Does Understanding Eschatology Prove You Are Saved?

[TribulationSigns]

Well, understanding Eschatology is NOT the determining factor of who is saved or a false Christian. The determining factor is the Holy Spirit of truth, or more correctly put, the lack thereof. Faithful Eschatology, or the correct belief in the truth of the divine Kingdom of God, is a gift given of God. We don't believe the truth concerning the true Kingdom of Christ simply because we are smarter, wiser, or more educated than the next guy; we believe the truth because it is gifted to us to believe. Otherwise (because of our sin nature), we'd be just as deceived as any other sinner in this world. Believing in the correct eschatology is NOT the determining factor; it is the result of the determining factor. In other words, the only reason that you, I, or anyone else believes the truth is the "faithfulness" of Christ bestowed upon us through His Spirit within us. People believe in a false eschatology because they have not been moved by the Spirit to believe the truth of the kingdom of Christ. That's the "unpalatable" truth that man doesn't like, but that God's Word delineates. As hard as it may be to understand, not everyone is meant to read God's word and actually have ears to hear God's Word. Only those endowed with God's unmerited favor to do so! That means God is the sovereign, not man!

Mark 4:11-12

• "And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
• That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."

Those in the church who do not know (and who never will know) the mystery in the truth of the kingdom of God, "don't know for a reason!" The reason is, it was never given to them to know!

So no, eschatology is not the determining factor; believing or receiving the truth in love is! Lest we forget, there is a reason that some believe the truth and some do not. Just as there is a reason that the nation of Israel (in part) does not believe in the eschatology of Christ, but there is a reason that some, or a remnant, do.

Likewise, there is a reason some of the churches are deceived in believing in a particular form of Judaism called Dispensationalism, Preterism and others know the truth of this deception. It's not their eschatology, it's the Spirit of truth given them, or not given them. Just as there's a reason some of the church know who the great whore of Babylon is, and others struggle with recognizing the imagery of that parable. ...the very same Spirit of truth, or the lack thereof.

Some people insisted that understanding Eschatology does not make them a fake Christian. No, it is taking offense at the Word of God that makes them false Christians. Being an adversary of God's truth makes them a false Christian. Denying God's sovereign grace makes them false Christians. Denying that he is a Jew only because they are one inwardly makes them a false Christian. But as Christ said to His messengers:

"Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables, That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."

His words, not Mine! I merely bear testimony of it, I didn't author it.

 

[Ronald Nolette]

Well, understanding Eschatology is NOT the determining factor of who is saved or a false Christian. The determining factor is the Holy Spirit of truth, or more correctly put, the lack thereof. Faithful Eschatology, or the correct belief in the truth of the divine Kingdom of God, is a gift given of God. We don't believe the truth concerning the true Kingdom of Christ simply because we are smarter, wiser, or more educated than the next guy; we believe the truth because it is gifted to us to believe. Otherwise (because of our sin nature), we'd be just as deceived as any other sinner in this world. Believing in the correct eschatology is NOT the determining factor; it is the result of the determining factor. In other words, the only reason that you, I, or anyone else believes the truth is the "faithfulness" of Christ bestowed upon us through His Spirit within us. People believe in a false eschatology because they have not been moved by the Spirit to believe the truth of the kingdom of Christ. That's the "unpalatable" truth that man doesn't like, but that God's Word delineates. As hard as it may be to understand, not everyone is meant to read God's word and actually have ears to hear God's Word. Only those endowed with God's unmerited favor to do so! That means God is the sovereign, not man!

Mark 4:11-12

• "And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
• That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."

Those in the church who do not know (and who never will know) the mystery in the truth of the kingdom of God, "don't know for a reason!" The reason is, it was never given to them to know!

So no, eschatology is not the determining factor; believing or receiving the truth in love is! Lest we forget, there is a reason that some believe the truth and some do not. Just as there is a reason that the nation of Israel (in part) does not believe in the eschatology of Christ, but there is a reason that some, or a remnant, do.

Likewise, there is a reason some of the churches are deceived in believing in a particular form of Judaism called Dispensationalism, Preterism and others know the truth of this deception. It's not their eschatology, it's the Spirit of truth given them, or not given them. Just as there's a reason some of the church know who the great whore of Babylon is, and others struggle with recognizing the imagery of that parable. ...the very same Spirit of truth, or the lack thereof.

