Last
Things (Eschatology)
We believe and teach that the study of eschatology
is to have primarily an ethical effect on the people of God (1 John 2:28-3:3;2 Peter 3:10-14). This effect is manifested in
a heart that longs for the appearance of our blessed hope (Titus 2:13), a spirit that seeks to encourage the brethren with these
truths (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18), and holy lives that reflect
the values of the knowledge that this present world is passing
away and will give way to eternity (2 Peter 3:11-14). Although
it is difficult to organize and interrelate the biblical references
to many eschatological events (i.e., resurrections and the various
judgments etc.), there are several overarching facts which are
transparently clear and agreed upon by most evangelicals.
We believe and teach that personal conscious being is not interrupted
by physical death (Luke 16:19-31). For the believer his soul/spirit
is ushered immediately into the presence of Christ at physical
death (2 Corinthians 5:1-8). The souls/spirits of the unregenerate
at physical death also continue, but in conscious torment until
the Day of judgment (Revelation 20:13-15). All men will experience
a bodily resurrection, the saved to eternal life and overwhelming
joy, and the unsaved to eternal separation and everlasting punishment
(Daniel 12:2-3;
Matthew 25:31-46;
John 5:19-29; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-11).
We believe and teach that the Lord Jesus Christ will return in
glory as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Acts 1:11). His second
coming is presented in the New Testament as being near or imminent,
although its timing is unknown to men (Mark 13:33-37;1 Thessalonians 5:1-11). The two elements of His Final coming, normally designated
as Rapture and Revelation, are most often mentioned side-by-side
without clear distinctions in New Testament contexts (1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:1,
8; 2 Timothy 4:1;
Titus 2:13). Furthermore,
as clear as the fact of the Rapture is, its timing in relationship
to the Tribulation remains open to at least four theological interpretations
(i.e., pre-, mid-, pre-wrath, and post-tribulation), each exhibiting
some strengths and some weaknesses.
Within the broader spectrum of orthodox teaching
on last things, we believe and teach that although significant
spiritual dimensions of the Kingdom have been inaugurated in conjunction
with the first coming of Christ (Colossians
1:13), the King will return again to fulfill God's many promises
regarding the nation of Israel. Christ will come to earth to occupy
the throne of David (Matthew
25:31; Luke
1:31-33; Acts
1:10, 11
,2:29-30)
and establish His Messianic kingdom for a thousand years on the
earth (Revelation
20:1-7). The kingdom itself will be the fulfillment of God's
promise to Israel (Isaiah
65:17-25; Ezekiel
37:21-28; Zechariah
8:1-17). After the closing of the millennium, (Revelation
20:7-15), the saved will enter the eternal state of glory
with God, after which the elements of this earth are to be dissolved
(2
Peter 3:10) and replaced with a new earth wherein only righteousness
dwells (Ephesians
5:5; Revelation
20:15; Revelation
21, 22).
Following this, the saints will enjoy forever fellowship with
God and one another (John
17:3; Revelation
21 , 22).
Our Lord Jesus Christ, having fulfilled His redemptive mission,
will then deliver up the kingdom to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24-28) that in all spheres the triune God may reign forever
and ever (1 Corinthians 15:28).
