The Return of Christ – Eschatology: Part 1

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Christ’s return is our great hope of salvation and initiates spending a glorious eternity with God. Consequently, the study of eschatology (end times) is critical to understanding our salvation and is a great blessing (Revelation 1:3). Let's take the next few blogs to consider the return of Christ in detail and what scripture says. 

 

Although the exact nature of Christ’s return is a controversial topic among theologians, it is important to base our beliefs in scripture, which will be the basis of our discussion. 

 

Scripture prophecy 

 

End times biblical literature in the New Testament includes major prophetic passages in:

 

• Revelation

• Chapters 4-18 – The tribulation

• Chapters 19-20 -The second coming of Christ

• Chapters 21-22 – Eternity

• Matthew 24 and 25 - The “Olivet discourse”, discusses the tribulation, 2nd coming and judgment, leaning to a Jewish perspective

• 1 Corinthians 15:51ff – The rapture

• 1 Thessalonians 4 – The rapture

• 1 Thessalonians 5 – Second coming

• 2 Thessalonians 1 – Tribulation

• 2 Thessalonians 2 – Antichrist

 

There is also extensive prophetic literature in the Old Testament detailing the first and second comings of Christ, Christ’s kingdom reign and prophecies already fulfilled in the Old Testament itself. Many prophecies related to Christ are dealt with in our chapter the Plan of God. The kingdom reign of Christ is discussed here. Prophecies fulfilled in the Old Testament itself are beyond the scope of this Resource Center. Please see helpful references below for further reading.

 

Although opinions vary, proper interpretation of scripture should be a normal, literal meaning that should consider the style of writing in the original text. For instance, prophecy literature should allow symbols to be symbols, as intended by the original author, to represent actual events, not to be spiritualized or understood verbatim.

 

Our discussion is based on a normal literal interpretation of scripture. Other traditional alternative beliefs to the end times exist but are not included in this chapter because of the lack of substantiation in scripture. Several references are included below for your convenience for deeper reading.

 

Key definitions 

 

• The term ‘end times’ is derived from scripture ‘last days’. This term and its derivatives typically mean the time of the church as well as Christ’s second return and ensuing eternity. It can indicate, however, only Christ’s return and beyond which is the case for our study in this chapter.

• Eschatology – This is the study of end times taken from the Greek word ‘last’ (ἔσχατος, eschatos).

 

End times events in order

 

• The rapture (1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18; Revelation 4:1; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58) – This important event includes the following:

• It occurs at a time known only by God

• A trumpet, shout and announcement shall be heard and Christ will return in the clouds

• Christ will take dead and living Christians out of the world to be with Him for eternity

• Those taken our bodies will be changed to be incorruptible forever

• The rapture initiates the series of events leading to Christ’s return and begins specifically the tribulation (see below).

• Although beliefs differ, scripture indicates the church is taken out of the world before the tribulation because it is promised to Christians that they will not know God’s wrath (Revelation 3:10; 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:9) which is the purpose of the tribulation. The church is not mentioned in tribulation passages.

 

Well, that starts our discussion of end times and takes us through the rapture allows those living on earth to begin their experience with eternity, avoiding the wrath to come.

 

Thanks be to God for his wonderful promises of eternal life through our faith alone in Jesus Christ. Join us next time as we continue this wonderful journey of our overview of the end times.

 

Books to expand on this topic:

Messiah in the Old Testament, The: Kaiser Jr., Walter C.: 9780310200307: Amazon.com: Books 

Systematic Theology (4 Volume Set): Chafer, Lewis Sperry: 9780825423406: Amazon.com: Books

Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth: Ryrie, Charles C.: 9780802427342: Amazon.com: Books

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email     info@teleiosresearch.com 

Website http://teleiosresearch.com/

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Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

The Wonderful Plan of God: Part 3

The Holy Bible is an amazingly unified text that encompasses the whole plan of God to bring salvation to man  through Jesus Christ and complete all of history in our Savior (Ephesians 1:10)Knowing the plan of God helps us realize the meticulous detail by which He brought us eternal life through His wisdom, knowledge and love, for His good pleasure and praise (Ephesians 1:4-8). 

