ESCHATOLOGY : ESCHATOLOGY Systematic Theology 2
Christian Life College
Terry R. Baughman, MAET -the study of Last Things
Eschatology : Systematic Theology Eschatology Eschatology evsca,twj – “Last” 46 times in AV
1) extreme
1a) last in time or in place
1b) last in a series of places
1c) last in a temporal succession
2) the last
2a) last, referring to time
2b) of space, the uttermost part, the end, of the earth
Four Views of Prophecy : Systematic Theology Eschatology Four Views of Prophecy Futuristic –events are future
Preterist –events were taking place at the time of the writer, but are now past
Historical –events described were future at the time of their writing, but have already been fulfilled so they are now past
Symbolic or idealist –timeless truths, not historical events
Three Views of the Millennium : Systematic Theology Eschatology Three Views of the Millennium Premillennial –Literal, bodily return of JESUS to inaugurate a 1,000 year period of peace and prosperity on this earth.
Satan will be bound in the bottomless pit
Resurrected saints will reign with Christ
Nation of Israel restored
Three Views of the Millennium : Systematic Theology Eschatology Three Views of the Millennium Premillennial
At the end of the 1,000 years Satan will be briefly loosed.
He will gather those who rebel against God.
The final judgment will take place.
All whose names are not found in the Book of Life will join Satan in the lake of Fire.
The eternal state will begin with a new heaven and a new earth of righteousness!
Three Views of the Millennium : Systematic Theology Eschatology Three Views of the Millennium Postmillennial –Over a long period of time the world will gradually be converted to Christianity
A persistent and irresistible growth of Christianity
The world is getting better
The “millennium” is not a specific period of 1,000 years, but an indefinite period with a precise point of beginning.
At the end Christ will return to usher in the eternal state.
Three Views of the Millennium : Systematic Theology Eschatology Three Views of the Millennium Amillennial –or the realized millennium
Not a literal period of one thousand years
Neither a state of gradual world conversion
Millennial state refers to the church age
The next event on God’s prophetic calendar is the second coming of Christ, followed by the final judgment and the commencement of the eternal state.
The Great Tribulation : Systematic Theology Eschatology The Great Tribulation The seven years prior to the millennium
The antichrist comes to power and makes a covenant with Israel.
Antichrist breaks the covenant after 3 ½ years.
The last half of the tribulation Israel suffers great persecution along with those who are converted to Christ at the efforts of the 144,000 Israelites sealed by God.
3 Views of the Great Tribulation : Systematic Theology Eschatology 3 Views of the Great Tribulation Among premillennialists there are 3 dominate views.
Pretribulational – “Christ will rapture the church out of the world prior to the beginning of the great tribulation. He will return with His saints at the end of tribulation to usher in the millennium.”
Pretribulational timeline : Systematic Theology Eschatology Pretribulational timeline ? Church Age Great
Tribulation Rapture Millennium Eternal State Seven years 3 ½ 3 ½ White Throne Judgment Second coming
Of Christ Satan Bound
1,000 years
3 Views of the Great Tribulation : Systematic Theology Eschatology 3 Views of the Great Tribulation Among premillennialists there are 3 dominate views.
Pretribulational
Midtribulational – “The church will be raptured out of the world in the middle of the great tribulation at approximately the same time the antichrist breaks the covenant with Israel and before the wrath of God begins to be poured out upon the unbelieving world. Three and one half years later Christ will return with these saints to establish the millennium.”
Midtribulational timeline : Systematic Theology Eschatology Midtribulational timeline ? Church Age Great
Tribulation Rapture Millennium Eternal State Seven years 3 ½ 3 ½ White Throne Judgment Second coming
Of Christ Satan Bound
1,000 years
3 Views of the Great Tribulation : Systematic Theology Eschatology 3 Views of the Great Tribulation Among premillennialists there are 3 dominate views.
Pretribulational
Midtribulational
Posttribulational – “The church will remain on earth during the tribulation but will be preserved through it. At the end of the tribulation they will rise to meet the Lord in the air but will immediately return with Him to establish the millennial age.”
Posttribulational timeline : Systematic Theology Eschatology Posttribulational timeline ? Church Age Great
Tribulation Rapture Millennium Eternal State Seven years 3 ½ 3 ½ White Throne Judgment Second coming
Of Christ Satan Bound
1,000 years
The Biblical View : Systematic Theology Eschatology The Biblical View The various views of eschatology are shaped by the view of hermeneutics to which one subscribes.
