SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
Essential Doctrines of Christianity
Essential Doctrines of Christianity
The Bible God Works of God Angels Humans Sin Salvation Christ Holy Spirit Church End Times Afterlife
END TIMES:
Prophecy
PROPHECY – God has made known what will happen at the end of the age through both Old and New Testament prophecy.
- God does not guess at the future (Is 46:10-11). He tells of the future with certainty based on his sovereignty (Rom 8:28), foreknowledge (Ps 139:4, 16), power (Matt 19:26), transcendence (Gen 21:33; Ps 90:2), truthfulness and faithfulness (Num 23:19; 1 Sam 15:29).
- A reason to trust that the prophecies in the Bible will come to pass, including those of the second coming of Christ, is that prophecies in the Bible have already come to pass, including those related to the first coming of Christ (cf. Is 53; Ps 22; Dan 7, 9 et. al.).
- God does not guess at the future (Is 46:10-11). He tells of the future with certainty based on his sovereignty (Rom 8:28), foreknowledge (Ps 139:4, 16), power (Matt 19:26), transcendence (Gen 21:33; Ps 90:2), truthfulness and faithfulness (Num 23:19; 1 Sam 15:29).
- A reason to trust that the prophecies in the Bible will come to pass, including those of the second coming of Christ, is that prophecies in the Bible have already come to pass, including those related to the first coming of Christ (cf. Is 53; Ps 22; Dan 7, 9 et. al.).
Covenants
COVENANTS – Some of God’s prophecies and promises took the form of covenants, which are agreements that have implications and significance for the end times.
- Sometimes the agreements are two sided and conditional, and sometimes they are made unilaterally by God and are unconditional.
- Sometimes the agreements are two sided and conditional, and sometimes they are made unilaterally by God and are unconditional.
Adamic covenant
ADAMIC COVENANT
- The promises were that mankind would be able to remain in a perfect world where they were called to work and take care of the land and eat its fruit and vegetation, to be married, to be fruitful and fill the earth, to subdue it, and rule over the animals of the sky, land, and sea (Gen 1:28-29; 2:24).
- The conditions were that they were to not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, or they would die (2:17).
- The results were that Adam listened to his wife Eve who had been deceived by the serpent (Gen 3:12-13). They ate from the forbidden tree, which brought about mortality (Gen 3:19) as well as a spiritual death, which is seen in their separation from God (Gen 3:7-8). The serpent was cursed and told that he will be crushed by the offspring of the woman (3:15). Many believe that this is a prophecy referring to Jesus, who was struck in the heel by Satan, but who crushes Satan’s head. The woman is cursed with pain in childbearing and with a corrupted relationship with her husband (3:16). The man is cursed with a cursed ground full of thorns and thistles that will cause him to toil by the sweat of his brow in order to sustain himself until he returns to the dust from which he came (3:17-19). Adam and Eve were banished from the garden, and kept from the tree of life (3:23-24).
- The end times’ significance is that when this first covenant was broken, sin and death came into the world, and the tree of life was guarded so that no one could taste of its fruit until the problem of sin was handled. Dealing with sin was pictured and prophesied about in the remainder of the Old Testament, accomplished in the Gospels, and applied in the rest of the New Testament culminating when Jesus will back and those who follow him will have access to the tree of life (Rev 2:7; 22:2, 14, 19).
- The promises were that mankind would be able to remain in a perfect world where they were called to work and take care of the land and eat its fruit and vegetation, to be married, to be fruitful and fill the earth, to subdue it, and rule over the animals of the sky, land, and sea (Gen 1:28-29; 2:24).
- The conditions were that they were to not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, or they would die (2:17).
- The results were that Adam listened to his wife Eve who had been deceived by the serpent (Gen 3:12-13). They ate from the forbidden tree, which brought about mortality (Gen 3:19) as well as a spiritual death, which is seen in their separation from God (Gen 3:7-8). The serpent was cursed and told that he will be crushed by the offspring of the woman (3:15). Many believe that this is a prophecy referring to Jesus, who was struck in the heel by Satan, but who crushes Satan’s head. The woman is cursed with pain in childbearing and with a corrupted relationship with her husband (3:16). The man is cursed with a cursed ground full of thorns and thistles that will cause him to toil by the sweat of his brow in order to sustain himself until he returns to the dust from which he came (3:17-19). Adam and Eve were banished from the garden, and kept from the tree of life (3:23-24).
- The end times’ significance is that when this first covenant was broken, sin and death came into the world, and the tree of life was guarded so that no one could taste of its fruit until the problem of sin was handled. Dealing with sin was pictured and prophesied about in the remainder of the Old Testament, accomplished in the Gospels, and applied in the rest of the New Testament culminating when Jesus will back and those who follow him will have access to the tree of life (Rev 2:7; 22:2, 14, 19).
Noahic covenant
NOAHIC COVENANT
- The promises are that God will not again curse the ground (Gen 8:21 cf. 3:17-18), nor destroy all living creatures (Gen 8:21; 9:11,15), nor the world through a flood of water (Gen 9:8-17). Life and its seasons will continue while the earth endures (Gen 8:22).
- There are no conditions to the Noahic Covenant.
- The end times’ significance is that it will not be through water that God will again judge the earth.
- The promises are that God will not again curse the ground (Gen 8:21 cf. 3:17-18), nor destroy all living creatures (Gen 8:21; 9:11,15), nor the world through a flood of water (Gen 9:8-17). Life and its seasons will continue while the earth endures (Gen 8:22).
- There are no conditions to the Noahic Covenant.
- The end times’ significance is that it will not be through water that God will again judge the earth.
Abrahamic covenant
ABRAHAMIC COVENANT
- The promises are that a nation of descendants would come from Abraham’s seed (Gen 12:2; 13:16; 15:5; 17:5-6; 22:15-18), there would be special land for him and his descendants (Gen 12:1; 13:15; 15:18-21; 17:8), kings would come forth from him (Gen 17:6 cf. Matt 1:1), and a universal blessing for all the nations would come through him (Gen 12:3 cf. Gal 3:6-9; Gen 22:18 cf. Gal 3:16).