Some people insisted that understanding Eschatology does not make them a fake Christian. No, it is taking offense at the Word of God that makes them false Christians. Being an adversary of God's truth makes them a false Christian. Denying God's sovereign grace makes them false Christians. Denying that he is a Jew only because they are one inwardly makes them a false Christian. But as Christ said to His messengers:

"Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables, That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."

His words, not Mine! I merely bear testimony of it, I didn't author it.

No! Having all you rsins washed away by the blood of Jesus by faith in Him, proves you are saved.

 

[pandaflower]

Does Understanding Eschatology Prove You Are Saved?​

Of course not.

There are atheists that can pose as us,the faithful.

They sound like they know the Bible,end times prophecy,you name it. They fit right in yet in truth they're wolves playing a role.

Professor Bart Ehrman is an author and teaches at a Christian university. He was in the faith until he walked away and became an atheist.

He's still at the university. Far more learned in NT studies than any here and yet,he is atheist.

 

[Randy Kluth]

Well, understanding Eschatology is NOT the determining factor of who is saved or a false Christian.

I like how Walter Martin used to explain that some elements in eschatology are "peripheral doctrines." That is, they are arguable, and certainly not dictating who is saved and who is not.

That being said, our eschatology can reflect our belief about Christ and whether we are truly confessing him as our Lord and Savior. As such, our eschatology can indeed determine whether or not we are saved.

I will not here be the one to determine how to parse eschatological beliefs into what can "save you" or not! ;)

 

[TribulationSigns]

Does Understanding Eschatology Prove You Are Saved?​

Of course not.

There are atheists that can pose as us,the faithful.

They sound like they know the Bible,end times prophecy,you name it. They fit right in yet in truth they're wolves playing a role.

Professor Bart Ehrman is an author and teaches at a Christian university. He was in the faith until he walked away and became an atheist.

He's still at the university. Far more learned in NT studies than any here and yet,he is atheist.

If he is an atheist, then he was never really saved in the first place. Never born again. Only believe in name only until He adopts a different religion. He is as lost as anyone unless he repents and return to Christ.

 

[quietthinker]

Does Understanding Eschatology Prove You Are Saved?​

Of course not.

There are atheists that can pose as us,the faithful.

They sound like they know the Bible,end times prophecy,you name it. They fit right in yet in truth they're wolves playing a role.

Professor Bart Ehrman is an author and teaches at a Christian university. He was in the faith until he walked away and became an atheist.

He's still at the university. Far more learned in NT studies than any here and yet,he is atheist.

I wonder what the objective of a Wolf is...without using metaphors?

 

[pandaflower]

I wonder what the objective of a Wolf is...without using metaphors?

Feeding on sheep.

 

[Davy]

Well, understanding Eschatology is NOT the determining factor of who is saved or a false Christian. The determining factor is the Holy Spirit of truth, or more correctly put, the lack thereof. Faithful Eschatology, or the correct belief in the truth of the divine Kingdom of God, is a gift given of God. We don't believe the truth concerning the true Kingdom of Christ simply because we are smarter, wiser, or more educated than the next guy; we believe the truth because it is gifted to us to believe. Otherwise (because of our sin nature), we'd be just as deceived as any other sinner in this world. Believing in the correct eschatology is NOT the determining factor; it is the result of the determining factor. In other words, the only reason that you, I, or anyone else believes the truth is the "faithfulness" of Christ bestowed upon us through His Spirit within us. People believe in a false eschatology because they have not been moved by the Spirit to believe the truth of the kingdom of Christ. That's the "unpalatable" truth that man doesn't like, but that God's Word delineates. As hard as it may be to understand, not everyone is meant to read God's word and actually have ears to hear God's Word. Only those endowed with God's unmerited favor to do so! That means God is the sovereign, not man!

Mark 4:11-12

• "And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
• That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."

Those in the church who do not know (and who never will know) the mystery in the truth of the kingdom of God, "don't know for a reason!" The reason is, it was never given to them to know!

So no, eschatology is not the determining factor; believing or receiving the truth in love is! Lest we forget, there is a reason that some believe the truth and some do not. Just as there is a reason that the nation of Israel (in part) does not believe in the eschatology of Christ, but there is a reason that some, or a remnant, do.

