by David Chadwick
I am handing you your final key today. We are wrapping up a three week study of the key doctrines of the Christian faith. You should now have a deeper understanding of the timeless truths and beliefs that set apart the Christian faith. Each of these 15 keys is meant to unlock truths on which you can stand no matter what is thrown at you.
Today’s final key: eschatology. The doctrine of the last things. Let’s dig in.
Jesus ascended to heaven. But he told his followers that he would return one day and make all things new (Acts 1:9-11). He would restore this world to its original intent. The Kingdom of Heaven perfectly revealed everywhere. A return back to how God perfectly created this world. The Garden of Eden all over again in perfection before the fall in Genesis 3.
Paul talks about the “groanings” in creation before Jesus’s return (Romans 8:22-23). This is because there was a way it used to be before sin entered into the world. Even creation longs for the return to perfection.
Some believe there will be a rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) where Jesus takes his church before the Great Tribulation (Revelation 6-18). This teaching stems from a belief that God has not destined his church to face God’s enormous wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10). Others believe only in Jesus’s second coming, with no rapture. Either way, Jesus will one day return and make this world new. He promised. And he who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).
Jesus gave signs to look for before his coming. They are outlined in Matthew 24, Luke 21 and Mark 13. It’s easy to see how these prophecies are happening more and more. Like a woman whose birth pangs are becoming more and more intense and frequent before a new baby arrives.
The reality of this promise should give all Christians a “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13) as we await this great moment. Living in “Imminence” (something the early church did) – that Jesus could return at any moment. We must remain ready. But how? Living in holiness, purity, service, and an urgency to share the gospel with the lost.
May we be found faithful to him in all we are doing when Jesus returns!