Eschatology
It means “the study of end times.” The term is made up of two Greek words:
- “eschatos” (ἐσχατος) = last / final
- “logos” (logos) = word / study / discourse
Simple Definition of Eschatology:
Eschatology is the branch of theology that studies the “last things”—including death, judgment, heaven, hell, the second coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the final state of the soul and creation.
Key Areas of Study of Eschatology:
- The Second Coming of Christ
- The Resurrection of the Dead
- The Final Judgment – The Final Judgment
- Heaven and Hell – The Reality of Heaven and Hell
- The Millennium (1000 Years) – The Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20)
- The New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21)
Main Views in Christian Eschatology:
- Premillennialism – a millennial kingdom before the return of Jesus
- Postmillennialism – the coming of Jesus after the millennial kingdom
- Amillennialism – The millennial kingdom is symbolic, being fulfilled now.
- Preterism, Futurism, Historicism, Idealism – Ways to Interpret the Book of Revelation
Bible Verses Related to Eschatology:
- Matthew 24 – Jesus’ Explanation of the Last Days
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 – The Lord’s return and the resurrection of the dead
- Revelation 20–22 – Final Judgment, Heaven, Hell, New Creation
Why Eschatology Matters:
- It gives hope to believers.
- It reminds us to live a holy life.
- It strengthens faith in God’s promises.
- It encourages urgency for evangelism.
Introduction to the Last Days
1) Jews
2) Gentiles (Greeks but Gentiles in the Ramor translation)
3) The church
Genesis 1-11 – Gentiles or all nations – not Jews nor the church)
Genesis 12 – Malachi – Jews were used…to be a light to the Gentiles (Romans 9-11).
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – Messiah came in the main plan to reveal the Messiah.
Acts to Revelation 4 – Church Age
(Gentiles – unbelievers) believed the church.
(Jews – Unbelieving Jews believe the church.
(Church believers)
Revelation 4:1-6 (Rev. 1:1-6)
Revelation 5-6 – Events in heaven after the rapture
Revelation 6 to 18 – The great tribulation or 7-year great tribulation
Revelation 19 – The second coming and judgment
Revelation 20 – The 1000-year reign and finally the final rebellion of Satan and the white throne judgment
Revelation 21-22 – Entry into eternity.
With pictures in A.T.E.
Now the time picture of the Bible
is what we will study.
We will look at the events from the rapture to the white throne judgment – we will observe. (We will survey in QIM)
This will also be studied in other subjects.
The books of the gospels – Matthew 24-25 (especially)
The prophets of the old testament – Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah (etc.)
1,2,3 John and the book of Revelation – all in detail
Kim (Last Days
and Paul’s Epistles such as 1 Corinthians and 1-2 Thessalonians
) Judgment Seat (need to show picture)
1) Differences between the judgment seat and the white throne.
2) Verses where the judgment seat is mentioned.
“Romans 14:10-12” 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 ÷ 4:5 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ÷ 2 Corinthians 5:10 ÷ Philippians 3:14 ÷ 2 Timothy 2:5 ÷ Hebrews 13:17
3) The Greek word “dyazhba” – means mercy seat, reward seat,
like a chair placed on a stage that everyone can see….having to climb a ladder.
The uses of this word….
a) Refers to a seat in a court of law.
Two seats were set up, one for the accuser and the other for the accused.
But it is not used in this sense in the New Testament.
b) It is used in this sense in the New Testament or especially by Paul.
The big sporting events of the time, which were held in a slightly elevated position with a chairman or leading figure. And the winners were given prizes.
This is the sense Paul uses.
After the rapture, Jesus will evaluate all church age believers in heaven.
Not to determine whether they are saved or not.
An evaluation of those who are saved.
There will be winners and losers.
Only the church age, or the church.
There is no judgment for sin… that was done on the cross, there is no issue of sin.
Based on the evaluation (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)
The works done since the new birth until the time of our stay in this world (not sins)
Whatever work is done for the glory of God or to exalt Christ will be rewarded for the good works of the believer.
Self-glory, selfishness, pride or works other than exalting Christ will lose the reward. Or will not receive it.
Worldly believers may have lost the rewards.
And it will be in selfishness and in the end (the explanation of a gracious and loving God).
Only Christ and I…
Goodness is found in applying God’s word in the areas of life.
Rewards for those who listen, obey, teach others the same, and add faith
: There are mainly three.
1) Faith is my servant – the greatest reward of all. Matthew 25:21,23.
2) Crowns – We know about the 5 crowns.
a) The crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7 and 8)
To those who fight the (spiritual) battle, to those who finish the race.
To those who accept the finished work
. To those who learn the proper teachings, mature in the faith.
