“And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:19-21, ESV)
Peter
The subject of Christian eschatology (the study of end times from a Biblical perspective) has become of late a popular topic of study (by believers and unbelievers alike). Which I can understand as many parts of the world are at war, people are openly proclaiming their hatred of others, fake news is mainstream, and many have become like zealots for causes that previously didn’t exist or at least were minor issues before. The end, however you want to define it, seems near! People have even expressed that they feel something ‘dark’ is lurking around the corner. As believers we know the answer to that kind of anxiety is the same solution to all other anxieties, go to God! Remember what James wrote, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8, ESV)
Regarding eschatology we also need to remember what Jesus said to His disciples before He spoke to them about the end times, “See that no one leads you astray.” (Matthew 24:4, ESV) He wanted them (and us readers) to know about the end of this age. So, it is wise for believers to pursue Biblical insight of the end of days. If you have started to examine Scripture on your own, praise God! But if you have started by reading books or doing research online, you are probably swimming in a sea of acronyms, unusual names, and odd proclamations. Or perhaps you have already made up your mind as to how to interpret what the Bible is saying about the end. In either scenario you’re reading this now and perhaps you might want to learn more on that subject. If that is the case please understand, this is only a cursory review of the subject. The word ‘primer’ has two meanings and two pronunciations. When it is used to describe a book for teaching it is pronounced prim·er. So, while this primer is to teach the basics of eschatology, my primary goal was for people to read how this subject has become the tail that wags the dog allowing the end times to take the church away from the Great Commission. In this primer I report on several controversial points and hopefully this will help people see more clearly on some of the important issues. This is my first edit, and it probably will not be the last. If you want to discuss something (or feel I missed something), please let me know via email.
Before proceeding, please read the verse on the top of the page, it is from 2 Peter 1:19-21. Let it serve as a reminder that when we read any prophecy in the Bible that our interpretation is not correct unless in matches the interpretation God intended. As believers we have a responsibility to, “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.” (2 Timothy 2:15-16, NLT, emphasis added)
Know, Grow, and Go In His Name,
Dave Heywood
Rediscover the Bible Ministries, Inc.
Responsibility to Interpret God’s Word Correctly
Introducing the Primary Components
Destructive Judgment: Future or Past?
Eschatology Primer © 2025 by David A. Heywood. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise noted or verses marked ESV, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
All sections and chapter of this book were written using the following reverse interlinears as the primary source of the original Scriptural texts:
Old Testament
McDaniel, C. (2009). The English-Hebrew Reverse Interlinear Old Testament English Standard Version. Lexham Press. This reverse interlinear aligns the ESV Old Testament with the Lexham Hebrew Bible. Copyright 2009 Lexham Press.
New Testament
Schwandt, J. (2009). The English-Greek Reverse Interlinear New Testament English Standard Version. Lexham Press. This reverse interlinear aligns with the ESV New Testament with the SBL Greek New Testament. Copyright 2009 Lexham Press.