Preface
The book of Revelations begins with a blessing. The author writes, “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”{i} Then, when we come to the end of the book, we find the words, “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life in the holy city, which are described in this book.”{ii} For us to look into eschatology,{iii} we need to take seriously this warning. Quite clearly, the author is quoting Deuteronomy 4:2 in the latter passage quoted, however, we hold to this being holy writ. The book of Revelations specifically speaks of a blessing to those who read and hear, and a curse to those who would add or subtract from.
In the case of eschatology in general, I believe that we have the very same blessing and curse. It is a blessing to know and understand the times, for the time is near. However, for they who desire to understand according to human intelligence, they will continue to speculate, and thus add and subtract to attain the curse. Here we have a crucial point. There are only two books in the whole Bible that speak of being sealed: Daniel and Revelations. Concerning the end time pattern, Isaiah also prophesied of a sealed scroll.{iv} The book of Daniel contains the framework for the end times. Jesus even pointed His disciples to the prophecies of Daniel in order to understand what He was saying of the end times.{v}
In Daniel 8:26, we read, “…but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.” Again in Daniel 12:9, we read, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.” We find Revelations 22:10 countering that by saying, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near.” Yet, we find in Revelation 10:4, “I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down’.” Thus, we find both an open seal and a closed seal in Revelations. In response, I would like to offer a bit of clarity. To those who desire to take these prophecies and speculate about the near future, the books are closed and sealed. Like insane men, they ‘prophesy’ according to their own visions and lusts. In this, they both ruin the reputation of the prophetic texts, and they also dull the minds of the Body of Christ.
The books are sealed to those who desire to approach them with pride. Yet, to the humble, God will reveal all things. We find in Revelation 5 that the Lamb was worthy to open the seven seals, because he “has triumphed”.{vi} Likewise, for they who desire to understand these things, we must “overcome” as Christ has told all the seven churches. The issue of understanding the end times is an issue of triumph. For those who desire to take hold of these truths for their own gain, or for their own security, they will find that their understanding is darkened. But to the ones that “do not love their lives, even unto the death,”{vii} Christ will reveal to them all the secrets of the visions that have been sealed.
It is at this point that we turn to a question of prologue. In what manner have I written this book? I have two types of chapters: conceptual and Scriptural. The first deals with the concepts in theology{viii}. The second has little comment, and is mostly comparing Scripture to build the focus of the chapter.{ix} Let me be clear, I strive to support every word with Scripture. The difference is not in the lack of Scripture used, but rather the amount of commentary.
Thus, I desire that we have this understanding from the beginning. As we progress through the concepts, we will be brought to the place where much Scripture can be tersely quoted, and after we have established some foundations from the prophetic texts, we can then go back into some of the deeper concepts of theology. They work together, hand in hand. For this reason, much of what is contained within these pages are not necessarily eschatological subjects. Yet, because I desire to build from the ground up, we need to place them within these pages as prerequisite. This brings me to my final point. Within these pages is an overview of eschatology. I do not dive into much of the symbolism. I don’t spend too much time commenting on Scriptures. I don’t look at some of the challenging questions, such as why the tribe of Dan is not mentioned in Revelation 7:5-8. I ignore many of the end time discussion, such as the mark of the beast or who the restrainer is in 2 Thessalonians 2.
Here is what I do have within these pages. This is a foundation. Initially, I titled this book “Eschatology 101”. After searching for an appropriate title to use “eschatology 101” as a subtitle, I came up with none. Thus, the title remains. But let us remember this: it is eschatology 101, and not anything deeper. In the realm of end time books, many speculate, and very few actually explore what the Scripture says. Within those that explore what the Scripture says, many give multiple mindsets, or they will give their own commentary on the Scripture. It is rare, then, for us to find a book on eschatology that simply asks one question: What does the Bible say? This question is not one of, “What do I think the Bible says,” but rather, “What do the Scriptures say?” In this, we compare the Scripture with itself, and we don’t look to interpret it based on bias or opinion.
This is both difficult and strenuous, seeing as we all have bias and opinion. As much objectivity as I desire to write this with, I’m certain that my own opinions have seeped into the pages. Thus, I commit this writing to you with a grain of salt. Test everything. If it stands up, and it is indeed what the Scripture says, then no argument will suffice on the Day of Judgment if we desire to ignore what is written. However, if what I have written is only opinion, then I am in deep trouble, for “If anyone adds” or “anyone subtracts words from this book,” then “God will add to him the plagues described in this book,” and “God will take from him his share in the tree of life.” With warning and with blessing, I commend the reader this writing:
Grace and peace in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.