Eschatology 1

Page 1: Introduction

  • Topic: Death and the Afterlife

  • Focus: Exploration of Christian beliefs regarding eschatology and its significance.

Page 2: Eschatology

  • Definition: Derived from the Greek word ἔσχατος meaning ‘last’.

  • Study of last things including:

    • Death

    • Heaven

    • Hell

    • Judgment

Page 3: The Problem

  • Importance of eschatology for Christians:

    • Central event in Christianity: Jesus’ resurrection is rich in eschatological significance.

    • Offers hope of life after death and renewal of creation at the End.

  • Lack of consensus among Christians:

    • Numerous Biblical references to heaven, hell, and judgment exist with no unified interpretation.

    • Diversity in views arises from varying beliefs about God’s attributes and divine justice, affecting perspectives on eschatology.

Page 4: Biblical Foundations

  • Eschatology's prominence in the New Testament:

    • Writers reflect deeply on eschatology due to the resurrection.

  • Scarcity of eschatological topics in the Old Testament:

    • Featured in later books, particularly Daniel.

Page 5: Judgment

  • Description from Daniel 7:9-14:

    • Vision of thrones set in place with the Ancient One in glory.

    • Acknowledgment of a court in judgment where records (books) are opened.

    • Significant figures:

      • The horn speaking arrogantly

      • The beasts and their dominion.

    • Presentation of a human figure, given everlasting dominion and kingship.

Page 6: Heaven

  • Excerpt from John 14:1-7:

    • Jesus reassures disciples not to be troubled.

    • Promise of many dwelling places in the Father's house.

    • Christ asserts himself as the way to the Father.

Page 7: Hell

  • Excerpt from Matthew 3:11-12:

    • John the Baptist's declaration of the coming one (Jesus).

    • Use of imagery regarding baptism with fire and unquenchable fire for the chaff.

Page 8: New Creation

  • Excerpt from 1 Corinthians 15:20-24:

    • Christ as the first fruits from the dead.

    • All will be made alive in Christ, each in their own order.

    • Significance of the end, transferring the kingdom to God after all powers are destroyed.

Page 9: New Creation

  • Excerpt from Revelation 21:1-2, 5-8:

    • Vision of new heaven and earth; former ones have passed away.

    • New Jerusalem described as adorned for her husband.

    • Assurance of making all things new from the one on the throne.

    • Contrast between the faithful and those condemned to the second death.

Page 10: Diverging Views

  • Exploration of how one’s view of God influences interpretations of judgment, heaven, and hell.

  • Consideration of varying theological perspectives that arise from different conceptions of the divine.