Eschatology, the doctrine of the last things, focuses on God’s plan for the culmination of history and the eternal destinies of all creation. General eschatology examines the major events of the end times, including Christ’s return, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the establishment of the new heavens and the new earth. Rooted in Scripture and expounded in the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) and catechisms, this doctrine provides believers with hope, urgency, and a framework for understanding God’s redemptive purposes.
For the church in Greenville, South Carolina, the truths of general eschatology are profoundly relevant, offering comfort in trials, clarity in confusion, and motivation to live for the glory of God in anticipation of Christ’s return.
The Second Coming of Christ
The centerpiece of general eschatology is the promised return of Jesus Christ. This event is the hope of the church and the culmination of God’s redemptive plan.
1. The Certainty of His Coming
Scripture repeatedly affirms that Christ will return visibly, gloriously, and in power. Acts 1:11 declares, “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”
The WCF (33.1) echoes this certainty, stating that Christ will return “to judge men and angels at the end of the world.” This promise assures believers that history is under God’s control and will reach its appointed conclusion.
2. The Timing of His Coming
While the exact timing of Christ’s return is unknown, believers are called to live in readiness and expectancy. Matthew 24:36 warns, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”
This uncertainty serves as a call to vigilance, encouraging believers to focus on faithfulness rather than speculation.
3. The Purpose of His Coming
Christ’s return will accomplish several purposes:
- To Judge the World: Christ will judge the living and the dead, separating the righteous from the wicked (Matthew 25:31-46).
- To Deliver His People: Believers will be gathered to Christ, receiving glorified bodies and entering eternal life (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
- To Restore All Things: Christ will renew creation, establishing the new heavens and the new earth as the eternal home of His redeemed people (Revelation 21:1-4).
The Resurrection of the Dead
The doctrine of the resurrection affirms that all people, both righteous and wicked, will be raised bodily at Christ’s return.
1. The Universal Resurrection
John 5:28-29 declares, “The hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
This resurrection demonstrates the justice and power of God, as He brings all people to account. It also highlights the continuity between the current physical body and the glorified body.
2. The Nature of the Resurrection
For believers, the resurrection body will be glorified, incorruptible, and perfectly suited for eternal life. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 describes this transformation, “It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.”
The glorified body will be free from sin, sickness, and death, perfectly suited for eternal communion with God. By contrast, the wicked will be raised to face judgment and eternal separation from God (Daniel 12:2).
3. Connection to Christ’s Resurrection
The resurrection of believers is inseparably tied to Christ’s resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 describes Christ as the “firstfruits” of those who have fallen asleep, assuring believers that His victory over death secures their own resurrection.
The Final Judgment
The WCF (33.1) teaches that God has appointed a day when He will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ. This judgment will reveal the justice, holiness, and mercy of God.
1. The Judge
Christ, as the appointed judge, will execute judgment with perfect wisdom and equity. Acts 17:31 declares, “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained.”
This judgment affirms the sovereignty of Christ, who alone is worthy to render eternal verdicts.
2. The Standard of Judgment
The final judgment will be based on God’s perfect law and will examine every thought, word, and deed. Romans 2:6 affirms, “Who will render to every man according to his deeds.”
For believers, this judgment will not determine salvation but will vindicate their faith, as their sins are forgiven in Christ (Romans 8:1). Their works, as evidence of genuine faith, will be rewarded (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). The wicked, however, will be judged according to their deeds and face eternal punishment.
3. The Destiny of the Righteous and the Wicked
- The Righteous: Believers will inherit eternal life in the presence of God, dwelling in the new heavens and the new earth (Revelation 21:3-4).
- The Wicked: Those who reject Christ will be cast into hell, described as “the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15), where they will face eternal separation from God.
The New Heavens and the New Earth
The climax of general eschatology is the renewal of creation, as God establishes the new heavens and the new earth as the eternal home of His people.
1. The Renewal of Creation
The new creation will be free from sin, suffering, and death, reflecting God’s original design for His world. Revelation 21:1 declares, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.”
This renewal is not an annihilation but a restoration, fulfilling the promises of Romans 8:21, where creation is set free from its bondage to corruption.
2. The Presence of God
The defining feature of the new creation is the presence of God with His people. Revelation 21:3-4 promises, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.”
This intimate communion with God fulfills the ultimate purpose of redemption.
3. The Glory of Eternity
In the new creation, believers will experience eternal joy, worshiping and serving God without sin or hindrance. This hope inspires perseverance and fuels worship in the present.
Alternative Eschatological Views
Understanding general eschatology includes engaging with differing views on the millennium and end times. Throughout history, various views have been held:
- Premillennialism: Teaches that Christ will return before a literal thousand-year reign.
- Postmillennialism: Believes Christ will return after a period of gospel-driven prosperity.
- Amillennialism: Interprets the millennium as the present reign of Christ, culminating in His return.
The FPCNA permits any of the above positions among its ministers. However, no position can undermine covenant theology (such as dispensational views).
Application of General Eschatology
The doctrine of general eschatology has profound implications for how believers live and engage with the world.
1. Living in Readiness
The certainty of Christ’s return calls believers to vigilance and faithfulness. Matthew 24:44 exhorts, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”
2. Encouraging Holiness
The promise of judgment motivates believers to pursue holiness and live in obedience to God’s Word. 2 Peter 3:11-12 asks, “What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God?”
3. Proclaiming the Gospel
The reality of eternal destinies compels believers to share the gospel with urgency. In Greenville and beyond, the church is called to proclaim the good news of salvation through Christ, inviting all to repent and believe before it is too late (Matthew 28:19-20).
4. Offering Hope in Suffering
The hope of the new creation provides comfort and strength in the midst of trials. Romans 8:18 encourages believers, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
5. Resting in God’s Sovereignty
Eschatology reminds believers that history is under God’s control and will culminate in His victory. This truth provides peace in a world often marked by chaos and uncertainty.
Conclusion
General eschatology reveals the glorious culmination of God’s redemptive plan, offering hope, urgency, and direction for the church’s life and mission. For believers in Greenville, South Carolina, this doctrine calls us to live in anticipation of Christ’s return, proclaim the gospel with boldness, and persevere in holiness as we await the new creation.
As we reflect on the truths of general eschatology, may we echo the prayer of Revelation 22:20, “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”