Chapter 7 - Conclusion
Doctrinal Disagreements
It would be an understatement to say that there is significant controversy and differences of opinion regarding the interpretation of Biblical prophecy. But that is also true regarding the entire Bible and theology in general. Sadly, this lack of cohesiveness has caused many unbelievers to reject the truth about God’s plan for their salvation. In their minds if Christians can’t agree to what is right and what isn’t, then they certainly will not be able to sort it out for themselves. So why are there so many disagreements? Why the wide range of often contradictory beliefs? Why isn’t God’s Word more clear?
There are two major factors that are ‘employed’ in our minds when it comes to decision making. First, and foremost, is our worldview, each one of us has a unique perspective in life that was (and continues to be) developed by a large number of factors.[1] Our worldviews are responsible for how we think which includes the mental process of deciding what is true and what is false. While this discernment is very much a component of our worldview, it can vary based on subject, and at times, circumstances, so for the purpose of this discussion we will identify it as a separate factor.
Having differences of opinion can vary even with people who are otherwise like-minded and have similar backgrounds. What makes a person look and examine evidence and come to one conclusion and then at the same time someone else looking and examining the same evidence come up with an entirely different conclusion? For example, when one person sees portions of DNA strands that are shared between two species and proclaims that to be evidence of a common ancestor supporting the theory of evolution, while at the same time another says no, that evidence supports a common creator. The thinking process for both conclusions are undoubtedly very complex and would require a detailed analysis to see why the differences. However, we can see, and hopefully agree, that our thinking process incorporates a series of what we might call hierarchical tests. But before the process begins we all have a tendency to use ‘mental shortcuts’ such as presuppositions and other established protocols and priorities. One example of this in prophetic eschatology could be in regards to timing, having the need to read in the text regarding when something is going to occur. If a verse lacks a definite ‘when’, then for some the burden of proof is inadequate and therefore the verse must be interpreted accordingly (this is especially true regarding events like the Rapture versus Jesus’ second coming being a different or the same event).
Which leads us to examine the question, why isn’t God’s Word more clear? To understand the basis of that question we need to take in account that God is the creator of language and as such He is the ultimate author.[2] Then we can conclude the Bible should be able to be fully understood by its readers, right? Yes, if that was God’s intention. But, that is not necessarily always true, He not only wants His Word to be understood, He wants it to be thoroughly studied and applied. God chose the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek languages as the original languages of His Word, and understanding that some translations will be the cause for some obfuscation, the explicitness of each of these languages make them ideal to learn from when studied. The lack of initial clarity forces a diligent student of the Bible to apply serious examination. It is believed that Benjamin Franklin’s quote regarding being a “jack of all trades, master of none,” was actually “jack of all trades, master of one.” The goal of every Christian should be a ‘master’ of one thing, the Bible, as God’s Word requires diligence to learn.
But if that diligence employs presuppositions, then the effort can be compromised. In theology perhaps the greatest influence of a presumption comes from early exposure to a ‘religious system’. What we are taught or what we experienced (such as going to church, etc.) as a child can be difficult to erase or correct. Even later in life a presupposition can be developed from listening to a particularly persuasive teacher or pastor. Regardless of background or upbringing, the most important document regarding theology is the Bible, it must remain as the sole source of any belief or interpretation. When we die we can’t point to a theologian, church founder, teacher, or even a pastor and say “I believe in what they wrote or said.” But understand, you are not on your own to study the Bible, the Holy Spirit will be your guide if you ask Him. A good place to start is by asking God to remove any presuppositions from your thinking.
Now back to prophecy and eschatology, again we need to always remember Peter’s warning, “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) Prophecy is not a buffet line where one gets to pick and choose how it’s to be interpreted, only God’s intended message matters. In eschatology, timing is perhaps the most debated subject as some events may potentially be yet-future or may have already been fulfilled. These debates should not deter or stop our studying, it just means we need to be more diligent and continue seeking answers elsewhere in Scripture. But remember and understand that prophecy’s primary role is not for prediction but for the confirmation of God’s message.
What is God’s primary message found in the Bible? That would be salvation is available to all people! In Jesus’ own words, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:16-18)
What should be a Christian’s response to that? To be faithfully following Jesus’ command, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18b-20)
While every believer will have unique tasks given to them by God that will fulfill this commission (see Ephesians 2:10), it doesn’t include sitting and waiting for Jesus to return. Nor does it include boasting that they will not face judgment, as persecution is inevitable. Every believer needs to be ready for Jesus’ return by being found doing the work of His kingdom.
One final observation, by reading and studying Biblical prophecy, it is abundantly clear that the Israelites and the nation of Israel are very important to God. If you take the Jews and the nation of Israel out of your understanding of eschatology your interpretation of the end times and eternity will be flawed. Antisemitism has no place in Christian doctrine and should not be supported by any believer.
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[1] See “What is a Worldview?” in the Appendix.
[2] See "Introduction to the Book of Revelation" regarding use of literary devices.