Eschatology is a word most Christians are likely obsessed with… and may not even know it. Eschatology is the study of theology involved with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and humankind.
Let's uncover the biblical meaning of Eschatology, its importance in Christianity, and much more.
What Is the Biblical Meaning of Eschatology?
Escatology, when we break the word down, means “last things” or “end.” Escha is Greek for “last” or “farthest,” as in the last thing on a spectrum, and ology always means “the study of.” When we put the words together, we get “the study of last things.”
Typically, when Christians think of the word eschatology, they think of the Book of Revelation. You’d be completely correct if you operate under this assumption. All twenty-one chapters of Revelation point to things to come (although we could argue that the letters to the seven churches were also written to literal churches—not just future churches that are either operating now or in the future).
But did you know that throughout the Bible, we also see hints at the times to come?
Where Does Eschatology Appear in the Bible?
We see glimpses of “the last things” throughout the Old and New Testaments. Jesus brought up eschatology several times in his sermons. Although we can’t break down every instance of the study of end times in the Bible, I’d love to give a sampling of them below to show the breadth of the subject.
1. Daniel 9: The antichrist is described in great detail (although some believe that Antiochus Epiphanes, Nero, or other controversial figures played a precursor to this). He will attempt to thwart God’s plans, hurt God’s people, and try to turn the world against God.
2. Zechariah 14: A great battle is described, hinted more in detail in the battle of Armageddon in Revelation.
3. Acts 1: Jesus is described as returning, according to an angel, right after Jesus’ ascension. Jesus’ second coming plays a major role in eschatology.
4. Matthew 25: The author discusses eternal punishment and rewards befalling unbelievers and believers, respectively. These subjects are further drawn out in Revelation 20.
5. 2 Peter 3: In the last days, several skeptics will question Christians. They’ll say, “You claimed that Jesus is coming back, but where is he? Maybe you were completely wrong.”
We can point to plenty of other examples, but I highly recommend checking out these verses as well. Several biblical books allude to the second coming of Christ and the events that will take place at the end of the old earth and old heavens.
Recognizing the Bible has many passages pointing to the end times. We must understand that many passages are vague or symbolic. For instance, Daniel describes one final empire (the one ruled under the antichrist) as a horrible beast with several horns. We know the beast will not be a literal Godzilla that rules (although the beasts described in Revelation certainly seem like it). Because some of the nature of eschatology is enigmatic, it can be hard to figure out exactly what will happen—especially since only God knows the time and place when these events will happen (Matthew 24).
What Are Different Types of Biblical Eschatology?
There are several different theories as to the nature of eschatology. Since the end times’ events occur in the future, we can’t fully know what will go down. Furthermore, all of these theories have issues that can be debated or discussed.
Before diving into the theories, we need to understand a few important events mentioned in the Bible. These will be presented in no particular order, as different views on escatology differ on when the events will occur.
1. Tribulation: Christians undergo intense trials under the antichrist and his followers. We can imagine this will result in distress, torture, death, and martyrdom.
2. Second Coming: At one point, Jesus will return. Believers are described in 1 Thessalonians 4 as meeting him up in the sky. Trumpets will announce his arrival, and he will be arriving on a white horse.
3. Millennium: Christ and his followers will rule for 1,000 years. Satan will be kept bound for a set period. Millennialists debate whether the 1,000 years are literal or figurative.
4. Final Judgment: Satan will break loose and plan a war on the followers of God and Jerusalem. At this time, God will defeat Satan and his armies and proceed with the final judgment. Unbelievers will experience the second death, and Satan and the unholy trinity will be thrown into the Lake of Fire. The old earth and old heavens will pass away, and God will introduce the new earth and new heavens.
This article won’t have time to break down each of the four major key points listed above. But let’s see how the four main theories of eschatology address these.
What Are the Four Main Theories of Eschatology?
We will not indicate which theory is most biblically accurate. Each theory has advocates who can cite verses they are drawn to in Scripture and reasons why they believe what they do.
1. Amillennialism
The millennium is happening right now → Final judgment of Christ
Amillennialism believes that the millennium is symbolic and has been happening since Jesus ascended into heaven. Because of this, no rapture happens in the amillennial view. After the millennial reign ends, Jesus will come to judge the living and the dead. As mentioned in the “What Is Amillennialism?” article linked above, this view seemed to grow in popularity around the time of Augustine.
