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Prospectus
Eschatology: A Study of Final Things
Course Description: A biblical and theological examination of the final consummation – the return of Jesus Christ
in glory and the attendant events. The Christ-centered nature of biblical teachings on the future will be emphasized, as well
as the importance of the church's historic confessions for an understanding of eschatology. The course will thoroughly cover
all of the important topics in both individual and cosmic eschatology: death, the intermediate state of the dead, the second
coming, signs of the times, millennial views, the resurrection of the body, final judgment, eternal punishment, and heaven.
Rationale for the Course:
Mankind has always had an interest in the future especially its personal impact. However, the only one who really knows
the future is the living God of biblical revelation. In his mercy and wisdom he has revealed some aspects of the future- some
of which is now history (fulfilled prophecy) and some of which is to be fulfilled. Our desire to know what will take place
often paves the way for much speculation. A biblical study of eschatology seeks to stay within the perimeters of progressive
biblical revelation. It will be Christocentric and related to the gospel. The Christian lives in hope because there is a
certain future that is the fulfillment of God’s purposes. Eschatology is related to the biblical teaching concerning
creation, man, angels, demons, sin, salvation and Christ Jesus. There is an inseparable relationship between eschatology and
God in Christ reconciling the world unto himself.
Scripture Foundation:
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing
and his kingdom: preach the Word… 2 Tim. 4:1 (ESV)
So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save
those who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:28
When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Col. 3:4
Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the
greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted
the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves
but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy
Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus
Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:10-13 (NIV)
The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day
on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all
by raising him from the dead." Acts 17:30-31 (ESV)
Textbooks:
Basic Student Books:
Paul Helm, Last Things Banner of Truth
George Eldon Ladd. The Last Things An Eschatology For Laymen Wm. B. Eerdmans.
W. J. Grier The Momentous Event Banner of Truth
Primary Teacher Textbooks:
Donald G. Bloesch The Last Things: Resurrection, Judgment, Glory- Christian Foundations Series / Inter-varsity Press /
2004
Anthony A. Hoekema The Bible and the Future , Eerdmans
David Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Church and the Last Things: Great Doctrines of the Bible. Crossway Books
Sam Waldron The End Times Made Simple How Could Everyone Be So Wrong... (about Bible Prophecy) © 2003 Calvary Press.
Schedule:
Dates for Winter/Spring 2005 term
Monday’s 7 to 9 p.m. from January 24 to May 9
The Last Things
God's redemptive purpose will be consummated by the return of Christ to raise the dead, to judge all people according
to the deeds done in the body and to establish his glorious kingdom. The wicked shall be separated from God's presence, but
the righteous in glorious bodies, shall live and reign with him forever. Then shall the eager expectation of creation be fulfilled
and the whole earth shall proclaim the glory of God who makes all things new.
Article X Fuller Theological Seminary
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