Likewise, there is a reason some of the churches are deceived in believing in a particular form of Judaism called Dispensationalism, Preterism and others know the truth of this deception. It's not their eschatology, it's the Spirit of truth given them, or not given them. Just as there's a reason some of the church know who the great whore of Babylon is, and others struggle with recognizing the imagery of that parable. ...the very same Spirit of truth, or the lack thereof.

Some people insisted that understanding Eschatology does not make them a fake Christian. No, it is taking offense at the Word of God that makes them false Christians. Being an adversary of God's truth makes them a false Christian. Denying God's sovereign grace makes them false Christians. Denying that he is a Jew only because they are one inwardly makes them a false Christian. But as Christ said to His messengers:

"Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables, That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."

His words, not Mine! I merely bear testimony of it, I didn't author it.

There's more reasons for those not given the Truth than that. Often it is the person's own fault, because they are lazy, always looking for an easy way instead of learning self-discipline, especially with study in God's Word. They instead rely on what men say instead of wanting to understand God's written Word directly, because they put their trust in men's credentials and the world's ways. They only want to satisfy their bellies, and covet the the things of this world believing things are more valuable than God's Truth.

 

[TribulationSigns]

There's more reasons for those not given the Truth than that. Often it is the person's own fault, because they are lazy, always looking for an easy way instead of learning self-discipline, especially with study in God's Word. They instead rely on what men say instead of wanting to understand God's written Word directly, because they put their trust in men's credentials and the world's ways. They only want to satisfy their bellies, and covet the the things of this world believing things are more valuable than God's Truth.

Indeed. Very good.

 

[marks]

Well, understanding Eschatology is NOT the determining factor of who is saved or a false Christian.

No, certainly not. However, one's eschatology will generally show their manner and method of interpreting Scripture. Some who read Scripture more literally will tend to see the same things, those who see it more as allegory and metaphor will tend to see many different things.

Much love!

 

[Zao is life]

Does not understanding eschatology prove someone is not saved?

If so, then no one is saved - especially not those who have convinced themselves that they understand eschatology and all prophecy better than any other, and are certainly not wrong.

The parables that Jesus spoke when He said it was given to some to know the mystery of the kingdom but to those without, it is spoken in parables had nothing to do with eschatology, and everything to do with salvation and the kingdom of heaven being made up of those who are saved.​

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

Well, understanding Eschatology is NOT the determining factor of who is saved or a false Christian. The determining factor is the Holy Spirit of truth, or more correctly put, the lack thereof. Faithful Eschatology, or the correct belief in the truth of the divine Kingdom of God, is a gift given of God. We don't believe the truth concerning the true Kingdom of Christ simply because we are smarter, wiser, or more educated than the next guy; we believe the truth because it is gifted to us to believe. Otherwise (because of our sin nature), we'd be just as deceived as any other sinner in this world. Believing in the correct eschatology is NOT the determining factor; it is the result of the determining factor. In other words, the only reason that you, I, or anyone else believes the truth is the "faithfulness" of Christ bestowed upon us through His Spirit within us. People believe in a false eschatology because they have not been moved by the Spirit to believe the truth of the kingdom of Christ. That's the "unpalatable" truth that man doesn't like, but that God's Word delineates. As hard as it may be to understand, not everyone is meant to read God's word and actually have ears to hear God's Word. Only those endowed with God's unmerited favor to do so! That means God is the sovereign, not man!

Mark 4:11-12

• "And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
• That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."

Those in the church who do not know (and who never will know) the mystery in the truth of the kingdom of God, "don't know for a reason!" The reason is, it was never given to them to know!

So no, eschatology is not the determining factor; believing or receiving the truth in love is! Lest we forget, there is a reason that some believe the truth and some do not. Just as there is a reason that the nation of Israel (in part) does not believe in the eschatology of Christ, but there is a reason that some, or a remnant, do.

Likewise, there is a reason some of the churches are deceived in believing in a particular form of Judaism called Dispensationalism, Preterism and others know the truth of this deception. It's not their eschatology, it's the Spirit of truth given them, or not given them. Just as there's a reason some of the church know who the great whore of Babylon is, and others struggle with recognizing the imagery of that parable. ...the very same Spirit of truth, or the lack thereof.

Some people insisted that understanding Eschatology does not make them a fake Christian. No, it is taking offense at the Word of God that makes them false Christians. Being an adversary of God's truth makes them a false Christian. Denying God's sovereign grace makes them false Christians. Denying that he is a Jew only because they are one inwardly makes them a false Christian. But as Christ said to His messengers:

"Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables, That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."