 
Key to this plan are: 

• The structural elements to bring salvation. 

• The teaching elements to allow us to recognize the Savior. 

 
In the last several blogs we've covered the plan of God throughout the Old Testament, especially the times of Israel in the desert and the prophets. This week let's look at the times of the gospels and the church. These vital parts of scripture detail Christ’s coming, His sacrifice and resurrection, as well as the body of Christ (the church) and the commandments to Christians. 

The Gospels
At the right time God sent His only begotten Son to the world to fulfill His promise of the coming Messiah who would save people from their sins (Isaiah 59:20-21). In doing so Christ presented the promised Kingdom to the Jews, indicating they should believe in Him as Messiah to save their souls and gain entrance into His kingdom. (Matthew 3:7; Matthew 4:16; Matthew 10:7; John 3:3,16). God sent John the Baptist as the prophesied forerunner to announce that the Messiah had arrived (Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; Malachi 4:5). 

• Presentation - Important in the message of the gospels, Jesus proved His messiahship through: 

• His lineage from King David (2 Samuel 7:14: Matthew 1, Luke 3). 

• The virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14: Matthew 2:15). 

• He would be  called out of Egypt (Matthew 2:15). 

• Fulfillment of specific Old Testament prophecies (please see prior section). 

• His power and purity at the temptation (Matthew 4:1-12). 

• His miracles (Isaiah 61:1 fulfilled in Luke 4:16; Isaiah 42:1-4 fulfilled in Matthew 12:7-10). 

• The witness of God the Father (Matthew 3:14, Matthew 17:7, John 12:28). 

• The witness of the Spirit (Matthew 3:14). 

• His teaching in parables (Matthew 13:39; Psalm 78:2). 

• His death (Matthew 27). 

• His resurrection (Psalm 2:7-8, 16:8-10). 

• Course of his ministry - The Jews rejected Christ’s claim of messiahship (Matthew 12:22-45). They crucified Him in an unjust death on the cross for which He died for our sins to provide a way of salvation. On the third day, Christ was resurrected from the dead (Matthew 28:1-10) to provide eternal life for all those who believe, by faith alone. 

He then appeared to the disciples, to the women and to 500 others (1 Corinthians 15:4-7). At Pentecost (Acts 1) He ascended from the Mount of Olives to heaven, so completing His work as Savior, He then sat down at the right hand of God the Father and sent His Spirit to begin the church (Acts 2:4). 
The church 
The church is the body of Christ. Its membership consists of all Christians (New Testament believers) under the headship of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13; Colossians 1:18). It began when Christ ascended to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit back to seal and empower believers (Acts 2:4; Ephesians 1:20-23). Christ tasked the apostles to spread the gospel across the world in the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and just before His ascension predicted the completion of His command (Acts 1:8). Its fulfilment is noted in Colossians 1:6. 
The early church in Jerusalem (Acts 2-6) had the following characteristics. It was: 

• Essentially Jewish

• Small in number

• Led by the apostles with help from deacons

• Presented with signs and wonders similar to the gospels, to connect Christ’s ministry with the apostles.

Importantly, God connected the message of Christ in the Gospels to the early church by Peter’s preaching and miracles. 
Starting in Act 7 the church was persecuted and spread far from Jerusalem helping to fulfill Christ’s prediction (Acts 1:8). Saul was converted in Acts 9 and then called Paul. He was personally taught by Christ (2 Corinthians 12:2-5) and became the major apostle to complete the knowledge of the New Testament (Colossians 1:25; Ephesians 3:2-3) as well as designated as the apostle to the gentiles (non-Jewish peoples, Romans 15:16). Paul and the other apostles established local churches and God’s commandments (detailed in Romans through to Revelation 3) for the 2nd generation Christians and beyond (apostolic authority). 
Characteristics of the more mature church were that it:

• Was very large in number 

• Spread across the world (Colossians 1:6) 

• Demonstrated God’s intended church structure, led by elders in every city and assisted by deacons

• Primarily gentile: though many congregations seemingly had a large proportion of Jews such as Rome, Corinth and northern Asia Minor.

