Chapter 9 - Eschatology
The subject of Christian prophecy is largely misunderstood, and as a result it has become more divisive than fortifying. What is prophecy? In the simplest of definition, it is a foretelling of something before it occurs. Before applying that to Scripture we need to ask who would be able to foresee the future? Only God knows the future, Does Satan? No, although Satan is very cunning and has observed humanity for many years, he has become what we call today a ‘profiler’ and can estimate human behavior probably very accurately, he and all the other angels do not know exactly what the future holds (see 1 Corinthians 4:9; Ephesians 3:10). Only God knows precisely what is going to happen in the future and when.
So, if God is the only one that knows the future and if we are told in a book about the future and it comes true, then where did that information come from? God. Therefore when we see multiple prophecies in a book come true we can see that it is from God. God uses prophecy for two reasons: 1) to authenticate His Word as being from Him; and 2) God uses prophecy to inform His people of events that will take place so they can be prepared for them. Prophecy is the signature of God, and the Bible is from God.
It is important to note that the Bible also uses prophecy to qualify prophets and prophetesses as being people truly sent by God (click here to read more).
In addition to words that express prophecy, God also used ‘models’, or if you prefer the term ‘types’ (some translators have used the words ‘shadow’ and ‘example’), to portray future events or people. For instance several individuals in the Old Testament are considered to be models of Jesus. Not that they were divine, or even near perfect, the Biblical text about them convey some element or a series of similarities (or parallels) that aid in understanding some aspect of Jesus or His role as the Messiah. Some of those ‘models’ include Adam, Noah, Melchizedek, Joseph (son of Jacob), and Moses. The concept is also used about concepts such as the role of the high priest, the Passover Lamb, the bronze serpent, the worldwide flood during Noah’s day, etc. It is important to understand that not every aspect in the model will convey the truth about who or what they represent. For example, near the end of Noah’s life he got drunk, this does not imply that Jesus got drunk too. The comparisons are only valid for the parallel concept. Another example, Jesus is called the Passover Lamb as His death and blood allow believers to be redeemed but He was not literally eaten.
What does it mean when we come across a passage in the Bible that claims a promise of God or some other prophecy that was not fulfilled in Scripture or in history? Does that mean it will not be fulfilled? No, every prophecy that has not been fulfilled is still “in play,” and will be fulfilled in God’s perfect timing. For example, Jesus promised to return, that has yet to occur, but we know it will happen.
Earlier we discussed replacement theology, which states that God is through with the Jews and with Israel as a nation. Major problems exist with this view, such as the continuing existence of the Jewish people throughout the centuries, especially with the revival of the modern state of Israel in 1948. If Israel has been condemned by God, and there is no future for the Jewish nation, how does one explain the supernatural survival of the Jewish people over the past 2,000 years despite the many attempts to destroy them? How do we explain why and how Israel reappeared as a nation in the 20th century after not existing for thousands of years? Plus, if God did revoke a promise, what would prevent Him from revoking the promise of salvation through Jesus? These are just a few questions to consider. To justify this deception, much of the Bible is either ignored or revised. Sadly, many do just that and see no problem with that method of interpretation.
The view that Israel and the church are distinctly different is clearly taught in the New Testament. The two are never to be confused or used interchangeably. The original covenants, including all of the curses and the blessings, promises and warnings are still valid for Israel, as God cannot revoke a covenant relationship that is unconditional. As described Romans 11:11, the church was "grafted in" to Israel, and is therefore a co-heir to the promises made to Israel. The covenants and promises given specifically to Israel will be fulfilled for Israel, not to the church or any other separate entity. The church has not replaced Israel in God's plan. Replacement theology is a deliberate lie that is tragically misleading many Christians into believing an incorrect theology, which often leads to an incorrect interpretation of prophecy. If God's covenant with Abraham is unconditional and eternal, it is still in effect and will always be in effect.
Regarding eschatology, it is important to note that the boundaries of Israel promised in the Abrahamic Covenant, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites and the Jebusites.” (Genesis 15:18-21), were never obtained. King David and his son King Solomon came close, but history indicates that the promise has not been fulfilled (see “Conditional Versus Unconditional” section in Promises and Covenants above). Why is this important? Because whatever eschatological viewpoint you embrace, you need to include a period of time that allows for the Abrahamic Covenant to be completely fulfilled before Judgment Day. The most likely period this could occur in would be during the one-thousand year period known as the millennium.