- There are no conditions to the Abrahamic Covenant. God gave the covenant to Abraham (Gen 15:8-21), and confirmed it to Isaac (Gen 26:2-5) and Jacob (28:13-15). God states that he gave the covenant to Abraham because of his obedience and faith (Gen 22:15-18 cf. 15:6), but its ultimate fulfillment was not contingent on his continued obedience or that of his descendants (Gal 3:16-19 cf. Gen 17:2; 22:16). While the ultimate fulfillment has no conditions, in the intermediate time period, certain descendants of Abraham would not experience or participate in the blessings of the covenant due to their rebellion against God.
- The results are that Abraham had a miraculous child even though his wife had been barren (Gen 11:30; 21:1-3), and his descendants grew into a nation (1 Kings 4:20) that still survives today. His descendants occupied much of the promised land and are again a nation in the promised. Kings came forth from him including Jesus, who is the King of kings, and the universal blessing of that was promised to come through Abraham’s seed.
- The end times’ significance is that since the covenant with Abraham was unconditional, the descendants of Abraham will be a nation that fills the promised land with the Messiah Jesus who will rule as King of kings from Jerusalem (Rev 20:4 cf. 17:14; 19:16.) Members of the twelve tribes of Israel will also have an important role in the end times (Rev 7:4-8). Note that while the nation of people has been miraculously preserved for thousands of years and are miraculously returning to the land, they have not yet filled the entirety of the land that was promised (Num 34:1-12).
- The promises are that a nation of descendants would come from Abraham’s seed (Gen 12:2; 13:16; 15:5; 17:5-6; 22:15-18), there would be special land for him and his descendants (Gen 12:1; 13:15; 15:18-21; 17:8), kings would come forth from him (Gen 17:6 cf. Matt 1:1), and a universal blessing for all the nations would come through him (Gen 12:3 cf. Gal 3:6-9; Gen 22:18 cf. Gal 3:16).
- There are no conditions to the Abrahamic Covenant. God gave the covenant to Abraham (Gen 15:8-21), and confirmed it to Isaac (Gen 26:2-5) and Jacob (28:13-15). God states that he gave the covenant to Abraham because of his obedience and faith (Gen 22:15-18 cf. 15:6), but its ultimate fulfillment was not contingent on his continued obedience or that of his descendants (Gal 3:16-19 cf. Gen 17:2; 22:16). While the ultimate fulfillment has no conditions, in the intermediate time period, certain descendants of Abraham would not experience or participate in the blessings of the covenant due to their rebellion against God.
- The results are that Abraham had a miraculous child even though his wife had been barren (Gen 11:30; 21:1-3), and his descendants grew into a nation (1 Kings 4:20) that still survives today. His descendants occupied much of the promised land and are again a nation in the promised. Kings came forth from him including Jesus, who is the King of kings, and the universal blessing of that was promised to come through Abraham’s seed.
- The end times’ significance is that since the covenant with Abraham was unconditional, the descendants of Abraham will be a nation that fills the promised land with the Messiah Jesus who will rule as King of kings from Jerusalem (Rev 20:4 cf. 17:14; 19:16.) Members of the twelve tribes of Israel will also have an important role in the end times (Rev 7:4-8). Note that while the nation of people has been miraculously preserved for thousands of years and are miraculously returning to the land, they have not yet filled the entirety of the land that was promised (Num 34:1-12).
Mosaic covenant (old covenant)
MOSAIC COVENANT (OLD COVENANT)
- The promises are that the Israelites would be God’s treasured possession, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Ex 19:5-6).
- The conditions were that they were called to obey fully and keep the covenant (Ex 19:5-6), which included general laws (Ex 20:1-26), civil laws that were to govern the theocracy of Israel (Ex 21-24), and laws that were to govern Israel’s religious observance (Ex 25-31).
- The results were that they agreed to keep the Old Covenant (Ex 24), but they failed and broke it and so the superior New Covenant was needed, which made the first covenant obsolete (Jer 31:32; Heb 7:18-28; 8:6-13; 11:7-28). The Old Covenant acts as a tutor to lead us to Christ and the New Covenant (Gal 3:24).
- The end times’ significance is that Israel will be a holy nation, not because of the Old Covenant, but when they embrace the New Covenant (Rom 11:25-27), which so far, only a remnant has done (Rom 11:17-18).
- The promises are that the Israelites would be God’s treasured possession, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Ex 19:5-6).
- The conditions were that they were called to obey fully and keep the covenant (Ex 19:5-6), which included general laws (Ex 20:1-26), civil laws that were to govern the theocracy of Israel (Ex 21-24), and laws that were to govern Israel’s religious observance (Ex 25-31).
- The results were that they agreed to keep the Old Covenant (Ex 24), but they failed and broke it and so the superior New Covenant was needed, which made the first covenant obsolete (Jer 31:32; Heb 7:18-28; 8:6-13; 11:7-28). The Old Covenant acts as a tutor to lead us to Christ and the New Covenant (Gal 3:24).
- The end times’ significance is that Israel will be a holy nation, not because of the Old Covenant, but when they embrace the New Covenant (Rom 11:25-27), which so far, only a remnant has done (Rom 11:17-18).
Deuteronomic covenant
DEUTERONOMIC COVENANT (Deut 29:1)
- The promises connect with the land promised in the Abrahamic Covenant and the nation of Israel’s prosperity within that land. They would be set high above all the nations on earth (Deut 28:1), established as a holy people (Deut 28:9), recognized as God’s people and feared by the other nations (Deut 28:10). They would be blessed in battle (Deut 28:6-7). They would lend to other nations and wouldn’t need to borrow from any (Deut 28:12). They would be blessed in the city and the country (Deut 28:3). The fruit of their womb would be blessed along with land and livestock (Deut 28:4, 8, 11). God would send rain in season and bless the work of their hands (Deut 28:12), and they would have plenty of food (Deut 28:5).
- The conditions were that Israel was called to obey the Lord their God fully and keep his commands and the terms of the covenant (Deut 28:1, 9, 13, 15, 45, 47, 58; 29:9; 30:19-20), especially to not go after any other gods (Deut 28:14, 20; 29:18, 26-27; 30:17-18). If they did not obey and went after other gods, then the curses they would face would be a reverse of the blessings and then some (Deut 28:15-68), including being removed from the promised land and scattered throughout the nations (Deut 28:36-37, 63-64; 29:28). But when they break the covenant and then repent and turn back to God, they will be restored to the land (Deut 30:1-5). God will change the hearts of those who come back to him (Deut 30:6), so that they could again obey and be blessed (Deut 30:8-9). The enemies of Israel, who would be used to judge Israel, would also be judged themselves (Deut 30:7).
