CHRISTIAN ESCHATOLOGY:

EXPLORING THE DOCTRINE OF THE END TIMES IN BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL

PERSPECTIVES
Sihon Padri Hutahaean

I. Introduction

Eschatology is a branch of systematic theology that deals with the events leading up to the second coming of
Jesus and the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth, as revealed in the Old and New Testaments. In
eschatology, it is God who directs all the events of world history toward the final fulfillment of God's plan for all of
creation. Eschatology is not merely a minor component of Christian doctrine, but rather a vehicle of Christian faith and
even a "key" to the whole truth.1

The word “Eschatology” comes from two Greek root words, namely Eschatos ( ἔσχατος - end, last things) and
Logos ( λόγος - knowledge, science). 2According to KBBI itself, Eschatology is a theological teaching about the end
times such as the Day of Judgment, the resurrection of all humans, and heaven. 3So, Eschatology is a doctrine about the
"end times" or about events that mark the end of the world. 4It also talks about the statements of the Scriptures about
things that happen after people die.5

Regarding the end of time, there have been many myths about the end of the world found in various cultures.
Even this has been found before the era of the first coming of Jesus. 6For primitive people, the destruction of the world
is marked by natural disasters, fire, water, and other myths. This myth can arise because of several things that influence
the thinking of primitive people, for example because of the annual cycle of nature. However, in Christianity,
Eschatology becomes the Doctrine of "last things" which generally includes death, judgment, hell, heaven, resurrection
of the body, and the destiny of the universe.7

In addition, this doctrine also becomes a study to answer questions around: What will happen to humans and
this world in the future? What happens after humans die? Is there life after death? Thus, this branch of theological
thought deals with various specific problems that arise in the horizon of Christian thought and hope regarding the end
of time.

II. Biblical Basis

2.1. Old Testament
In the Old Testament, Eschatology does not explicitly discuss the end times as discussed by the New Testament,
especially Revelation. However, the Old Testament discusses the Israelites' waiting for God's promise to them, namely
the promise of the Coming of the Messiah . Eschatology becomes a concept that shapes the Israelites' knowledge of
God, because it is clear that the Israelites' hope for the Kingdom of God is Eschatological Hope . The concept of
Eschatology began to develop when humans felt a deep need for God as the only source of hope and purpose in life,
especially in the face of uncertainty about the future. 8The Eschatological Vision in the Old Testament is a unique
phenomenon that occurred in the Israelites and is not found outside Israel, because Eschatology does not appear in
religious communities that doubt God's guidance.

Since the beginning of the prophets, there has been a belief in a time or “day” when the Lord God would
intervene in the history of Israel (Proverbs 5:18-20). This belief is then prophesied in the New Testament. So
Eschatology in the Old Testament is the belief of the Israelites that grew from their faith in God who provides salvation
1
Lisdayanti Tinambunan, et al., Eschatology in Biblical Perspective: Understanding the End Times and His Second Coming , Journal of Creative
Student Research, Vol. 2 No. 5 (2024), p. 233
2
E. Chrisna Wijaya, The Distinctiveness of Paul's Eschatology , Fidei Journal, Vol. 1 No. 1 (2018), p. 29
3
Big Indonesian Dictionary, https://kbbi.web.id/eskatologi
4
Rudolf Bultmann, History and Eschatology: The Presence of Eternity , New York: Harper & Brothers Publishers, 1962, p. 23
5
R. Soedarmo, Overview of Dogmatics , Jakarta: BPK Gunung Mulia, 2010, p. 248
6
Rudolf Bultmann, History and Eschatology: The Presence of Eternity , p. 12
7
Anthony Kelly, Eschatology and Hope , New York: Orbis Books, 2006, p. 21
8
Ekhat and Aprianus Moimau, Bible Perception Regarding Eschatology Especially in the OT , Journal of Law, Education and Social Humanities,
Vol. 1 No. 4 (2024), pp. 213-214
for their people. 9The Old Testament itself uses several terms to explain Eschatology, especially the Book of Isaiah which mentions a new
Heaven and a new Earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22).

