The Fundamentals: “Even So, Come”
July/August 2020 | VOLUME 30 | NUMBER 4
Eschatology: A Necessary and Spiritually Edifying Study
God is not limited by time or space, yet He is the God of history. All of history fulfills God’s purposes and will ultimately culminate to bring Him glory. Eschatology (from Gk. eschatos, “last”) is the branch of theology that studies the doctrines of the Bible concerning future events or last things. Discussions regarding eschatology usually take place either among serious theological scholars or among foolish “Christian” leaders who are marketing outlandish and unreliable predictions. This latter category has done a great disservice to Christians: they have to some extent eclipsed the focus and intent of the eschatological texts of the Bible and have even turned some true believers away from studying them. This does not have to be the case! Eschatology is a necessary and spiritually edifying study. As one theologian said, “If there is one thing that eschatological texts have in common, it is this: living today in light of tomorrow” (Vickers, B. [2010], “What Is a Practical Application of Biblical Eschatology?” [Southern Baptist Journal of Theology vol. 14, 14(1)], 60).
By nature, eschatology is vague and somewhat uncertain because it is dealing with things that are partially (sometimes mostly) veiled in their revelation. This uncertainty seems to generate a significant interest in the study, but it can also pose a danger. Christians can tend to separate the future fulfillment by God from the past and present plan of God. “Too often the teaching of eschatology misses the point for which it was given, devolving into an exercise in imaginative speculation that does not feed the soul” (Miles, T. [2010] “What Ought to Be the Priority in Teaching or Preaching on Eschatology?” [Southern Baptist Journal of Theology vol. 14, 14(1)], 67).
This danger should not prevent Christians from faithfully studying the prophetic texts of Scripture, but it should temper Christians’ dogmatism regarding this aspect of theology. A student of eschatology should display a committed boldness concerning those things that are certain while maintaining a sincere humility concerning those things that are uncertain. More than anything else, eschatology should motivate Christians to persevere with the spirit of Titus 2:13: “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
It is with this spirit that we present this issue of FrontLine magazine. Our intent is that our readers be informed and inspired by what is read. The articles present both the technical and the practical sides of eschatology in order to help connect theology with practice.
The issue begins with two articles to introduce the theme. The first is by Dr. Larry Oats on the importance of eschatology, and the second is by Dr. Steve Love on the Book of Revelation. These are followed by two more technical articles concerning two eschatological texts. Dr. David Saxon discusses Romans 11 in “All Israel Will Be Saved,” and Dr. Preston Mayes handles Zechariah 14:12–19, concerning the millennial kingdom. The last two articles by Dr. Bryan Brock and Dr. Andrew Hudson focus on the themes of the Rapture and a Christian’s eternal home, inspiring the reader with hope.
People will always pose questions concerning future events, and that is a good thing. These themes generate a special awe and appreciation for the sovereignty of God and a trust in His plan for the future. May each reader yearn ever more intensely for the coming of the Lord. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).
Mark Herbster
Contents
FEATURES
The Importance of Eschatology
Larry Oats
In opposition to Eastern cyclical belief, we believe that history is moving purposefully forward toward a divinely ordained goal.
Revelation: An Open Book
Steve Love
There is one “story,” and it has an authentic happily-ever-after ending.
All Israel Will Be Saved
David Saxon
Romans 11 is a challenging chapter, and good, godly expositors have differed about many aspects of it.
A Real Kingdom or a Figure of Speech?
Preston L. Mayes
What does Zechariah 14 teach us about the millennial kingdom?
Towards a Distinctly Biblical Understanding of the Pretribulational Rapture
Bryan Brock
There are two primary reasons that Rapture preaching and teaching have diminished in recent decades.
Our Eternal Home
Andrew S. Hudson
There is not a single verse in the Bible that explicitly states that we will live in heaven forever.
DEPARTMENTS
Mail Bag & News from All Over
On the Home Front
Regional Report
On Language & Scripture
Mark Ward
At a Glance: What is “The Day of the Lord”?
Layton Talbert
With the Word to the World
Jim Tillotson
The Sign of Silly Women
Rebecca Brock
Why the Chaplain Ministry Is So Important to FBFI
Kevin Schaal
Sometimes God’s Blessings Come in Different Ways
Jerry Sivnksty
FrontLine • July/August 2020. Click here to subscribe to the magazine.
[P&D Editor’s Note: You will note that we are behind schedule with our magazines. The Covid 19 crisis increased demand for other publications (home schooling materials) at our printer which has delayed publication of FrontLine.]