- The results were that Israel broke the covenant and went after other gods (2 Kings 17:15; Heb 8:9). They were removed from the land and the Temple was destroyed during the Babylonian captivity (2 Kings 25:8-9; Ezra 5:12). After seventy years of captivity they were restored to the land and able to rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1). Babylon was later judged and conquered (Jer 51; Dan 5). The second Temple survived until 70AD when it was destroyed by the Romans. The Jews were once again scattered. In 1948 the state of Israel was created and many Jews have been returning to the land from all over the world.
- In terms of end times’ significance, the Deuteronomic Covenant reaffirms the promise of land from the Abrahamic Covenant. It makes clear that even though there would be descendants of Abraham who would reject God and be removed from the promised land for a time, ultimately Israel as a whole will repent and be returned to the land, and God will give them new circumcised hearts (Is 11:11-12; 27:9-13; 59:20; Jer 16:14-15; 23:7-8; 30:1-3; 32:36-44; Ez 11:16-21; 36:22-38; Hos 2:14-23; Zech 10:6-12; Rom 11:26-29). While Israel has been reestablished as a nation, and God is gathering Jews from many distant lands (cf. Deut 30:4), they have yet to fully repent and come back to God as a nation, and they have yet to possess all of the promised land as described in Numbers 34:1-12.
- The promises connect with the land promised in the Abrahamic Covenant and the nation of Israel’s prosperity within that land. They would be set high above all the nations on earth (Deut 28:1), established as a holy people (Deut 28:9), recognized as God’s people and feared by the other nations (Deut 28:10). They would be blessed in battle (Deut 28:6-7). They would lend to other nations and wouldn’t need to borrow from any (Deut 28:12). They would be blessed in the city and the country (Deut 28:3). The fruit of their womb would be blessed along with land and livestock (Deut 28:4, 8, 11). God would send rain in season and bless the work of their hands (Deut 28:12), and they would have plenty of food (Deut 28:5).
- The conditions were that Israel was called to obey the Lord their God fully and keep his commands and the terms of the covenant (Deut 28:1, 9, 13, 15, 45, 47, 58; 29:9; 30:19-20), especially to not go after any other gods (Deut 28:14, 20; 29:18, 26-27; 30:17-18). If they did not obey and went after other gods, then the curses they would face would be a reverse of the blessings and then some (Deut 28:15-68), including being removed from the promised land and scattered throughout the nations (Deut 28:36-37, 63-64; 29:28). But when they break the covenant and then repent and turn back to God, they will be restored to the land (Deut 30:1-5). God will change the hearts of those who come back to him (Deut 30:6), so that they could again obey and be blessed (Deut 30:8-9). The enemies of Israel, who would be used to judge Israel, would also be judged themselves (Deut 30:7).
- The results were that Israel broke the covenant and went after other gods (2 Kings 17:15; Heb 8:9). They were removed from the land and the Temple was destroyed during the Babylonian captivity (2 Kings 25:8-9; Ezra 5:12). After seventy years of captivity they were restored to the land and able to rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1). Babylon was later judged and conquered (Jer 51; Dan 5). The second Temple survived until 70AD when it was destroyed by the Romans. The Jews were once again scattered. In 1948 the state of Israel was created and many Jews have been returning to the land from all over the world.
- In terms of end times’ significance, the Deuteronomic Covenant reaffirms the promise of land from the Abrahamic Covenant. It makes clear that even though there would be descendants of Abraham who would reject God and be removed from the promised land for a time, ultimately Israel as a whole will repent and be returned to the land, and God will give them new circumcised hearts (Is 11:11-12; 27:9-13; 59:20; Jer 16:14-15; 23:7-8; 30:1-3; 32:36-44; Ez 11:16-21; 36:22-38; Hos 2:14-23; Zech 10:6-12; Rom 11:26-29). While Israel has been reestablished as a nation, and God is gathering Jews from many distant lands (cf. Deut 30:4), they have yet to fully repent and come back to God as a nation, and they have yet to possess all of the promised land as described in Numbers 34:1-12.
Davidic Covenant
THE DAVIDIC COVENANT (2 Sam 7:12-16)
- The promises connect with the kingship that was promised in the Abrahamic Covenant. God would establish a kingdom with David’s offspring (2 Sam 7:12), who would build a house for God (2 Sam 7:13). David will have offspring who will do wrong at times and be disciplined by God, but his love will not be removed (2 Sam 7:14-15). The house, kingdom, and throne of David will be established forever (2 Sam 7:13, 16).
- There are no conditions in terms of the kingdom being established forever (2 Sam 7:15-16; Ps 89:28-29, 33-37, 110:1-2), however, there will be discipline for kings who do not follow God (2 Sam 7:14; Ps 89:30-32).
- The results are that David’s offspring became king (2 Chron 1:8-9) and built the house of God (1 Kings 6). The discipline of kings took place as the covenant stated (1 Kings 13:34; 16:1-4).
- The end times’ significance is that Jesus, as a son of David, will reign on David’s throne forever (Luke 1:30-33 cf. Jer 23:5-6). He will first reign in Jerusalem during the millennium (Rev 20:4) and then forever in the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-5; 22:1) as King of kings (Rev 17:24; 19:16).
- The promises connect with the kingship that was promised in the Abrahamic Covenant. God would establish a kingdom with David’s offspring (2 Sam 7:12), who would build a house for God (2 Sam 7:13). David will have offspring who will do wrong at times and be disciplined by God, but his love will not be removed (2 Sam 7:14-15). The house, kingdom, and throne of David will be established forever (2 Sam 7:13, 16).
- There are no conditions in terms of the kingdom being established forever (2 Sam 7:15-16; Ps 89:28-29, 33-37, 110:1-2), however, there will be discipline for kings who do not follow God (2 Sam 7:14; Ps 89:30-32).
- The results are that David’s offspring became king (2 Chron 1:8-9) and built the house of God (1 Kings 6). The discipline of kings took place as the covenant stated (1 Kings 13:34; 16:1-4).