2.2. New Testament

In the New Testament, Eschatology is detailed in the beginning of the agony on the Mount of Olives. Matthew
chapters 24-25 contain the signs of the end times and describe the qualifications that the “bride of Christ” must meet in
order to be taken up into glory. In these chapters we find Jesus detailing prophecies about the signs of the end times,
including the rise of pluralistic teachings, wars, famines, earthquakes, human hatred of Christianity, persecution of
Christians, the gospel finally reaching all nations, the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple, and more. 10

In Paul's letters there are also references to Eschatology (e.g. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). He uses the term
Parousia ( παρουσία - presence, coming) to refer to the second coming of Christ to earth. 11The Parousia is associated
with the “final judgment”. When Christ returns, He will judge all mankind based on their works. Paul also mentions
several signs that will precede the Parousia, such as increased crime, deception, and persecution of believers.

In addition to the Parousia , the New Testament also uses other terms to describe the end times, including: the
Day of the Lord (Acts 2:20; 2 Peter 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:20), the Day of Christ (Philippians 1:10), the Last Day
(Matthew 7:22), and the End Times (John 6:39).12

III. Eschatology in Christian Doctrine

3.1. The Second Coming of Christ

 In the Old Testament, the prophets did not clearly distinguish between the first and second comings of Christ,
and even mixed them up. It is in the New Testament that it is stated that what was thought in the Old Testament
as one coming of the Messiah would be fulfilled in two stages, namely the First Coming and the Second
Coming .13
 There are several terms used to refer to the second coming of Christ, namely: 1) Apocalypse (revelation),
which refers to the removal of everything that currently prevents humans from seeing Christ. 2) Epiphany
(revelation, appearance, arrival) which refers to the coming of Christ from a hidden background. 3) Parousia
(presence) which refers to the arrival that precedes the presence, or the arrival that causes the presence. 14
 The second coming of Christ is believed to be the day of His coming with His saints. That is, He will take dead
believers “out” of heaven. Thus, Christ's coming includes coming "with" His people. 1 Thessalonians 3:4-13 is
the basis for this statement, where Jesus is said to have come with His saints. 15After this coming, Christ carried
out judgment (Matthew 25:31-46 – a prophecy or parable about the separation of the sheep and the goats at the
end-time judgment).
 There is a view that believes that the second coming of Christ will be in 2 phases. This is called the
Dispensationalism view . The first phase , Christ only comes in the clouds and does not land on earth (termed
Parousia ). The second phase , Christ will come and land on earth (termed Apocalypse ). Before this "second
phase" occurs, they believe that there is a 7-year interval, during which things will happen such as: 1) The
world will be evangelized. 2) Israel will repent. 3) There will be a great tribulation ( The Great Tribulation ),
and a massive apostasy ( The Great Apostasy ). 4) The Antichrist will be revealed. This 7-year period is known
as the Rapture . This teaching is based on a "literal" or "literal" reading of the Bible and lacks historical context,
making this view often debated. Louis Berkhof himself argued that this view is very contrary to the Scriptures.

9
Ekhat and Aprianus Moimau, Biblical Perceptions of Eschatology, Especially in the OT , p. 211
10
Thomas Hwang, The Four Gospels & The Great Commission , Yongin-si: AMI Publications, 2020, p. 42
11
Alister E. McGrath, Christian Theology: An Introduction , New Jersey: Blackwell Publisher, 1994, p. 466
12
Jonri Muksen Siregar, Study of End Times Theology (Eschatology) and Its Significance for Believers , Journal of Theology and Christian
Education, Vol. 1 No. 1 (2024), p. 31
13
Budi Asali, The Second Coming of Jesus Christ , Reformed Theology Article, 2018,
https://teologiareformed.blogspot.com/2018/05/kedatangan-yesus-kristus-yang-kedua.html#google_vignette
14
JL Ch. Abineno, Once Again Christian Hope , Jakarta: BPK Gunung Mulia, 1981, pp. 42-44
15
Lisdayanti Tinambunan, et al., Eschatology in Biblical Perspective: Understanding the End Times and His Second Coming , p. 235
 16
He also believes that in essence the Dispensationalist view believes in the 3rd coming of Jesus ( Parousia –
the period of the Rapture of the Church – Apocalypse ).17