There is significant controversy within Christendom regarding eschatology, the study of the end of time events. Many believers are satisfied not studying eschatology, however, after examining carefully, one can see that one’s understanding of eschatology can “wag the dog,” and influence other aspects of theology. This subject should be examined closely by every believer. Since the definitions of the many words used in eschatology vary between Christian denominations and groups, we begin with an overview of the terminology.
Basic Definitions
Amillennialism - The belief there will not be a specific one-thousand year period (see Revelation 20:1-7), that the language was figurative and should not be interpreted as a literal 1,000-years. Amillennialism also includes the belief that we are currently in this period of time. In addition those that embrace this belief also deny that the event known as the rapture will occur.
Armageddon - The last battle to take place on earth, believed to be a reference to the valley below Mount Megiddo in northern Israel. Revelation states that this battle will be between Jesus and those that know that He is God (see Revelation 16:12-16).
Day of the Lord - A phrase used to refer to a time when God will do something He promised, primarily referring to an end-time judgment period, most often a reference to the Tribulation. However, some Old Testament references have already been fulfilled (see Isaiah 13:6-22; Ezekiel 30:2-19; Joel 1:15; 3:14; Amos 5:18-20; Zechariah 1:!4-18), others have yet to be fulfilled (see Joel 2:30-32; Zechariah 13:1; Malachi 4:1, 5).
Dispensational - This is not necessarily an ‘end time’ word, as it describes a method to interpret the Bible. It divides Scripture into periods that relate to how God interacts with His people. Since Dispensationalists have created a number of variations, the term has largely lost meaning. Regarding eschatology most dispensational models include a literal 1,000-year Millennial Kingdom.
Futurism - The belief that the prophecies that Jesus told of the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem will yet occur.
Great Tribulation - see The Tribulation
Harpazō - Greek word meaning to seize, snatch or take away, translated as ‘rapiemur’ in the Latin Vulgate version of the Bible often believed to be the root for the word ‘rapture’.
Historicism - Belief that the events referenced by the Old Testament prophets, the Olivet Discourse and Revelation are a series of events that have been unfolding in time, not necessarily at a specific time. Some events would already be fulfilled, while others could still be yet-future.
Idealism - An interpretation that connects the symbolism of prophecy to general or typical events not specific or unique events.
Judgment Day - A period of time when Jesus judges those that did not accept His plan of salvation (see Revelation 20:11-15).
Millennium - A name given to the one-thousand year period referenced in Revelation 20:1-7. It is a period on earth that will be ruled by Jesus and is also a period of time where the yet-to-be-fulfilled promises to Israel are completed.
Premillennialism - Belief that the Rapture and the Tribulation will occur before the thousand-year period. Some premillennialists do not believe there will be a Rapture (referred to as Post-tribulational Premillennialism)
Postmillennialism - The basic belief that Jesus will return after the millennium. Several variations have been proposed.
Preterism - The belief that the prophecies that Jesus told of the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem had occurred in 70 A.D.
Rapture - An event that describes Jesus meeting all the currently-living believers in “the clouds” to take them to heaven with Him (see 1 Thessalonians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53). This is not considered to be Jesus’ second-coming. There is a disagreement among believers of the Rapture as to when it will occur. The three main viewpoints are: 1) Pre-tribulation rapture (AKA “Pre-Trib”), the belief that the rapture will occur before the beginning of the Tribulation; 2) Mid-tribulation rapture (AKA “Mid-Trip”), belief that the rapture occurs between the two halves; and 3) Post-tribulation rapture (AKA “Post-Trib”), the belief that the rapture will occur after the Tribulation (see also Postmillennialism).
Second-coming of Jesus - Jesus returns to earth riding a white horse (see Revelation 19:11-21).
The Tribulation - A seven-year period that is divided into two halves (see Deuteronomy 4:30; Jeremiah 30:7Daniel 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).
Events
The identification and organization of the events that will occur are equally convoluted and confusing as the terminology, There is very little agreement as to how and when the following events are to occur. Using pegboard theology this is the order of the events along with a brief description.