- The end times’ significance is that Jesus, as a son of David, will reign on David’s throne forever (Luke 1:30-33 cf. Jer 23:5-6). He will first reign in Jerusalem during the millennium (Rev 20:4) and then forever in the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-5; 22:1) as King of kings (Rev 17:24; 19:16).
New covenant
NEW COVENANT
- The promises connect with the universal blessing that was promised in the Abrahamic Covenant. People will have personal knowledge of the Lord (Jer 31:34), and follow him from a changed heart (Jer 31:33; Heb 8:10; Rom 8:1-4). Sins will be forgiven and forgotten forever (Jer 31:34; Col 2:13-14). The nation of Israel will continue on (Jer 31:35-37), and there will be a restoration of Israel as they repent and return to God (Ez 36:23-28). The promises were first made to Israel (Jer 31:31, 33), and then to the gentiles (Joel 2:28-32 cf. Acts 2:14-21; 11:15-18).
- The condition for an individual to participate in the New Covenant is faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 3:21-31 cf. Acts 16:31). Those who try to keep the Old Covenant remain under a curse (Gal 3:10). But the blood sacrifice of Jesus frees us from the curse (Gal 3:13), cancels our debt (Col 2:14); it is the basis for the New Covenant (Matt 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20; 1 Cor 11:23-26; 10:11-22).
- The results were that Moses gave the law of the Old Covenant, but Jesus brought grace and truth with the New Covenant (John 1:17). The New Covenant was implemented at Pentecost with a remnant of believing Jews at the core (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:1-21), but the nation of Israel as a whole rejected it and then it went to the gentiles (Acts 13:44-47).
- The end times’ significance is that the New Covenant will find its ultimate fulfillment when the full number of the gentiles comes in and the nation of Israel as a whole finds salvation through Christ (Rom 11:25-27).
- The promises connect with the universal blessing that was promised in the Abrahamic Covenant. People will have personal knowledge of the Lord (Jer 31:34), and follow him from a changed heart (Jer 31:33; Heb 8:10; Rom 8:1-4). Sins will be forgiven and forgotten forever (Jer 31:34; Col 2:13-14). The nation of Israel will continue on (Jer 31:35-37), and there will be a restoration of Israel as they repent and return to God (Ez 36:23-28). The promises were first made to Israel (Jer 31:31, 33), and then to the gentiles (Joel 2:28-32 cf. Acts 2:14-21; 11:15-18).
- The condition for an individual to participate in the New Covenant is faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 3:21-31 cf. Acts 16:31). Those who try to keep the Old Covenant remain under a curse (Gal 3:10). But the blood sacrifice of Jesus frees us from the curse (Gal 3:13), cancels our debt (Col 2:14); it is the basis for the New Covenant (Matt 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20; 1 Cor 11:23-26; 10:11-22).
- The results were that Moses gave the law of the Old Covenant, but Jesus brought grace and truth with the New Covenant (John 1:17). The New Covenant was implemented at Pentecost with a remnant of believing Jews at the core (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:1-21), but the nation of Israel as a whole rejected it and then it went to the gentiles (Acts 13:44-47).
- The end times’ significance is that the New Covenant will find its ultimate fulfillment when the full number of the gentiles comes in and the nation of Israel as a whole finds salvation through Christ (Rom 11:25-27).
Dispensations
DISPENSATIONS – Distinct periods of time, or ages, that are marked by particular characteristics.
- Note that within each dispensation from the fall until final judgment, an individual’s salvation is always secured through faith and on the basis of the future or completed work of Christ (Heb 11; Rom 3:21-26; 4:3).
- Note that within each dispensation from the fall until final judgment, an individual’s salvation is always secured through faith and on the basis of the future or completed work of Christ (Heb 11; Rom 3:21-26; 4:3).
Creation to the Fall
Creation to the Fall: This period was characterized by perfection (Gen 1:31), the innocence of humans, and communion with God (Gen 2:25; 3:8). It was also characterized by testing, as Adam and Eve had the choice to listen to God, or to the temptation of the Serpent (Gen 3). God had told them to be fruitful and multiply, to fill the earth and subdue it, and to eat what grows (Gen 1:28-30). They did not fulfill those tasks before falling to the temptations of the Serpent.
The fall to the flood
The Fall to the Flood: Once man fell, there was a proliferation of evil (Gen 6:5), even though people were given consciences to help them know right from wrong (Gen 3:7; Rom 2:14-15). There were some faithful people during that time period including Abel (Gen 4:4), Seth (Gen 4:26), Enoch (Gen 5:21-24), and Noah (Gen 6:8-9). And during that time, the Spirit of God was active and preaching to the people who wouldn’t listen and who ended up in hell (1 Peter 3:18-20).
The flood to Abraham
The Flood to Abraham: After the flood, God scattered the people and there was a proliferation of nations, languages, and governments throughout the world (Gen 11:9).
Abraham to Moses
Abraham to Moses: This period is characterized by promise. God promised Abraham that he would give him land (Gen 12:1; 13:15; 15:18-21; 17:8), a nation of descendants (Gen 12:2; 13:16; 15:5; 17:5-6; 22:15-18), that kings would come from him (Gen 17:6 cf. Matt 1:1), and that all the nations would be blessed through his seed (Gen 12:3 cf. Gal 3:6-9; Gen 22:18 cf. Gal 3:16). And then God began to fulfill those promises (Gen 21:1-7; 47:27).
Moses to Pentecost
Moses to Pentecost: This period is characterized by the codified Law (Ex 31:18; John 1:17).
Pentecost to the millennium
Pentecost to the Millennium: This period is characterized by the realization of grace through Christ (John 1:17; Acts 13:39; Gal 3:23-25; 2 Cor 3:7-18; Rom 10:4). It is also characterized by the creation and growth of the church beginning in Jerusalem with Jewish believers and spreading to the gentiles throughout the whole world (Acts 1:8). The period will culminate with the tribulation, the salvation of Israel as they accept the Messiah Christ, and the return of Jesus (Matt 24; Rom 11:25-27).