Postmillennialists and amillennialists tend to interpret prophecy spiritually, or non-literally.
Premillennialists tend to interpret Scripture literally (yet recognizing that there is place for symbolism, metaphors, and figures of speech).
We hold to a historical-grammatical hermeneutic of Scripture.
The Biblical View : Systematic Theology Eschatology The Biblical View The views of tribulation have more to do with the view of the relationship of the church and Israel.
Pre-tribulational view – sees the church as distinct from Israel since the tribulation has to do specifically with Israel.
Post-tribulational view – identifies the church as the new Israel or spiritual Israel.
The Church and Israel : Systematic Theology Eschatology The Church and Israel The Church and Israel are distinct in Scripture and should never be confused or equated.
The literal interpretation of Scripture reveals a clear distinction between Israel and the church.
The Church and Israel : Systematic Theology Eschatology The Church and Israel Daniel’s Seventy weeks specifically addresses Israel and Jerusalem.
NKJ Daniel 9:24 " Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy.
Daniel 9:25-27 : Systematic Theology Eschatology Daniel 9:25-27 25 "Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times.
Daniel 9:25-27 : Systematic Theology Eschatology Daniel 9:25-27 26 "And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
Daniel 9:25-27 : Systematic Theology Eschatology Daniel 9:25-27 27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate."
Hope of the Church : Systematic Theology Eschatology Hope of the Church
Eschatological timeline : Systematic Theology Eschatology Eschatological timeline ? Church Age Great
Tribulation Rapture Millennium Eternal State Seven years 3 ½ 3 ½ White Throne Judgment Second coming
Of Christ Satan Bound
1,000 years
Dispensationalism : Systematic Theology Eschatology Dispensationalism Dispensationalism is a way of looking at Scripture which recognizes the distinctions in the various ways God has dealt with people during the history of the world.
Each dispensation features new revelation of some kind from God and a specific test of people according to a fixed standard of conduct or responsibility.
Each dispensation ends with the failure of people to live up to God’s requirements and the judgment of God upon human beings for this failure.
Each dispensation begins with God establishing a covenant with people.
Slide 25 : Systematic Theology Eschatology NKJ Hebrews 1:1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,
2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
Dispensation defined : Systematic Theology Eschatology Dispensation defined 3622 oivkonomi,a oikonomia {oy-kon-om-ee'-ah} • from 3623; TDNT - 5:151,674; n f • AV-dispensation 4, stewardship 3; 7
1) the management of a household or of household affairs
1a) specifically, the management, oversight, administration, of other's property
1b) the office of a manager or overseer, stewardship
1c) administration, dispensation
Biblical use of dispensation : Systematic Theology Eschatology Biblical use of dispensation KJV 1 Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
NKJ 1 Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.
Biblical use of dispensation : Systematic Theology Eschatology Biblical use of dispensation KJV Colossians 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
NKJ Colossians 1:25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,
Biblical use of dispensation : Systematic Theology Eschatology Biblical use of dispensation NKJ Ephesians 1:10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth -- in Him.
NKJ Ephesians 3:2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
“The Dispensation of the Mystery of God” : Systematic Theology Eschatology “The Dispensation of the Mystery of God” NKJ Ephesians 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles --
2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,
4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),
5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:
“The Dispensation of the Mystery of God” : Systematic Theology Eschatology “The Dispensation of the Mystery of God” NKJ Ephesians 3:6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,
7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.
8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;
“The Dispensation of the Mystery of God” : Systematic Theology Eschatology “The Dispensation of the Mystery of God” Ephesians 3:9
A new order
A new arrangement in the overall relationship between God and humankind.
A dispensation which is new in time, having been set up through the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, replacing an arrangement which had previously been in effect.
Paul’s “new dispensation” : Systematic Theology Eschatology Paul’s “new dispensation” God inaugurated the new covenant to fulfill and replace the covenant He made with Israel at Sinai
No distinctions of race, gender, or class denoted in the bestowal of blessings from this new covenant – (faith in Christ alone)
The new dispensation is being revealed in the community that gathers in the name of Jesus Christ, the church
Implications of a dispensation : Systematic Theology Eschatology Implications of a dispensation Emphasizes the sovereignty of God over human affairs
Emphasizes purpose and overall planning
An ordered set of relationships
Responsibilities and requirements
Raises the prospect of dispensational change
Four primary dispensations : Systematic Theology Eschatology Four primary dispensations
The Dispensations : Systematic Theology Eschatology The Dispensations Classic Dispensationalism
The Dispensations : Systematic Theology Eschatology The Dispensations
The Dispensations : Systematic Theology Eschatology The Dispensations
The Dispensations : Systematic Theology Eschatology The Dispensations
The Covenants : Systematic Theology Eschatology The Covenants Hebrew word for Covenant is berit – tyrIB. (ber-eeth)
Literally, to “cut covenant”
An agreement – defining a relationship between two parties. In this sense, between God and human beings!
