What is Biblical Eschatology? (An Extremely Brief Primer) Second Edition

By Anthony Dessay

This booklet briefly explains the end days depicted in the Bible.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anthony Dessay
• Release date: Dec 22, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386855606

Book preview

What is Biblical Eschatology?

(An Extremely Brief Primer)

Second Edition

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by Anthony Dessay

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Licensed by:

Anthony Dessay (2018); [edited: (2020)]

Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0 International

Table of Contents

I. Introduction: What is Eschatology?

II. The Pre-Apocalypse

III. The First Half

IV. The Second Half

V. The Finale

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Old Testament Scripture is taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE® (abbreviated NASB); copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. The words LORD or GOD used in this translation notes the personal name of God, often rendered Jehovah.

New Testament Scripture is taken from the Analytical-Literal Translation of the New Testament: Third Edition (abbreviated ALT3); copyright © 2007 by Gary F. Zeolla of Darkness to Light ministry. An asterisk used in this translation notes a plural, second-person pronoun.

Note: This booklet employs British spelling, except for the quoted material.

This writing has a simple goal: to bring the reader up to speed on what exactly is ‘Bible Prophecy.’ This is written from a futurist, evangelical, dispensational perspective. If that’s not your cup of tea, I understand. However, if you are interested in this subject or at least would like to become better informed, then please join me.

I. Introduction: What is Eschatology?

Eschatology is the study of last things; yet, how can we be sure that the Bible even presents prophecy at all? The answer is simple: read the Bible and you will find the genre from start to finish. Much of it is yet to be fulfilled; also, much of it was clearly written with the very end of the world in mind. Thus, eschatology is a legitimate theological branch.

In order for this primer to remain brief, I’m going to have to present proof-texts sparingly. My favourite Scripture that proves the validity of eschatology is the 12th chapter of the book of Daniel (which happens to be its last). This was written about five hundred years before the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Even if you will only accept a later date for the book of Daniel, it clearly was written in BC times, and yet also very lucidly speaks of the end of the world. I will not relate the entire chapter, but will just recount about half of it in the interest of space...

"Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands [guard] over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace [and] everlasting contempt...But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of