The Millennium to the final judgment and eternal state
The Millennium to the Final Judgment and Eternal State: This period is characterized by the rule of Jesus from the throne of David in Jerusalem (Luke 1:32-33; Isaiah 2:1-4; 9:6-7; 11:1-10; 24:23; 40:1-11; Jer 23:5-6; Zech 14:1-21). It is also characterized by peace and the locking away of Satan (Rev 20:1-6). It will end with the return of Satan for a short time (Rev 20:7-10), followed by the final judgment and the New Heaven and Earth (Rev 20:11 - 22:21).
The kingdom of God/heaven
THE KINGDOM OF GOD/HEAVEN – Much of Eschatology is focused on the coming of the Kingdom, which is the realm in which the will of God is done and the rule of God through Jesus Christ is operating and rightfully recognized.
- The kingdom in some sense has always existed since God has always been King. Once man fell, the earth ceased to be a sphere where the will of God was always done and where he was always treated as King (see Rom 12:2; Matt 6:10; Eph 6:12). The kingdom of God was inaugurated again on earth when Jesus came into the world and demonstrated his authority over the demonic world (Matt 12:28; Luke 11:20).
- The kingdom of God would grow from something very small to something that would fill the whole world (Matt 13:31-33). While the church and the kingdom of God are different things, the growth of the church is sometimes associated with the growth of the kingdom of God. As the church grows, there is a sense that the kingdom of God grows as the Holy Spirit filled church spreads throughout the world (see Eph 2:21-22; Rom 14:17; Acts 1:8).
- The culmination of the kingdom is still yet to come (Matt 6:10; 25:34; Luke 14:15; 21:31). The fullness of the kingdom is akin to heaven (Mark 9:47; Luke 23:42) and is an inheritance (Matt 25:34; 1 Cor 6:9-11) worth giving up all else for (Matt 13:44-46). Unbelievers and sin will be removed and have no place in the kingdom (Matt 13:40-43, 47-50; 25:31-33; 1 Cor 15:20-26).
- The kingdom in some sense has always existed since God has always been King. Once man fell, the earth ceased to be a sphere where the will of God was always done and where he was always treated as King (see Rom 12:2; Matt 6:10; Eph 6:12). The kingdom of God was inaugurated again on earth when Jesus came into the world and demonstrated his authority over the demonic world (Matt 12:28; Luke 11:20).
- The kingdom of God would grow from something very small to something that would fill the whole world (Matt 13:31-33). While the church and the kingdom of God are different things, the growth of the church is sometimes associated with the growth of the kingdom of God. As the church grows, there is a sense that the kingdom of God grows as the Holy Spirit filled church spreads throughout the world (see Eph 2:21-22; Rom 14:17; Acts 1:8).
- The culmination of the kingdom is still yet to come (Matt 6:10; 25:34; Luke 14:15; 21:31). The fullness of the kingdom is akin to heaven (Mark 9:47; Luke 23:42) and is an inheritance (Matt 25:34; 1 Cor 6:9-11) worth giving up all else for (Matt 13:44-46). Unbelievers and sin will be removed and have no place in the kingdom (Matt 13:40-43, 47-50; 25:31-33; 1 Cor 15:20-26).
The second coming
THE SECOND COMING – The bodily, physical, visible return of Jesus to earth (Acts 1:11; 1 Thess 4:16; 1 John 3:2; Rev 1:7-8).
- The purpose of the Second Coming is to bring judgment and justice (Rev 19:1-2), and for Jesus to take his rightful place on his throne (Matt 25:31; Luke 1:31-33; Phil 2:9-11).
- Unlike the first coming, which was in humility, the second coming will be incredibly glorious and powerful (Matt 16:27; 24:30; 25:31).
- For the believer, the anticipation of the Second Coming should provide encouragement to live a Christian life (John 14:1-3; Rom 13:11-14; 1 Cor 15:51-58; 1 Thess 4:13-18; 2 Tim 4:7-8; Titus 2:11-14; Rev 22:12-15, 20), and the fortitude to stand strong in the face of persecution (James 5:7-11; Rev 20:4-6; 21:6-8).
- The purpose of the Second Coming is to bring judgment and justice (Rev 19:1-2), and for Jesus to take his rightful place on his throne (Matt 25:31; Luke 1:31-33; Phil 2:9-11).
- Unlike the first coming, which was in humility, the second coming will be incredibly glorious and powerful (Matt 16:27; 24:30; 25:31).
- For the believer, the anticipation of the Second Coming should provide encouragement to live a Christian life (John 14:1-3; Rom 13:11-14; 1 Cor 15:51-58; 1 Thess 4:13-18; 2 Tim 4:7-8; Titus 2:11-14; Rev 22:12-15, 20), and the fortitude to stand strong in the face of persecution (James 5:7-11; Rev 20:4-6; 21:6-8).
WHAT PROPHECIES ARE THERE OF THE SECOND COMING of Jesus?
- There are extensive prophecies of the Second Coming in the OT (Ps 2:6-9; 96:10-13; 98:9; 102:16; Dan 7:13-14; Hos 6:3; Zech 14; Mal 3:1-5; et. al.). There were two distinct pictures of the Messiah in the OT, a suffering servant and a conquering king. People did not realize that this would occur in two separate comings by the same Messiah. When Jesus was in the synagogue and stopped in the middle of reading the prophecy, he was indicating that he was fulfilling the first part at that time, and the rest at a latter time (Luke 14:16-21 cf. Is 61:1-2). There are even more extensive prophecies of the Second Coming in the NT (Matt 16:27-28; 23:39; 24:1-51; 25:1-46; Mark 14:62; Luke 12:40; John 14:3,18; 21:22; Acts 1:11; 3:20-21; 1 Cor 1:7; 4:5; 11:26; 15:23; Phil 3:20-21; Col 3:4; 1 Thess 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:15-17; 5:2-3, 23; 2 Thess 1:7-10; 2:1-3, 8; 1 Tim 6:14-15; 2 Tim 4:1, 8; Titus 2:13; Heb 9:28; James 5:7-8; 1 Peter 1:7, 13; 4:13; 5:1, 4; 2 Peter 1:16; 3:3-4; 1 John 2:28; 3:2-3; Jude 21; Rev 1:7; 3:11; 16:15; 19:11-21; 22:12, 20 et al.). There are over three hundred references to the Second Coming in the NT.