The Rapture (Greek ‘Harpazo’)
Unlike the other events there is no sign or precursor needed to occur in order to happen. Although an end-time event, the timing of the Rapture does not affect the timing of the remaining events. It could take place shortly before the tribulation begins or several years prior. However, it will be the next event, as the models of Noah and his family and Lot’s family being removed prior to God’s wrath informs us that His people will be removed prior (see Genesis chapters 6-10 and 19). Many believe that this is what Isaiah wrote about, “Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by. For behold, the LORD is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth will disclose the blood shed on it, and will no more cover its slain.”(Isaiah 26:20-21)
The Seven-Year Period of Tribulation
The Bible splits this into three periods, first half, in-between halves, and the last half. With all believers at that time now in heaven (there will be many more who will accept Jesus during this period), the world becomes a spiritually darker place to live. Leaders of the world unite to to attempt to rid the world of anything that is of God or pleasing to Him. The book of Revelation records several ‘judgments’ during these seven years, including the seven seal judgments (see Revelation 5:1-14); the seven trumpet judgments (see Revelation 8:7-9:21), and the seven bowl judgments (see Revelation 16:1-21). This period ends when Jesus returns and is victorious in battling the opposition which ushers in the Millennium (see Zechariah 14:3-4; Matthew 24:30; Revelation 19:11-16).
The One-Thousand Year Period
Also known as the Millennium (see Revelation 20:1-10), first noted in Daniel 12:11, a period where God restores the nation of Israel and fulfills all of His promises that were never previously fulfilled in history, including the promised boundaries of the land (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 11:119-20; 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).
White Throne Judgment
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 (another name for hell), joining Satan, the antichrist, the false prophet, and his minions (see Revelation 20:11-15).
Eternity
At the end of the thousand years, everything will change. Just like when sin began in Genesis chapter three and all of physical reality changed, we return to everything being as God originally created it to be. Everything will be new and perfect as recorded in Revelation 21:1-22:5.
Throughout the Bible we read about the promise of a new earth and a new heaven (see Psalm 102:25-26; Isaiah 65:17; Matthew 24:35; 2 Peter 3:7-13). Whether this is a restoration of all things (see Isaiah 65:18; Ezekiel 28:25-26; 34:25-30; Acts 3:21) or they are completely new (see Revelation 21:5), the change will occur at this point. It also appears that heaven and earth will become parts of the same realm (heaven and earth merge into one).
As Bible prophecy seems to be aligning more each day with today’s news, many Christians have made Bible prophecy their priority. They spend hours pouring over Scripture looking for potential parallels and perhaps some clues or insight. Reading the Bible, that can’t be a bad thing, right? It can be if a person loses interest in the whole counsel of God and only focuses on what’s going on in the world and attempt to match it with Biblical prophecy. Understanding that anything that takes our eyes off Jesus and the edict to make disciples, should be considered wrong. Many of you are not going to like what I am about to write, I apologize for the jab, but anything, including the misuse of the Bible, that you no longer care about others, is wrong and has the potential of being evil. If you are so memorized by prophecy that you are only focused on reading select verses and are no longer evangelizing or care to witness, you have been neutralized by the enemy. Just like the believers of the church in Ephesus, who lost their first love, do as Jesus encouraged them to do, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first” (Revelation 2:5).
The story of Nineveh’s revival in the book of Jonah reminds us that God can heal and prevent judgment if a nation is willing to repent. The story of Jonah is an odd addition to the writings of the prophets found in the Old Testament. I say odd, not because of Jonah’s reluctance and trying to run away from God, but in the sense that it seems odd that God would threaten, let alone care about, a pagan nation with judgment at that time. No other pagan nation received any threats like this, so what was special about Nineveh? The story is about a sinful nation that was seemingly going out of its way to anger God, but this wasn’t Israel, they didn’t know God. Does that sound familiar? If Nineveh can repent, then nations today can certainly turn to God, even if they never knew God before, just like Nineveh never knew God before. When reading prophecy, one should never pray for the destruction of those that are lost in their sin, instead pray for their salvation, that God be merciful to them just as He is merciful to you. God may indeed postpone the end of days.
The opposite phenomena can also be a missed opportunity. If a believer ignores or discounts end-time prophecy (as many denominations teach) they may lose opportunities to witness to unbelievers. Recognizing end-time events and then conveying peace and trust in Jesus, especially during difficult times can be a tremendous witness.
⇐Previous Chapter (Introduction/Table of Contents) Next Chapter⇒