Eschatology is the $1,000 word meaning the study of last things. It is one of the doctrinal areas that the church has had interesting conversations about over the last two millennia. It is interesting because, unlike so many other doctrines like the study of Christ or the Holy Spirit, this doctrine is shrouded in some mystery. What this tends to do is either push people away from studying it or lures people to obsess over it. Neither of these are healthy responses to the doctrine of “last things.”

As we near the end of the book of Ezekiel, we must talk about eschatology. So, over the next couple weeks, I intend to lay out some pointers for us to consider as a church as we talk about future events.

Before we talk about how the church has disagreed over the doctrine of “last things,” it is necessary to identify the common ground the church has shared on this issue. This is important for at least two reasons.

• (1) It confesses that, even though this doctrine does have an element of mystery to it, it is not all together mysterious. The Bible is clear and can be understood. God, in His infinite wisdom, has revealed to us what He has in store. Therefore, we ought to give our attention to it and let it have its intended effect on us.
• (2) It acknowledges that, even though churches and individual Christians have differences regarding the details of interpreting future things, the church has overwhelmingly and unanimously embraced solid truths about what God will bring about.

The Apostle’s Creed, one of the oldest creeds of the church (dated back to as early as the second century) gives a concise summary of the Christian faith. Here are a few statements that reveal what the church has confessed about what is to come:

• “I believe in Jesus Christ…He will come…” – Jesus will return
• “…to judge the living and the dead” – Jesus, when He returns, will judge sin and sinners and set all things right with finality.
• “I believe in…the resurrection of the body…” – Jesus’ people will be raised to newness of life in glorified bodies, just as Jesus Himself was raised. The unsaved, also will be raised bodily but to a resurrection of death in hell.
• “I believe in…the life everlasting.” – Jesus’ people will live with God forever.

These truths, summarized from the Bible, unite us and ground us to be faithful and have hope until Jesus comes. So, this week, as we venture into the vision of the temple in Ezekiel 40-43, let us renew our hope in God dwelling with all those who are His forever (Ezekiel 43:9).