by Mark Mayberry
Synopsis: In his editorial, Mark offers an introduction to the theme section of this issue of Truth Magazine, which highlights “Eschatology,” which is the focus of the 2020 Truth Lectures.
This issue of Truth Magazine contains a series of lessons on eschatology, or stated more simply, “The Last Days.” In addition to this introductory study, we encourage you to read the following articles: Premillennialism by Mike Willis, Postmillennialism by David Dann, Amillennialism by Sean Cavender, The New Heavens and the New Earth by Jim McDonald, The AD 70 Doctrine by Don McClain, and finally, Eco-Eschatology by Matthew Bassford.
The Greek adjective eschatos, translated “last,” has a variety of meanings. In addition to its time significance, it may also describe an object that is furthest away in distance, or the final item in a sequence or series, or someone last in rank, i.e., one who is least significant.
While eschatos generally signifies that which is “last,” BDAG says it “(1) pertains to being at the farthest boundary of an area, farthest, last; (2) pertains to being the final item in a series, least, last in time; and, (3) pertaining to the furthest extremity in rank, value, or situation: last, least, most insignificant.”
From a religious standpoint, eschatology involves the study of “last things.” Derived from the Greek eschatos, the English word “eschatology” pertains to the final events in the history of humankind. Based upon biblical teaching, this includes the end of the world, the second coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment of all, leading to our eternal destiny, in which we will enjoy the bliss of heaven or experience the agonies of hell.
The English word “eschatology,” derived from the Greek eschatos, entering common usage in 1844, pertains to “(1) a branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of mankind; (2) a belief concerning death, the end of the world, or the ultimate destiny of mankind; specifically: any of various Christian doctrines concerning the Second Coming, the resurrection of the dead, or the Last Judgment” (Webster)
Physical usage includes reference to the last place at the table (Luke 14:7-11) or the last day of the feast (John 7:37-39). Spiritual usage includes reference to the Messianic age, future days of trouble, and the Final Day of Judgment.
The last days may point to the forthcoming Messianic Age, still in the future from an Old Testament standpoint, but a present reality in the Gospel dispensation (Acts 2:15-21; 1 Cor. 10:11; Heb. 1:1-2; cf. Isa. 2:1-4; Micah 4:1-5; Dan. 2:27-30, 44-45; Hos. 3:1-5; Joel 2:28-32). Sadly, prophecies about the church commonly misapplied and misinterpreted by proponents of Premillennialism, and other speculative systems.
The last days often refer to future days of trouble, as anticipated from the standpoint of the writer, whether he lived during the Mosaic dispensation (Deut. 4:25-31; 31:24-29; Jer. 23:20-22; 30:23-24; Ezek. 38:14-16), or the Christian era (Acts 20:25-32; 1 Tim. 4:1-5; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2 Pet. 3:3-7; 1 John 2:18-24; Jude 17-23). Warnings of apostasy find frequent fulfillment down through the pages of history, as God’s people turn aside from the old paths to idolatry and false doctrine.
The last day may also anticipate the final day of judgment when God will reward the righteous and punish the wicked (John 6:35-40, 41-45, 52-58; 11:21-26; 12:48; Jas. 5:1-6). Do you presently share in the spiritual blessings that are found in Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:3-6; Gal. 3:26-29)? Are you prepared to stand before God in judgment and give an account of your thoughts, words, and deeds (Acts 17:30-31; 2 Cor. 5:6-11)? Christ is coming! We know not the day or the hour. Therefore, let us be faithful and watchful.
The theme section of this issue of Truth Magazine is designed to complement the 2020 Truth Lectures, entitled “When Will These Things Be?” (Questions of Eschatology) are scheduled for June 22-25 in Athens, AL. In addition to the topics addressed here, these lectures will examine a variety of speculative errors and set forth the teaching of Sacred Scripture on the last days. We encourage you to attend this special series. An accompanying lecture book will also be available for purchase.
Author Bio: Mark and Sherelyn have labored with the Adoue Street church of Christ in Alvin, TX since 1998, where he serves as the evangelist and an elder. The church website is ascoc.org. His Bible study website is markmayberry.net. He can be reached at mark@truthpublications.com.
Image 1: By Lamorak - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5744605; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premillennialism