3.2 . Resurrection of the Dead

 The doctrine of the resurrection is indeed the foundation of the Christian faith, because it refers directly to the
belief that Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, rose from the dead, revealing eternal life to those who believe in
Him. This belief refers to the fact that after being crucified, Jesus Christ rose from the dead, paving the way for
the resurrection of all people at the end of time, to face the final judgment. The resurrection of the dead is
Universal, for those who believe this is salvation. But for those who do not believe, there is no salvation. 18
 The Bible says that all the dead will be raised, as Jesus himself said: “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is
coming in which all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good, to
the resurrection of life; those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29). 19
 Paul himself states in his letter that the resurrection of the body occurs at Christ's second coming (1 Corinthians
15:23). But in this passage, Paul only speaks of the resurrection of Christians.20
 All those who are not saved will go to a place of outer darkness (also called Gehenna ). All those who are
saved will enter the New Jerusalem .21

3.3. Final Judgment

 The second coming of Jesus to the world has a purpose, namely Judgment . 22Judgment is God's divine trial
and will occur at the end of time and its person is every individual. The final judgment will be carried out by
23
God Himself to all people and even the entire chapter of human life while in the world. This judgment will
occur for all people who are still alive and who have died. The teaching about God's judgment is in the center
of God's revelation. This judgment will occur in God's own time and with the act of "judging" or "judging" the
entire world (Acts 17:31; Romans 3:6).24
 The Bible clearly describes that humans are judged based on their works. Based on Leviticus 10:1-3, it is
explained about the 2 sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu who did not follow God's rules. The mistake they made
was offering an offering in the form of strange fire. The fire they gave was a fire that God did not know, where
in fact the fire that should be used is a special fire, namely the fire taken from the incense altar of the tabernacle.
25
In addition, God also did not command them to do this. For this mistake, they finally received punishment,
namely fire coming out of the place of worship and burning them to death. In this passage there is indeed no
word "judgment", but if you pay closer attention, you will find that judgment is something that is experienced
by someone for the actions they have done.
 The final judgment does not only apply to humans, but angels will also experience judgment. Angels are also
God's creations, so angels will also experience judgment because of the mistakes they make. This is revealed by
an angel who was cast out of heaven to earth (Isaiah 14:12-17), and in the end the cast out angel became a
devil.26

16
Budi Asali, The Second Coming of Jesus Christ
17
Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology: The Doctrine of the End Times , Kemayoran: Momentum, 2015, p. 695
18
Frischa Nofrianti, et al., The Resurrection of the Dead (Daniel 12:1-4) , Journal of Christian and Catholic Education, Vol. 2 No. 3 (2024), p. 183
19
Frischa Nofrianti, et al., Resurrection of the Dead (Daniel 12:1-4) , p. 184
20
Budi Asali, Exposition of 1 Corinthians Chapters 15-16 , Reformed Theology Articles, 2022,
https://teologiareformed.blogspot.com/2022/06/eksposisi-1-korintus-pasal-15-16.html
21
HL Willmigton, Eschatology: The Necessary Biblical Study of the End Times , Malang: Gandum Mas, 2000, p. 329
22
Simsoni Yosua Daud Patola and Oda Judithia Widianing, Teaching Eschatology in Christian Religious Education in Schools , Journal of
Christian Theology and Education , Vol . 1 N o. 1 (2 020) , p. 15–26
23
Wolf Krotke, Hope in The Last Judgment and Human Dignity , International Journal of Systematic Theology, Vol. 2 No. 3 (2000), p. 270-282
24
Febri Yanto Zaliwu, et al., The Coming Judgment: Theological Reflections for Christian Life , Journal of Charismatic Theology, Vol. 5 No. 2
(2022), pp. 98-99
25
Yonatan Alex Arifianto, The Unholy Fire and Theological Construction: Reflection for Today's Services , Grafta STT Baptist Indonesia Journal,
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2022), p. 94-105
26
Wehelmina Carolina Rengrengulu and Anjelita Tappi, Historical Analysis of the Origin of Devil Based on Bible Study Isaiah 14:12 , Vol. 5 No. 2
(2020), p. 221
  The judgment for the wicked/evil is to be thrown into the fire (John 12:31). The life of a person whose way of
life is not in accordance with what God wants will receive a very great and even very terrible punishment . This
judgment also results in torture that continues "without limits".27