WHEN WILL JESUS RETURN TO EARTH?
- The precise timing of the Second Coming is not revealed. Nobody knows the day or hour except God the Father (Matt 24:36), and Jesus guided people away from focusing on when it would happen (Acts 1:6-8). It will be like a thief in the night (1 Thess 5:1-4; 2 Peter 3:3-9). It is revealed, however, that prior to the Second Coming, the gospel will be preached to all the nations (Matt 24:14; Mark 13:10 cf. Acts 1:8). And just prior to, or at the time of the Second Coming there will be a return of the Jews to Israel and to God (Is 27:9-13; Jer 31; Zech 12; Rom 11:25-32). Also, evil will increase near the end (Matt 24:12), and so will knowledge (Dan 12:4).
Characters of the second coming in Revelation
- Click on the names below to find out more about the important players in the book of Revelation.
Jesus
Jesus: He is the Lord (22:20-21), the Lamb that was slain (5:6, 8, 12, 13; 6:1, 3, 5, 7, 16; 7:9, 10, 14, 17; 12:11; 13:8; 14:1, 4, 10; 15:3; 17:14; 19:7, 9; 21:9, 14, 22, 23, 27; 22:1, 3), the faithful Witness (1:5; 3:14), the Firstborn from the dead (1:5), the Ruler of the kings of the earth (1:5; 19:16), the Son of Man (1:13), the First and the Last (1:17; 22:13), the Living One (1:17), the Son of God (2:18), who is holy and true (3:7), who holds the key of David (3:7), the Amen (3:14), the Ruler of God’s creation (3:14), the Lion of Judah (5:5), the Root of David (5:5; 22:16), the Word of God (19:13), the Alpha and Omega (22:13), the Beginning and End (22:13), and the Bright Morning Star (22:16).
The Saints
The Saints: These are all Christians, who stand firm and persevere in their faith in Jesus (5:8; 8:3-4; 11:18; 13:7, 10; 14:12; 16:6; 17:6; 18:20, 24; 19:8; 20:9)
The great multitude
The Great Multitude: The multitude comes from every nation, tribe, language, and people; and they come out of the great tribulation (7:9-17). The pre-wrath rapture view holds that this group of people is the raptured church that is taken from the tribulation at the point of the sealing of the 144,000 and just prior to the wrath of God being poured out on the earth. The pre-trib rapture view states that this is a group of those who were converted during the tribulation.
The 144,000
The 144,000: This is a group of 144,000 redeemed Jews, 12,000 from each of 12 tribes of Israel who are undefiled, who will be sealed during the pouring out of God’s wrath, who will follow the Lamb once he stands on Mount Zion (7:1-8; 14:1-5).
The two witnesses
The Two Witnesses: They will prophesy for 1,260 days. They will have power to bring plagues and perform miracles. They will be killed by the beast, and the world will celebrate. They will come back to life after three and a half days and be taken to heaven (11:1-14 cf. Zech 3, 4). The identity of the witnesses is not stated, but some believe that one of them might be Elijah (cf. 2 Kings 2:11; Mal 4:5), and the other either Moses who was with Elijah at the transfiguration (Matt 17:3-4) or Enoch who may have been taken to heaven without dying, like Elijah (Gen 5:23-24).
The four living creatures
The Four Living Creatures: These seem to be powerful angelic beings who declare the holiness of God and worship him. They also call out the four horsemen and tell them when to come (4:6-9; 5:6-14; 6:1-8; 14:3; 15:7; 19:4; Ez 1:5-21; 10:2, 14, 20; Is 6:1-3).
The Twenty-four Elders
The Twenty-Four Elders: They sit on thrones and worship God along with the four living creatures (4:4, 10; 5:6-14; 7:11-13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4). They are described as being clothed in white (cf. 3:5, 18; 7:14; 19:8) and wearing crowns (cf. 2 Tim 4:8; James 1:12; Rev 20:4; Matt 19:28) that they lay before God (Rev 4:10). They may be twelve Apostles and members of the twelve tribes of Israel (Rev 21:9-14)?
The four horsemen
The Four Horsemen: A different horse is revealed with each of the first four seals that are opened. The horses are white, red, black, and pale. The first horse seems to represent conquest. The second represents war, the third famine, and the fourth death (Rev 6:1-8; see also Zech 6:1-7). This may align with the beginning of the end spoken about by Jesus in Matthew 24:4-9.
The Dragon
The Dragon: He is the ancient serpent, the devil, Satan (12:9), who leads the world astray and accuses believers (12:9-10). The dragon will be worshiped and will give authority to the beast (13:4). He will be bound for a thousand years during the millennium (20:2) and will ultimately be thrown into the lake of burning sulfur (20:10).
The Beast from the sea/The Antichrist
The Beast from the sea/The Antichrist: This refers to the person often referred to as the Antichrist. He is also described as the “little horn” in Daniel and the “Man of Lawlessness” in II Thessalonians. The beast is said to have come from the Abyss (11:7), and the sea (13:1), and he will be revealed prior to the second coming of Christ (2 Thess 2:3). He will be empowered by the dragon/Satan (Rev 13:2; 2 Thess 2:9). He will send demonic spirits to perform miracles (Rev 16:13-14), and will have a fatal wound healed (Rev 13:3, 12). The world will be filled with wonder and will worship the beast (13:3-4, 8, 12), and he will utter blasphemies (Rev 13:5-6; Dan 7:8, 11, 25; 11:36-37; 2 Thess 2:4). There will be pressure to worship the beast and his image. All people on earth except for the elect will take on their right hands or foreheads the mark of the beast in order to participate in the commerce of the world. This mark is his name or the number of his name, which is six hundred and sixty-six (Rev 13:16-18). The beast will be granted authority by God to rule for forty-two months (Rev 13:5-7; 17:17; Dan 7:25). He will start small (“a little one” Dan 7:8) and then become imposing and overthrow three kings and lead a coalition of ten kings/nations (Dan 7:20, 24). He will overpower the saints for a time (Rev 11:7; 13:7), but is doomed to destruction (2 Thess 2:3), and will be overthrown by the breath of the mouth of Jesus and destroyed at His coming (2 Thess 2:8; Rev 19:19-20; Dan 7:11, 13-14, 21-22, 26-27).
