What is Eschatology? It's Important Meaning in the Bible
The word eschatology stems from the Greek word eschatos, meaning “last” or “final,” and pertains to the study of the last or the end of things - namely, the end times, or the final judgment and destiny of humanity. While the word “eschatology” itself does not appear in the Bible, its themes are woven throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament through the New Testament and culminating with vivid detail in the Book of Revelation.
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Bible StudyWhat Is Eschatology and Why Should Christians Care to Understand It?The Messiah, Jesus Christ, is precisely why it is important for Christians to be aware of eschatology, for the entire purpose of the Christ is wrapped up in God’s final plan for humanity. Jesus Christ as part of God’s end-times plan for...Jessica BrodieUpdated Jun 12, 2023 : Follow topic Follow this topic Log in to your existing account or sign up today!Sign up to start following Log In Follow author Follow this author Log in to your existing account or sign up today!Sign up to start following Log In Log in to your existing account or sign up today!Sign up to start saving Log InIf the term “end times” makes you think of a dystopian blockbuster film, some far-fetched fantasy fully removed from reality, think again. For the concept of the end times, and God’s hand in it is etched throughout the Bible from start to finish, giving us insight as to how to prepare our souls for God’s kingdom and why it’s so important that we spread the word to others. What Is Eschatology? The word eschatology stems from the Greek word eschatos, meaning “last” or “final,” and pertains to the study of the last or the end of things—namely, the end times, or the final judgment and destiny of humanity. What Does Eschatology Have to Do with the Bible?While the word “eschatology” itself does not appear in the Bible, its themes are woven throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament through the New Testament and culminating with vivid detail in the Book of Revelation. Many scholars would say eschatology has everything to do with the Bible, that the entire history of the nation of Israel is tied up intrinsically with God’s final triumph through His chosen people—including God’s promise to Abraham.For God promised Abraham, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3). The history of Israel and its path toward salvation throughout the Old Testament, its hope for a Messiah that will come from heaven and save the world, and the incarnation of Jesus himself—including his life, death, resurrection, and promises about the Second Coming—are all thought to be elements of eschatology woven throughout God’s Holy Word from start to finish. It is important to note there are two elements of eschatology: the big picture, focusing on the final destiny of humanity, and the small picture, that of the individual. The Bible addresses both, sometimes both at once.Which Bible Books Deal with Eschatology?Eschatology has its roots in Genesis. It is hinted at in the “everlasting covenant” God makes with Noah after the flood (Genesis 9:16) and more concretely established in the covenant God makes with Abraham (Genesis 12, 17). God specifically tells Abraham his wife Sarah will bear him a son, Isaac, stating, “I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him” (Gen 17:19).That concept of an everlasting covenant is echoed throughout the Old Testament, from God leading His people out of Egypt through Moses and their journey toward the Promised Land, as written in Exodus through Deuteronomy and to their entry into the Promised Land under Joshua. Time and again, the people fail God, who turns away from them. But time and again God returns to His people Israel, through kings good and bad, through their exile into Babylon, and through their return to Jerusalem.“The day of the Lord” is a term used a great deal throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the books of the prophets, who urged the people to return to the Lord before it is too late, for one day God will triumph and the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham will be complete—the climax of the history of Israel’s salvation. This concept of God’s ultimate fulfillment and triumph is repeated throughout the prophets. In Isaiah 2:2, the prophet writes of “the last days,” when “the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains,” and, in Isaiah 60:20, when “your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.”Joel 2:28-32 talks about the Day of the Lord, when sons and daughters will prophesy, wonders will appear in the heavens and on earth, the sun will turn to darkness and the moon to blood, and “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Micah 4:1-5 references the “last days,” when God’s temple will be exalted above all and the people “will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.” Daniel 7:27 calls it the “everlasting kingdom,” and Isaiah lifts up the utter peace promised, for “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them”...