The first advent of Christ marked the beginning of the last days
of the earth. The doctrine of last things or eschatology explains what will
happen as this earth draws to a close, and God ushers in a new heaven and a new
earth.
A. Unholy Trinity
In the last days, an unholy trinity consisting of Satan, the
antichrist, and the false prophet will control the world. Unlike the Holy
Trinity, the unholy trinity is a poor imitation, seeking to be like God. Satan
might indwell the antichrist and the false prophet, but the unholy trinity is
not three in one. The Holy Trinity is three persons in one Godhead. The unholy
trinity is three separate persons. Satan is depicted in the Book of Revelation
as the great dragon and the old serpent—the devil (Rev. 12:9).
Many antichrists have already lived on earth (see 1 John 2:18),
but an evil dictator will arise to rule the world. This antichrist will rule
over a ten-nation league (the revived Roman Empire), and this ten-nation league
will be the predominant world power. The antichrist is known as the desolator
(see Daniel 9:27), the abomination of desolation (see Matt. 24:15), and the
beast out of the sea (see Rev. 13:1). Just as Satan has worked through evil
world rulers in the past, Satan will give power to the antichrist (see Rev.
13:4). The Devil will prompt a false prophet to lead all non-Christians in worshipping
the antichrist (see Rev. 13:8; 16:13). The false prophet will require that all people
receive the mark of the beast (or the name of the beast or the number of his
name—666) on their right hand or forehead (see Rev. 13:16-18). Those who do not
receive this mark will not be able to buy or sell goods. And those who do not
worship the antichrist will be killed (see Rev. 13:14,15). But God will judge
those who worship the beast by placing them in eternal torment (see Rev.
14:9-11). (For details
and for free course visit <www.missionstraining.org>)
B. Tribulation
A seven-year period of destruction and chaos is coming—more
extreme than any tragedy that has previously occurred on earth (see Rev. 7:14).
Sometimes the last half of the tribulation is called the great tribulation,
because the destruction will be worse during the last three and one-half years.
The antichrist will make a covenant with Israel, but in the middle of the tribulation
period, he will break that covenant and desecrate the Jewish Temple (see Dan. 9:27).
C. Rapture
The rapture is that event in which Christ removes Christians from
the earth to meet him in the air (see 1 Thess. 4:16,17; 1 Cor. 15:51-58). At
that time, mortal man will be changed into an immortal being. Based on their
interpretation of Scripture, Christians have differing views concerning the timing
of the rapture. Some believe that the rapture will occur prior to the
tribulation (pretribulation), others say it will occur during the tribulation
(mid-tribulation), and still others think it will happen after the tribulation
(post-tribulation).
D. Judgment Seat of Christ
The Judgment Seat of Christ is that judgment in which Christ
judges Christians for their works (see 2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:10). Christians are
already saved by grace through faith. They do not lose their salvation, but
some may receive rewards for their good deeds (see 1 Cor. 3:11-15).
E. Battle of Armageddon
The battle of Armageddon is to take place at the valley and hill
of Migiddo, in the plain of Jezreel in Israel. Satan, the antichrist, and the
false prophet will lead the armies of the world to fight Israel, but Christ and
his angels will suddenly appear and destroy the armies (see Rev. 16:16;
19:11-21). This battle will occur at the close of the tribulation period.
F. Second Advent
The Second Advent or second coming of Christ to earth will be at
the battle of Armageddon. So the Second Advent may be at a different time from
the rapture. Or the Second Advent may be at the same time as the rapture. When
Christ returns, he will come with the clouds and every eye shall see him (see
Rev. 1:7). Jesus foretold the signs that will precede his coming again (see
Matt. 24:3-51). The last promise of Scripture is that of Jesus saying, “Yes, I
am coming soon” (Rev. 22:20).
G. Millennialism
Immediately following the Battle of Armageddon, Christ will rule
on earth as King together with the saints during the Millennium (millennium
means “a thousand years”). This will be a time of peace and prosperity. Satan
will be bound in prison during this time. Millennialism refers to various views
concerning the Biblical references to this thousand-year period. Below are
three primary schools of thought. In addition, theologians present variations
of these viewpoints.
1. The Premillennial View is presented here. It states that
following the tribulation, Christ will return to usher in the Millennium. At
the close of the Millennium, Satan will be released, there will be a final
battle, and then comes the Great White Throne Judgment (see below).
2. The Postmillennial View is that the Millennium precedes the
Second Advent. Christ, remaining in heaven during the Millenium, will work
through the church to bring an age of peace and prosperity. Following this
Millennium, there will be a conflict between good and evil, and Christ will
return to earth. Due to the horrors of world wars I and II, and the development
of increasingly dangerous weaponry, this view has lost its popularity. The
world is getting more dangerous, not more peaceful.
3. The Amillennial View treats the Millennium as being symbolic.
There is no literal thousand years—rather we are in the millennium currently.
Christ will return for the final judgment. Following the judgment, heaven and
earth will be destroyed and a new heaven and earth will be made.
H. Final Rebellion
Following the millennium, Satan will be released. He will again
deceive nations and lead them against God’s people. But fire from heaven will
destroy the rebels and the devil will be thrown into the lake of fire to be
tormented forever (see Rev. 20:7-10).
I. Great White Throne Judgment
After Satan is cast into the lake of fire, there will come the
Great White Throne Judgment. God will sit on a throne to judge wicked people
(the dead) according to their works, and throw them into the lake of fire (see
Rev. 20:11-15). So unbelievers will spend eternity separate from God.
J. New Heaven and New Earth Heaven, the dwelling place of God,
will be made new. And the earth will be judged by fire,just as it once was
judged by water (see 2 Peter 3:6,7). So there will be a restored earth, and the
saints will live forever in happiness with God on earth (see Rev. 21:1-5;
22:1-5). (For details and
for free course visit <www.missionstraining.org>)
