Eschatology Flashcards
Does the Bible teach that Jesus will physically return to the earth someday and is there a difference
between the rapture and the 2nd coming of Christ; if so when will the rapture happen and who is it
for?
The Bible does indeed teach that Jesus will physically return to the earth someday. The return of Jesus is a significant aspect of Christian eschatology (the study of end times). Within this framework, there are differing views regarding the timing and nature of events, including the rapture and the Second Coming of Christ. Let’s explore these concepts and their distinctions with relevant KJV Bible verses:
1. Second Coming of Christ:
- The Second Coming of Christ refers to the event when Jesus returns visibly and physically to the earth. This event is described in various passages in the Bible.
- Matthew 24:30 (KJV): “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
- The Second Coming of Christ is associated with the final judgment, the resurrection of the dead, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
2. Rapture:
- The concept of the rapture is a specific view of the end times that teaches that, before the Second Coming of Christ, there will be an event where believers are caught up to meet Jesus in the air. This event is often associated with the idea of a pre-tribulation rapture, but there are other views as well.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (KJV): “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
- The rapture is believed by some to be a way for believers to be spared from the tribulation period that precedes the Second Coming.
3. Timing and Purpose:
- Views on the timing and purpose of the rapture vary. Some believe in a pre-tribulation rapture, where believers are taken before a period of tribulation on earth. Others hold to a post-tribulation view, where the rapture and Second Coming occur together at the end of the tribulation.
- There are also mid-tribulation and pre-wrath views, each with distinct interpretations of when the rapture will occur in relation to other end-time events.
- The identity of those taken in the rapture varies among views, but it is generally believed to include all true believers in Christ.
It’s important to note that the rapture is a doctrine with varying interpretations among Christians, and not all believers agree on its timing or nature. Some denominations and scholars affirm the concept of the rapture, while others hold differing views on the events of the end times.
In summary, the Bible does teach that Jesus will physically return to the earth (Second Coming). The concept of the rapture is a specific interpretation of end-time events that is associated with the idea of believers being caught up to meet Christ before or during the tribulation period. Views on the rapture’s timing and nature differ among Christians, but the belief in the Second Coming of Christ is foundational to Christian eschatology.
What will happen on the earth when the church saints are raptured; what is God’s purpose for the
Tribulation, and would you consider it a separate dispensation?
1. Events After the Rapture:
- After the rapture, according to some eschatological views, there will be a period of tribulation on earth. This period is often associated with intense trials, judgments, and events described in the book of Revelation.
- Revelation 6:1-17 (KJV): This chapter contains descriptions of the opening of the seals, which are seen as symbolic of events during the tribulation period.
-pre-tribulation rapture
2. God’s Purpose for the Tribulation:
- Some believe that the Tribulation is a time of judgment on the earth, a period when God’s wrath is poured out on the unrepentant and a refining process for believers who endure.
- Revelation 3:10 (KJV): “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”
3. Dispensationalism:
- Dispensationalism is a theological framework that divides history into distinct dispensations or periods during which God deals with humanity in different ways.
- Some dispensationalists consider the Tribulation as a separate dispensation, distinct from the current Church Age (dispensation of grace).
- Ephesians 3:2-3 (KJV): “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words).”
It’s important to note that these topics are subject to varying interpretations within Christian eschatology. Different Christian denominations and theologians may hold different views on the timing and nature of the Tribulation, as well as the concept of dispensations. Therefore, the answers to these questions may vary depending on one’s theological framework and beliefs.
What is the difference between the Church and Israel? What is a dispensation and what
dispensations are seen in the Bible?
The distinction between the Church and Israel is a theological concept often discussed within the framework of dispensationalism, a theological system that divides biblical history into different dispensations or periods during which God deals with humanity in distinct ways. Let’s explore the differences between the Church and Israel and define the concept of dispensations with relevant KJV Bible verses:
1. The Church and Israel:
- The Church and Israel represent two distinct groups in God’s plan of redemption, and their roles and identities differ in various theological perspectives.
- Romans 11:25 (KJV): “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.”
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Church: The Church typically refers to the community of believers in Jesus Christ who are part of the New Covenant, established through Christ’s death and resurrection.
- Ephesians 1:22-23 (KJV): “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
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Israel: Israel often refers to the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with whom God made the Old Covenant, including the people of Israel in biblical history.
- Genesis 12:2-3 (KJV): “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
2. Dispensations:
- Dispensations are distinct periods in God’s dealings with humanity, each characterized by a particular set of divine revelations, responsibilities, and stewardships. Dispensationalism seeks to understand the different ways God has worked with humanity throughout history.