The Beast from the earth/the false Prophet
The Beast from the earth/The False Prophet: The second beast speaks like a dragon (Rev 13:11), which means that his message is from Satan (cf. Rev 12:9). The second beast will wield the same authority as the first beast, but on the first beast’s behalf. He will be empowered to perform great deceptive miracles on behalf of the first beast. He will be the one to force the world to worship the first beast and his image and to take the mark of the beast or be killed (13:12-18). He will send out demons to perform signs and miracles (16:13). He will ultimately be captured and thrown into the lake of fire along with the first beast (19:20), and with the devil (20:10).
The Rapture
THE RAPTURE - Believers who are still alive at the Second Coming of Christ will be caught up and meet Jesus in the air (1 Thess 4:17; John 14:1-3; 1 Cor 15:51-52).
THE PRE-TRIB RAPTURE VIEW
- This view holds that the church is raptured just prior to the seven-year tribulation period (Daniel’s 70th week). Proponents of this view hold that it is a good solution to the promised avoidance of God’s wrath (1 Thess 1:10; Rev 3:10). They also believe that this view best fits with an immanent return of Christ (Matt 24:37-42; Rev 22:20).
THE MID-TRIB RAPTURE VIEW
- This view holds that the Great Tribulation is the last half of Daniel’s seventieth week (three and a half years, or forty two months, or a time – times – and half a time; see Dan 9:27 and Rev 11:2-3), and that believers will be spared from the Great Tribulation. This is very similar to the pre-trib rapture, only with the belief that the tribulation doesn’t really get going until the last half of the seven years.
THE POST-TRIB RAPTURE VIEW
- This view holds that the church will go through the entirety of the tribulation and will be raptured at the time of the first resurrection, which they say occurs just prior to the millennial reign of Christ (Rev 20:4-6).
THe Pre-wrath rapture view
- This view holds that the church will go through the persecutions of the tribulation including those caused by the dragon, beast, and false prophet, but will be removed prior to the wrath of God being poured out on the world. This view holds that 144,000 Jewish believers will be sealed and protected from God’s wrath but that the church will be removed before the hour of God’s wrath. The main arguments for a pre-wrath view are passages that show believers will be present for the tribulation, and passages that show believers are kept from God’s wrath (1Thess 1:8-10; 5:9; Rev 3:10). (Those who hold to a pre-trib rapture argue that references to believers within the tribulation are those who become believers during the tribulation. Those who hold to a post-trib rapture view argue that believers are kept from the wrath of God not by removal, but by supernatural protection.)
- The same sequence of tribulation, rapture, and then wrath of God occurs in both Matthew and Revelation. Matthew 24:8 describes the beginning of birth pangs, which covers the first three and a half years of Daniel’s seventieth week. Mattew 24:15 then speaks of believers seeing the Abomination of Desolation being set up (cf. Dan 9:27). This leads into the great tribulation that believers are described as going through in Matthew 24:21-25. Matthew 24:29 (cf. Rev 6:12; Joel 2:10-11) then describes the sun being darkened, the moon turning to blood, and the stars falling from the sky. This brings in the Day of the Lord, which is the wrath of God being poured out. It is at this point according to Matthew 24:30-31 that God collects his own (i.e the rapture) and then pours out his wrath on those left. This same sequence is seen in Revelation. Revelation 6:1-11 describes the tribulation. Revelation 6:12 is the sign that signals the wrath of God is about to come (cf. Matt 24:29; Joel 2:10-11). Revelation 7:4-8 describes the 144,000 Jewish believers sealed. Revelation 7:9-14 describes believers from every nation suddenly removed from the tribulation (i.e. the rapture). And then Revelation 8ff. describes the wrath of God being poured out. The same sequence is repeated later in Revelation. Revelation 13 describes the rise of the Antichrist and the tribulation that believers will have to go through (Rev 13:7-10). Revelation 14:1-5 describes the 144,000 Jewish believers who are sealed. Revelation 14:14-16 describes a harvest of believers (i.e the rapture). Revelation 14:17-20 then describes a harvest of wrath against non-believers.
- Regarding the issue of whether the rapture is imminent, 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 suggests that the rapture will come like a thief to those upon whom destruction will come and who will not escape, but it will not entirely surprise believers. Does Matthew 24:42-44 suggest the rapture is imminent? Again, it will not entirely surprise believers, but even they will not know exactly when it will happen. Note also that Matthew 24:45-51 suggests that the person who is not ready will face God’s wrath, not that they will get another chance to be saved after the rapture as the pre-trib view holds (See also Matt 25:10-13).
- The same sequence of tribulation, rapture, and then wrath of God occurs in both Matthew and Revelation. Matthew 24:8 describes the beginning of birth pangs, which covers the first three and a half years of Daniel’s seventieth week. Mattew 24:15 then speaks of believers seeing the Abomination of Desolation being set up (cf. Dan 9:27). This leads into the great tribulation that believers are described as going through in Matthew 24:21-25. Matthew 24:29 (cf. Rev 6:12; Joel 2:10-11) then describes the sun being darkened, the moon turning to blood, and the stars falling from the sky. This brings in the Day of the Lord, which is the wrath of God being poured out. It is at this point according to Matthew 24:30-31 that God collects his own (i.e the rapture) and then pours out his wrath on those left. This same sequence is seen in Revelation. Revelation 6:1-11 describes the tribulation. Revelation 6:12 is the sign that signals the wrath of God is about to come (cf. Matt 24:29; Joel 2:10-11). Revelation 7:4-8 describes the 144,000 Jewish believers sealed. Revelation 7:9-14 describes believers from every nation suddenly removed from the tribulation (i.e. the rapture). And then Revelation 8ff. describes the wrath of God being poured out. The same sequence is repeated later in Revelation. Revelation 13 describes the rise of the Antichrist and the tribulation that believers will have to go through (Rev 13:7-10). Revelation 14:1-5 describes the 144,000 Jewish believers who are sealed. Revelation 14:14-16 describes a harvest of believers (i.e the rapture). Revelation 14:17-20 then describes a harvest of wrath against non-believers.
