As our journey through Ezekiel on Sunday mornings is coming to an end, we must discuss the theological topic of Eschatology. Since we have briefly discussed where the church has agreed throughout its history regarding “last things” (see part 1 for introduction) let us venture into the territory of where the church has come to different conclusions. We do so humbly, acknowledging this is a complicated topic. Christians can disagree on the details of these theological issues for good reasons. Therefore, it is best to admit, although these differences are important, they are not ultimate and must not cause fighting among brothers and sisters in Christ. So, the remainder of the article I will unpack one big reason there are different views on “last things” within the church, give a (very) general overview of the three main views, and finally give some resources if you wish to explore this topic further.

One of the big reasons there are different views in the church concerning eschatology is because of interpretive decisions one must make about particular biblical texts. Two major ways a bible text can be read is literal and symbolic. What complicates the issue is that both of these interpretive tools can be used in various parts of the Bible based on what kind of writing style the biblical author employs. For instance, it is undisputed that when Matthew writes “[Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat” (Matt 14:22) he intended his readers to understand Jesus and his disciples literally getting into the boat for a particular purpose. It is also undisputed that when John describes Jesus as having a “sharp two-edged sword” coming from Jesus’ mouth (Revelation 1:16), he intended his readers to understand that symbolically. The key is getting to the authorial intent and considering the literary writing style a particular text is in. Therefore, how one employs literal or symbolic interpretation makes a difference with how one understands future prophecies (yet to be fulfilled) and Israel and the church. 

There are three major views that revolve around how one sees the millennial reign of Jesus as described in Revelation 20. The three views are as follows.

• Amillennialism (maybe more kindly named “realized millennialism”) – the view that holds to Jesus reigning in heaven now with His people. Therefore, there is no future millennium.
• Premillennialism – the view that holds to Jesus returning to earth before the millennium in order to reign on earth with His people. (note: this is the umbrella where Bethel’s doctrinal statement fits under.)
• Postmillennialism – the view that holds to Jesus returning after the golden age of Christianity of the millennium.

Let me conclude with how this plays into the preaching series in Ezekiel – specifically in my understanding of the temple vision in Ezekiel 40-48. I hold to a premillennial view and understand this vision to be a revelation of what God is doing in redemptive history to bring restoration to Israel, humanity, and creation. Therefore, I believe there are aspects of this vision that have been partially realized when Israel returned form their Babylonian exile (in Erza and Nehemiah’s day) or fulfilled in Jesus’ first coming (as pictured in the altar in Ezekiel 44:13-27). I believe this vision also has symbolic pictures of idealized worship that God’s people ought to aspire to while awaiting the new heavens and the new earth (Ezekiel 44-46). Finally, I believe that the pictures of new creation we see in Ezekiel 47-48 are similar Genesis 1-2 and Revelation 21-22 portraying a literal expectation of God making all things new when He dwells with His people forever. But as I have encouraged you in past couple weeks, be good “Bereans”, examine the Scriptures, and see if these things are so (Acts 17:11).

If this topic of biblical interpretation and eschatology interests you and you desire to do some further research, I would encourage you to explore the following resources:

• What is the Millennial Reign of Christ in Revelation 20 (about 24 minutes) – Professor, Tom Schreiner accurately represents all three views and gives interpretive reasons for each view.
• An Evening of Eschatology (about 2hrs) – Pastor John Piper moderates a round table discussion with Jim Hamilton, Doug Wilson, and Sam Storms each representing one of the three views of the millennium. If you watch 11:05-17:15, you will find a good conversation as to why this doctrine matters (And for this, all views can agree on).
• Bethel Bible Church’s Doctrinal Statement – go to the bottom of our belief’s page and see our full statement of faith.