- Dispensationalists identify various dispensations in the Bible, although the specific number and divisions may vary among theologians. Commonly recognized dispensations include:
- Innocence: From the creation of Adam and Eve to their disobedience in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1-3).
- Conscience: After Adam and Eve’s fall until the flood (Genesis 4-8).
- Human Government: After the flood until the call of Abraham (Genesis 9-11).
- Promise: From Abraham’s call to the giving of the Law (Genesis 12 to Exodus).
- Law: From the giving of the Law to the death and resurrection of Christ (Exodus to the Gospels).
- Grace: From the death and resurrection of Christ until His Second Coming (Church Age).
- Galatians 3:24-25 (KJV): “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.”
Different interpretations of dispensationalism may recognize additional or fewer dispensations and may have varying views on how these periods relate to one another and to God’s overall plan.
In summary, the distinction between the Church and Israel is rooted in theological interpretation, with the Church representing believers in Jesus Christ under the New Covenant and Israel representing the physical descendants of Abraham under the Old Covenant. Dispensationalism is a theological framework that divides biblical history into different dispensations, each characterized by specific divine revelations and responsibilities. The number and nature of these dispensations may vary among theologians.
What reasons would be given in support of the Pre-millennial return of Christ to the earth?
Supporters of the pre-millennial return of Christ to the earth hold the belief that Jesus will return before the commencement of a literal thousand-year reign (millennium) on earth. They present several reasons to defend this position, drawing on various passages from the KJV Bible. Here are some of the key reasons:
1. Biblical Prophecy:
- Pre-millennialists argue that the Old and New Testaments contain numerous prophecies that describe a future reign of Christ on earth. They interpret these prophecies as pointing to a literal, earthly millennial kingdom.
- Revelation 20:4-6 (KJV): “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
2. Second Coming Precedes the Millennium:
- Pre-millennialists believe that Christ’s second coming will be a visible, physical return to earth, ushering in the millennial kingdom.
- Zechariah 14:4 (KJV): “And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley.”
3. Literal Interpretation of Scripture:
- Pre-millennialists tend to emphasize a literal interpretation of biblical texts, including passages related to Christ’s return and the millennium.
- They argue that interpreting these passages allegorically or symbolically dilutes their meaning.
- Isaiah 2:2-4 (KJV): “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.”
4. Fulfillment of Unfinished Prophecies:
- Pre-millennialists suggest that many biblical prophecies, particularly those related to Israel’s future restoration and blessings, remain unfulfilled and point to a future millennial kingdom.
- Romans 11:25-26 (KJV): “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved.”
5. Satan’s Binding During the Millennium:
- Pre-millennialists believe in the binding of Satan during the millennium, as described in Revelation 20. They interpret this as a literal event that occurs before the reign of Christ on earth.
- Revelation 20:2 (KJV): “And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.”
Explain and distinguish the future resurrections and judgments.
In Christian eschatology (the study of end times), there are several future resurrections and judgments that are distinct events. These events are described in various passages of the Bible. Let’s explain and distinguish these future resurrections and judgments, supported by relevant KJV Bible verses:
1thees 4
2cor 5
Rev20
1. The Resurrection of the Righteous (First Resurrection):
- The first resurrection is associated with believers in Christ who are raised to eternal life. It is often divided into multiple phases.
- 1 Corinthians 15:22-23 (KJV): “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”
- Revelation 20:6 (KJV): “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with him a thousand years.”
2. The Resurrection of the Unrighteous (Second Resurrection):
- The second resurrection involves the raising of the unrighteous dead, who will face judgment. This event is also known as the “resurrection of damnation.”
- Revelation 20:12 (KJV): “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
3. The Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema Seat Judgment):
- The judgment seat of Christ is a judgment of believers’ works. It determines rewards or loss of rewards for believers based on their faithfulness in serving Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 5:10 (KJV): “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
4. The Great White Throne Judgment:
- The Great White Throne Judgment is a judgment of the wicked dead. It is a final judgment where unbelievers are judged according to their works, leading to eternal punishment.
- Revelation 20:11-15 (KJV): “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
5. The Millennial Reign of Christ:
- After the first resurrection, there is an expectation of a millennial reign of Christ on earth, a thousand-year period of His rule, often associated with the restoration of Israel and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies.
- Revelation 20:4 (KJV): “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
In summary, there are multiple future resurrections and judgments described in Christian eschatology. The first resurrection is for believers in Christ, while the second resurrection involves the unrighteous dead. The Judgment Seat of Christ evaluates the works of believers, while the Great White Throne Judgment is for unbelievers. The millennial reign of Christ is expected to follow the first resurrection. These events are distinct and have different purposes and outcomes in God’s plan for the end times.