To those who remain pure and clean in conduct.
b) The imperishable (non-perishable) crown (1 Corinthians 9:25)
For believers who endure hardships and suffering in the world (who did not necessarily receive rewards in the world)
For those who serve Him without self-interest
c) The crown of life (James 1:12)
For those who are faithful until death
For those who are honest For those who
are faithful and
For those who endure
d) The crown of glory (1 Peter 5:3-4)
Pastors who are good examples for their flock
Ministers, teachers
e) The crown of joy (1 Thessalonians 2:19, Philippians 4:1)
Those who invest in others (spiritually)
For prayer warriors
For those who preach the gospel
For those who love and share in the body of Christ
For those who live godly lives by accepting the word of God and the gospel
3) The morning star: Revelation 2:28-29
The weight of glory (1 Corinthians 15)
Some 100, 500, 10000, 10,000….
and some other rewards
Eating from the tree of life (Revelation 2:7)
A new name (Revelation 2:17)
Sitting on thrones… etc…
These rewards also refer to the positions of our 1000-year reign.
We have begun the education of the last days, and we will continue it in today’s class.
Second Class – Teachings on the Great Tribulation
Next Week – First Class – Second Coming, 1000 Year Reign
Second Class – Thousand Year Reign and the White Judgment Seat and Eternity
Last Week – The Rapture and the Judgment Seat 7
Meaning – We are also in the last classes of our Q.E.M. (dd).
Last Class – We studied the Rapture
, the Judgment Seat and the Names
Now… In today’s class we will look at the Great Tribulation.
The
seven year Great Tribulation is also divided into two periods. (Three and a half ⁄ Three and a half)
1) Daniel’s seventy weeks speak of the Great Tribulation (Daniel 9:26)
2) Revelation 11:3 ⁄ 12:6 – 1260 days (in the biblical Bible, 360 days is a year and 30 days is a month) Revelation 11:2 ⁄ 12:6 – 42 Months i.e. 3 1/2 years
3) with Daniel 12:11 – 1290 (30 days)
12:12 – 1335 (45 days)
Picture
Now.. When does the 7 year tribulation begin?
Now the rapture may not begin immediately 2 Thessalonians 2:7
He alone is restrained by the Holy Spirit.
The antichrist may be present before the rapture but will appear later.
Will appear later when the church is raptured.
Names of the antichrist
1) Little horn – Daniel 7:7-28)
2) The coming prince of evil (Daniel 9:26)
3) The man of sin (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
4) The son of perdition (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
5) The coming prince of evil (Daniel 9:26)
The antichrist will be established
in the great tribulation by Satan, the ruler of Satan and the imitations of worldly religions
. He will create a single government and control the entire economy.
According to Daniel 9:27, a covenant will be made with Israel for one week or seven years…between the Antichrist and Israel – we study a lot).
From the time this covenant is made, the 7-year Great Tribulation will begin.
Now let’s remember that in 70 BC (the prophecy of Matthew 24) Israel was destroyed and until 1947 there was no nation of Israel.
Did the Antichrist have to be Israel for the covenant to be made with Israel?
1) In 1948 we find that Israel was miraculously restored.
After 1900 years, Israel returns to history.
God’s word is true. No other nation that has been lost for so long has been restored.
After the destruction of 70 BC, the dry bones will come to life in 1947-1948 – Ezekiel said so)
2) The Great Tribulation needs to be pre-rapture (we have studied it).
3) According to Ezekiel 37-38 – the Russian alliance needs to be and is happening…is happening.
World Unity – Muslim nations Persia and Iran, Linya, Ethiopia
Russia’s central nations.
Already developing.
Russia and Iran, who have never been at odds over oil politics, are getting closer.
And others (we will study in the book of Revelation)
Why the Great Tribulation – Some of the many reasons
1) To fulfill the prophecy of Israel.
2) To shake up the false concept of human security.
3) To elect Christ or the antichrist.
4) To bring human history to an end.
5) To punish sin and judge unrighteousness so that Christ can reign.
The 7-year Great Tribulation will be a terrible time where God will express His wrath.
Some names given for the Great Tribulation.
In the Old Testament
1) Jacob’s time of trouble (Jeremiah 30:7)
2) Daniel’s seventieth week (Daniel 9:27)
3) Israel’s time of trouble (Deuteronomy 32:35)
4) Great tribulation (Deuteronomy 4:30)
5) Day of vengeance (Isaiah 34:8, 35:4, 61:2)
6) Time of wrath (Zephaniah 1:15)
7) Time of darkness (Zephaniah 1:15, Joel 2:2)
In the New Testament
1) Day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:2)
2) Great tribulation (Matthew 24:29)
3) Time of judgment (Revelation 14:7)
4) Wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10)
5) Wrath of the Lord (Revelation 14:10, 19-15:1, 7)
6) Day of the wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:16-16)
7) Wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
8) Great tribulation (Matthew 24:21, 24:22) etc.
Matthew 24 and 25 (Pa Byajal Yikhabh) lya chbuutgachabh shla mbataj dddd(gives
24:2 – Jerusalem destroyed in 70 AD
24:4–8 – Signs of the times
24:9 explanation of the great tribulation (Revelation 4–19)
24:1–14 first 3. 1–2 years of the great tribulation
24:15–26 – second 3. 1–2 years of the great tribulation
(second 3. 1–2 is even more terrible than the first 3. 1–2) (called the great tribulation)
24:27–31 – Second Coming
24:31–46 – Judgment of the nations just before the 1000 years begin at the second coming.
Chapter 25 – Judgment of the virgins and the Jews
Judgment of the sheep and the goats and the nations.
