The Framework of Eschagology (End Times Study)
The Biblical Framework of Eschatology
Introduction
Eschatology, derived from the Greek words eschatos (last) and logos (word or discourse), refers to the study of "last things" or the end times. In the Bible, eschatology is not a fringe topic reserved for speculative theology—it is a central thread woven throughout Scripture, offering hope, judgment, renewal, and the fulfillment of God's promises.
This article outlines the biblical framework of eschatology, highlighting key themes, pivotal texts, interpretive approaches, and real-life examples of how eschatological truths shape Christian living. It concludes with a practical study plan for those who wish to explore this theological area more deeply.
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1. The Grand Narrative: Creation, Fall, Redemption, Consummation
Biblical eschatology cannot be properly understood without recognizing its place within the narrative of Scripture.
Creation (Genesis 1–2): God created a good world with order, purpose, and fellowship between Himself and mankind.
Fall (Genesis 3): Sin entered the world, corrupting God's creation and breaking that fellowship.
Redemption (Genesis 12 through the Gospels): God initiates His plan of redemption, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Consummation (Revelation 21–22): The story ends not with destruction but with restoration—a new heaven and new earth, where God dwells with His people.
Eschatology belongs to this final movement. It is not about escapism, but fulfillment. It brings the redemptive story to completion.
NOTE: It is important to understand that these end time events “have not taken place yet” . They are still to come so we are essentially living through the written words of the Bible everyday.
Argument: People will make the case that these things have already occurred in a way to justify their position or a way to try to discredit Christ as being a false prophet all of which are incorrect. (We will explore this more as we go)
2. Major Themes in Biblical Eschatology
a. The Day of the Lord
This phrase recurs throughout the Old and New Testaments, signaling a decisive moment when God intervenes in history to judge evil and deliver His people (see Joel 2:1–11, Amos 5:18–20, 1 Thessalonians 5:2). It points to both near and ultimate events—such as historical judgments on nations and the final return of Christ.
b. Resurrection and Judgment
In Daniel 12:2, we read: “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” This anticipates the New Testament’s clearer teaching that all will be raised, and all will be judged (see John 5:28–29; Revelation 20:11–15). The bodily resurrection is central to biblical hope, not merely a disembodied existence.
c. The Kingdom of God
Jesus’ proclamation that “the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15) reveals that eschatology begins with His first coming. Yet, the kingdom is also not yet fully manifest. This "already/not yet" tension defines Christian life in the present age—we live between Christ’s resurrection and His return.
Important: Christ was already resurrected (This prophecy happened already) .. so we are now looking for the signs of his Return (this has not happened yet).
d. The Return of Christ
The Second Coming is perhaps the most recognized eschatological event. In passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 and Revelation 19, we see a triumphant, visible, and personal return of Christ to defeat evil, raise the dead, and establish justice.
e. New Heaven and New Earth
Eschatology ends not with annihilation but restoration. Revelation 21–22 paints a vivid picture: “Behold, I am making all things new.” The final hope of believers is not evacuation from the earth but the renewal of all creation, echoing Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 65:17).
3. Interpretive Approaches
Christian traditions interpret eschatological texts in various ways. Here are four common views: (I like you to know these so you can start for form your position)
Which ever you choose to believe does not make you any less of a true believer but I encourage you to take the time to understand each position then compare it to “what scripture is actually saying” vs. what makes you feel better. (This may sound harsh but if you take scripture as it is written you can better prepare yourself if you happen to be here for the end times events.)
At the very least you want to know what to look for and not be under the impression that something won’t happen or take the “that already happened” approach as you will see these end times events have not occurred yet.
Important: No one knows the exact time or date and anyone who predicts this is going to be wrong. Why? The Bible says “Only God knows the day and time (Not even Jesus is privy to this information).
Amillennialism: Believes the "millennium" in Revelation 20 is symbolic of Christ's reign through the church age, culminating in His return and final judgment.
Premillennialism: Teaches that Christ will return before a literal 1,000-year reign on earth.
Postmillennialism: Holds that the gospel will gradually bring about a golden age, after which Christ returns.
Preterism: Interprets many "end times" passages (especially in Matthew 24 and Revelation) as already fulfilled in the first century, particularly in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
Each view can make their own arguments but there is only 1 correct Biblical view. You will form this view the more you study and understand.
4. Practical Implications for the Church
Eschatology is not meant to satisfy curiosity, but to cultivate hope, perseverance, and holiness.
Hope in suffering: Persecution and trials are seen in light of the coming glory (Romans 8:18).
Moral urgency: Knowing the Lord will return should inspire godly living (2 Peter 3:11–12).
Missional zeal: The end will come only when the gospel has reached all nations (Matthew 24:14).
Consider the example of Corrie ten Boom, who lived through Nazi persecution. Her steadfast hope in Christ’s return gave her strength to endure and forgive. Or think of Paul, whose eschatological outlook shaped his courage and missionary urgency (Philippians 1:20–24).
When we think of life on earth it is truly a blink of an eye. Without the hope in Christ and a desire to understand what comes after this Earthly life there is really not much of a point to anything. Only when Christ is the center and you do everything with the mindset of “Eternal preparation” do things really make sense.
Study Plan
6 Week plan for you (I will include this on other articles in this series) Move through this at your own pace.
Week 1: Foundations of Eschatology
Read: Genesis 1–3, Romans 8
Focus: Creation, Fall, and the need for restoration
Week 2: Old Testament Prophetic Visions
Read: Isaiah 65–66, Daniel 7, Joel 2
Focus: God’s promises and the Day of the Lord
Week 3: Teachings of Jesus
Read: Matthew 24–25, Luke 21
Focus: Signs of the end, parables of readiness
Week 4: Paul’s Eschatology
Read: 1 Thessalonians 4–5, 1 Corinthians 15
Focus: Resurrection hope, Christ’s return
Week 5: The Book of Revelation (Part 1)
Read: Revelation 1–11
Focus: Judgment, perseverance, symbolism
Week 6: The Book of Revelation (Part 2)
Read: Revelation 12–22
Focus: Victory, new creation, eternal kingdom
Tips:
Keep a journal for insights, questions, and prayers.
Save things you like here and share them on your Substak Notes or with others (this helps spread the message in a done for you way)
Read alongside a trusted commentary or study Bible.
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