THE RAPTURE ZONE!!! 01.21.11 First Union MBC 3707 E. Chelsea St. Tampa, FL 33610 813.238.1205 A Study In Eschatology by Rev. B.E. Garmon, Sr., M.Div Lesson I WHAT IS ESCHATOLOGY? NOTES Greetings & Felicitations In The Name Of Our Lord And Saviour Jesus The Christ!!! WELCOME To THE RAPTURE ZONE!!! I have been a student of Eschatology for over 25 years, I have been teaching Eschatology classes for over 20 years; and I have learned that there are certain undeniable facts that everyone should be aware of: #1. The subject of Eschatology is vast, it encompasses the entire Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, that Bible is filled with information that all points to the end of life, as we know it, here on earth. This is because God s grand purpose for man is not on this earth; but rather life on earth is actually a small step in God s Master Plan for man. Over the next 12 months we will spend a short 36 hours covering material that men have dedicated their EN- TIRE life to studying. So please understand that during our times together we will only be scratching the surface. It is my intent to cover with you the highlights of the information that I have amassed over the passed 28 years. This will provide you with foundational information upon which to begin building your own personal study. My personal goal for these classes is to get people to study this information for themselves! Let s begin by understanding what the word Eschatology means in the first place! es cha tol o gy Let s begin with the back: the suffix ology was derived between 1795 1805 and it s simple definition: the study of. The prefix, eschat is actually derived from the Greek word of eschatos which literally means last or farthest. 1844 documents the first known use of this combination into the word Eschatology. So exactly what is Eschatology : 1. a branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of humankind. 2. Christian doctrine concerning the Second Coming, the resurrection of the dead, or the Last Judgment. 3. the branch of theology or biblical exegesis concerned with the end of the world In Theology, a summary definition of Eschatology is the study of four basic areas concerning the end: death, judgment, hell, heaven. Eschatology is a study of the end; the end of man s existence on this earth, as well as a brief look at the Millennial period, the world to come, Heaven, and the commencement of eternity. C:\fumbc\Rapture Zone 1
Why Is It Important To Study Eschatology? The practical value of the Bible is that it teaches man how he is to think of God and what God requires of him. But how can we know what God requires of us if we do not read and study His Word. The Bible was written over a period of 1600 years by 40+ writers, most of whom never even seen each other. It is important to remember that the Writers of each book of the Bible are just that Writers they are not the Authors. There is only one Author of the Bible, and that is God! The Bible was written by men that were divinely inspired by God. 2 Peter 1:21 says that Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. Thus we can see the continuity of Scripture from the beginning to end because all of the information in the Bible comes from one source God! 2 Timothy 3:16 says that all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God in the Greek, the word inspiration is literally translated to God breathed, which would then read like this All Scripture is God breathed! God spoke each and every Word of it. Understanding that God s Word comes from God, we can be assured that God placed in His Word the things that He wanted us to know; the things that He felt were important for us to live by. Therefore, as we consider this topic of Eschatology in God s Word, we need to first understand that over 2/3 of the Bible deals with prophecy. Why? Obviously because God felt that it was important! So our first and foremost reason for studying Eschatology is the fact that it was important enough to God to dedicate 2/3 of His Word to the subject, then it ought to be important enough for us to spend the time learning what He has to say about it. God did not write the Bible for His benefit, neither is the information contained in the Bible for the benefit of God. But rather God, because of His loving nature, used the Bible to reveal to man that things that we need to know to be saved! God didn t have to do this, but He did not want us to be ignorant (1 Thessalonians 4:13), or taken by surprise, (unaware) (1 Thessalonians 5:4). This is another example of the mercy of God giving man every possible chance to escape the certain destruction that will come to every person that does not accept Him. God feels that study of His Word is important VERY important! Just look at some of what He has to say about it: Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Notice that God is saying that destruction came upon the people because they did not know; and their lack of knowledge was willful. They had the opportunity and the choice, but they rejected it. And since they rejected the knowledge of the Word of God, God not only rejected them, but He rejects their children also! 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Here we see the sentiment of God for man to study His Word carried into the New Testament. First study of God s Word gains God s approval. Second, it keeps a person from being ashamed, or more accurately deceived. Third it gives man understanding of God (it teaches man how he is to think of God and what God requires of him). C:\fumbc\Rapture Zone 2
