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God's Emerging City
The future of Christianity is glorious. Whenever I make this statement, listeners generally think of the afterlife. But that’s not what I’m talking about. The Church could use some good news concerning our future in this life.
It is understandable why many Christians feel nervous about studying eschatology, the theological discipline focused on the end-times. Too often, eschatological teaching emphasizes primarily a chronological series of events while highlighting the activities of Satan. If the final effect is to produce a fear of the future, then one should re-evaluate the material in light of the Scriptures. Clearly, any serious study of the culminating days of human history should draw our attention to the glorious person and works of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our English word eschatology comes from two Greek words: ESCHATOS and LOGOS. LOGOS is translated as “the word”, and in John’s Gospel refers to Jesus as the word made flesh (John 1:1). While Jesus is the LOGOS of God, He is also the ESCHATOS.
And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last (Greek, ESCHATOS).”
Since Jesus himself is the ESCHATOS and the LOGOS of God, eschatology (the combining of these two words into one) will only make sense as a theological discipline when we focus on Christ.
In the Old Testament, God revealed himself in a limited way through the prophets as a prelude to a future day of greater revelation in the Messiah.
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son…
(Hebrews 1:1 - 2 NASB)
God’s culminating word to mankind is Jesus Christ. The fulfillment of all He ever promised in the Old Testament is found in His Son. All the mysteries of eternity are discoverable only in Him. Since there is no chance of events turning out differently than He has foreknown in His Son, He does not need a Plan B. To put it succinctly, Jesus is God’s final word to the human race. He is Heaven’s ultimate offer for the staggering need of man. Hence, our message is Christ.
For to me, to live is Christ…
The last days are the days in which God has chosen to reveal himself in His Son (Hebrews 1:2). Therefore, Church history is essentially eschatological. From the days of Acts Chapter 2 until today, God has been revealing himself in His final great exclamation of mercy and judgment.
Heaven’s concluding magnificent revelation began two thousand years ago, and it continues in our day. If God’s present word to the nations is Jesus Christ, then our study of the end-times ought to cause us to marvel at the glory of God’s Son. If it does not, then we ought to re-examine whether we are proclaiming the gospel or just restating a collection of theological ideas under some recognized eschatological banner.
Today, there are many books available on the subject of the last days. Many focus on the present and coming spiritual darkness, sometimes promoting escapism. But such an emphasis does not capture the heart of the gospel. The Good News has to do with Christ’s triumph at the cross, the subsequent repercussions of that victory available to all who believe, and the growing worldwide manifestation of His success.
At issue is not whether God will reveal His glory in His followers prior to Christ’s return, but only to what degree He will do so. Some have little faith that God will reveal His Son through His Church more than He already has. To them, there are no prophetic promises left to be fulfilled except Christ’s return. He could come tonight.
There is however, another school of thought, a very different emphasis. The gospel is the power of God to not only save individuals but to change nations. And since Jesus is the heart of the message, the only question is: What and how much has He determined to do before He comes in final devastating judgment?
Today, many Christians are confused by the numerous and varied eschatological books on the market. Some have even concluded that we should not venture into such potentially divisive subject matter. Such thinking reflects fear.
Jesus said that He would send the Holy Spirit to show us things to come (John 16:13). In the midst of all the books and theories about what is coming, if we will listen carefully to the Holy Spirit, we will hear Him pointing us to Christ. Jesus is both the ESCHATOS and the LOGOS of God. Let us keep our focus on Him. Let us walk with Him with sincere hearts. And in the days ahead we will be able to discern His work among the nations.
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