Eschatology, Part 2: Does It Matter?

Ah, eschatology. Does it really matter what we believe about “the end times”? In my first blog on the topic, I defined the term eschatology as the study of the end times or the last days, and we also looked at the Bible's reference to time (This Age and The Age to Come). Today I want to continue this series on eschatology as we take a step back and answer the question: Does eschatology matter?

Some people believe that eschatology is superfluous to Christian belief and practice, and many of the people in this camp see it as a distraction from the important matters.  On the other hand, there are people who say that eschatology is one of the most important doctrines to Christian belief and practice, and some of the people in this group tend to focus all their time and energy on the study of eschatology to the neglect of the rest of the Bible’s teaching. 

So, what has the church historically believed about eschatology? 

In God’s Word we see the apostles preaching and teaching on eschatology (several examples include Acts 2:14-36, 17:1-31; 1 Corinthians 15; 2 Peter 3:1-13).  And even after the apostolic era, eschatology remained an important doctrine throughout the history of the church.  Gregg Allison, a well-known author and professor at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary writes, “From its inception, the church has clung to and developed a hope for God’s final intervention in the world to put an end to all opposition and all ungodliness, to reward his faithful followers, and to make all things new” (For a survey of eschatological doctrine throughout church history see Gregg Allison’s Historical Theology). 

Though there is clear evidence throughout history that eschatology is an important doctrine, we are still pressed to answer the question: Does eschatology matter today?  The answer is a resounding yes! Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why eschatology matters.

1.  Eschatology matters because it’s in God’s Word.  In the Holy Bible, the God of the universe has revealed Himself to us.  And if the God of the universe speaks to us, we need to listen.  In fact, we should listen to all that God says, for ^“All Scripture is breathed out by God and it is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  In 2 Timothy we learn that all Scripture comes from God, and that all Scripture is profitable.  This includes Scriptures concerning eschatology.

2.  Eschatology matters because it provides us with a heavenly perspective that helps us make sense of the present world.  Eschatology focuses upon ultimate realities like heaven, hell, and the end (or the goal) of all things.  Eschatology includes God’s ultimate plan of judgment and redemption and the promised return of Jesus Christ.  Knowing that Jesus will one day come back to earth to make all things right reminds us that no one in this present age will save the world.  Therefore, we do not place our faith in presidents, leaders, employers, spouses, family members, pastors, or any other creature or created thing. 

3.  A right understanding of eschatology matters in order to protect us against false teaching.  False prophets will come and will bring with them destructive heresies, and in their greed they will exploit us with false words (See 2 Peter 2:1-3).  This is especially true of eschatology.  I have watched over and over again as TV preachers use scare tactics, enticing supporters to give more and more money to their so-called ministries. We must study eschatology so we can protect ourselves against these false teachings which aim to exploit rather than equip.

4.  Eschatology matters because ideas have consequences.  Let’s take, for instance, the eschatology that spurred on the Islamic crusaders.  The end goal of their fight was (and still is) to usher in the end times.  In order to bring back the Mahdi (Islamic redeemer) Jerusalem must be under Islamic rule.  It was their eschatological belief that motivated the Islamic crusaders over 1000 years ago and it is a similar eschatological belief that motivates ISIS today.  (For more on this, click here.)  On the Christian side of the theological spectrum, Christian crusaders who were fighting against Muslim crusaders believed that they had to defeat the Antichrist before Jesus would return, and they viewed the Muslim crusaders as the Antichrist.  Both of these eschatological systems justified their wars, indicating that ideas have consequences. What we think about the end times affects our lives now.    

5.  Studying eschatology reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus Christ (See Isaiah 65:17-25). Many believe the main point of eschatology is to strike fear into all the living. While it’s true that eschatology should awaken us all to God’s wrath and His ultimate judgment, more importantly eschatology should give the Christian comfort, joy, and hope, for at the heart of eschatology is the return of Jesus Christ. 

Take a look at the words of Jesus:  “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:1-3).

Jesus Christ will return and when He does He will judge the world, usher in His eternal kingdom, and gather up His own to spend eternity with Him.  This is the pinnacle of eschatology.  If Christ matters to you, then eschatology should definitely matter to you, for Jesus Christ is the center of eschatology. 

~Corey