Eschatology and the Future of Mankind

When it comes to eschatology or "the doctrine of the last things" the Bible is intentionally cryptic.  In fact, when Daniel asked about this "My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time." (Daniel 12:8-9)  There are, in fact many views as to what the future on Earth holds, most with convincing and valid points and scripture can be found to confirm those views, but the Bible itself tells us that this information is "sealed up" so beware of those who are certain of how the future of Earth will play out.

Preterists believe that nearly all of the events of Daniel and Revelation and the future events that Jesus spoke of have already occurred on Earth during the first century, primarily during a 40-year exodus period from 26-66 AD culminating in the destruction of the temple in 70 AD by the Romans.  After all, Jesus says in Matthew 24:34 during his Olivet Discourse, “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place."  For those with a view that the events that He spoke of have not yet happened, they must ignore or otherwise attempt to re-interpret this verse.  Revelation 1:1 opens with the statement "The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place."  In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus says, "The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst."  The author of Hebrews states, "But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself" thus implying that the end of the ages was already occurring when Jesus was on the Earth.  Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are seen as the inauguration of the Kingdom of God, fulfilling prophecies about the coming Messiah and the establishment of a new covenant. His warnings about judgment on Jerusalem are seen as setting the stage for later events.  Early Christians faced persecution from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire, particularly Nero, who tends to fit the description of the Antichrist quite well.  Nero's reign (AD 54-68) was marked by extreme cruelty, including the brutal persecution of Christians. The identification of Nero as the Antichrist is also supported by the use of gematria, a Jewish numerological method, which associates the number 666 (Revelation 13:18) with Nero's name in Hebrew (Neron Caesar). Nero's tyrannical rule and the widespread suffering he inflicted are seen as fitting the apocalyptic characteristics described in Revelation and the letters to the churches in the New Testament.  Preterists see this as the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecies about the tribulations that would befall His followers (e.g., Matthew 24:9).  Various individuals in the first century claimed to be the Messiah, leading many astray. Preterists view this as fulfilling Jesus' warnings in Matthew 24:5 and 24:24 about false messiahs and prophets who would deceive many.  The conflict between the Jewish people and the Roman Empire culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple in AD 70. Preterists see this as the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 24:2, where He predicted that "not one stone will be left on another" in the Temple, as well as the "abomination of desolation" mentioned in Matthew 24:15.  The Roman siege of Jerusalem led to horrific suffering, fulfilling prophecies in Luke 21:20-24, where Jesus warned of the city being surrounded by armies, resulting in devastation. The destruction of the Temple marked the definitive end of the old covenant, aligning with the "great tribulation" described in Matthew 24:21.  With the destruction of Jerusalem, the power of the Jewish religious leaders was effectively ended. This aligns with prophecies about the downfall of those who rejected Jesus, fulfilling the judgment pronounced in Matthew 23:37-39.  Following these events, the early Church spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire, fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy that the Gospel would be preached to all nations (Matthew 24:14).  Preterists believe that these first-century events correspond directly to the prophecies found in the New Testament, particularly in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24) and the Book of Revelation. By seeing these prophecies as already fulfilled, preterists argue that the Kingdom of God has already been inaugurated and that much of biblical prophecy was meant for the immediate context of the early Church, as Jesus stated.

Futurists believe that these events are still yet to happen.  They believe that these prophecies describe literal and global events, such as the rise of the Antichrist, the Great Tribulation, and Christ's second coming, which will lead to the final judgment and the establishment of a new heaven and new earth. Futurists emphasize that the catastrophic and apocalyptic nature of these prophecies has not yet been realized in history, pointing to a future period of intense tribulation and ultimate divine intervention as described in the biblical texts. This perspective underscores the imminence of Christ’s return and the need for vigilance and readiness among believers.

Christian eschatology can also be divided into one of three interpretations of the "millennium" mentioned in Revelation 20. The three primary views—pre-millennialism, post-millennialism, and amillennialism—differ in their understanding of the nature and timing of this millennium and Christ's return.