3.4. The Millennial Kingdom

 There are chapters in the Bible, especially in Revelation 20:1-10 that describe the concept of the Millennial
Reign of Christ after He returns to judge the world. However, interpretations of the meaning and significance of
the Millennial Kingdom have given rise to various theological views. In general, there are 3 views on the
Millennial Kingdom (Millennium) in relation to Eschatology, namely Amillennialism , Postmillennialism ,
and Premillennialism .28
 Amillennialism : The prefix ' A ' stands for ' not ' . So, Amillennialism holds that there will be no millennial
reign at all. Although they believe in the second coming of Christ, they reject the view of a literal 1000-year
reign of Christ on earth.29
 Postmillennialism : The prefix ' Pasca ' means ' after ' . So, Postmillennialism holds that Christ will come after
the Millennial Kingdom. This group believes that before Jesus Christ returns, the world will experience the
present world gradually entering the millennial age, namely based on the increasing number of people in this
world who repent through the preaching of the gospela period of peace for about a thousand years. This means
that the present world is gradually entering the millennial age, namely based on the increasing number of people
in this world who repent through the preaching of the gospel. Thus, the church has a great task to make
everyone in this world believe in Jesus. Only after everyone believes, will Jesus return.30
 Premillennialism : The prefix ' Pre ' means ' before ' . So, Premillennialism holds that Christ will return before
the millennium and He will personally reign during this glorious millennium. This is the only view that is in
accordance with the Bible and is the oldest of the three ( held since the time of the apostles).31

3.5. New Heavens and New Earth

 Biblical eschatology shows that the new heaven and new earth are God's final dwelling place with His
redeemed people. This is commonly called the New Jerusalem . The New Jerusalem is God's holy dwelling
place, where God's people will enjoy eternal life. The new heaven and new earth are the goal of God's plan of
salvation, where sin will no longer defile the universal temple.32
 In the past, God created the universe as a holy place for His people to live. However, because of human sin, that
holy place was corrupted and humans were separated from God. They were driven from their first home, Eden.
To remedy this situation, God sent Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, God began a new and
better creation. And someday, Jesus will return and create a new heaven and a new earth, which will be a
perfect home for His people.
 The vision of the new heavens and earth (Revelation 21:1) is followed by the vision of the New Jerusalem
(Revelation 21:2) and is continued by the voice declaring that “God’s dwelling place is with his people.”
Furthermore, the massive size of the New Jerusalem indicates that this is not just part of the new creation, but “
the renewed cosmos.”33

IV. Cross Doctrinal Eschatology (Protestant and Catholic)

Doctrine of Eschatology which are contained in Protestantism and Catholicism are actually not that different.
However, there are several different understandings between the two. One of them is regarding the doctrine of the

27
Lamtota Manalu, Analysis of 2 Peter 3:13 on Christian Understanding (New Heaven and Earth Theological Study) , Journal of Education and
Theology, Vol. 4 (2021)
28
H.L. Willmigton, Eschatology: The Needed Biblical Study of the End Times , pp. 286-287
29
Eddy Peter Purwanto, Covenant Theology Versus Dispensationalism , Tangerang: STTI Philadelphia , 2004, p . 64
30
Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology Volume Three , Malang: Gandum Mas, 2004, p. 538
31
H.L. Willmigton, Eschatology: The Necessary Biblical Study of the End Times , p. 287
32
Hendra Yohanes, The New Heaven and Earth: An Eschatology based on the Biblical Theology of the Temple of God , Jurnal Gema Teologika,
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2020), p. 155
33
Hendra Yohanes, The New Heaven and Earth: An Eschatology based on the Biblical Theology of the Temple of God , p. 166
Rapture . In the doctrine of Protestant Christianity, there is an understanding of the Rapture " before" the second
coming of Jesus. While Catholics believe that the Rapture event will occur "at the time" of Jesus' final coming. This
opinion is based on John 6:39 " And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I should lose nothing of all that He has
given Me, but that I should raise it up at the last day " and John 11:24 " Martha said to Him, I know that he will rise
again in the resurrection at the last day ". They interpret that the Rapture event will only occur at the end of time (not
before the end of time). In contrast to Protestants who believe in the Rapture based on a literal interpretation of 1
Thessalonians 4:16-17, where believers will be taken to heaven before or during the tribulation period (where Jesus has
not yet come for the second time).34

