CHAPTER 10

ESCHATOLOGY: THE DOCTRINE OF THE LAST THINGS

Introduction

The word Eschatology derived from the Greek word eschatos meaning the study
of “the last things.” It deals with what will happen in the end. 1 This chapter will be
focusing on the future events such as the Rapture of the Church, The Great Tribulation,
The Millennial Kingdom and The Final Judgement under which stretches several
theological arguments. The importance of Studying eschatology provides zealousness to
serve God, assuring future hope, preparation for future judgement most importantly the
anticipation in heaven.

The Rapture of the Church

The Second Coming of Jesus will be in two phases: first coming in the air before
the seven-year Tribulation period, and after, coming on the earth after seven years of the
tribulation period. His first coming in the air is called “the Rapture.” The word ‘Rapture”
does not appear in the Scripture. This word is derived from the Latin word rapio which is
a translation of “catching up’ in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. The Greek word for “catching up”
(1 Thess. 4:17) is harpazo which means “to snatch or catch away.”2

The Different Views on Rapture

Mid-Tribulation Rapture: This view is taught by Norman B. Harrison (1917-

2007) and Oscar Campos (1945) that the tribulation will occur at the midpoint of
tribulation (Rev.11:15). Their order events are apostate, revelation of Anti-Christ then the
day of Christ (Matt. 24: 15, 2 Thess. 2:1-3). The problem with this view is the chronology
1
Norman L. Geisler, Baker Encyclopaedia of Christian Apologetic (Grands Rapids: Baker House,
1979), 758.

2
Sambhu Nath De, The Doctrine of the Last Things (Ernakulam: Faith Baptist Bible College and
Seminary, 2017), 171.
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of the events. First, the occurrence of the term great tribulation is before the opening of
the seventh seventh seal (Rev. 7:14). Second, the reference to a great day of wrath is in
Revelation 6:17. During the events of the sixth seal both of these references become too
early. Which is timed according to the seventh trumpet.3
Partial Rapture: They state that only the faithful one will be taken and left (Matt.
25:1-13).4 The problem with this is the Bible does not support this. The Bible applies to
all both mature and immature, faithful and disobedient (1 Cor. 15:50-57, 1 Thess. 4:13-
18). Held by Robert Govett (1813-1901).
Pre-Wrath Rapture: This view is introduced by Robert D. Van Kampen (1938-99)
and Marvin Rosenthal (1940) that the first three-fourths of the Tribulation is the wrath of
man and the wrath of Satan and not wrath of God. They argue that the church will go
through the three-fourths of the tribulation and then the Rapture will take place so that the
church will be spared from the wrath of God. 5 Whereas the scroll of judgement is opened
by the Lamb, the entire tribulation period comes under the wrath of God (Rev. 5:7; 6:1;
8:1).6
Post-Tribulation Rapture: The post-tribulation view teaches that the Rapture and
the Second Coming of the Lord is a single event that will take place at the end of the
seven-year Tribulation period. The church will go through the Tribulation and experience
the judgement of God. By the George E. Ladd (1911-82) and Robert H. Gundry (1932).7
Pre-Tribulation Rapture: The pretribulationalists hold that the rapture of the
church will take place before the seven-year tribulation period. Then, when the seven
years of tribulation period is complete, the Lord will return to earth with His people to set
up His millennial kingdom (Isa. 26:20, Rev. 3:10, 2 Thess. 2:1-17). Held by John Nelson
Darby (1800-82) and C.I. Scofield (1842-1921).8
3
https://www.gotquestions.org/midtribulation.html (Last update 2022, Accessed on 5th July 2024,
Time 10:30. pm).

4
Charles C. Ryrie, Basic Theology (Chicago: Moody Publisher, 1999), 657.

5
De, The Doctrine of the Last Things, 181.

6
Ibid., 180.

7
Ibid., 184.
8
Charles C. Ryrie, A Survey of Bible Doctrine (Chicago: Moody Bible Institute, 1972), 101.
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The Events in Heaven after the Rapture

Bema Judgement

This judgement is about rewarding the church-age believers for faithfulness, not
of eternal judgment. The Greek word bema is taken from the Grecian games where
successful athletes were rewarded for victory in athletic contests. Paul used this word to
denote the giving of rewards to church-age believers. The purpose of this judgement is to
recompense for their works while on earth, whether good or worthless (2 Cor. 5:10). The
works will be examined (1 Cor. 3:13) whether done by self-effort or whether done by
God through the individual (Rom.14:10; 1 Cor. 3:9-15; 2 Cor. 5:10).