• Experienced the completion of miraculous signs over time (Matthew 11:13; 1 Corinthians 13:8-13). 

The commandment given by Christ mostly to Paul, as set down the epistles, is how God communicates in the current church age (Colossians 1:25; Ephesians 3:2-3; Hebrews 1:1-2). The church, acts as the body of Christ to accomplish His will, spread the gospel as well as to mature and nurture believers in their walk with God. 
End Times 
At the end of the church age God promises to conclude all things in Christ (Ephesians 1:10-11) which will involve the fulfillment of his covenant with Abraham and include His glorious return to bring all believers in Himself and to eternal life. Christ also will fulfill the promises given to the Jews for their Kingdom and their land, as part of the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant (Revelation 4-22; 1 Thessalonians 4, 5; 2 Thessalonians 1, 2). The details will be detailed incoming blogs.

Summary 
God has initiated and will complete His marvelous plan of salvation. The plan began before all-time by God developing the plan of salvation through Christ, choosing His believers and then through the ages, convicting them, and dragging them to Himself. God then caused them to believe in Christ’s death and resurrection, and gave them positions of eternal security through their legal innocence and membership in God’s family and the church. He also sealed them by the Spirit, and created in them a new regenerated person. 
By structure, this great salvation was accomplished through the Abrahamic Covenant which provided for the seed (who is Messiah {Galatians 3:16]) through Isaac to bring salvation to man as well as the physical seed of Israel through Jacob to provide the man Jesus Christ through the Covenant of David (2 Samuel 7:14). God will fulfill all His promises to His chosen individuals, and to Israel through Jesus Christ (Romans 11:29; Ephesians 3:6) 
God will bring His believers to salvation for eternity with Him, providing us now with a great hope, confidence, and an anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19).  
Thanks be to God that we have such a blessed Savior! All honor and glory are due to God and Christ! 
 
Join us again next time and share this important blog with your friends and family!
William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…
Email     info@teleiosresearch.com 
Website http://teleiosresearch.com/
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch 
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

The Wonderful Plan of God: Part 2

 

Thank you for reading my blog!  

 

The Holy Bible is an amazingly unified text that encompasses the whole plan of God to bring salvation to man through Jesus Christ and complete all of history in our Savior (Ephesians 1:10). Knowing the plan of God helps us realize the meticulous detail by which He brought us eternal life through His wisdom, knowledge and love, for his good pleasure and praise (Ephesians 1:4-8). 

 

Key to this plan is: 

·      The structural elements to bring salvation. 

·       The teaching elements to allow us to recognize the Savior. 

 

In my last blog we covered the planof God from creation up to the end of the time of Abraham, roughly up to Genesis 23.Today we discuss the time of Israel opens to the time of the prophets.

 

Israel – This chosen people was God’s fourth gracious attempt to provide a way for people of the world to seek and obey Him (please see the last blog for the first three). Israel’s history can be conveniently divided between several time periods. 

  

Theocracy – God desired to lead Israel as a theocracy, through his representative Moses, then Joshua, into the promised land which would be their rest, a place of peace symbolizing their final holy Kingdom under Messiah.  

 

Through the theocracy, God’s intention for Israel was they become a royal priesthood, a holy nation and His unique people (Exodus 19:5-6). Further, in redeeming them He promised them a rest, safety and a land (Deuteronomy 12:9-12). 