Major events of the great tribulation, Revelation 6:18
Seven seals
Revelation 6:1-8:5
Antichrist – White Horse – Victory Power (1)
Red Horse
Page No. 5 is yet to be written. The Marriage of the Lamb
This is the feast or feast that will take place in heaven after the rapture, which is explained in Revelation 19:7-9. (Matthew 22:4) Which is the wedding feast of Jesus Christ and the church. This will take place in heaven and will begin at the time of the rapture. Down on earth, there will be a 7-year great tribulation. Now… we can study some important things about marriage. There were three main parts to Jewish marriage. 1) Betrothal – which was considered very sacred and where a man and a woman were legally considered husband and wife. (Matthew 1) (Mary-Joseph) When a person believes in Jesus as Savior, that believer’s betrothal becomes Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:13 ⁄ 2 Corinthians 11:2)
2) Marriage: Where the groom goes to the bride’s house to take his bride and then completes the marriage and takes her to his house (Matthew 25:1-10)
This event parallels the rapture, where Jesus Christ comes to take the church (bride) into the air and takes her to heaven. (John 14:1-3 ⁄ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17)
3) Marriage Supper: Where the entire family, relatives gather and celebrate the wedding feast.
The marriage supper of the Lamb which takes place in heaven after the rapture. (Revelation 19:7-9)
In today’s class we will study the Second Coming, the Millennial Reign, and the Great White Throne Judgment.
1) The second coming will occur immediately after the great tribulation. (Matthew 24:29)
2) There will be wonderful signs in the heavens, such as the sun, moon, and stars.
(Matthew 24:29)
3) The sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. (Matthew 24:30), and Christ will gather his elect. (verse 31)
4) The heavens will be opened and Christ will appear on a white horse. (Revelation 19:11)
5) The armies of heaven will come with Christ. (Revelation 19:14) And we too (Jude 14-15)
6) Jesus will come with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30)
7) Christ will stand on the Mount of Olives. (Zechariah 14:3-5)
8) The unbelievers will mourn because they were not ready. (Matthew 24:30)
9) The Antichrist and his armies will confront Christ. (Revelation 19:19)
10) Christ will cast the Antichrist and the false prophet into the lake of fire. (Revelation 19:20)
11) Those who reject Christ will be killed. (Revelation 19:21)
12) Satan and his demons will be cast into the bottomless pit for 100 years. Revelation (20:1-3)
13) The Old Testament saints and the Tribulation saints will be resurrected. (Matthew 24:31 ÷ Revelation 20:4)
14) Christ will judge the nations and establish his kingdom. (Matthew 25)
(It is also important to know the difference between the Second Coming and the Rapture).
Picture
in 1 Corinthians 15:22-23
, but each in turn is a military word in Greek and is arranged in order, like soldiers marching in a parade.
1) The resurrection of Jesus Christ, the “firstfruits” of whom others will also be resurrected (Romans 16:9-1 Corinthians 1:18-Revelation 1:18)
2) Then at His coming the people of Christ:
(a) The resurrection of the church at the time of the rapture. (Before the great tribulation) 1 Thessalonians 4:16-1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
(b) The resurrection of the Old Testament saints (after the great tribulation), the second coming of both Jews and Gentiles. (Daniel 12:2)
(c) The saints who were martyred in the great tribulation, also at the second coming of both Jews and Gentiles (after the great tribulation). Revelation 20:4,6)
(d) The resurrection of the believers of the millennial reign after the millennium.
3) The resurrection of the unsaved (after the 1000 year reign) Revelation 20:11-14.
The millennial reign – Revelation 20:1-6) and the second coming
When will the millennium or the second coming occur? Views
1) Pre-millennial Second Coming
The second coming of Christ will occur before the 1000 year reign.
2) Postmillennial Doctrine
Some also say that the church age is the 1000 year reign.
Or it will begin at some point. And it is happening now or it may happen.
It does not have to be 1000 years.
Everything will be developed and Christians will reign and Christ will come.
3) The blasphemy
They say there is no literal 1000 year reign.
And some say this reign now. Who will be in the 1000 year reign at once, the second coming and eternity?
1) The church with Christ.
2) Israel, the Old Testament saints (all the promises given to Israel are fulfilled).
3) Satan and the demons are bound and imprisoned in the bottomless pit.
4) The saints of the great tribulation.
5) The saints who survive the great tribulation will enter the 1000-year reign in the flesh. In
the 1000-year reign – only all believers will enter at first.
But those who are born again need to believe.
It is necessary to believe personally.
This type of government will be:
1) The form of government – there will be a person who will rule over all things and will rule visibly. (Daniel 7:14) It will be a monarchy, with Christ as the king.
2) The place of government – Jerusalem will be the center of the world. (Zechariah 14:10-Isaiah 24:23)
3) The rulers
Christ is the king.
David is the prince (Jeremiah 30:9, Ezekiel 37:24-25)
The 12 apostles will rule over the 12 tribes (Matthew 19:28)
The church will be the part that rules over creation. (Revelation 5:10)
The White Throne Judgment
Hades, Hell, Heaven
