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.

When will Christ return? No one knows. Those who have tried to predict it have been proved wrong time and again. Even Jesus, when on earth, did not know when he would return. Obviously, as God, he knows everything, but as a man, he is limited, so he said, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only”—Matthew 24, verse 36. In these words, he demonstrates the reality of his manhood. The second coming will be sudden and unexpected by most, so Jesus warned, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh”

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