 

Unfortunately, following their redemption through the Red Sea, Israel immediately sinned and tempted God at Massa (Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95:7-11), and they fell into judgement.  In addition, Israel failed to take the land, however, as God directed. For this reason, and continued unfaithfulness, they suffered resulting attacks from heathen countries in and around the promised land (described in the book of Judges). 

 

Ultimately, Israel then longed for a king like other nations so they could attain a superficial stability instead of faithfully seeking God and the greater benefits of being His people (1 Samuel 8). 

 

The kings – God graciously allowed a king, as the Israelites requested, through the leadership of Samuel. This change ended the theocracy. However, Israel chose Saul, the wrong King, and God ultimately provided His choice, David (1 Samuel 16), who initiated the line of Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12-16).  

 

God confirmed David as His choice by Davidic Covenant promising him an eternal throne, house and kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-16); God later upheld again these promises (Psalm 89:20 through 132:8; Rom 11:25-31). Israel under David, and under his son, Solomon, reached its height of powersymbolized the glory power, wisdom and riches of the Messianic kingdom (Matthew 12:42). 

 

Key Messianic prophecies – David was known as a person after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22; 1 Sam 13:14). Accordingly, God used David to bring forth numerous Messianic prophecies often reflecting Christ’s own affliction. Below are several of the important Davidic prophecies:  

§ Psalm 2:7-8 – This passage predicts the resurrection of Messiah (Acts 13:33).  

§ Psalm 16: 8-10 – Speaks to the resurrection of Messiah.  

§ Psalm 22 – Describes Messiah’s death on the cross.  

§ Psalm 45: 6-7 – Messiah is God, righteous and eternal.  

§ Psalm 68:18 – Ascension of Christ.  

§ Psalm 69,109 – Messiah will be betrayed.  

§ Psalm 110:1,4 – Messiah will have all enemies under his feet and is from the order of Melchizedek, Messiah is God (see also Genesis 14; Hebrews 7

 

The prophets – After Solomon, Israel continued in sin and Israel was split into separate northern and southern kingdoms. God graciously helped Israel by revealing His will through the prophets. The age of the prophets started with Elijah and was initiated by miracles. Ultimately, important new revelation, given through the ensuing major and minor prophets (e.g., Isaiah and Hosea), warned Israel of coming judgment and urged repentance but also gave further details of the coming glorious Messianic kingdom. 

 

Nonetheless, Israel continued in sin and God carried away the especially sinful northern kingdom and its 10 tribes to Assyria 722 BC, and ultimately the southern Kingdom at the beginning of the 6th century BC to Babylon for a 70-year exile. Following the exile, many Israelites in Babylon returned to the southern kingdom to Judah where they rebuilt the temple within the walls of Jerusalem. However, after Malichi, God left them in a time of prophetic silence until the coming of the Messiah 400 years later (inter-testament period). Major Messianic prophesies are given in both the major and minor prophetic books. Below are several important examples: 

§ Isaiah 7:14 – Messiah would be born from a virgin.  

§ Isaiah 9:1-6 – Messiah is God and will have a just government.  

§ Isaiah 53 – Messiah will die for our sins.  

§ Isaiah 59:20-21 – Messiah will bring salvation and the Holy Spirit.  

§ Jeremiah 31:31-34 – The New Covenant which includes the kingdom promise and Holy Spirit.  

§ Zechariah 12:10 – Messiah will be pierced.  

§ Zechariah 13:7 – Messiah will be struck and Israel scattered.  

§  Malachi 3:1; Malachi 4:5; Isaiah 40:3 – God will send a forerunner, as Elijah, to urge Israel to repent. This was John the Baptist (Matthew 11:11-15).  

 

Thank you for joining me. God indeed has a great plan for the ages to sum all things up in Christ. join me again next two time on this fascinating journey as we discussed the gospels and afterwards the church age and return the return of our blessed Savior.

 

Join us again next time and share this important blog with your friends and family!

 

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                        info@teleiosresearch.com

Website                  http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook               https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram              https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

Youtube                 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

 

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.