His words, not Mine! I merely bear testimony of it, I didn't author it.

You're not being entirely clear here. Do you or do you not believe that one's eschatology can be used to show whether they are a true Christian or not? Do you believe that someone can be a dispensationalist or a preterist and be a Christian? Do you believe that anyone can have a different eschatology than you and be a Christian?

 

[rwb]

I wonder what the objective of a Wolf is...without using metaphors?

We should know the objective of a wolf! The difficult thing is to know the objective of a wolf wearing sheep's clothing!

 

[Davy]

Does Understanding Eschatology Prove You Are Saved?​

Of course not.

There are atheists that can pose as us,the faithful.

They sound like they know the Bible,end times prophecy,you name it. They fit right in yet in truth they're wolves playing a role.

Professor Bart Ehrman is an author and teaches at a Christian university. He was in the faith until he walked away and became an atheist.

He's still at the university. Far more learned in NT studies than any here and yet,he is atheist.

I grasp what you're saying, but I'm not so sure someone like that truly understands prophecy in God's Word enough to mimic understanding it. The word eschatology originally meant the doctrine of last things, like Bible prophecy dealing with the end of history.

There are so many false Bible interpretations in the Churches today which many brethren wrongly heed that it would be difficult to use that as a measure for many brethren. For example, Lord Jesus actually revealed that His future 2nd coming will be after... the tribulation to gather His saints, but there are many brethren that instead believe just the opposite of what He said (Matt.24:29-31; Mark 13:24-27). Are those not saved who heed the false Pre-trib Rapture theory of men?

 

[PinSeeker]

Hmmm....

...one's eschatology will generally show their manner and method of interpreting Scripture.

Well, the parts of Scripture that are apocalyptic, yes, for sure, but of interpreting Scripture as a whole no.

Some who read Scripture more literally will tend to see the same things, those who see it more as allegory and metaphor will tend to see many different things.

Interesting. I would say those who read apocalyptic parts of the Bible as they are meant to be read see it just as literally as anyone else, that all these representations of things are representations of very real, even literal things. There could be much discussion on that...

But an allegory, marks, is a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, and there is nothing hidden in, say, John's Revelation. That would be a complete contradiction in terms; the very term 'revelation' denotes a revealing, an exposing, an unveiling of anything hidden; the very title of John's visions, "Revelation,' indicates that it discloses rather than conceals its message. But so many see it that way, as containing hidden things, and that it is a "puzzle book," and thus try to puzzle out details. In doing so, though, they try to... well, metaphorically speaking (see what I did there?)... use a knife by grasping it by the blade instead of the handle. No, Revelation is a picture book, not a "puzzle book." We shouldn't try to puzzle it out or become preoccupied by isolated details. Rather, we should become engrossed in the story... praising the Lord and cheering for the saints, detesting the Beast, and longing for the final victory, which is what Revelation is all about... Jesus wins, and because of that, we win. <smile>

And I would add that, regarding the "tending to see many different things," it would be more correct to say speak of seeing many iterations of the same things, as opposed to the... oh, black-and-white, oppositional dichotomy that you seem get at here.



I know this was not directed at me, but I'm going to speak to this:

Do you or do you not believe that one's eschatology can be used to show whether they are a true Christian or not?

I do not. Unless of course they believe (and worship) Satan as the true victor, of course, which... I don't think anyone here does...

Do you believe that someone can be a dispensationalist or a preterist and be a Christian?

Yes.

Do you believe that anyone can have a different eschatology than you and be a Christian?

Yes.

Grace and peace to all.

 

[marks]

Well, the parts of Scripture that are apocalyptic, yes, for sure, but of interpreting Scripture as a whole no.

Let's not confuse God's prophet's with the Hebrew Apocalyptic Genre. That's something very different. Books like Zechariah or the Revelation are not that.

This is the most common reason I see given for those who do not accept the visions in the Revelation to include narrative prophecy just like the other prophets is that they say, "Oh, this book is filled with symbols".

If you've been reading my posts, you'll know I look for the Scriptural authority before declaring something to not mean what the words say. There certainly are those places, but I hope you know what I'm saying. Either the Bible says something is a symbol, and what that symbol means, or there is no Biblical authority to speak so.

the very term 'revelation' denotes a revealing, an exposing, an unveiling of anything hidden; the very title of John's visions, "Revelation,' indicates that it discloses rather than conceals its message.

