Biblical Eschatology and the Millennium: Part V: Conclusion

The generic eschatology of the Bible seems to be that of the already-not yet scheme in terms of the spiritual rule of Christ has now come, but the physical rule is still future. 

There are verses that indicate that a specific eschatology is not, nor will be, communicated to the apostles. KEY VERSES: Mark 13:32-33 // Matt 24:36, 42; Acts 1:6-7.

Hence, they are left to put the generic eschatology into possible future scenarios as to how the end might occur that exist within Second Temple Judaism.

This is displayed in Revelation by itself when it uses multiple scenarios of the end throughout the book, as argued before. If John knew the specifics concerning the time-frames and events that would occur exactly at the end then why did he not only use multiple scenarios in the book that conflict, but scenarios that conflict with the rest of the New Testament?

Since the specifics are not given, the New Testament authors are free to place the generic eschatology given to them into the language and eschatological concepts of the culture into which it is speaking. This means that how the end will come about apart from all of the generally consistent elements given throughout the New Testament, is not revealed to them. Hence, any of the above eschatologies could be true, and others as well. The specifics in New Testament eschatology include that of hope of a completed and renewed creation, the judgment of the wicked, the bodily salvation of the righteous, the coming of Christ and His eternal rule upon the earth. The spiritual fulfillment of these things were obtained in Christ’s Person and work on the earth, as well as His continual work as a Mediator and Reigning King in Heaven. The physical fulfillment is the “not-yet” that is still future (John 5:24–29; Rom 6–8; Eph 1:3–2:6; 1 Pet 1:3–5).

Hence, biblical eschatology is not a crystal ball into the future. It is more generic with a purpose of exhorting Christians to live in light of the new world that will be ruled by Christ that has come and is still coming. Our fascination with how things take place, rather than accepting that a limited amount of information is given to us for the purpose of living holy lives, may display a desire to know secret knowledge more than a desire to know anything we really need to know for that purpose. 

This should give us more humility toward one another in seeing that others hold their views because they accept certain verses as controlling and are attempting to harmonize the other verses with them in an effort to support their paradigm, which is exactly what everyone else is doing as well. Those who are confused about what the Bible teaches concerning eschatology have likely stumbled upon what I have concluded here without knowing it. In any case, I believe Deuteronomy 29:29 applies here.

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those that are revealed belong to us and our children forever, so that we might obey all the words of this teaching.