the Apostles' Creed since it states that Jesus will come again to judge the quick and the dead. Most full preterists believe we are currently in the kingdom of God now.
There are others that believe in a 'Partial' Preterism, also known as moderate (or historical/traditional) preterism, they believe that the events of the tribulation were fulfilled in 70 A.D. (see Matthew 24:1-25:46; Revelation 6:1-18:24), but the resurrection and second coming are still yet future.
Interestingly, most preterists reject the concept of a millennial reign and believe that Revelation 20:1-10 was fulfilled in the first century. They point to the time between Jesus’ ascension to the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. (when they believe Jesus returned) roughly a forty year period. Approximately thirty years of that period is recorded in the book of Acts and there is nothing in that text that matches what is recorded in Revelation chapter twenty.
Click here to see a brief refutation of Preterism
Can be considered the opposite of Preterism in that instead of the events of the Tribulation occurring in the past, they are yet future. Which aligns with 1) “Zionism,” the belief that God will fulfill His promises regarding the nation of Israel; 2) the “Seventieth Week of Daniel;” 3) the literal interpretation of the “Olivet Discourse;” 4) the Rapture; 5) the second coming of Jesus; 6) a literal full seven-year Tribulation; and 7) the Millennium.
The arguments, or points of contention, from the preterists include the use of the word ‘soon’ (see Revelation 1:1; 22:12); the use of the phrase “this generation” (see Matthew 24:34); the use of the word ‘you’ in the Olivet Discourse; the use of the phrase “the time is near” (see Revelation 1:3); the use of the statement “some standing here will not see death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom” (see Matthew 16:28); etc. They note that nearly 2,000 years does not qualify as soon, the time being near, nor do they believe that someone could live that long. In their minds all of these were fulfilled in the first century.
Historicism is an eschatological approach that interprets Biblical prophecies as literal historical events. It views Bible prophecy as an overview of church history from the beginning to the end times, using symbols as metaphors for actual events, nations, or people. It was the predominate eschatological view during the Reformation. A historicist is a person who believes that the events of Biblical prophecy have been and will continue to be fulfilled throughout history until the end, thus denying any single time period for judgment.
Click here for more information and to see a brief refutation of Historicism
An idealist interpretation of Biblical prophecy, especially those found in the book of Revelation, sees these prophecies as a symbolic representation of the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil (often called the “spiritual approach”), rather than a literal prophecy of specific historical events. It views apostle John’s visions in Revelation as a timeless portrayal of the cosmic struggle between God and his enemies, applicable throughout the church's history.
Click here for more information and to see a brief refutation of Idealism
The Great White Throne Judgment
Just prior to the beginning of eternity, Revelation records what might be described as unbelievers’ (all who had died throughout history and those still alive) time in ‘court’. They will have an opportunity to face the One they rejected, Jesus. Since their names are not in the “Book of Life” they will all be thrown into the Lake of Fire (aka Hell, see Revelation 20:11-15).
The last two chapters of Revelation briefly reviews this period. But we are told that the old heaven and earth are replaced as everything is made new. We also read about the New Jerusalem and the throne of God.
But even the last chapter of the Bible is considered controversial, particularly the same verses listed above under The Kingdom of God (see Revelation 22:7, 12-13, 20) regarding the use of the word ’soon’.
Many debate the meaning of the Greek word ‘tachy’. It can be interpreted as something done quickly or in haste, or a brief interval between two points in time. Futurists believe that Jesus referred to the end time events that when started would occur quickly in the future. The Preterists embrace the short period interpretation, that Jesus already came back to earth during the first century.
Are you still with me? Or are your eyes crossed and a headache starting? Eschatological lingo alone is mind-numbing! It would be an understatement to say there are an enormous number of variations. The more you read and research people’s ideas regarding God’s Word it’s hard not to get angry and shake the person who thought of it. But that is not the Christian way. Undoubtedly you are probably wondering what is the correct way to interpret Christian eschatology. Some might think it is unknowable, but we need to remember the words Jesus told His disciples before discussing the end times, “See that no one leads you astray.” (Matthew 24:4, ESV) He wants us to understand the true way to interpret, therefore the Word should be plainly presented. This is why I choose the more literal route of interpretation. That God does say what He means and means what He says. In other words nothing else is needed (no special meanings, no hidden messages, no need for something to decode the text, etc.)
The biggest battle is the “Literal vs. Allegorical” fight, sadly many readers have turned to an allegorical method of interpretation because in their minds the literal approach doesn’t make sense to them. One of the biggest errors I have encountered in Christian theology is the limitations people put on God. My first response is to ask the question, “Can the finite understand fully the infinite?” While not very helpful in the argument, it does lay the foundation for the fundamental truth that there is a huge gap between us and God! Who are we to limit God? When we read how readers take an alternate route, for example, believing there will not be a millennium as described in Revelation, what is wrong with there being a one-thousand year period? From my perspective it seems that rejection is intended to “cover up” something, perhaps the promises to Israel. Instead of embracing our “from childhood upbringing” exposure to theology or someone else’s theological concepts, pray and be willing to rediscover the truth of the Bible.
So how did you answer the “Big Question?” Can you see the dividing influence from Satan? One can only imagine if all believers were unified to pray and reach out into the world with the gospel message!
[1] The Epistle of Ignatius to the Philippians. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A. C. Coxe (Eds.), The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (Vol. 1, p. 119). Christian Literature Company.
[2] Dialogue of Justin with Trypho, a Jew. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A. C. Coxe (Eds.), The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (Vol. 1, p. 200). Christian Literature Company.
[3] Irenæus against Heresies. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A. C. Coxe (Eds.), The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (Vol. 1, p. 451). Christian Literature Company.
[4] An Answer to the Jews. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A. C. Coxe (Eds.), & S. Thelwall (Trans.), Latin Christianity: Its Founder, Tertullian (Vol. 3, pp. 151–152). Christian Literature Company.
[5] Demonstratio Evangelica (Being the Proof of the Gospel), Eusebius, translated Ferrar, W.J. (1920).
[6] Eusebius of Caesaria. (1890). The Life of the Blessed Emperor Constantine. In P. Schaff & H. Wace (Eds.), & E. C. Richardson (Trans.), Eusebius: Church History, Life of Constantine the Great, and Oration in Praise of Constantine (Vol. 1, p. 524). Christian Literature Company.
[7] See our “Everything a Christian Should Know About Prophecy.”
[8] Ice, Thomas D., "What is Dominion Theology?" (2009). Article Archives. 74. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/pretrib_arch/74