Exactly!! Yes! It's a "revealing", not a "hiding", or burying the message in unnamed and undefined symbols. Narrative prophecy. Yes, Virginia, there really will be 12,000 from each tribe of Israel sealed.

Much love!

 

[Davidpt]

Well, understanding Eschatology is NOT the determining factor of who is saved or a false Christian. The determining factor is the Holy Spirit of truth, or more correctly put, the lack thereof. Faithful Eschatology, or the correct belief in the truth of the divine Kingdom of God, is a gift given of God. We don't believe the truth concerning the true Kingdom of Christ simply because we are smarter, wiser, or more educated than the next guy; we believe the truth because it is gifted to us to believe. Otherwise (because of our sin nature), we'd be just as deceived as any other sinner in this world. Believing in the correct eschatology is NOT the determining factor; it is the result of the determining factor. In other words, the only reason that you, I, or anyone else believes the truth is the "faithfulness" of Christ bestowed upon us through His Spirit within us. People believe in a false eschatology because they have not been moved by the Spirit to believe the truth of the kingdom of Christ. That's the "unpalatable" truth that man doesn't like, but that God's Word delineates. As hard as it may be to understand, not everyone is meant to read God's word and actually have ears to hear God's Word. Only those endowed with God's unmerited favor to do so! That means God is the sovereign, not man!

Mark 4:11-12

• "And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
• That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."

Those in the church who do not know (and who never will know) the mystery in the truth of the kingdom of God, "don't know for a reason!" The reason is, it was never given to them to know!

So no, eschatology is not the determining factor; believing or receiving the truth in love is! Lest we forget, there is a reason that some believe the truth and some do not. Just as there is a reason that the nation of Israel (in part) does not believe in the eschatology of Christ, but there is a reason that some, or a remnant, do.

Likewise, there is a reason some of the churches are deceived in believing in a particular form of Judaism called Dispensationalism, Preterism and others know the truth of this deception. It's not their eschatology, it's the Spirit of truth given them, or not given them. Just as there's a reason some of the church know who the great whore of Babylon is, and others struggle with recognizing the imagery of that parable. ...the very same Spirit of truth, or the lack thereof.

Some people insisted that understanding Eschatology does not make them a fake Christian. No, it is taking offense at the Word of God that makes them false Christians. Being an adversary of God's truth makes them a false Christian. Denying God's sovereign grace makes them false Christians. Denying that he is a Jew only because they are one inwardly makes them a false Christian. But as Christ said to His messengers:

"Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables, That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."

His words, not Mine! I merely bear testimony of it, I didn't author it.

What are you talking about here?

Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.


How can anyone in verse 12 be meaning anyone in the church? Look what the text states--lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

The church equals converted, and their sins are forgiven them. Not the church equals That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

All posts like your's prove is that you have zero regard for context, or that you don't know how context actually works. Somehow you want these in verse 12 that haven't even been converted, and their sins forgiven them, to be among those meant in verse 11, the church.
Why? Apparently, so that you can apply verse 11 to someone such as you then apply verse 12 to someone who is part of the church but lacks the understanding only you claim to possess and and anyone agreeing with you.

Those that disregard context who were your teachers who taught you context is unimportant?
You need to fire those false teachers.

 

[TribulationSigns]

What are you talking about here?

Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.


How can anyone in verse 12 be meaning anyone in the church? Look what the text states--lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

The church equals converted, and their sins are forgiven them. Not the church equals That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

Wrong. You do not understand how God's church works on Earth. Do you think EVERY person in the Churches all over the world is converted? No. God filled his Church with....

Mat 22:14

• For many are called, but few are chosen.

Many people coming into church will not be automatically saved with their sins forgiven. Only the Chosen few!! Therefore the PROFESSED CHRISTIANS, the ones who have NOT yet sealed by God will be the ones who will not perceive or understand. Selah!

Get that fact straight out first!

All posts like your's prove is that you have zero disregard for context, or that you don't know how context actually works.

Didn't I the one who often have warned people to check with their context before? Well, where is your proof exactly that I have not considered the context?

Somehow you want these in verse 12 that haven't even been converted, and their sins forgiven them, to be among those meant in verse 11, the church.
Why? Apparently, so that you can apply verse 11 to someone such as you then apply verse 12 to someone who is part of the church but lacks the understanding only you claim to possess and and anyone agreeing with you.

