Exploring the Three Views of the End Times
Eschatology is a study concerning the end of the world, as predicted in the prophecies in the Bible. As time passed, Christians developed various views on the end time events, including the Rapture, Tribulation, Armageddon, Second Coming of Christ, a
Eschatology is a study concerning the end of the world, as predicted in the prophecies in the Bible.
As time passed, Christians developed various views on the end time events, including the Rapture, Tribulation, Armageddon, Second Coming of Christ, and the Millennium.
Here are the three prominent views held by most Christians:
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The Premillennial View:
A predominant view of the early church, this view suggests that the Second Coming will occur before the Millennium, a 1,000-year period of Christ’s reign on earth mentioned in the Book of Revelation. It has become prominent in the last century, gaining support from many evangelicals.
Another important aspect to this view is the rapture (the resurrection of believers). While some see it occurring before the start of Tribulation, others see it occurring during or afterwards.
A slew of popular christian books and films in the last few decades have raised greater awareness about Revelations.
Among the most popular are the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, which have topped The New York Times list of bestsellers and been made into movies.
The Amillennial View:
Largely credited to St. Augustine who lived in the fourth century, it is the view held by major mainline Protestant denominations and the Roman Catholic Church today.
Amillenialists believe in both the physical return of Christ as well as hold a spiritual understanding of many of the end-time prophecies. They believe the Christian church represents Christ's Kingdom, which will be built during the millennium through Christ’s influence in the lives of Christians until His return.
The Postmillennial View:
Emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries, this view is similar to Amillennialism because it says Christ will return after the millennium.
However, the Postmillennialists see the world progressively. They believe the "Christianization" of the world through social and economic reforms will usher-in Christ’s return.
