“ESCAPISM VS. TRIUMPHALISM – Pt. III”

INTRO: Differences in eschatology (end times views) shouldn’t separate us relationally.  We should be willing to examine our views in light of Scripture, and  adjust our views as God gives additional revelation from His Word.

I. THE MOST COMMON ESCHATOLOGY TODAY AND ITS

     ROOTS.

A. Imminent rapture -> 7-year tribulation – Second Coming.

B. Historical Christianity simply saw a single Second Coming

     of Christ.

C. Should the roots of a view point have credibility?

D. The roots of a pre-tribulation rapture (1830): Margaret

     McDonald, Edward Irving, John Nelson Darby, Scofield’s

     Reference Bible, contemporary dispensationalists.

E. Why no credible record of this teaching before 1830?

 II. DO THE SCRIPTURES TEACH AN IMMINENT (any  

     moment) RETURN OF CHRIST?

A. Contradictions:

B. Scriptures: Acts 3:20-21; Jn. 21:19 (2Pet. 1:14-15); 2Tim.

     3:1; Jn. 17:15, 21-23; Eph. 4:11-13; 5:27; Hag. 2:9;

     2Thess. 2:1-4; Ps. 110:1; 1Cor. 15:25; Matt. 24:14;

     Joel 2:23-24, 28, 32; Ezek. 47:9-10).

III. DO THE SCRIPTURES TEACH THAT BELIEVERS ARE

     EXEMPT FROM TRIBULATION?

A. Most of the apostles were martyred.

B. Christians have been persecuted and martyred

     throughout church history, including today.

C. Can a tribulation be much worse than what some have

     already endured?

D. Why should we be exempt from suffering but not the

     previously mentioned Christians?

E. Scriptures: Matt. 24:9, 13; Jn. 16:33; 1Thess. 3:4; 2Tim.

     3:12; Rev. 2:10.

F. Which eschatology is the most comfortable to the flesh?

CONCLUSION: Seek God for truth. Be ready for whatever is ahead. What if Jesus doesn’t return in our lifetime?