Module 7 - Eschatology

Eschatology is the doctrine of the Last Things. It looks unto the future, and on the basis of the teaching of Scripture, sets out what will happen in the future. Some people allow their imagination to lead them into fantastical speculation. But theology should always be sober and restrained, and based upon what God has clearly revealed. In trying to interpret prophecy, we must exercise a measure of caution, as it is notoriously difficult to interpret. When Christ came the first time, he took almost everyone by surprise. Although the Jews had the wonderful and detailed prophecies of the Old Testament, and they had a clear idea in their own minds what would happen, it didn’t turn out as they expected. As one writer put it, when Christ came the first time, they all got it wrong. So it will be when Christ returns the second time. Even the best works of theology would be found to be somewhat inaccurate.

The book of Revelation has proved mysterious to many. It’s language and imagery are graphic. It’s quite different from other books of the New Testament, but there are similar parts of the Old Testament where we find this apocalyptic language, for example, in sections of Ezekiel and of Daniel. Some theologians and commentators avoid Revelation because of the special diffi- culty of interpreting its imagery. Calvin, for example, provided no commentary on it. However, it’s in the Scriptures, it’s there for a purpose, and indeed, when properly approached, it can provide us with great encouragement.

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