Eschatology is the study of what the Bible says is going to happen in the end times. The word arises from the Greek eskhatos meaning "last" and -logy meaning "the study of", and was first used in English around 1844.
Christian eschatology involves topics such as death and the afterlife, Heaven and Hell, the Second Coming of Jesus, the resurrection of the dead, the Rapture, the Tribulation, Millennialism , the end of the world, the Last Judgment, and the New Heaven and New Earth. Below are six praiseworthy reasons for studying eschatology.
1.
Eschatology
helps us to hope in the midst of trouble-Sometimes
Churches and Christians face trials from which they will not be delivered while
here on this earth. In the midst of disease, pain, and injustice, it is vital
to have a lively hope of resurrection life. That alone will fuel faithful
endurance to the end.
2.
Eschatology
helps us to look forward to Heaven-Sadly, even for
Christians, concern for this present world too often smothers interest in the
world to come. Eschatology keeps these vital ultimate truths in our view and
encourages us to look beyond this world and too long for the Heaven of eternal
life with Christ and His people.
3.
Eschatology
helps us to prepare for judgment-One of the
reasons why so few are ready for judgment is that they do not know there will
be a judgment. In addition to getting ourselves ready, eschatology should
motivate us to help others get ready too. While obsession with the last things
is dangerous, omission is even more dangerous.
4.
Eschatology
helps us to serve with zeal-The fact that
the end is nigh should not make us passive waiters for the inevitable nor
induce a fatalistic inactivity. Rather, the New Testament links belief in the
imminent end of all things with zealous service. When we consider our great
hope, the eternal blessedness of Heaven, and the great need of fellow sinners,
we should be motivated with greater passion for lost souls and the glory
of God.
5.
Eschatology
helps us to teach the church-The Church
needs teaching on this subject not just because neglect produces a dangerous void,
but also because eschatology is the crown of systematic theology. It sheds
light on every other doctrine and answers questions that every other
theological subject raises.
6.
Eschatology
helps us to worship God-Worship should
be the end of all theology, but especially of eschatology. When we think of the
resurrection, the defeat of Satan, the final and perfect judgment, the new Heaven
and the new Earth, and eternal fellowship with Christ and His Church, we surely
cannot but amplify our worship of God. If our eschatology does not result in
greater worship of God, we are either in error, or we are approaching the truth
in the wrong spirit.
“Watch for His return; expect the blessed hope we all will share when our great God
and Savior, Jesus the Anointed, appears again.” (Titus
2:13,
VOICE)[i]
[i] Sources used:
· “6 Practical Reasons to Study Eschatology”
by David Murray
·
“Eschatology”
by Vocabulary.com
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