Conditions for a peaceful relationship between God and humanity.
Noahic Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology Noahic Covenant Genesis 6:18 "But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark -- you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you.
Noahic Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology Noahic Covenant Genesis 9:11 "Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth."
12 And God said: "This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:
13 "I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.
14 "It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud;
15 "and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.
Abrahamic Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology Abrahamic Covenant Abraham’s posterity would grow to the size of a nation and be God’s special people.
The land to which God had brought Abraham would be this nation’s homeland.
His posterity would be a blessing to the world; all nations would be blessed.
Abrahamic Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology Abrahamic Covenant Genesis 15:4 And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, "This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir."
5 Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be."
6 And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
Abrahamic Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology Abrahamic Covenant Extended to his descendants:
Isaac
Genesis 17:19 Then God said: "No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.
Jacob (became Israel)
Abrahamic Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology Abrahamic Covenant Extended to his descendants:
Jacob (became Israel)
Genesis 28:12 Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
13 And behold, the LORD stood above it and said: "I am the LORD God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants.
14 "Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
15 "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you."
Abrahamic Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology Abrahamic Covenant 1 Chronicles 16:15 Remember His covenant forever, The word which He commanded, for a thousand generations,
16 The covenant which He made with Abraham, And His oath to Isaac,
17 And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, To Israel for an everlasting covenant,
18 Saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan As the allotment of your inheritance,"
19 When you were few in number, Indeed very few, and strangers in it.
Mosaic Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology Mosaic Covenant Deuteronomy 5:2 "The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb.
3 "The LORD did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us, those who are here today, all of us who are alive.
4 "The LORD talked with you face to face on the mountain from the midst of the fire.
Mosaic Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology Mosaic Covenant The dependence of the Mosaic covenant on the Abrahamic Covenant is seen in a comparison of their respective blessings.
God will bless them
Multiply them
Give them the land
Make them a great nation
Be their God, they will be His people
Confirm His covenant with the descendants
Mosaic Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology Mosaic Covenant Suzerain/vassal treaty
Identity of the King
Past relationship
Stipulations
Blessings and Curses
Witnesses
Ceremonial meal
Filing of the treaty
The New Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology The New Covenant The prophets share optimism about a “new covenant” that will bring blessing!
A New Heart filled with God’s Spirit
Jeremiah 31:33-34
Ezekiel 11:19-20, 36:26-27
Isaiah 59:21
The New Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology The New Covenant The prophets share optimism about a “new covenant” that will bring blessing!
A New Heart filled with God’s Spirit
Forgiveness and cleansing from sin
Ezekiel 16:62-63
Ezekiel 36:25-27
The New Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology The New Covenant The prophets share optimism about a “new covenant” that will bring blessing!
A New Heart filled with God’s Spirit
Forgiveness and cleansing from sin
Resurrection and everlasting life
Ezekiel 37:12-14
Isaiah 25:6-9
Isaiah 26:19-21
The New Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology The New Covenant Hebrews 8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.
8 Because finding fault with them, He says: "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah --
9 "not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the LORD.
10 "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
The New Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology The New Covenant Matthew 26:28 "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Davidic Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology Davidic Covenant An Everlasting House
The house of David
Relationship with aspecial son
The Son of David
Davidic Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology Davidic Covenant Psalm 89:3 "I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant David:
4 'Your seed I will establish forever, And build up your throne to all generations.' " Selah
Davidic Covenant : Systematic Theology Eschatology Davidic Covenant Psalm 89:27 Also I will make him My firstborn, The highest of the kings of the earth.
28 My mercy I will keep for him forever, And My covenant shall stand firm with him.
29 His seed also I will make to endure forever, And his throne as the days of heaven.
The ultimate revelation : Systematic Theology Eschatology The ultimate revelation Each of the eight covenants represents a portion of the revelation of God.
Some are conditional (bilateral)
Requiring two parties
Others are unconditional (unilateral)
Requiring only the faithfulness of God
Last days could be rendered “final” days … It means there is no further or more advanced revelation to come.
God’s ultimate revelation is through and by the person of Jesus Christ.