CCS SysTheo Eschatology

The Up front Stuff Eschatology = The Study of Last Things Greek, eschatos/eschatov = last, final There are mutiple versions of “eschatomania” – Left Behind – Late great Planet Earth What we know for sure: – The Death rate is one per person – Jesus is returning, we don’t know when – perhaps today...

Distinctions Personal eschatology Universal eschatology These obviously overlap as each person is a part of the universe, but it must be seen as affecting every person As everlasting beings, we have a beginning, but no ultimate end – although we have certain “ends” of sorts (physical death, separation, etc.) As everlasting beings, we have a beginning, but no ultimate end – although we have certain “ends” of sorts (physical death, separation, etc.)

Personal Eschatology Death – Death rate is one per person – We struggle with the belief that we are here and now immortal (funerals) – Hebrews 9:27 – We are spiritually immortal Afterlife 1 Corinthians 15

Personal Eschatology The Nature of Death – Mankind made to live forever, as it were Genesis 3:22-23, Rev. 2:7 – Death is not a natural part of life – Gen. 2:17 – Death is the result of turning away from God – it is THE enemy – 1 Cor. 15:50-58 Isaiah 25:8 Hosea 13:14 Rev. 20:14, 21:4

Personal Eschatology Eschatological truths are meant to encourage – 1 Cor. 15:58 – 1 Thess. 4:18 “You cannot plan the ends and not plan the Means” – Caedmans Call Remember John 3:16 – You cannot offer “eternal life” if you do not control eternity

20according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. To Live Is Christ 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;

CCS SysTheo Eschatology

Personal Eschatology Cont. The Intermediate State? The Resurrection – Old Testament Teachings – New Testament Teachings – Ancient Middle Eastern Views Glorification Glorification – Bodily Resurrection – New Body

The Intermediate State? Hades as a “Holding Place” – See Other Slide Pack – Not considered the best use of these phrases/texts – Just the grave – Focus is Death – and that’s bad enough – NOT AN ACCEPTABLE VIEW

Intermediate State? Soul Sleep – Person is unconscious between death and resurrection There is a good bit language about “sleep” when talking about death – John 11:11; Acts 7:60, 13:36; etc. Seventh-Day Adventist view But, immediacy is more persuading But, immediacy is more persuading – Jesus crying out, “Into Thy hands I commit My Spirit.” (Luke 23:46) – Jesus promising to the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43) – NOT AN ACCEPTABLE VIEW

Intermediate State? Purgatory Roman Catholic Doctrine The Wicked go to Hell, the Righteous Penitent go to Heaven, the Righteous Not-Enough Penitent go to Purgatory Extra Biblical support proposed – Thomas Aquinas proposed doctrine 2 Maccabees 12:43-46 Scriptural support proposed – Matthew 12:32 – 1 Cor. 3:15 Many other texts contradict and this cannot be supported by Scripture alone Galatians 3:1-14; Eph. 2:8-9; Hebrews 9:27 THIS IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE VIEW

RESOLUTION? Immediacy at Death – 2 Cor. 5:1-10 – Phil. 1:19-26 Quickening at Return of Christ – 1 Thess. 4:13-18 Instantaneous Judgment Instantaneous Judgment – Hebrews 9:27

CCS SysTheo Eschatology

PERSONAL ESCHATOLOGY – THE RESURRECTION

The Resurrection Old Testament – Psalm 16:10 – Daniel 12:2 – Ezekiel 37:12-14 New Testament – John 5:29, 11:24-25 Ancient Middle Eastern World Ancient Middle Eastern World – Matthew 22:23 – Acts 17:22-34

The Resurrection is Physical Romans 8:11 The Pattern of the believers body is Christ – Phil. 3:21 – 1 John 3:2 – A genuine Body – Luke 24:39 The believers’ body is incorruptible and glorious – this is glorification – 1 Cor. 15:42-43 The general relation of the resurrected Body will be the body that experienced death – 1 Cor. 15:36-38 The general relation of the resurrected Body will be the body that experienced death – 1 Cor. 15:36-38

The Order of the Resurrections The Resurrection of Christ – the Firstfruits – 1 Cor. 15:23; Col. 1:8 The dead Church Saints – 1 Cor. 15:23 – 1 Thess. 4:13-18 The two witnesses of the Tribulation* (Rev. 11:11-12) The Old Testament Saints at the end of the Tribulation* (Dan. 12:1-2; Matt. 8:11) The tribulation martyrs at the end of the Tribulation* (Rev. 20:4) The tribulation martyrs at the end of the Tribulation* (Rev. 20:4) Resurrection of the wicked (Rev. 20:11-14) Resurrection of the wicked (Rev. 20:11-14)

The Resurrection Text in Context 1 Corinthians 15 1 Corinthians 15 – 1-2: The Gospel named – 3-11: The Gospel “event” told – 12-19: Resurrection must be real – 20-28: The details of resurrection – 29-57: The qualities of resurrection – The encouragement of resurrection Christ really... – Lived – Died – Rose from the Dead – The resurrection is empirical - verifiable The resurrection affects us everything hangs on – everything (15:14 &17) The resurrection is what everything hangs on – everything (15:14 &17)

1 Corinthians 15:17 “... and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.”

TRULY... It was life that we were given back... That is, sin separated us from God – killed us. We were meant to live.

THIS LIFE... A MIST, A MOMENT... THEN COMES THE NEXT (JAMES 4:14)

So, do you believe all this ?... And if you do, how does itaffect how you live?

CCS SysTheo Eschatology

JUDGMENT Personal Eschatology - Judgment