Marriage of the Lamb

Before the Second Advent, the marriage of Christ and the church takes place in
heaven. When Christ returns with His bride in Revelation 19:7 the marriage has already
taken place. Whereas the marriage supper reference to Israel and will takes place on earth
in the form of the millennial kingdom.9

The Great Tribulation Period

The period of the time between the Lord’s return for His church and His Second
coming to the earth to rule is usually called “the Tribulation Age.” or “the Tribulation
Period” for the scriptures describe this as a time of unprecedented, worldwide trouble
(Jer. 30:7; Matt. 24:21-22,29). A time of great destruction (Joel 1:15; 1 Thess. 5:3) and a
time of desolation (Zeph. 1:14-15).

The Nature of the Tribulation

9
Paul Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology (Chicago: Moody Press, 1989; reprint,
Telangana: GS Books, 2017), 500.
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It has already been shown that the tribulation is a time of the outpouring of the
wrath of God (1 Thess. 1:10; Rev. 6:16-17), it is a time of punishment (Isa. 24:20-21), a
time of trouble (Jer. 30:7; Dan. 12:1), a time of judgment (Rev. 14:7; 16:5; 19:2).10

The Purpose of Tribulation

To Judge Israel: The Tribulation has a Jewish character, and Jeremiah called it the
“time of Jacob trouble” (Jer. 30:7). When He presented Himself as the Messiah, Israel
rejected Him because their eyes were “blinded” (Rom. 11:7). God will severely punish
the nation for their unbelief during the Tribulation.
To Judge the Gentles: The Gentiles will judge for their spiritual wickedness, and
for their persecution of the Jews (Rev. 9:20-21; Jude 14-16). Through this unparalleled
suffering, a very large number of the Gentiles will be saved (Rev. 7:9-17).
To Bring Salvation to Many: There will be unique evangelistic activities. The
gospel of the kingdom will be preached to every corner of the world (Matt. 24:14).
Jewish evangelists numbering 144,000 will spread the gospel (Rev. 7:1-17). God will use
even angels to spread the good news of Christ (Rev.14:6). Through intense suffering, the
nation of Israel will change its heart and be ready to accept Jesus as their Messiah (Ezek.
39:22; Rom. 11:25-26). And a numerous of Gentiles will get saved (Rev. 7:9-17).11

The Second Coming of Christ

As mentioned earlier, the Second Coming of Christ will occur in two phases. His
coming is in the air to take away the church to heaven. This event is called the Rapture
which will be followed by seven years of Tribulation. Second, At the end of the
Tribulation, Christ will return to the earth which is called the Second Coming of Christ. 12

The Purpose of His Second Coming

10
Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology, 499.

11
De, The Doctrine of the Last Thing, 238.

12
Ibid., 273.
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Christ will return at the end of the world for the purpose of introducing the future
age. and He will do this by inaugurating and completing two mighty events, namely, the
resurrection of the dead and the final judgment (Matt. 13:49; Rev. 20:11-15; 22:12).13

The Place of His Coming

The Lord ascended to heaven from Mount Olive where He will also descend.
Luke the writer of Acts recorded his Ascension in Acts 1:10-12. And also, the prophet
Zechariah wrote about the place of the Lord’s descent (Zech. 14:2- Mount Olive). This is
the place where the Lord gave His sermon about His return to the earth (Matt. 24:3).14

The Armageddon War

The word Armageddon is made of two words har means “mountain” and
magedon refers to “Megiddo.”15 Christ will gather the unbelievers into a place called
Armageddon (Rev. 16:16). The reason for the battle is because of the sovereignty of God,
and the deception of Satan (Rev. 16:13-16), also the hatred of the nations for Christ
(Rev. 11:18).16
The location of the campaign will be on the hill of Megiddo, the participants in
the campaign will be four great world powers, the ten kingdoms Federation of the
Nations under the Beast, the northern federation, the kings of the East, the king of the
south, and the Lord and his armies from heaven (Zech. 12:3-3; 14- 12).17

The Resurrection of Old Testament and Tribulation Saints

13
Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1977), 783.

14
De, The Doctrine of the Last Thing, 283.

15
Ibid., 287.

16
H. Willmington, The King is Coming: An Outline Study of the Last days (Wheaton: Tyndale
House Publishing, 1973) 175-176.

17
J. Dwight Pentecost, Things to Come: A Study in Biblical Eschatology (Grand Rapids: Dunham
publishing Company, 1964), 340-342.
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This resurrection includes several groups: the dead saints of this Church Age (1
Thess. 4:16), the dead saints of Old Testament times (Dan. 12:2), and martyrs of the
Tribulation period (Rev. 20:4). These resurrections of the saints of all ages constitute the
first resurrection (Luke 14:14; John 5:29; Rev. 20:6).

