Eschatology: Perspectives on the Second Coming and Last Things
Eschatology, the study of the “last things,” is a central theme in Christian theology, for it directs the Church’s hope toward the consummation of God’s redemptive plan. The Bible consistently testifies that history is moving toward a climactic fulfillment in the return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the establishment of God’s eternal Kingdom. While Christians may differ on the precise sequence of end-time events, all orthodox perspectives affirm that Christ will come again in glory to bring about the new heavens and the new earth.
Biblical Foundations for Eschatology
Eschatology is not a peripheral concern but is integral to the Gospel. Jesus Himself proclaimed the coming of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:15) and promised His disciples that He would return (John 14:3). The New Testament consistently teaches the certainty of His return, emphasizing its suddenness (Matt. 24:44), its visibility (Rev. 1:7), and its finality (1 Thess. 4:16–17).
The apostle Paul described the Second Coming as the believer’s “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13), highlighting its central role in Christian expectation. Peter likewise urged believers to live holy lives “waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Pet. 3:12). The final vision of Revelation shows the redeemed gathered in the presence of God, worshiping the Lamb who reigns forever (Rev. 21–22). These passages remind the Church that eschatology is not speculation but the confident assurance that God’s promises will be fulfilled in Christ.
Perspectives on the Second Coming
Throughout church history, Christians have held differing views on the details of Christ’s return and the millennium described in Revelation 20. The four major perspectives are premillennialism, postmillennialism, amillennialism, and dispensational premillennialism.
Historic Premillennialism: This view holds that Christ will return before a literal thousand-year reign on earth. At His coming, believers will be resurrected, and Christ will establish His Kingdom, bringing peace and justice before the final judgment. Historic premillennialists emphasize the suffering of the Church in this present age and the hope of Christ’s reign as a future reality.
Amillennialism: Amillennialists interpret the “thousand years” symbolically, seeing the millennium as the present reign of Christ in heaven with His saints. In this view, Christ’s return brings the final judgment and the eternal state without an intervening earthly reign. Amillennialism stresses the “already/not yet” tension of the Kingdom: Christ reigns now, but its fullness awaits His return.
Postmillennialism: Postmillennialists believe that the gospel will progressively triumph throughout the world, ushering in a “millennial” age of peace and righteousness before Christ’s return. At the end of this golden age, Christ will return for the final judgment. Historically influential in times of optimism, postmillennialism emphasizes the power of the gospel to transform cultures and societies.
Dispensational Premillennialism: Emerging in the 19th century, dispensational premillennialism distinguishes between Israel and the Church in God’s plan. It often teaches a pre-tribulation rapture of the Church, followed by a period of tribulation, then Christ’s return to establish a literal thousand-year reign. This view has been popular among evangelical Christians, particularly through study Bibles and popular literature.
While differences remain, all of these perspectives affirm the central truth of Christ’s bodily return, the resurrection, judgment, and His eternal Kingdom.
The Last Things
Beyond the millennium, Scripture outlines several final realities:
The Resurrection – Both the righteous and the wicked will be raised (John 5:28–29). Believers will be given glorified bodies, incorruptible and immortal (1 Cor. 15:51–53).
The Final Judgment – All people will stand before Christ (2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:11–15). The redeemed will enter eternal life, while the unrepentant face eternal separation from God.
The New Heavens and New Earth – God will renew creation, wiping away every tear, abolishing death, and dwelling with His people forever (Rev. 21:1–4).
These truths point to the ultimate goal of eschatology: the glory of God and the joy of His redeemed people in His eternal presence.
Practical Implications of Eschatology
The study of last things is not merely academic; it calls believers to holy living, perseverance, and hope. The New Testament consistently ties eschatological teaching to ethical exhortation. Believers are to remain watchful and ready (Matt. 24:42), to comfort one another with the hope of Christ’s return (1 Thess. 4:18), and to be steadfast in good works, knowing that their labor is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).
Moreover, eschatology motivates mission. The gospel must be preached to all nations before the end will come (Matt. 24:14). Christians, therefore, live not in fear of the end but in anticipation of Christ’s triumph, laboring faithfully until He returns.
Conclusion
Eschatology reminds the Church that history is moving toward a divinely appointed goal: the return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the renewal of creation. While Christians may differ on the timing and sequence of events, all agree that Christ will return in glory, that His people will share in His victory, and that His Kingdom will have no end. For this reason, eschatology is not a doctrine to divide the Church but a hope to unite her. With the apostle John, the Church prays, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20).
Study Guide
Main Idea
Christian eschatology affirms that history is moving toward the climactic return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the renewal of creation. While believers may differ on the details of the millennium and end-time events, all faithful perspectives unite around the certainty of Christ’s Second Coming and the hope of eternal life with Him.
Key Points to Remember
Eschatology is central to the Gospel. Jesus promised His return and the New Testament consistently highlights the believer’s hope in His coming.
Different perspectives exist on the millennium:
Historic Premillennialism – Christ returns before a literal thousand-year reign.
Amillennialism – The “millennium” is symbolic of Christ’s present reign.
Postmillennialism – The gospel will triumph, ushering in a golden age before Christ’s return.
Dispensational Premillennialism – Includes a pre-tribulation rapture, tribulation, and Christ’s millennial reign.
Core eschatological truths are shared: Christ’s bodily return, the resurrection of all, the final judgment, and the new heavens and new earth.
The last things include:
The resurrection of the righteous and the wicked (John 5:28–29).
The final judgment before Christ’s throne (2 Cor. 5:10).
Eternal renewal of creation where God dwells with His people (Rev. 21:1–4).
Practical implications: Eschatology leads to holy living, perseverance, comfort, mission, and hopeful anticipation of Christ’s return.
Key Scriptures Referenced
Mark 1:15 – The Kingdom of God is at hand.
John 14:3 – Jesus promises to return.
Matthew 24:42, 44 – Believers must remain watchful and ready.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 – The Lord will descend, and believers will be caught up with Him.
Titus 2:13 – The Second Coming is our “blessed hope.”
2 Peter 3:12 – Believers await and hasten the day of God.
1 Corinthians 15:51–53, 58 – Resurrection to immortality and steadfast labor.
Revelation 20–22 – The millennium, final judgment, and new creation.
John 5:28–29 – Resurrection of the righteous and the wicked.
Revelation 22:20 – The Church’s prayer: “Come, Lord Jesus.”
Discussion Questions
Why does eschatology matter for the everyday life of believers?
What do the different millennial views reveal about how Christians interpret Revelation 20?
How can the shared hope of Christ’s return unite believers despite disagreements over details?
In what ways does the certainty of the resurrection and final judgment shape how you live today?
How does the promise of a new heaven and new earth affect the way Christians view suffering, death, and mission?
Reflection Activity
Take time to reflect on your own view of the Second Coming. Write down:
What excites you most about Christ’s return?
What questions or uncertainties do you still have about eschatology?
How does the hope of the resurrection and eternal life encourage you in current struggles?
Close in prayer using Revelation 22:20: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” Ask God to help you live faithfully and watchfully as you await Christ’s return.