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The End of All Things, Part 1 PDF Print E-mail
Written by David Lawrence   
Monday, August 23 2010 00:00
We received a request from one of our devotional readers regarding our view on the end of the world, or, as theologians put it, eschatology.  I am aware of the different interpretations of Revelation 20 which have resulted in such schools of thought as premillenialism, amillenialism, postmillenialism, and preterism.  I have a friend and brother who is an avowed preterist, and he has discussed his views with me in passionate and well-informed terms. 

Let me say clearly that one’s views on this subject should never become a basis for determining our fellowship with that person.  There exists considerable room for divergent interpretations.  In this devotional, and the one to follow, you may read some thoughts with which you, personally, disagree.  At Engedi we strive not to take positions on controversial matters which are not essentials of the faith.  If you disagree with the views expressed, please feel free to contact us.  Having said all that, however, some facts are clear and indisputable:

  1. History exists in a line.  This statement expresses a Christian view of time, the linear view, which Christians have held since the beginning.  History, time, and this universe had a beginning, and one day shall have an end.
  2. God is in control.  The universe was created by an intelligent God with a definite purpose in mind for His creation.  It is not an aimless, random, universe.  God is not learning from His creation, but rather He is guiding His creation to a planned culmination.
  3. The end will be a victory for God and His Son.  The forces of right shall triumph over the forces of evil.  Good will prevail.  God will be glorified.
To deny any of the above propositions would certainly merit calling into question one’s basic presuppositions and faith.  All of the major schools of thought in the field of eschatology would, hopefully, accept these above propositions.  But can we define the matter a little more closely?

When interpreting difficult passages, it is always wise to interpret them in light of clear passages.  The symbols in Revelation are, admittedly, difficult, and should, therefore, be interpreted in light of all Scripture, both from the Old Testament and New.  Revelation is particularly rooted in the imagery of the Old Testament, but there are New Testament passages which relate to the end of the world and need to be considered.  In next week’s devotional we shall turn to these passages.
 
 

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