What’s Missing In Eschatology?

For the past several months, I have been studying the many different theological views of eschatology - the study of end time events.

It has been a fascinating and educating study.

Yet what saddens me is the lack of understanding, among those who hold different views, of the fullness of what Jesus did fully and forever for us through his death, resurrection, and ascension.

It seems that one commonality among those holding different views is what I call toxic discipleship…trying to get from God what he has fully and forever given to us in Jesus by grace - righteousness, forgiveness, and eternal closeness with God that can never be interrupted.

Among those with different views is the common belief that somehow spiritual disciplines gain closeness with God, small groups produce spiritual growth, and fellowship with God can temporarily be blocked because of unconfessed sin.

Through my studies, I noticed that the gospel of grace seems to be missing, or at least watered down with works-based discipleship.

Regardless of what eschatological view we hold, and there are many of them, let’s hold on to the gospel of grace for ourselves, and let’s hold out the gospel of grace to others.

Yes, the study of eschatology is fascinating and educating.

But what is more important is understanding and communicating the fullness of the good news of grace - all that Jesus did for us through his death and resurrection to secure eternal forgiveness and eternal life for these who believe.