V. Eschatology by the Theologians

In understanding the Bible, especially its clarity regarding Eschatology, the works of thought and writings of
Christians, namely Theologians, can be a source of valuable insight, including:

1. Augustine of Hippo
 One of the most influential thinkers on eschatological ideas (especially the New Testament) is the thought of
Augustine of Hippo, found in his book “ City of God ”. In the book, there are many depictions of the
concept of Apocalyptic – the destruction of the city of Rome and the collapse of the Roman empire. The
central theme of this work is the relationship between two cities, namely the “city of God” and the “earthly
city”. The city of God is the final destination of believers, while the Earthly City is where humans live
temporarily with all their sins and sufferings. He argued that human life is a struggle between these two
cities. The church is in the world, but its final destination is in the City of God. Thus, the church has an
important role in preparing people for the end times.35
 In addition, Augustine also had a number of ideas in the history of the formation of the doctrine of
Purgatory . The term Purgatory " Ignis Purgatorius " was first stated by Augustine. He believed that there
was a time between death and the final judgment. During that time, souls who were sinful but not damned
would be tested in the purifying fire. After that, the good and those who were cleansed by the purifying fire
would get their share in heaven, while the bad would get their share in eternal suffering.36
2. Jurgen Moltmann
 Moltmann offers a fresh perspective in understanding Eschatology. For him, Eschatology is not just a
doctrine about the end times far in the future, but a reality that is already present and working in human
history. 37Moltmann links Eschatology with the theology of hope, where the hope for the coming of the
kingdom of God becomes the driving force for human action in the world. The resurrection of Jesus Christ,
according to Moltmann, is the most fundamental event of Eschatology. Through the resurrection, the future
has greeted the present, bringing with it the promise of renewal and eternal life. Moltmann's eschatology is
not about escaping from the world, but about the transformation of this world into the kingdom of God. He
invites believers to be actively involved in the struggle to realize justice and peace, because they already
have the guarantee of final victory.
 The relationship between Eschatology and Theology of Hope in Moltmann's thought is very close. 38Hope,
for Moltmann, is not just an emotion or desire, but a force that drives history. Through hope, humans are able
to overcome suffering and injustice, and continue to fight for a better future. Moltmann's Eschatology
provides a theological foundation for liberation movements and social struggles. By seeing the world as a
creation that is heading towards maturity, believers are encouraged to participate in this new creation
process. The concept of " novum " introduced by Moltmann also describes the Messianic aspect of history,

34
John Moartignoni, Rapture? According to Catholicism , John Martigno Seminar, accessed December 7, 2024,
https://apologetikimankatolik.blogspot.com/2017/10/rapture-menurut-katolik.html
35
Alister E. McGrath, Christian Theology: An Introduction , p. 467-468
36
Albertus Purnomo, History of Purgatory,: in the Holy Scriptures and Traditions , Yogyakarta: PT. Kanisius, 2017, p. 116
37
Jonri Muksen Siregar, Study of End Times Theology (Eschatology) and Its Significance for Believers , p. 31
38
Jurgen Moltmann, The Coming of God: Christian Eschatology , Minneapolis: Fortress, 1996, xvi
 where there is always the possibility of change and renewal. In this context, Eschatology is not only about
the end of time, but also about the future that is always open and full of possibilities.39

VI. Relevance

Eschatology, with its understanding of the end times and the final destiny of man, is not only relevant in a
theological context, but also offers a profound perspective in dealing with the complexities of life. Starting from
providing hope amid confusion and despair to inspiring real action in preparation for realizing the divine plan for the
world before the End Times comes.

VII. Conclusion

In Christianity itself, many doctrines about Eschatology are found. The doctrine is not merely a speculation
about the future, but also the result of reading and interpreting the contents of the Bible and the result of a solid
foundation of faith. Some interpret it literally, some do not. Therefore, Eschatology is often the object of debate.
However, Eschatology has answered many questions of faith about things that will happen at the end of time, thus
providing hope and purpose in life for Christians.

39
Jonathan Wijaya, Eschatological Theology: An Evaluation in Viewing Moltmann's Eschatology from the Perspective of Paul's Eschatology ,
Journal of Theology and Ministry, 2022, pp. 62-68