Ch 12. Eschatology: An Orthodox Perspective

What is eschatology

the study of the last things

Where does eschatology derive from

It comes from the Greek ‘eschatos’ meaning ‘last thing’

What does eschatology cover?

the study of events such as death, end of the world, resurrection of the dead, Second Coming of Jesus, judgement, heaven, and hell

What does Christian eschatology teach about Physical Death and Resurrection of Body

Our life will not come to an end by death but will continue into internal life. How we live here determines whether we go to heaven or hell. Physical death is the separation of soul from body. Death is called “falling asleep” as the human part sleeps and a part that remains conscious. We use the term departed for the deceased as they are transferred to another world. After death, the body returns to the dust and the spirit will return to God who gave it. At the time of second coming of Jesus, the body will be ressurected, spiritualized, and transformed into a uncorrupted state, united with the soul. St. Paul calls death “the last enemy” and Jesus destroyed and killed this enemy through his own death and ressurection.

What is the life of a soul after death.

The body only “sleeps” at the time of death but the soul is conscious and it starts to experience a foretaste of heaven or hell according to their life. Soul and body live together after Judgement Day. The soul is judged individually and remains until the Final Judgement. The Roman Catholics believe in Purgatory but Orthodox don’t believe in this.

What are the State of righteous soul?

The souls are alive as everybody God is the God of is living

The souls can see even after death

The souls can hear

The souls can talk and God allowed some saints to take part in His salvific acts like Moses and Elijah talking to Jesus at transfiguration

What are the prophesies on Second Coming

Prophet Joel had prophesized the day of Jesus’ second coming. There will be bloodshed, fire, clouds of smoke, darkened sun, moon turning red as blood, but all who ask the Lord for help will be saved. Bloodshed and tribulations will arise on the final judgement day. Jesus Christ’s second coming will come naturally. St. Paul warns against the antichrist who will come with powerful signs but assured that the breath from the mouth of Jesus destroys him. The day of the Lord will come suddenly

What are the signs of Second Coming of Jesus

These six signs will occur before the second coming of Jesus

* The preaching of the Gospel to all nations
* the return of Israel to Christ
* Coming of two witnesses
* appearance of Anti-Christ
* a massive falling away from the faith led by false prophets with powerful signs and wonders
* wars, revolution, famine, and natural selection

God wants us to be constantly prepared for Jesus’s second coming

What will happen at the Final Judgement

God will judge you for everything you do. Judgement plays a vital role in God’s plan for salvation and it is a central part of eternal life. Our Church believes that the state of the souls can be affected by the love and prayers of the righteous up to the Last Judgement. This is why there are special prayers and Holy Qurbono for departed on the 3rd, 9th, 30th, 40th day after death and on their anniversaries. There are several days that are set aside for the general memorial of the departed

What are the thoughts on everlasting Heaven or Hell

Heavenly life starts in this world and eternal life after death is the continuation. Holy Scripture states that the righteous will enjoy eternal life and happiness, whereas sinners will be punished. The Son of Man will seperate the just and sinners on Judgement Day. The just will inherit the kingdom of Heaven while sinners will be put into an everlasting fire.

What are false teachings on Second Coming

Pre-tribulation rapture: This teaching states all “good Christians” will be raptured into heaven and escape the trials and tribulations of the last day. However, Christ warns his disciples that they will “deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake” so there will be tribulation for the faithful

Millennialism: Some believe that Christ will come back and establish a peaceful kingdom on the planet Earth where he will reign with "the “good Christians” for thousands of years. However the Orthodox believe that this thousand year reign is symbolic and spiritual. One day is like a thousand years for the Lord. Christ already defeated sin, death, and devil through his death and resurrection and established His Kingdom and it never ends. God dwells among his people through the Sacraments in the current reign and at Christ’s return, God will dwell directly with His people.