Jeremiah Kaaya Supporter Pastor at Springs of Power Church, Teacher by professional

Eschatology is the branch of Christian theology that deals with the biblical study of end times prophecies and the events of the last days. Some of these events include the Rapture, the Second Coming of Christ, the Tribulation, the Millennial Kingdom and the Future Judgments. The primary books of the Bible which are more elaborate about the end times prophecy are the book of Daniel, the book of Ezekiel and the book of Revelation.

The following are some of the reasons why it is important for a Christian to study eschatology:
1) To understand God's plan
2) Better understanding of prophecy
3) Gifted differently
4) God loves us to be knowledgeable of His word and its meaning
5) Avoid being misled

It is quite important to take on this topic because it is one of the things you need to learn to discern the times. The knowledge of the meaning of the word of God is one of the lead weapons if we are to overcome the wiles of the evil one. For on many occasions, the devil uses our ignorance of the many things of God's word and seeks to make us feel helpless and defenseless. One of the weapons Jesus used to defeat the devil was the knowledge of the word of God. In Matthew 4:1-11 when Jesus was tempted by the devil, Jesus used the knowledge of the word of God which He had. For time has come when simply reading the Bible will not be as helpful. We need to dig deeper and understand the truth behind scripture. The study of eschatology therefore helps you to understand the purpose of the coming of Jesus, why He is to come for the second time and God's ultimate plan for us. When you have such knowledge, it helps to shape your conduct and dealings. 

The purpose of Prophecy which is a part of the study of eschatology is to help a Christian see into the future. This is intended for us to plan how to move about our lives. In Matthew 16:1-4, Jesus wonders why the Israelites couldn't discern the weather. For when you discern that it will rain, you will carry your umbrella with you, and if you discern that it is going to be hot, you will equally prepare yourself accordingly. When you respond accordingly to the dictates of the weather patterns, you will never be caught off guard. Because of the lack of this, many Christians have ended up miserably.

We are gifted differently, one is a teacher, another a prophet, and another the interpreter of tongues (1Corinthians 12), (Romans 12:6). It can never be true that everybody knows everything. On that account therefore, such studies which could have been researched on by men of God who have been gifted in that area will go a long way in enriching our spiritual man. Prophecy is not for everybody to easily interpret. The very reason not many people will read the books Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation and equally understand them, more over to understand the deeper meaning. The one man of God who blesses me a lot in this area of prophecy interpretation is John Hagee. Apart from that, I am seeking to take this study to deeper depths.

God loves it when we are knowledgeable of His word. That is why He has revealed all these things to us, that is why He has given us prophets so that nothing happens when we are oblivious of the meaning of His word. God doesn't love it that we follow Him blindly. God appoints us for leadership of His people on account that we will seek to acquire knowledge which we pass on to the flock. When we have no knowledge of the word of God, the devil will readily seek to make use of that gap and thereby mislead us (Hosea 4:6).

The poor study and interpretation of such topics of many of our brethren is one of the factors why we are faced with numerous heresies and cult religions. Everybody wants to present themselves as having the better knowledge of all such very important topics as eschatology. To be able to avoid falling into such traps, you must find a reliable source to take on such topics which will reliably help you to keep afloat.

August 27 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Why is it essential to study eschatology?

In the Bible, eschatology is the study of the "last things" or end times, covering topics such as death, judgment, the afterlife, and the final destiny of the world and humankind. It focuses on events such as the Second Coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the Last Judgment, often viewed as the culmination of God's plan.

Key aspects of biblical eschatology: 

Study of end times: The term comes from Greek words meaning "last" (\(\sigma \chi \alpha \tau \omicron \varsigma \)) and "study" (\(-\lambda \omicron \gamma \alpha \)). Individual and cosmic destiny: 

It explores the ultimate fate of both the individual soul and the entire created order. Major themes: Key themes include:  

1: Death and the afterlife 

2: The Second Coming of Jesus  

3: The resurrection of the dead  

4: The Last Judgment Heaven and Hell 

5: The Tribulation and the Millennium 

6: A new heaven and a new earth. Basis in scripture: 

7: Biblical eschatology is based on texts from both the Old and New Testaments. 

Conclusion:

What does Jesus say that refers to eschatology?

Jesus expressed this at the end of His Great Commission when He said, "… And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20, NKJV). 

Additionally, Luke 21:28 says, "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift your heads, because your redemption draws near" (NKJV).

C. H. Dodd attempted to show that such realised eschatology underlay the message of the Synoptics and even of Paul; the prime presentation of realised eschatology, in his view, appears in the Gospel of John.

Check out this site:

C. H. Dodd, the historical Jesus, and realised eschatology (Chapter 8)

https://www.cambridge.org 

Eschatology is essential in Christianity because it provides hope for the future, motivates moral and spiritual living in the present, and offers a framework for understanding life within God's ultimate plan. It assures this world is not the end and reinforces the belief that a final, benevolent judgment is coming, in which God will bring about justice and restore creation. This perspective gives Christians the courage to face current struggles and encourages them to live in a way consistent with the promise of Christ's return. 

Eschatology completes the biblical story and helps tie the Bible's narrative together, showing how it moves from creation to a final, redeemed state.

2 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report