Eschatology is the study of the end times. More specifically, it is a study of what the Bible says is going to happen in the end times or the last days.
Eschatology is not as crucial as Christology or Soteriology, but it is still important in understanding the Biblical worldview. Our understanding of Eschatology will determine, to a large degree, what we expect to happen in God’s plan … and how we live our lives accordingly.
Some important issues in Eschatology are:
Will the Rapture be in secret? The word “rapture” does not occur in the Bible, but concept of a Rapture evident in Scripture. One problem caused by the concept has to do with whether the Rapture will occur in secret, as many Christians believe, or publicly, as many others believe.
What is the Rapture? It is the name given to the event in which God removes all believers from the earth in order to meet the returning Christ.
When is the Rapture going to occur in relation to the Tribulation? Will the Rapture occur before the Tribulation, at the middle of the Tribulation, or at the end of the Tribulation?
What is the Second Coming and why is it important? Why is it so important for Jesus Christ to return? When is Christ going to return? What will be the signs of Christ’s return?
Is the millennium literal or figurative? The fulfillment of many of God’s covenants and promises rest on a literal, physical, future kingdom. There is no solid basis to deny of literal understanding of the Millennial Kingdom and its duration being 1000 years.
Will the generation that saw Israel re-formed as a nation still be alive for the Second Coming? It is not Scriptural to teach that the generation that sees Israel become a nation will also see the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. This may be the case, but Scripture does not specifically say so.
The Bible describes a terrible period of tribulation in Revelation chapters 6-18. Will this Tribulation be preceded by the Rapture, will it conclude with the Rapture, or has it in fact already occurred? These different perspectives have a great impact on what we should be preparing ourselves for. Eschatology helps us to understand the Bible’s prophetic passages and how to live our lives in response to what God is going to do in the end times. There is a great deal of controversy in Eschatology, but that does not relieve us of our responsibility to study and understand what the Bible teaches about the end times. An understanding of Eschatology will eliminate many of the fears we have about the future. Our God is sovereign, He has a plan, and it will all unfold according to His perfect will and timing. This is a great encouragement to those who are in Christ!
A key verse on Eschatology is Titus 2:13: “we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”