Existential Eschatology in Christianity

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Questions and Answers

According to premillennialists, what is the significance of the Millennium?

It symbolizes a time of great tribulation for the Church.

It represents a peaceful reign of Christ on Earth. (correct)

It signifies a spiritual reign of Christ through the Church.

It marks the rise of the Antichrist.

What event do premillennialists believe will happen before the Tribulation period?

The rise of the Antichrist

The Rapture (correct)

The establishment of the kingdom of God

The Second Coming of Christ

In contrast to premillennialism, what does amillennialism reject?

The concept of the Second Coming of Christ

The interpretation that the Church is the fulfillment of Israel

The importance of the kingdom of God

The idea of a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on Earth (correct)

According to amillennialists, when will the Second Coming of Christ take place?

After the Tribulation Signup and view all the answers

According to futurist eschatology, what is the primary theologian associated with this view?

Johannes Vice Signup and view all the answers

Which eschatological view believes that the Church is a fulfillment of Israel?

Amillennialism Signup and view all the answers

What is a key belief of futurist eschatology regarding the Book of Revelation?

Events described in the Book of Revelation will occur in a literal and chronological order Signup and view all the answers

What interpretation of the Book of Revelation do premillennialists base their beliefs on?

Literal interpretation Signup and view all the answers

What event is emphasized by futurist eschatology as important for believers to be prepared for?

The Rapture of the Church Signup and view all the answers

In futurist eschatology, what is believed to happen after the Tribulation period?

Jesus will return to establish a millennial kingdom on Earth Signup and view all the answers

Which theological system is often associated with futurist eschatology due to its view on distinct periods of time?

Dispensationalism Signup and view all the answers

What is the belief about the afterlife in futurist eschatology after the final judgment?

All people will be resurrected and either sent to heaven or hell Signup and view all the answers

What is the Kingdom of God according to the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament?

A present reality and a future hope Signup and view all the answers

How is the Kingdom of God characterized?

A reign of God's righteousness and justice Signup and view all the answers

What does the Kingdom of God bring to believers?

Salvation and redemption Signup and view all the answers

How is the Kingdom of God described as a community?

A community of believers from all nations and tribes Signup and view all the answers

What does the Kingdom of God provide believers with on earth?

A foretaste of heaven on earth Signup and view all the answers

According to Jesus and the New Testament, what is the nature of God's eternal Kingdom?

A kingdom of salvation, deliverance, and the defeat of death Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of trials according to 1 Peter 1:6-7?

To test and refine faith Signup and view all the answers

How does genuine faith impact believers according to the text?

It results in spiritual growth and maturity Signup and view all the answers

What should believers be alert and watchful for, based on 2 Peter 3:11-12?

Signs of Christ's imminent return Signup and view all the answers

How should believers live in anticipation of Christ's return?

By serving God's people Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic believers should exhibit in light of Christ's imminent return?

Patience in faith Signup and view all the answers

How does the text suggest believers should use their time as they await Christ's return?

To strengthen themselves spiritually Signup and view all the answers

Which millennial position believes that Christ will return to earth after a period of peace and prosperity?

Premillennialism Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the key theologian associated with Amillennialism?

Augustine of Hippo Signup and view all the answers

Which millennial view sees the church as the fulfillment of Israel?

Postmillennialism Signup and view all the answers

Which millennial position denies the literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth?

Amillennialism Signup and view all the answers

Who is the key theologian associated with Postmillennialism?

Jonathan Edwards Signup and view all the answers

Which millennial position believes in a literal future Second Coming of Christ after the Tribulation?

Futurist Eschatology (Dispensationalist) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Six Major Modern Treatments of Eschatology

Futurist Eschatology:
- Primary theologian: Johannes Vice
- Believes in a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth
- Emphasizes the importance of the rapture of the church
- Events in the Book of Revelation will occur in a literal and chronological order
- Associated with dispensationalism, which divides history into distinct periods of time called dispensations
Amillennialism:
- Primary theologian: George Eldon Ladd
- Rejects the idea of a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth
- Sees the church as the fulfillment of Israel
- Emphasizes the importance of the kingdom of God
- Believes the Millennium is a symbolic representation of the present age of the Church
Postmillennialism:
- Primary theologian: Jonathan Edwards
- Believes Christ will return to earth after a period of peace and prosperity
Existential Eschatology:
- Primary theologian: Rudolf Bultmann
- A relatively new approach to eschatology, still developing
- Emphasizes the importance of living in the present in light of Christ's return
Historical Eschatology:
- Primary theologian: Augustine of Hippo
- Focuses on the historical context of eschatological events

The Primary Millennial Positions

Amillennialism:
- Believes there will be no literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth
- Sees the church as the fulfillment of Israel
- The kingdom of God is a present reality and a future hope
Postmillennialism:
- Believes Christ will return to earth after a period of peace and prosperity
- The kingdom of God is characterized by the rule of God's righteousness and justice
Premillennialism:
- Believes Christ will return to earth before the Millennium
- The Millennium will be a literal 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth

The Kingdom of God

A present reality and a future hope
A reign of God's righteousness and justice
A realm of salvation and redemption
A community of believers
A foretaste of heaven on earth

The Nature of God's Eternal Kingdom

A kingdom of salvation
Brings about salvation, deliverance from the powers of evil, and the defeat of death

Living in Light of Christ's Immanent Return

Be alert and watchful
Be faithful in our task
Be prepared, living with holy conduct and boldness before God
Exercise self-control and be morally sensitive and attentive
Use time to strengthen ourselves in our inner person
Endure suffering with patience and live with a clear head

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Description

Explore the relatively new approach of existential eschatology in Christianity, its impact, and how it is still developing. Learn about different eschatological beliefs such as Amillennialism, Postmillennialism, Premillennialism, and Futurist Eschatology (Dispensationalist).