Eschatology is an exceedingly interesting subject. It is very mentally stimulating to contemplate "the End." It is also a very fruitful exercise of theology to include eschatology as we seek to formulate a copmlete world-view. I believe that I will be raised from the dead, and will then be with God forever. Coupled with a doctrine of soteriology, I believe this truth can help us to answer the significant human question about life after death. Be this as it may, I think it is equally important to remember that the role of eschatology extends beyond what it means for the future, to what it means for right now.
Eschatology speaks of what is to come. But it also speaks tot he present. As Kierkegaard wrote, "what good would it do me to be able to explain the meaning of Christianity if it had no deeper significance for me and for my life; . . . I certainly do not deny that I still recognize an imperative of understanding and that through it one can work upn men, but it must be taken up into my life, and that is what I now recognize as the most important thing." Kierkegaard enlightens very clearly the relationship between faith and understanding, and I believe that is true when dealing with eschatology, just as it is when dealing with salvation. Eschatological study is not simply a cognitive endeavor. Instead, it informs the life we live. Genuine hope, and that is what eschatology gives to me, is not just in my head, but it is in my life as well. As Jesus says, we are to "keep watch." This does not mean that our life on earth loses all meaning because of the life to come. On the contrary, our life on earth is suffused with meaning because of this knowledge. We are not simply here for a moment and then gone, but, instead, our actions and decisions matter both to us and to those around us. This provides the Christian with confidence, hope, and mission. As Paul writes in Philippians (3:13-14), "strainging toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Knowledge about things to come is truly a gift from God. We live in sure and certain hope in Christ Jesus, who has won the victory. "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? . . . But thanks be to God. He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." A good understanding of eschatology not only gives light to the future, but brings light to the present. Even surrounded by death, and by the pain and grief of partings and loss, we do not grieve as those ho have no hope. We still grieve, but we know that the end is already decided, here in the middle. "Amen. Come Lord Jesus." |
