doctrine eschatology

1) INTRODUCTION

Eschatology - The study of last things

2) Different views on Eschatology

a) Premillennialist

Christ will come before a seven-year period of intense tribulation to take His church (living and dead) into heaven. After this period of fulfillment of divine wrath, He shall then return to rule from a holy city (i.e., the New Jerusalem) over the earthly nations for one thousand years. After these thousand years, Satan, who was bound up during Christ's earthly reign, will be loosed to deceive the nations, gather an army of the deceived, and take up to battle against the Lord. This battle will end in both the judgment of the wicked and Satan and the entrance into the eternal state of glory by the righteous.

The foundation of the three different views is hermeneutics (The study of the Bible)

b) Postmillennialist

The millennium is an era (not a literal thousand years) during which Christ will reign over the earth, not from a literal and earthly throne, but through the gradual increase of the Gospel and its power to change lives. After this gradual Christianization of the world, Christ will return and immediately usher the church into their eternal state after judging the wicked.

c) Amillennialist

The Kingdom of God was inaugurated at Christ's resurrection (hence the term "inaugurated millennialism") at which point he gained victory over both Satan and the Curse. Christ is even now reigning at the right hand of the Father over His church. After this present age has ended, Christ will return and immediately usher the church into their eternal state after judging the wicked.

The foundation of the three different views is hermeneutics (The study of the Bible)

The foundation of the three different views is hermeneutics (The study of the Bible)

d) Why are their different views?

The foundation of the three different views in Eschatology is hermeneutics (The study of the Bible)

Premillennialist - Literal - Grammatico-historical - The Church does not fulfill the promises of Israel

Postmillennialist - Figurative - Covenant-Historical - The Church is the Fulfillment of Israel

Postmillennialist - Covenant Historical

Amillennialist - Figurative - Covenant-Redemptive - The Church is the fulfillment of Israel

e) One clear text to support Premillennialist View

Acts 1:6–7 KJV 1900

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

3) DIFFERENT VIEWS ON THE RAPTURE

a) POST-TRIBULATION

The rapture of the saints occur after the seven year tribulation

b) MID-TRIBULATION

The rapture of the saints occur mid way through the tribulation

c) PRE-TRIBULATION

The rapture of the saints occur before the tribulation

d) Texts to support a Pre-Tribulation Rapture

The temptation that shall come upon the world is the tribulation. Yet, those who keep the word of my patience will be spared.

Revelation 3:10 KJV 1900

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

The Holy Spirit’s presence is within the church. His presence is removed when the church is raptured. ().

2 Thessalonians 2:7 KJV 1900

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

Revelations 3:10

Satan shall not prevail against the church

Matthew 16:18 KJV 1900

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Revelation 13:7 KJV 1900

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

The tribulation is not about the church but redeeming Israel

Jeremiah 30:7 KJV 1900

Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: It is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; But he shall be saved out of it.

Matthew 23:39 KJV 1900

For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Revelations 1-3 mentions the term “church” or “churches” appears 19 times between Revelations 1-3 and at the end of the book directing this letter to be sent to the churches. However, the term does not show up once during the tribulation period between Revelations 6-19.

The rapture will be without warning but the Second Coming will have signs and seven years.

4) THE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER OF THE END TIMES

The Rapture - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3

The Tribulation - The first 3 1/2 years ()

False Messiahs

Wars and rumor of wars

Famines, Pestilence and earthquakes in various places ()

Persecution of the righteous

Defection of false believers

The Gospel proclaimed to the whole world

Revelations 13:7

The Great Tribulation - The second 3 1/2 years ( )

The Abomination of Desolation

Peril and calamity

Deceivers

Vultures gathering together

The Second Coming of Christ

After the Tribulation ()

Fireworks like nothing we have ever seen ()

The battle of Armageddon ()

The Millennial Reign ()

The final Battle ()

The Great White Throne Judgement ()

The New Heaven, Earth and Jerusalem ()

Revelations 3:10