What eschatology means
Eschatology is the study of “last things,” from a Greek word meaning “last.” In Christian teaching it covers what the Bible says about death, resurrection, judgment, the return of Christ, and the final renewal of creation. It is often divided into two parts:
- Personal eschatology: what happens to individuals at and after death.
- Cosmic (or corporate) eschatology: the return of Christ, judgment, and the future of the world.
Why study it
Leaders and writers give several reasons: the Bible speaks about the future often, it offers hope in difficult times, it encourages faithful living, and it directs worship toward God who holds history. Studying it can also guard against sensational claims, if it is approached carefully and with a focus on Scripture.
Key passages
- Old Testament: Daniel (especially chapters 2, 7 and 12), parts of Isaiah (such as chapters 24-27 and 65-66), and Ezekiel.
- Gospels: Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24-25 (often called the Olivet Discourse), with parallels in Mark 13 and Luke 21.
- Letters: 1 Thessalonians 4-5, 2 Thessalonians 2, 1 Corinthians 15, and 2 Peter 3.
- Revelation, especially chapters 19-22. For a youth-friendly approach, see Revelation Bible study for youth.
Major views Christians hold
Christians who love the Bible and hold to the return of Christ still differ on the order and nature of some events. Summaries below are simplified.
The millennium (Revelation 20)
- Premillennialism: Christ returns before a thousand-year reign.
- Amillennialism: The thousand years is understood symbolically, often as the present reign of Christ with his people.
- Postmillennialism: Christ returns after a period of gospel flourishing.
The tribulation and the church
Among premillennial Christians, some believe the church will be taken up before a period of tribulation (pretribulation), some in the middle, some after (posttribulation). Others do not hold to a rapture in this form. These are debated within traditions.
Approaches to prophecy
Preterist, historicist, futurist and idealist readings emphasize different relationships between prophecy and history.
Where there is broad agreement
Most Christians affirm that Jesus will return, that the dead will be raised, that there will be a final judgment, and that God will make all things new. Creeds such as the Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed reflect these points. Beginning with these shared affirmations can help a group stay unified.
A six-week study plan
- Week 1: Why eschatology matters. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 for hope in grief. Discuss shared beliefs. Bible verses about heaven and eternal life can supplement the reading.
- Week 2: Old Testament hope. Read selected passages from Isaiah and Daniel.
- Week 3: Jesus’ teaching. Read Matthew 24-25 together, noting the call to watchfulness (Matthew 24:42) and faithful service.
- Week 4: Resurrection. Read 1 Corinthians 15.
- Week 5: Revelation’s vision. Read Revelation 20-22 and discuss different views of the millennium.
- Week 6: Living in light of the end. Read 2 Peter 3:11-14 and discuss how hope shapes daily life.
Leading with humility
- State your own church’s position, then present others fairly.
- Avoid date-setting. Jesus said in Matthew 24:36 that no one knows the day or hour (a point most traditions affirm).
- Welcome questions about death and loss with gentleness; some members may be grieving. Suggest speaking with a pastor where appropriate.
- Return to the text. If a debate stalls, note that it is a matter on which Christians differ and move on.
For help with session structure, see our overview of discipleship small group study.
Discussion questions
- What does the Bible’s promise of a renewed creation mean to you?
- How should hope about the future change how we treat people now?
- Which end-times question do you find hardest, and why?
- How can we disagree on details and still share a table?
Frequently asked questions
Is eschatology only about the book of Revelation?
No. It appears throughout the Old and New Testaments.
Do I need to choose a view before leading?
Not necessarily, but you should know your church’s teaching and present others accurately.
Is a study on the end times suitable for new believers?
It can be, if the focus remains on hope and the core truths rather than complicated charts.