2. Postmillennialism
Symbolic Millennium through which Jesus’ kingdom is advanced through the gospel → Second coming and judgment
It’s often difficult to distinguish between amillennialism and postmillennialism since they both believe in a symbolic rather than literal millennial reign. They both believe it signifies a long period. The difference lies in postmillennials’ positive outlook. Postmillennialists believe that Christians will be able to advance the gospel and reach the most souls for Jesus. In contrast, amillennialists and premillennialists put more emphasis on Satan’s grip on the human world.
Speaking of premillennialists…
3. Premillennialism
Tribulation → Christ returns → 1000-year reign → Final judgment
This seems to be one of the most popular views amongst Americans. They believe a time of tribulation and apostasy will occur before Christ steps in, before the 1,000-year reign takes place. Premillennialists differ on when Christ returns. Some say at the end of the tribulation, and some say in the middle of the tribulation. No matter what the case, premillennialists believe that Christians will undergo suffering for a while before Christ steps into the picture.
4. Dispensationalism
Jesus returns and raptures believers → Those who come to Christ after rapture undergo tribulation → Jesus returns for the rest of the believers → 1,000-year reign → Final judgment
You have a good idea of this viewpoint if you’ve read the Left Behind series. Dispensationalists follow the same basic chronology as premillennialists, leading some people to describe dispensationalism as a subgroup of premillennialism. However, dispensationalists have a particular twist: they believe Christians will be taken up (raptured) before the tribulation starts. Only those left behind who come to Christ will endure the antichrist’s hardships.
No matter what view a Christian takes, we all tend to agree that Christ will come again to finalize his kingdom and that a final judgment will take place after a millennial reign.
Why Is Eschatology Important to Christianity?
Christianity revolves around eschatology. We know that Christ died for our sins, and we can be saved through the power of his resurrection. But the story doesn’t end there.
Even after his death and resurrection, the world continues to be broken. People continue to reject his Lordship.
We have hope because we know that the world will not continue to remain broken. That God has a restoration plan. Although we can bring pockets of heaven to earth now, God will do so in full at the End of Days. He will restore the Garden of Eden and plant the tree of life again.
Eschatology—the study of the End Times—gives us hope that the country of our own (new heaven and new earth) that we’ve been yearning for will be instituted.
What Are the Dangers of Eschatology?
While eschatology gives us hope for the future, some Christians can get too obsessed with the end times (or, in some cases, not obsessed enough). Below are some of the dangers that come with eschatology—and why we should exercise caution.
Too Obsessed: Some believers may try calculating the 70 weeks mentioned in Daniel. They’ll try to do the math to figure out the exact date when Christ will return. Scripture tells us that only God knows. And in the meantime, we have a mission. If we become too obsessed with the End of Days, we may forget what we’ve been called to do now. To preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Until all nations hear the word, Christ won’t return.
Too Apathetic: Some believers have “fallen asleep” metaphorically on eschatology. They live for now, forgetting that we are also supposed to be future-minded. No, we shouldn’t constantly worry about whether Christ will return in the next minute. We don’t know the hour or minute he will come back. But we should be watchful. We should recognize the signs of the End Times and await with eager anticipation.
Too Mean: Although we shouldn’t water down the gospel—and eschatology is part of it—some Christians will take it to the next level. They will embrace the turn-or-burn message and tell people they must believe or end up in the Lake of Fire. Don’t get me wrong; we should warn people about the dangers of sin and not turn to Jesus. But we need to be mindful of methodology. A message rooted in fearmongering is not Christlike nor in line with the tone of the Gospel (2 Timothy 1:7).
Eschatology plays an important role throughout the Bible. Humans and Satan broke the world. And God will soon come to restore it and to restore us.
In the meantime, we need to press on with our current mission. We’re not done yet, Christians. Let’s continue to advance the gospel and leave the End Times to God. We’ll know when he arrives. In the meantime, let’s focus on what he’s called us to do.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/BenGoode
Hope Bolinger is an acquisitions editor at End Game Press, book editor for hire, and the author of almost 30 books. More than 1500 of her works have been featured in various publications. Check out her books at hopebolinger.com for clean books in most genres, great for adults and kids. Check out her editing profile at Reedsy.com to find out about hiring her for your next book project.
This article is part of our larger End Times Resource Library. Learn more about the rapture, the anti-christ, bible prophecy and the tribulation with articles that explain Biblical truths. You do not need to fear or worry about the future!
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Who Are Gog and Magog in the Bible?
What Is the Apollyon?
Is the Apocalypse Mentioned in the Bible?
Signs of the End Times and the Rapture
