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Eschatology Doctrinal Statement
The reader must recognize and acknowledge that the subject of Eschatology is the one issue in Christian theology that includes the most diverse range of opinions and debate. The following statement and positions on Eschatology includes, what I believe to be, the most Biblically sound perspective on each topic.
Eschatology is not a subject that stands alone but encompasses the whole plan of God for the redemption of the world. The numerous topics that make up the broad subject of Eschatology all point to God’s judgment of sin and His redemption of man and nature. In addition, there is a current tension between the now and not yet; where as believers are currently reconciled to God[1] we still wrestle with a fallen world[2] and a still present fallen nature[3]. This current reality demonstrates the fact that we are still looking towards our final eschatological hope: the complete redemption of fallen creation.
First, there will be a bodily return of Christ to earth. His return will be physical[4]. I reject any hypothetical perspective that only spiritualizes the return of Christ and in so doing dismisses key scriptures that point to this future historical reality.
Second, I believe, as true, the resurrection of believers and unbelievers[5]. For the believers who have been reconciled to God through faith in Christ, they will be resurrected for eternal life[6]. However, unbelievers will be resurrected for judgment[7]. I reject the universalist’s idea that all will be saved in the end or pluralism’s stance that all religions have an acceptable path to “heaven”. There is a clear distinction in scripture between those who receive and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ and those who do not. The consequences of the latter position leads to eternal death after the great white throne judgment[8].
After the final judgment and complete redemption of the world, God will establish the eternal state[9]; a perfect, sinless world and universe for all redeemed believers to live.
The following positions that will be discussed, I believe to be ‘non-essential’ topics where believers across the evangelical spectrum can hold divergent views, yet still be considered ‘born-again’ believers (those positions being the rapture, the tribulation, and the millennium). However, topics such as the physical return of Christ, the resurrection, and eternal judgment for unbelievers and eternal life for believers in Christ are all doctrines that are foundational and indispensable to the Christian faith.
Third, I accept the pre-tribulation rapture view. That Christ will return for His “bride” the church before the seven-year tribulation[10]. The coming judgment, to take place during the seven year tribulation or Day of the Lord can not commence until the Church is taken out of the way in order for the “anti-Christ” world ruler to rise[11].
Fourth, I believe that there will be a literal seven-year tribulation that will commence after a pact that will be signed between Israel and the “world ruler”[12]. There will be two literal halves to the tribulation: the first half is the tribulation and the second is the great tribulation. At the end of the tribulation Christ will return and judge the wicked[13].
Fifth, I believe that after the tribulation when Christ returns and blesses the righteous and judges the wicked that He will then establish a literal thousand year reign on earth[14]. During this reign there will be unhindered peace[15] and the full flourishing of Kingdom promises. However, at the end of that thousand year reign there will be a final rebellion by humans led by Satan who had been imprisoned during the previous thousand year reign[16]. However God will crush this final rebellion and establish the eternal state.
Each subject that was discussed I believe to be significant in the theological arena of Eschatology. As stated, some topics are indispensable for a true follower of Christ but there are other topics where we can have some flexibility. Ultimately, it is essential that we all continue to look to Christ as we move forward in His grace.
[1]2 Corinthians 5:17-19
[2]Genesis 3
[3]Romans 6; This often debated chapter points to the reality of our new life in Christ where we are dominated by the Holy Spirit but we must at the same time, until we are perfected/glorified, deal with the present sin nature.
[4]Acts 1:10-11: Here it is clearly stated that Jesus would return in the same way in which He left during the ascent to Heaven.
[5]Acts 24:14-15
[6]1 Corinthians 15:40-44
[7] Revelation 20:12-15
[8]Revelation 20:11
[9]Revelation 21-22
[10] 1 Thessalonians 4: 15-18
[11] 2 Thessalonians 2:1-7
[12] Daniel 9:26-27
[13]Matthew 25:31-46
[14]Revelation 20:1-6
[15]Isaiah 65: 20-25; this cannot be a reference to the eternal state due to the fact that death is still mentioned as a present reality in verse 20.
[16]Revelation 20:7-10; there are those who argue that the thousand year reign is not literal, thus, making this event non-literal. Many arguments are posited regarding this chapter/passage but the clearest argument is that a sequence of events from the rapture, tribulation, return of Christ, 1000 year reign, rebellion, final judgment, and eternal state all occur as part of God’s sovereign plan to judge sin and redeem creation; a plan that is worked out throughout redemptive history.