- Regarding the issue of whether the rapture is imminent, 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 suggests that the rapture will come like a thief to those upon whom destruction will come and who will not escape, but it will not entirely surprise believers. Does Matthew 24:42-44 suggest the rapture is imminent? Again, it will not entirely surprise believers, but even they will not know exactly when it will happen. Note also that Matthew 24:45-51 suggests that the person who is not ready will face God’s wrath, not that they will get another chance to be saved after the rapture as the pre-trib view holds (See also Matt 25:10-13).
The millennium
THE MILLENNIUM – The period of 1,000 years when Jesus will reign from the throne of David in Jerusalem, Satan will be confined, and the world will be at peace (Rev 20:1-7).
Postmillennialism
- Under this view, the millennium is understood to be either the last thousand years of the Church age before Christ’s return, or an indefinite period of time between Pentecost and the return of Christ. The resurrection of believers and nonbelievers occurs at the same time at the end of the millennium and at the return of Christ. The millennium is characterized by increasing goodness on the earth. Some believe this will be brought about by human effort and others believe it will be accomplished by the Spirit through the growth of the church and spread of the gospel.
A-Millennialism
- Under this view, the return of Christ is followed immediately by an eternal state. The OT prophecies and promises to Israel are not literally fulfilled in terms of land and a king on the throne. There will be a period of intense tribulation concluded by the return of Christ and the eternal state. A general resurrection of both believers and nonbelievers occurs as Christ returns.
Pre-millennialism
- Under this view, Christ will return at the end of the Great Tribulation and will then reign on earth from the throne of David in Jerusalem while Satan is locked away. There are verses that imply a future that is better than now but less than the eternal state, which fits with this idea of a millennium (Ps 72:8-14; Is 11:2-9; 65:20; Zech 14:6-21; 1 Cor 15:24; Rev 2:27; 12:5; 19:15). At the end of the millennium, Satan will be released for a short time, but then caught again and thrown into the lake of burning sulfur. This will be followed by the final judgment, which will be followed by the eternal state of the new heaven and new earth (Rev 20:21). Pre-millennialism holds that there will be two resurrections, one for believers prior to the millennium, and one for non-believers after the millennium (Rev 20:4-6). Opponents of this view argue that the Bible does not elsewhere teach that there will be two resurrections separated by a thousand years. However, there are verses that imply or at least allow for two separate resurrections separated by a period of time (John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15; Dan 12:2). The biggest reason to hold to the pre-millennial view is that it seems to take most seriously the prophecies and promises made to Abraham and his descendants (Gen 17:3-8; Ez 37:24-28; Isaiah 2:1-4 cf. Acts 3:19-21).
- Note that most pre-millennialists view the millennium as an actual thousand years, however, some hold that Jesus will physically reign from David’s throne but not necessarily for a thousand years. They would say that there are many symbolic things in Revelation and so “1,000” is a symbolic rather than literal number of years.
- Note that most pre-millennialists view the millennium as an actual thousand years, however, some hold that Jesus will physically reign from David’s throne but not necessarily for a thousand years. They would say that there are many symbolic things in Revelation and so “1,000” is a symbolic rather than literal number of years.
The final judgment: The great white throne
THE FINAL JUDGMENT: THE GREAT WHITE THRONE – The final judgment before the eternal state (Rev 20:11-15 cf. Matt 12:36; Acts 17:31; Rom 2:5-11; 2 Pet 2:9; 3:7; 1 John 4:17; Jude 6).
- The final judgment occurs at the end of the millennium (Rev 20:7-15). Unbelievers are resurrected prior to being judged (Rev 20:5, 11-15). Those who are not found in the book of life will be judged (Rev 20:12-15 cf. Luke 10:20; Phil 4:3; Rev 3:5). After they stand before the great white throne, unbelievers will be put in the lake of fire, which is the second death (Rev 20:15 cf. Matt 25:41).
- Fallen angels will be judged as well (2 Peter 2:4).
- The Judge is Christ (John 5:22, 27; Acts 10:42; 2 Tim 4:1).
- The final judgment occurs at the end of the millennium (Rev 20:7-15). Unbelievers are resurrected prior to being judged (Rev 20:5, 11-15). Those who are not found in the book of life will be judged (Rev 20:12-15 cf. Luke 10:20; Phil 4:3; Rev 3:5). After they stand before the great white throne, unbelievers will be put in the lake of fire, which is the second death (Rev 20:15 cf. Matt 25:41).
- Fallen angels will be judged as well (2 Peter 2:4).
- The Judge is Christ (John 5:22, 27; Acts 10:42; 2 Tim 4:1).
(re)new(ed) heaven (re)new(ed) earth
(RE)NEW(ED) HEAVEN (RE)NEW(ED) EARTH – the transformation of the fallen world into a glorious new heaven and earth.
- The fallen creation will pass away (Is 51:6; Ps 102:26 cf. Heb 1:11; Matt 24:35; 1 John 2:17; 2 Peter 3:10).
- It appears that the new heaven and new earth will have their beginnings during the millennium (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22-24).
- The new heaven and earth will be a place of righteousness and entirely free of sin. There will be no more murder, lying, jealousy, backstabbing, and all of the other sins that put sadness in this world (2 Peter 3:12-13; Rev 21:1-8; Rom 8:18-25).
- The Bible promises a New Jerusalem that will seemingly be the focal point of the new heavens and earth. There is currently a New Jerusalem above in heaven (Gal 4:25-26; Heb 12:22). It will come down at the end times (Rev 3:12; 21:2), like a bride made ready for Christ (Rev 21:9-27).
- The fallen creation will pass away (Is 51:6; Ps 102:26 cf. Heb 1:11; Matt 24:35; 1 John 2:17; 2 Peter 3:10).
- It appears that the new heaven and new earth will have their beginnings during the millennium (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22-24).
- The new heaven and earth will be a place of righteousness and entirely free of sin. There will be no more murder, lying, jealousy, backstabbing, and all of the other sins that put sadness in this world (2 Peter 3:12-13; Rev 21:1-8; Rom 8:18-25).
- The Bible promises a New Jerusalem that will seemingly be the focal point of the new heavens and earth. There is currently a New Jerusalem above in heaven (Gal 4:25-26; Heb 12:22). It will come down at the end times (Rev 3:12; 21:2), like a bride made ready for Christ (Rev 21:9-27).
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