Questions tagged [eschatology]
the part of theology concerned with the final events in history
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What is God waiting for before He ends the world? [closed]
I probably have this question since I'm very young. Here are some few sample answers that I've got:
He's waiting for the right time
Until the whole world bow knees and worship only God
IMHO, the ...
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3
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What are the differences between the different millenialisms?
Revelation 20:1-6 tells of 1000 years in which Christ will reign. I've heard there are different views on this 1000 years, mainly premillenialism, postmillenialism, and amillenialism. What are the ...
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What did Jesus mean by "this generation will certainly not pass away.." in Matthew 24:34? [closed]
Matthew 24:34 says "I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.".
I am a Christian, and it is my duty to seek out truth, not plainly ...
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Is there a Biblical basis for not believing that Global Warming is occurring?
This is something that has confused me over the years. It appears that many Christians stand against the belief that global warming or climate change is occurring. But I have yet to hear any biblical ...
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What is the endgame for sedevacantists?
"Sedevacantism" is the belief that the See of Rome is currently vacant; that is, there is no current Pope. There are not very many people who believe it, but they do seem to be pretty vocal on the ...
20
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What is dispensationalism?
Several years ago, I took a class on the book of Revelation and learned about dispensationalism. It made sense to me then, but I can't seem to wrap my head around it now.
Also, I hear the term from ...
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What does Jesus mean by "this generation" and "all these things" in Mark 13:30 [closed]
In Mark 13, Jesus tells about the last days and the tribulation. In this context, he says in verse 30 (KJV):
Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
...
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How do Jehovah's Witnesses respond to the charge that they are false prophets (because their end-of-the-world predictions didn't come true)?
Jehovah's Witnesses seem to identify themselves as prophets:
(Watchtower, Apr. 1, 1972, p. 197).
"So, does Jehovah have a prophet to help them, to warn them of dangers
and to declare things to ...
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What doctrine does Family Radio have of the End of the World? [closed]
I originally asked this question on October 21, 2011. I had received a link to an article on the eBibleFellowship page explaining how we'd been living the Day of Judgment since May 21, and today (ie. ...
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From an idealist perspective, what are the "seven spirits of God"?
In Revelation, we see God along with the "Seven Spirits before his throne".
Revelation 1:4 (NIV)
John,
To the seven churches in the province of Asia:
Grace and peace to you from him who is, ...
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Relative popularity of premillenialism, postmillennialism and amillennialism in North America (excluding Catholics and Orthodox)?
There has been some discussion on SE about the differences between the various schools of eschatological thought surrounding the 1000 years ('the millennium') described in Revelation chapter 20. I am ...
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Why do Seventh-day Adventsists believe in a great end of days conflict about the Sabbath day?
In an official statement on the Roman Catholic Church, Seventh-day Adventists claim that the Roman Catholic church will be wrapped up in a great conflict about the Sabbath day:
Adventists believe, ...
13
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What scripture is used to support a "Pre-Tribulation Rapture"?
CLARIFICATION: For those who believe there will be an event in the "end times" in which believers will be "taken up" to meet Jesus "in the clouds", and that there is yet ...
13
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How many resurrections (raptures) will there be? [closed]
Revelations 20:4-6 NIV
4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and ...
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What exactly did Jesus mean when He said "I am coming soon" and similar phrases? [closed]
From Jesus:
Luke 17:37 (NLT)
37 “Where will this happen, Lord?” the disciples asked.
Jesus replied, “Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass ...
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How do proponents of Apokatastasis deal with the "Everlasting punishment" texts in scripture?
For those who don't know, the doctrine of Apokatastasis is an ancient form of Universalism which states that everything God has ever created will be saved and glorified, including the Devil and his ...
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Does the Nicene Creed condemn Chiliasm?
I've repeatedly seen it asserted that Chiliasm was condemned as a heresy in the fourth century by the Church when it included the phrase "whose Kingdom shall have no end" in the Nicene Creed. However, ...
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Do all Christian traditions expect a second coming of Christ?
My background is mostly in Evangelicalism and premillenialism. I am aware of other "Churches" (Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, cults, etc.) and other eschatological frameworks (amillenial, postmillenial,...
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What does this reference in the Watchtower Online Library mean?
I found the Jehovah's Witnesses Bible research site (the Watchtower Online Library) and wanted to look up their explanation regarding the year 1914.
According to the section highlighted in red on ...
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Who first associated the fourth beast of Daniel 7 with the Roman Empire?
Daniel's vision of the four beasts in Daniel 7 has long intrigued commentators. Regarding the vision of the fourth beast, the text reads:
7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a ...
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What happens to those saved during the millennial reign that die? (Premillennialist perspective)
From what I understand of premillenial eschatology, during the millennial reign, people who survived the tribulation will have their longevity returned like before the flood, but they will still die. ...
11
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Where are Gog and Magog located? [closed]
Eze 38:2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him
Which are the countries/locations mentioned here in this verse?
When ...
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Are there any passages in Sacred Scripture that explicitly describe apocalyptic weather patterns?
I've heard my whole life that one of the major signs to look for concerning the end of the world is that no one will be able to tell what season it is.
Most of my fundamentalist friends and family (...
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According to Catholicism, do the saints and martyrs in heaven rise again on judgment day?
Do Saints and martyrs who are already in heaven rise again on judgment day and assume a new body?
If so, why when they are already in heaven and with the Lord?
