Some thoughts on End Times by Ps Jim Jung

Some thoughts on End Times

Over the past few centuries, one of the most discussed, often divisive, and always lively theological topics has been about End Times (known as Eschatology). Entire denominations have been founded solely on their End Times doctrine. Schisms, mythology and even plain heresy have all been included in the Eschatological journey. Hundreds have predicted the date of Christ’s return causing their followers to sell all of their worldly possessions to ultimately be left devastated by their gullibility. Terms such as “Eschatomania” and “Eschatophobia” described the wide-ranging response from believers who either totally avoided the topic to those who were totally fixated. Neither position is helpful.

Millard Erickson lists four main categories of eschatological views:

1. The Futurist view – where most events described in the Bible are future events, which will be fulfilled at the end of the age, probably clustered together.
2. The Preterist view – events described in the Bible were taking place during the writing of the account and therefore occurred in the past.
3. The Historicists view – events described in the Bible were to take place somewhere in the future from the time of the writer, but are destined to take place throughout the history of the church. Therefore, some of those events may be occurring now.
4. The Symbolic or Idealistic view – says that events described in the Bible were not to be seen in any systematic timeline but are timeless truths in nature (1998:1160-1161).
   Contained within these views comes a variety of positions such as Postmillennialism, Amillennialism, Premillennialism, Dispensationalism, Pretibulationalism, Posttribulationlism, Existentialism, and I could continue.
   Sadly, many believers today simply avoid speaking about End Times, because of the confusing and often controversial nature of the subject. But, we miss the importance of Jesus’ promise of return if we put our heads in the sand. Regardless of which Eschatological view you may hold to we generally agree on one thing; Jesus is coming back again, this time as the King of kings.
   The study of End Times reveals:

• That God has a plan – He gives us promises about the future and has planned what is to come.
• He has carefully thought out the future – what will happen in the end is not accidental.
• We are on the winning side. The devil is destined to lose and Jesus is predestined to win.
• The bible gives us a glimpse into what happens next. Some details are not clear but being ready for His return is very clear.
• The importance of our salvation comes into sharp focus as it determines our eternal destiny.
• It brings us face to face with the Final Judgement where heaven & hell are the only destinations on offer (Kendall, 1996: pp381-382).
  Mark 13:32-37 in part says “…Be on guard! Be alert!” I believe we are to live each moment as if Jesus were returning today but plan to reach the lost if he tarries for another 100 years.
  Ps Jim Jung