Again, you misunderstood what God's external church is.

Those that disregard context who were your teachers who taught you context is unimportant?

What teachers are you talking about? The only teacher is the Holy Spirit. The one who gave me the understanding.

You need to fire those false teachers.

LOL. Who are my false teachers anyway? I never mentioned them before. The 66 books of the Bible is my teacher. So you don't know what you are talking about.

 

[TribulationSigns]

You're not being entirely clear here. Do you or do you not believe that one's eschatology can be used to show whether they are a true Christian or not? Do you believe that someone can be a dispensationalist or a preterist and be a Christian? Do you believe that anyone can have a different eschatology than you and be a Christian?

I believe my post is clear enough that you need to read it again.

For anyone wondering, who can define false eschatology?

Well, you can, I can, theologians A, B, and even C can. ...everybody can! All we have to do is read what the Scriptures actually say as authoritative and follow that. If what we say doesn't match or agree with what it says, then what we are saying is proven false. For example, you can't have two bodies reigning together with one head in Christ. You can't have people throughout time chosen by the sovereign free will of God, and yet claim they're chosen by man's own free will--for then it is not by God's sovereign will. You can't have a kingdom separated by race or genealogy when God is no respecter of persons. In other words, Yes, we can know the truth for certain. Those who say it's impossible to know true eschatology haven't studied the Scriptures with the Spirit of Gods as the teacher. Yes, we can know false eschatology. And it's not as complicated as most theologians would have us believe. "AS IF" no one can say for certain what the true kingdom of God is and what it is not. That's a false premise. Christ's present reign in Jerusalem and our reigning with Him in His kingdom is only a mystery to the obstinate. ...those who are predisposed to believe another doctrine, and thus predisposed to not hear, not see, and not believe. Not because they want to see but can't, but because they "don't want" to see, and God hasn't chosen to give them eyes to see!

Matthew 13:15-16

• "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
• But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear."

There is a reason that people's eyes were closed and that their ears were dull of hearing and I can assure you it wasn't because no one could define eschatology or know what the true kingdom Christ was preaching to them was. There was a reason that Christ's disciples had blessed eyes that could see, and I can assure you that it wasn't because no one could define eschatology or know what was the true kingdom. It was because God had mercy on their unrighteousness, and by His grace gave them eyes to see.

Matthew 13:11

• "He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given."

The Revelation of the secret of the real Kingdom of God was a gift given to them. THAT, is the "unpalatable" truth of God's word concerning the knowledge of the truth concerning the eschatology of the kingdom. Unpalatable because professing Christians "don't like to hear it." They think predestination is unfair or unrighteous. It's a bitter taste in their mouths that all these people who they want to be saved might not truly know God. They want "a big tent" where everyone and their uncle are included, but that is not the reality of God's remnant people. It wasn't the reality in Israel when Christ came over 2000 years ago, and since we are no better than they were, it won't be the reality of the church today. Because many are called, but few are chosen, as I often quoted:

Matthew 22:12-14

• "And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
• Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
• For many are called, but few are chosen."

Those are not just words, even as they weren't to the people of Israel. This is why we are obligated to make our calling and election sure.
Some people say "Who knows the definition of false eschatology?" The definition is ANY eschatology that is NOT the truth of the end times "as defined within the pages of the Holy Bible." So if I were to preach that there is a pretribulation rapture, and since nowhere in Scripture is it taught that believers will be raptured before great tribulation and the beginning of the millennial reign of Christ, I would be preaching a false eschatology. An eschatology from traditional, historical, or popular Judaic fables, or from the imaginations of my own private interpretations.

I don't think it's really that complicated. The Holy Bible is the supreme authority over eschatology (which it is part of Gospel) so when something is "read into" the Scriptures, that's not something that is from "out of" the Scriptures. Since it is clear from Scripture that Christ has been reigning since the end of the cross, there is no scenario where Christians can say that He did not fulfill the seat and reign of His Kingdom without going against and beyond the authority of Scripture.

Colossians 1:13

• "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:"

Revelation 1:9

• "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."

That's true eschatology. Clearly, by the authority of Scripture, it is plainly taught that Christ is already reigning in His kingdom as was prophesied before, and His chosen believers are reigning with Him that I believe you believe this. But to those many others who claim to be Christians:

"...believeth thou this?"

 

[MatthewG]

No but it shows the maturity of a believer in my opinion.