11
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What's the difference between the Judgment Seat of Christ and the Great White Throne Judgment? [closed]
The Bible speaks of the "Judgment Seat of Christ" as well as the "Great White Throne" judgment. What is the difference between these two judgments and who will be at each?
For we must all appear ...
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Where is the dead body in Luke 17? [closed]
Jesus talks about the coming of the Kingdom of God in Luke 17:20-37. This passage raises four related questions for me:
Is this talking about the Rapture?
Where is "a dead body", that Jesus ...
11
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What is the biblical basis for a one world religion in the end times?
I was just reading about eschatology and somebody was stating that this verse suggests that there will be a one world religion, a false religion:
Revelation 17:1–18 (ESV)
1 Then one of the ...
11
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Who first came up with the phrase "an over-realized eschatology" and in what context?
The phrase "an over-realized eschatology" seems to get a run from time to time in theological discussions (example) or blog posts (example). Who first coined this phrase* and in what context were they ...
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Are the names of all people originally written in the Book of Life? [closed]
The Bible speaks about the "Book of Life". It seems that those whose names are written in it will have life and spend eternity in heaven whereas those whose names are not written in it will be cast ...
10
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What is the Biblical basis against being able to predict the date of the end of the world?
Recently, there have been a few people (e.g. Harold Camping) who have predicted the end of the world. Historically, the Jehovah's Witnesses (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) have also predicted ...
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What is the Catholic view of the rapture?
What is the Roman Catholic view of the rapture? Does the Catholic church accept the idea that people will be caught up in the air to meet Christ? If not, how do they interpret 1 Thessalonians&...
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If the dead are already in heaven, how do they rise at the second coming? [closed]
1 Thessalonians 4:16 says:
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
It's my ...
10
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How do Jehovah's Witnesses explain the dramatic changes in their eschatology?
Apologies for the length of this introduction but I felt it was important to begin with a weight of evidence. There have been a great many changes in the Jehovah's Witness understanding and prophetic ...
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How do non-soul sleep adherents interpret 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18?
How do non-soul sleep adherents interpret 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18:
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have ...
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What is the "abomination of desolation"? [closed]
"'Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand)'" (Matthew 24:15, NASB)
I don't ...
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Was the Cold War a "rumor of a war"? [closed]
So I was trying to sync my iPod to the doomsday clock when I realized that I don't know what is meant by:
You will hear of wars and reports of wars; see that you are not alarmed, for these things ...
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How will Jesus be recognized at the time of "Second Coming"?
All major Christian denominations await the "Second Coming" or the "Return" of Jesus the Christ. How will he be recognized by Christians at that time? What are the criteria to be ...
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Binding of Satan -- for amillennialists
Revelation 20:1-3 states
"Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. 2 And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is ...
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What's the Biblical basis for the rapture? [duplicate]
I don't like questioning anyone's faith but one of my friends is a mainstream Christian (Uniting Church) and she believes very firmly in the phenomenon of "rapture".
As I understand it, rapture is ...
9
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What is the basis for the idea of 7,000 years of human history, expressed by Larkin and others?
Clarence Larkin projects a 7,000 year timeline of human history with each 1,000 years tied to a day of creation.
What is the doctrinal or biblical basis for this theory?
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What is an overview of interpretations of "all Israel will be saved" in Romans 11:26? (Catholic/Protestant overview)
The phrase "all Israel" in Romans 11:25–26 has been a source a significant disagreement in church history, particularly since the Reformation:
25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want ...
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What is the basis for the idea of a seven year peace treaty with Israel in the end times?
I have heard the concept that in the end times there will be a 7 year peace treaty signed with the nation of Israel, and that three and a half years into that treaty, it will be broken.
What is the ...
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Where in the Bible is the restoration of the nation of Israel prophesied? [closed]
I have heard that the restoration of the state of Israel is a fulfillment of one or more Biblical prophecies. But I cannot find any explicit reference to it.
Is this really a fulfillment of prophecy, ...
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What view of eschatology did the early church believe?
I have recently been studying eschatology and have been looking at the main views of eschatology.
So far, I have found four (I apologize in advance if I have misrepresented your view. I would ...
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Why is the second beast of Revelation called the Antichrist?
In many denominations of modern Christianity the Antichrist is the evil world leader who forces people to take the mark of the beast. After reading through Revelation and seeing for myself that the ...
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Why do LDS members (Mormons) maintain a long-term supply of food?
I understand that LDS members are encouraged to build and maintain a long-term supply of food and other essentials. From where did this teaching originate and what is the reasoning behind this ...
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What do protestants who believe our old bodies will be resurrected think that will look like?
Some Protestants believe that in the "resurrection" we will receive new bodies.
Other Protestants believe that in the resurrection, our old bodies will literally rise up out of the ground for us to ...
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What is the biblical basis for Dispensational Premillennialism?
Related:
What are the differences between the different millenialisms?
What is the biblical basis for Historical Premillennialism?
Dispensational Premillennialism is a view of the end ...
9
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To what do the seven churches of Revelation refer? [closed]
I have heard of the Seven Church Ages interpretation of the seven churches of Revelation, specifically that each church identified there also represents ages of the church since that time. I've also ...
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Premillennialist view of 1 Thessalonians 4:16
I've read books on Premillennialism (including Left Behind) and heard many people preach on the topic but I've never heard an explanation of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17:
16 For the Lord himself will ...