Christianity: Eschatology and the New Covenant

Introduction to Eschatology and Final Exam

The People of God

• Discussion about the Old Testament and New Testament understanding of God's people.

• Call of Abraham (Genesis 12)

  • God’s plan starts with Abraham to bless the entire world.

  • The Abrahamic Covenant:

  • "Go from your country… I will make of you a great nation… In you, all families of the earth shall be blessed."

  • This plan seeks redemption from the curses of sin.

• Israel's Role

  • Israel represented God's chosen people to mediate blessings to the nations.

  • Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19): Israel was commanded to be a light to the nations.

Transition to the New Covenant

• Fulfillment of the Old Testament Promises

  • Jesus, as a descendant of Abraham, fulfills the Abrahamic Covenant.

• The New Covenant described in the New Testament:

  • The Holy Spirit indwells believers, moving the focus from Israel to all nations.

  • Acts 1:8 gives a directive for mission: "You will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth."

• Pentecost (Acts 2) as the birth of the Church:

  • The Holy Spirit indwells believers, marking the establishment of the church.

Sacraments vs. Ordinances

• Sacraments

  • Defined as liturgical practices that communicate grace and remembrance of Christ's achievement.

• Ordinances

  • Acts explicitly commanded by Jesus (baptism, Lord's Supper) done in remembrance.

  • More common in Protestant traditions (only about two or three ordinances).

• Differing views on the Lord's Supper:

  • Roman Catholic transubstantiation vs. Protestant memorial view:

  • Transubstantiation: bread/wine becomes Body/Blood of Christ.

  • Memorial View: Only a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice.

Eschatological Themes

• Hope and Expectation of Christ's Return

  • Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians discuss the promise of Christ’s second coming and encourage believers in their hope.

• Intermediate State

  • Definition: the period between a believer's death and resurrection.

  • Different views on soul sleep vs. immediate presence with God.

• Resurrection of the Dead

  • Based on 1 Corinthians 15, believers are promised a bodily resurrection just as Christ was resurrected.

• Judgment and Eternal State

  • Distinction between resurrection unto life and resurrection unto judgment.

• New Heaven and Earth (Revelation 21-22)

  • Final picture of complete restoration and dwelling of God with humanity.

• The need for essential beliefs in eschatology: affirming Christ’s return, bodily resurrection, and the reality of judgment.

Conclusion and Reflection Activities

• Group discussions reflecting on personal church experiences and key themes in the chapter.

• Emphasis on discussing sacraments/ordinances and their implications in church practice.

• Encouragement to keep these discussions centered around how they impact faith and understanding of Christianity as a whole.