1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Man needs to know God s Word to prepare himself for the things to come. God is giving man every opportunity to be saved, but the biggest hindrance to man s salvation is man! 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. God wants man to be saved! (John 3:16-17) Therefore, God is doing everything that He can to see to it that man is saved; that includes equipping man with man Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth! Man is as a creature, wandering lost and aimlessly through the woods, dying of exposure, hunger, and a myriad of diseases, with a map to salvation under his arm; a map that he refuses to open and read. He will eventually fall dead in his tracks and perish for all eternity, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. God has given man everything that he needs to learn all that he can about the fate that is to come, and what man needs to do to escape that fate. All people have to do is read God s Word, it is all completely laid out; nothing has to be left to chance. But instead of embracing God s Word, people reject it! 2 Timothy 4:3 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. Notice again that the reason that God wants us to study His Word is so that we know what is coming and we are not deceived! Yet another expression of God s Grace and Mercy giving man every opportunity possible to be saved and to escape certain destruction! But when man rejects the salvation of God s Word, the only other option is to accept the curse! Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. The devil is using so many people these days to twist, contort, and otherwise mangle the Word of God; and it is only those that truly take the time to study God s Word that will not be deceived or misled by the many false teachers that are in the world today. In the great Biblical unity chapter in the Bible (Ephesians 4); Paul is letting us know why it is so important for Christians to come together: Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; C:\fumbc\Rapture Zone 3
In addition, look at the very first thing that Jesus tells the Disciples to watch out for when they asked Him what will be the sign of His coming: Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. The biggest enemy and the main reason that many souls will be lost to hell is because they will have been deceived. The day of Judgment will be a day without mercy, as Jesus will no longer be sitting on His throne (the Mercy Seat; a.k.a. the Bema Seat); it will be a day of Judgment and Justice. God has given man all of the tools needed to receive forgiveness for sins, salvation for the soul, and an escape from destruction. But if man fails to simply pick up His Word and learn of Him (Matthew 11:29); it is no one fault but his own. J e s u s Himself warns in Matthew 24:24 that the level of deception will be great! God has filled Scripture with admonishments to study and to be careful of deception. So many people will be lost to those that have twisted God s Word, yes, even the very elect. Therefore, no one has any room to take comfort in their current relationship with God; but everyone must continue to always Press for more! (Philippians 3:14). Ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it; the same is true when it comes to God s Word. You cannot stand before God on Judgment Day and say, Lord, I didn t know. In Romans 1:20, God is letting us know that in that day He will be accepting NO excuses! Those that have excuses will be in the same hell for just as long! So now, back to our original question; given the bit of information that we have just considered... Why do YOU think it is important to study Eschatology? Why are Pastors / Teachers not teaching Eschatology? Why isn t everyone studying Eschatology? God felt that the events associated with Eschatology were so important, that He dedicated 2/3 of the Bible talking about it. When Jesus came in the flesh, He continued to convey the importance of this subject by constantly speaking of eschatological events: Matthew 5:5; Matthew 13:30; Matthew 16:27-28; Matthew 24; Matthew 25:31-46; Mark 9:1; Mark 10:15; Luke 9:26-27; Luke 21; John 18:36. The events of Eschatology have been vilified, spiritualized, and terrified. This is not what God intended; this is the work of the devil. God wants man to know, so we are not deceived and we can prepare ourselves to be saved. But if the devil can keep man ignorant, then he will succeed in deceiving and causing lost to as many souls as he can! (Revelation 12:12) is the devil s biggest ally when it comes to the study Eschatology! C:\fumbc\Rapture Zone 4