Pre-millennialism teaches that Christ will return before a literal thousand-year reign on earth. This view anticipates a period of tribulation and worsening global conditions before Christ's second coming. After His return, Christ will establish a physical kingdom on earth, reigning for 1,000 years, during which Satan will be bound. Following this millennium, there will be a final judgment and the creation of new heavens and a new earth. Pre-millennialism tends to have a pessimistic outlook on the state of the world leading up to Christ’s return.

In contrast, post-millennialism asserts that Christ will return after a golden age of Christian influence, often referred to as the millennium. This period is seen as a time of global peace, righteousness, and prosperity brought about by the widespread acceptance of the Gospel. The millennium is not necessarily a literal 1,000 years but a long era of Christian dominance. Post-millennialists are optimistic about the future, believing that the world will improve as the Kingdom of God expands through human history.

Amillennialism interprets the millennium symbolically, viewing it as the current Church Age rather than a future literal reign. In this view, Christ is already reigning spiritually from heaven, and the millennium represents the period between His first and second comings. Amillennialists believe that Christ’s return will bring an end to the present age, resulting in the final judgment and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth. This perspective has a realistic outlook, acknowledging both the presence of evil and Christ’s ongoing spiritual reign.

In general, most preterists align with post-millennialism, believing that the major prophecies were fulfilled in the first century (particularly with the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70), and that the Kingdom of God is currently being realized on earth, gradually leading to a golden age of Christian influence before Christ's final return.  Some preterists align with amillennialism, viewing the millennium as a symbolic period representing the current Church Age. They believe Christ’s reign began in the first century and continues spiritually through the Church, with no expectation of a future, literal millennium.

Most futurists align with pre-millennialism, believing that the prophecies of Revelation, including the Great Tribulation, the rise of the Antichrist, and Christ's second coming, are future events that will occur before a literal 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth.  Some futurists might hold a post-millennial perspective, believing that Christ will return after a future golden age of Christian dominance. However, this is less common because futurism usually emphasizes impending catastrophic events rather than a gradual improvement of the world.  Some amillennialists might incorporate futurist elements by believing that while the millennium is symbolic and current, there are still future, final events (like Christ's return and final judgment) that have not yet been fulfilled.

My personal views tend to align closely with pastor Howard Storm, who was a former atheist who turned devout Christian after his near-death experience in 1985.  I believe, as does Storm, and as does famous theologian Origin, in universal salvation - the ultimate reconciliation of all souls with God. Corinthians 15:22 states "For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive." All souls will experience varying degrees of judgement and separation from God until the point that they become pure enough, and decide to willingly return to God.  We choose to come to Earth to experience life: the challenges and opportunities for growth that this world provides.  Our actions on Earth, especially how we treat others and how we respond to God's call, have spiritual consequences and determine how our experience in the afterlife will go.  Our souls experience the consequences of their actions, and are given opportunities to repent and grow spiritually.  Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's love and all spiritual beings, regardless of their background, will ultimately encounter Christ, the source of salvation, and his sacrifice provides the means by which all souls will be ultimately brought into harmony with God.  With regard to eschatology, I tend to believe that most of the events of Daniel, the Olivet Discourse, and Revelation have already occurred, and we, humanity, are ultimately moving toward a greater understanding of God's love, and that as we become more spiritually awakened on Earth, we will experience a more peaceful and loving world, ultimately reaching the point where God's Kingdom will manifest on Earth, as the Bible teaches.  That does not mean there is not an evil spiritual agenda at work on Earth, to attempt to thwart that eventuality.  I tend to be optimistic regarding humanity's future on Earth, and believe that the evil agenda will be overcome.  We are quite possibly on the verge of a spiritual revival which could usher in a golden age, where the continued technological advances of humanity coincide with a spiritual awakening, providing the necessary balance and direction for unprecedented advances for humanity.