The Millennial Kingdom

The word millennium means “one thousand years” from Latin mille and annus
“thousand years”. The term comes from Revelation 20:4-5, where it says that certain
people “came to life, and reigned with Christ a thousand years. The rest of the dead did
not come to life until the thousand years were ended.”18

The Different Views on Millennium

Amillennialism: This view holds that there is no earthly literal Millennial

Kingdom and that all of the promises of a Millennial reign of Christ are being fulfilled in
the church. Amillennialists do not deny the literal return of Christ, but they reject a literal
thousand-year reign of Christ on the earth. According to this view, the kingdom of God is
present in the church age, and at the consummation of the present age, the eternal state is
inaugurated without any intervening millennium. By the Agustine of Hippo (354-430).19
Post Millennialism: Influence by Jonathan Edwards (1703-58) and George Eldon
Ladd (1911-82). They say that the kingdom of God is now being extended in the world
through the preaching of the Gospel and the saving work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts
of individuals, that the world is eventually to be Christianized, and that the return of
Christ is to occur at the close of a long period of righteousness and peace commonly
called the “Millennium.” It will be followed immediately by the general resurrection,
general judgment, and the introduction of heaven and hell in their fullness.20

18
Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids:
Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), 979.

19
Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology, 261.

20
Ryrie, Basic Theology, 540.
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Premillennial view: They say that Christ will return to the earth bodily after seven
years of Tribulation, but before the Millennial Kingdom begins, This Kingdom will be an
earthly and literal kingdom for one thousand years. There are two branches of
premillennialism.
First, Historic Premillennialism: This view was popularised among the Protestant
Christians held by the early church fathers such as Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, and Papias.
They interpret Revelation 6-19 as fulfilled in history, but interpreted Revelation 20 and
following as future events. They believe that Christ will return to earth after the
tribulation and usher in a literal and earthly reign for a thousand years.
Second, Dispensational Premillennialism: This view holds that Christ will come
to take away the church to heaven followed by a seven-year tribulation after which He
will return to the earth and inaugurate the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth. Taught
by John Nelson Darby (1800-82), Charges Ryrie, John Walvoord and J. Dwight
Pentecost.21

The Gog and Magog War

According to John in Revelation, the war of Gog and Magog will take place at the
end of the millennium reign of Christ (Rev. 20:8-9). Satan will be released from the abyss
and will make a final attempt to induce the nation. Satan’s release will produce a
worldwide rebellion against the millennial reign of Christ. The armies will surround the
camp of God’s people; the city He loves (Jerusalem). But finally, fire will come down
from God out of heaven and devour them (Rev. 20:8-9).22

The Resurrection of Unsaved Dead at the End

21
Sambhu Nath De, Revelation Explained (Ernakulum: Faith Baptist Bible College and Seminary,
2016), 386-387.

22
John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old and New Testament
(Colorado: David C. Publishing Company, 2002), 981.
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The last group to be raised will include the unredeemed dead of all time, and they
will be raised at the end of the millennial kingdom to stand before the Great White
Throne in a judgment that will sentence all of them to the lake of fire (Rev. 20:11-14). 23

The White Throne Judgement

Judgment of Satan and the Fallen Angels

Satan and his angels will also be judged at the end of the millennial kingdom.
Though Satan has had other sentences passed on him, this will be the final one that
confines him forever in the lake of fire (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10). The fallen angels also
will experience the same fate (Jude 6-7).

Judgment of the Unsaved Dead

At the conclusion of the millennial reign of Christ, unbelievers of all time will be
raised and judged. Their judgment will take place before a Great White Throne (Rev.
20:11-15) and their judge is the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 5:22, 27). They will be judged
according to their works as to degree of punishment, the fact that their names are not in
the Book of Life is the ground for their final judgment. Those who stand in this judgment
will be cast into the lake of fire. This is called the second death and means eternal
separation from God.24

The Eternal State

Following the Millennium kingdom, Heaven and Earth are judged (2 Pet.3:10)
because they were the domain of Satan’s rebellion against God. The eternal state, the
abode of all redeemed (Heb. 12:22-24) will be ushered in (Rev. 21:22). The Bible is clear
that all will be resurrected to spend eternity in one of those two places (John 5:28-29).25

23
Ryrie, Basic Theology, 714.

24
Ibid., 600.
25
Pentecost, Things to Come: A Study in Biblical Eschatology, 561.
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The New Heaven and the New Earth

After the end of the millennium, God will create a new heaven and a new earth
(Isa. 65:17; Rev. 21:1). The new creation of the earth is the final preparatory act
anticipating the eternal kingdom of God (2 Pet. 3:13).26

Conclusion

It is best to conclude by inclining with the premillennialist view that, the Church
will be in rapture first, then the Tribulation period followed by the Second Coming of
Christ during which Armageddon war will take place then to the Millennial Kingdom
after which Gog and Magog war, after this the resurrection of all saved and unsaved.
Subsequently, the final judgement. And finally, the eternal state, the New Heaven and the
New Earth. Even though the author is in line with this view one has the freedom to
adhere to any of these three groups that are Amillennialism, postmillennialism, and
Premillennialism. Whatever view he or she holds one must hope for Christ and live in
righteousness because the future is unpredictable no one has an accurate interpretation.
Therefore, the believers are asked to hope in Christ and work out their salvation for the
Lord.

26
Ibid.