FOUR AREAS OF ESCHATOLOGY The four areas of study that comprise the field of Eschatology are: 1. 2. 3. 4. DEATH is the ultimate end of everything living on this earth. Every tree, every bush, every bird, every bee, every fish in the sea; every animal on land, every human being; the ultimate end of everything that God created on the earth is death. This is a result of the cursings that God placed upon everything at the time sin entered the world (Genesis 2:17; 3:14, 17). For man, God pronounced death as a result of sin. A simple definition of the w o r d D e a t h i s SEPARATION. There are basically two types of death spoken of in the Bible Physical separation and Spiritual Separation. Physical Death is when the soul separates from the body; this is the type of death described by Job 14:1-5. God has given all people a time frame in which to live, when you reach that limit, you cannot cross. The soul separates from the body resulting in physical death. The body returns to the earth and the soul goes to one of two places. Spiritual Death is when the soul is separated from God. Spiritual death can happen at two different levels. The first is when a person fails to accept Jesus The Christ as their Lord and Saviour; their soul is separated from the Lord and they are therefore Spiritually dead! The second level of Spiritual death is spoken of in Revelation 21:8. When a person s soul is cast into hell, they are eternally separated from God. THIS, is the second death. This death (separation) is final, permanent, and will last for all of eternity with NO HOPE of EVER being united with God. Judgment is the second area of study in the field of Eschatology. Hebrews 9:27 says that it is appointed unto everyone to die, and after death there is judgment. There are two judgments that mankind will endure; one for the Saints, and one for the sinners. The first judgment is before the throne of our Lord and Saviour Jesus The Christ as spoken of in Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; this is the judgment of the Saints. This judgment is for the purpose of determining the level of reward that the Saints will receive (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). No one that attends this judgment will be going to hell. The second judgment is commonly referred to as The Great White Throne Judgment as recorded in Revelation 20:12-15. This judgment takes place after Christ Millennial Kingdom, and Revelation 20:5 gives us a clue that this judgment is for the sinners (a.k.a. wicked). Those that attend this judgment WILL be going to hell. HELL is the third area of study in the field of Eschatology. It is important to understand that when the Bible uses the word hell, it could be referring to one of five different places: Hades, Gehenna, Sheol, Tartarus, and the Grave. Four of these five places are literal places of torment as described in the Bible. Although it is no longer popular to preach or teach about hell (see 2 Timothy 4:3), the fact of the matter is, Hell is real, it does exist, and people are going to hell. C:\fumbc\Rapture Zone 5
The bottomless pit (Revelation 9) should not be confused with hell, or any one of the hells. It is apparent from Scripture that the bottomless pit is created for one reason and on reason only, and for one being only the devil. satan will be confined to the bottomless pit for a period of 1000 years; during the time that the devil is bound in chains, there will be peace on earth for the 1000 years of Christ s Millennial Kingdom. (Revelation 20:1-3) However, after the 1000 years of peace on earth is completed, God is going to actually release the devil from this prison, and he will try his last final time to make good on his claim in Isaiah 14; to try and overthrow God. HEAVEN is the fourth and final area of study in the field of Eschatology. No, Saints will not be laying on clouds, floating all over the sky while strumming on harps. Neither is Heaven a place of spiritual only beings that spend eternity doing spiritual things in a spiritual place. There are three levels of existence which mark the state in which Saints will live for the all of eternity. First there will be the New Earth, as spoken of in Revelation 21:1. This new earth will replace the present earth on which we live. From all indications, this earth will achieve the goal that God intended when He created the 2nd earth and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden. This earth is a literal, physical, place, which will be much like the earth on which we currently live, however, there will be no sea, and no sun. The second state of eternal existence will be in a place called New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2). This is a replacement for the Holy City that God promised to His chosen people, the Jews. John gives us detailed description about this Holy City (Revelation 21:15-27), and indications are, this new Holy City will literally hover over the new earth. The third, final, and highest state of eternal existence will be in a place called Heaven (Revelation 21:1). To get a better idea of what this place called Heaven will be like we must consult various other Scriptures; like Revelation 21:3 which tells us that this place called Heaven is where God dwells and for the first time man will be allowed into the place where God Himself dwells. Further indication can be found in John 14:2 when Jesus said In My Father s house are many mansions along with the fact that He goes on to tell us that He is going to prepare a place for us. Further c o n f i r m a - tion can be found in M a t t h e w 5:12 in Jesus sermon on the m o u n t, where He p r o m i s e s great rewards in Heaven. The new earth below, the Holy City New Jerusalem in the middle, and the new Heaven above; this is what eternity will look like in this (these) place(s) called Heaven. God will restore the order that He originally intended from the beginning, before Lucifer got lifted up in pride. From there, it will be eternity without end. He will be our God, and we will be His people! (Revelation 21:3) So now, the stage is set. We have much material to cover in a very short period of time. Why is it important to study Eschatology?...because In the end, it s what you DON T know that WILL hurt you! Shalom! Pastor B.E. Garmon, Sr. C:\fumbc\Rapture Zone 6