ESCHATHOLOGY: STUDY OF THE LAST THINGS, PART 1.

My view is like Millard J. Erickson who states: “ eschatology has traditionally meant the study of the last things. Accordingly, it has dealt with questions concerning the consummation of history, the completion of God’s working in the world.”1 It also deals with questions about death, heaven and hell.

Concerning heaven and hell, everyone has an opinion about both Heaven and Hell. All have felt the reality of a little bit of hell. There is the “emotional and mental hell you’ve put me through”, when a person grieves over broken relationships or when a loved one dies. It is felt when mental and emotional anguish is so great that they wish death instead of losing their minds or feeling their minds going off. Some people believe that this is the only hell ever faced: hell on earth. But the Bible clearly states the reality of a place called Hell that is in store for those who refuse Jesus’ salvation. It is an eternal place. The Scriptures say: “ Hell and Destruction are never full.” Proverbs 27: 20; “ …to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched-where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9: 43-44. So the reason for us to weep and pray for the lost souls in the world!

Of course, there are some people who believe that there is a place called ‘purgatory’, some might call it ‘Sheol’, where people who did not make it to heaven might have still a chance to go there! There is a good book by C.S. Lewis called ‘The Great Divorce’ that gives a very picturesque description of such a place: his premise seems to be that if they did not get saved on earth, it is very difficult for them to believe in heaven now, even if given a chance while at purgatory! The reason for the urgency to take the gospel throughout the earth!

Heaven, on the other hand, is also a very real place. A person talks about “being in heaven” when they experience joys like love or finding themselves in the presence of the Lord. There is also an actual place called Heaven according to Scriptures: ” Thus says the Lord: Heaven is My throne and earth is My footstool.” Isaiah 66:1. “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. “ John 14:2. “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelations 21 : 3-4.

Jesus describes the two kingdoms . In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says what the kingdom of Heaven is like. He says that it is like the most beautiful pearl, the most wonderful treasure, or the most wonderful pictures of what it is like. He also describes Satan’s kingdom as divided against itself and not being able to stand. He describes it as a place where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. In the last few years I have been getting real impressions of what heaven is like: beautiful blue oceans, with green hills and pastures , cascades of waterfalls with beautiful rainbows, blue skies where our mansions are located. And there is infinite many of these for all that are and will be there! Something to look forward for a believer’s eternal future! Like the most beautiful places here on earth but everywhere in Heaven and with no decay! With Heaven being outside of this universe! A real place!

It is up to a person to choose the kingdom they want to be in: the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of hell. To choose Heaven, all you need to do is say and believe the following: “ Jesus, come into my heart. Be the Lord of my life. I believe You died and rose again just for me.” Jesus says that He knocks at the door of your heart: “ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelations 3: 20. “ Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9. If you refuse Jesus’ invitation then your choice is Hell!

NOTES
1Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2006),1156.