DIFFERENT VIEWS ON END TIMES?!
Throughout history Christians have believed that Jesus would return, clinging to this truth as the blessed hope. But the timeline and nature of the events leading up to Christ’s Return have been the subject of much debate. So, why do Christians differ in their understanding of end times? And most importantly how do we deal with Christians who come to differing conclusions? Let’s begin with the basics of end times, understand the common views, and then explore how to handle disagreement.
The biblical topic of end times has a proper theological name: “eschatology”. This word combines the greek word ἔσχατος” (eschatos)—which means “last”—and the suffix “ology” meaning “the study of”: The study of last things. Eschatology therefore seeks to layout what events will precede and follow Jesus’ return.
Before we can look at the most common views, let me define all the typical terms you’ll hear on this topic. This is what most people typically mean when they use these terms.
COMMON TERMS IN ESCHATOLOGY
Second Coming - This is the final return of Christ upon which Jesus will judge the living and the dead.
Millennium - “Mille” meas “one thousand”. This term is found in Revelation 20. It’s a period of time when Christ’s Reign and Kingdom unfolds on Earth.
New Heavens & New Earth - Also known as “new creation”, this is when Earth and all humanity will be renewed to live with God forever.
Rapture - A secret return of Christ to take believers from the earth to Heaven believed to happen prior to Jesus’ return.
Great Tribulation - A period of suffering often understood to be God’s wrath poured out on earth.
Antichrist, Beast, or Man of Lawlessness - An anti-Jesus leader who will lead people astray—or a series of leaders culminating in a final and ultimate antichrist.
Now and Not Yet - The idea that God’s kingdom, though not fully realized is already advancing as churches are planted and people follow Jesus.
Now that you know these terms I can explain what the debates are around. Most of it surrounds the timing and nature of the millennium. All orthodox Christians fall into one of four camps we’ll look at now.
FOUR HISTORIC VIEWS ON ESCHATOLOGY
Almost all in-house eschatological debates happen around interpreting Revelation chapter 20 and the “Millennium”. Below are the views Christians have held throughout history. I made charts. You’re welcome. All four of these views have been accepted by solid Christians and churches and are all considered orthodox views. (Orthodox simply meaning historically viable and accepted Christian views).
Postmillennialism
Before Jesus returns the Kingdom expands for 1,000 years (or a long period of time) because the Church is triumphant in preaching the Gospel and transforming culture. Postmillennialism understands the Millennial Kingdom to be a golden age where the church wins here and now, thereby suppressing evil and advancing God’s will in every sphere of culture. Jesus will essentially return to a saved earth. This is the most optimistic eschatological view. It has usually been popular in times of history where major revival was happening.
Respected and well known theologians who represent this view include: Jonathan Edwards, John Owen, Charles Hodge, and Jeff Durbin.
PostMillennialism
Amillennialism
The Millennium of Revelation 20 is not rightly interpreted as a literal 1,000 year period but as a reference to the entire time from when Jesus ascended to Heaven until He returns. This period is a millennial Kingdom because this is the era where Christians are advancing the Kingdom through the Gospel through every nation on earth and when believers who have died are truly reigning with Christ. Amillennialism has been the majority view of Christians throughout history and is one of two of oldest eschatological views in church history.
Amillennialists stress that every other text of Scripture apart from Revelation 20 concerning Jesus’ return is clear that Jesus simply returns and judges the living and the dead, and therefore Revelation 20 should be read in light of that. They also note that interpreting apocalyptic literature like Revelation always involves metaphors and round numbers rather than hyper-literalistic interpretation. They then stress that all over the New Testament the Kingdom of God is described as being here both now and not yet. We see it now as churches are planted and people are saved. But we still await the Kingdom’s full realization at Christ’s return.
Respected and well known theologians who represent this view include: Augustine, John Calvin, J.I. Packer, and R.C. Sproul.
Historic Premillennialism
This view is often called Historic Premillennialism because it’s one of two of the oldest views, which like the view above was held by many ancient church fathers. This also puts it in contrast to the much newer form of premillennialism we’ll explore below. Those who hold this view believe Jesus returns first and then He reigns bodily on earth for 1,000 years. During this time there will be peace before a final judgement. Premillennialists stress the importance of taking the thousand year reference not figuratively or broadly, but literally.
Respected and well known theologians who represent this view include: Papias, Charles Spurgeon, John. Piper, and Greg Allison.
Historic Premillennialsm
Pretribulational Premillennialism
How ‘bout that name!! It’s the longest title and the most complex view so buckle up!
In this view the millennium is very much a literal 1,000 year reign of Christ on Earth, but what makes this eschatological system unique is all the events that must precede the millennium. First the rapture happens where Christ returns secretly to take the church to Heaven for seven years. During the Church’s seven year absence, a tribulation of God’s wrath ensues for those remaining. During this time, there’s also a great awakening among Jews and the antichrist is revealed. After this tribulation period, Jesus returns with Christians in glorified bodies and launches the millennial kingdom where He reigns (and they reign) over all people who survive the tribulation in natural bodies for 1,000 years. At the end of the millennium, there is a time where Satan is released and unbelievers will wage war on Christ. Jesus then defeats His enemies, enacts the final judgment and ushers in the New Heavens and the New Earth forever.
Pretribulational Premillennials stress a literal and chronological reading of Revelation. Unlike the other views, this view insists that the church and Israel are not one people of God but two, and God deals with them differently. This specifically fleshes out with the rapture where Christ takes away the church and begins again saving Israel. That’s why this is the only view that teaches a rapture of the Church.
Respected and well known theologians who represent this view include: J. Dwight Pentecost, Chuck Smith, Chuck Swindoll and Norman Geisler.
Pretribulational Premillennialism
SHOULD WE DIVIDE OVER THIS ISSUE?
The question of the details of eschatology, while thoroughly entertaining, has no bearing on ones salvation. So, it’s important to keep it in proper perspective. All Christians agree on core things: the authority of Scripture, the doctrine of the Trinity, the universality of sin, the sufficiency of the Gospel, the great commission, the return of Christ, and so forth. These doctrines are core because they are crystal clear in the Bible. So, to deny them is to deny the faith. But when it comes to the details of eschatology, such details are debated and charts are created precisely because the passages dealing with them are not as clear. There’s room for disagreement, debate, and discussion. What mature Christians do is study, make conclusions, and discuss them with other believers who hold differing views without dividing. It’s the immature believer that lobs bombs saying, “You don’t take the Bible seriously!”
John Piper is easily one of the most important living Bible teachers. I gained my whole understanding of sin and salvation reading John Owen. There’s no preacher I’d rather read than Charles Spurgeon. I’m obsessed with the story of revival under Chuck Smith. These men all agree on the core doctrines of the faith. But here’s the thing: I don’t share any of their exact views on eschatology. And they don’t agree with one another on this issue. But I could sit under any of their teaching for the remainder of my life joyfully!
Why is that? Because, while I enjoy studying eschatology (and so should you!), I am convinced that I will discover I had some aspects wrong when Jesus actually returns. The one thing we can be certain of is that Jesus is coming back to judge the living and the dead. There are biblical GIANTS who would have disagreed with me and each other over any number the finer details. They’ll be in glory with us too. And when we get there, I’m sure we’ll laugh together discussing how it all actually played out.