End Times: Back to the Future
End Times study, also know as eschatology, is an ancient branch of study in Christian theology. The study of "last things" and the Second Coming of Christ was first touched on by Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35–107 AD), then given more consideration by the Christian apologist, Justin Martyr (c. 100–165). Treatment of eschatology continued in the West in the teachings of Tertullian (c. 160–225), and was given fuller reflection and speculation soon after by Origen (c. 185–254). It was increasingly recognized as a formal division of theological study during the 20th century.
Eschatological passages, sometimes called "apocalyptic" writings, are found throughout the Bible, in both the Old Testament and the New Testament, although they are concentrated in the prophetic books. There are various short, but important, eschatological passages in both the gospels and the epistles. There are also many extra-biblical examples of eschatological prophecy, as well as church traditions that have been added to the scriptures over the years. Our approach will be to strictly use the Bible as our reference for this important study.
The second coming of Christ is the central event in Christian eschatology. Many Christians believe that death and suffering will continue to exist until Christ’s return. Others believe that suffering will gradually be eliminated prior to his coming, and that the elimination of injustice is our part in preparing for that event. There are a variety of viewpoints concerning the order and significance of eschatological events. We will examine these various viewpoints as our study progresses.
My prayer is that as we jointly embark on this study, God will open our eyes and our heart to all that He has in store for us when Christ returns. Furthermore, I pray that we will find others to share this good news with as we study together.
Lessons
- Introduction
- End Times Study Overview
- Lesson 1
- The Period Before the Tribulation
- Lesson 2
- Ezekiel’s Prophecies
- Lesson 3
- Daniel’s Prophecies
- Lesson 4
- Zechariah’s Prophecies
- Lesson 4A
- Old Testament End Times Review
- Lesson 5
- Matthew Chapters 24 and 25 — Part 1
- Lesson 6
- Matthew Chapters 24 and 25 — Part 2
- Lesson 6A
- Supplement: Numbers commonly used In Revelation and their significance
- Lesson 7
- Revelation Chapters 1 – 3
- Lesson 8
- Revelation Chapters 4 and 5
- Lesson 9
- Revelation Chapter 6
- Lesson 10
- Revelation Chapter 7
- Lesson 11
- Revelation Chapter 8
- Lesson 12
- Revelation Chapter 9
- Lesson 13
- Revelation Chapter 10
- Lesson 14
- Revelation Chapter 11
- Lesson 15
- Revelation Chapter 12
- Lesson 16
- Revelation Chapter 13
- Lesson 17
- Revelation Chapters 14 and 15
- Lesson 18
- Revelation Chapter 16
- Lesson 19
- Revelation Chapters 17 and 18
- Lesson 20
- Ezekiel Chapters 38 and 39, and Revelation 19
- Lesson 21
- Revelation 20
- Lesson 22
- Revelation Chapters 21 and 22
