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CHAPTER NINE
ECCLESIOLOGY
The Church
DEFINITION
Ecclesiology is a study of the structure and nature of the Christian Church
which is the universal body composed of all true believers in Christ. The
word "Church" as used in scripture means "to call out", so the Church is a
group of people called out by God and dedicated to His purposes.
According to 1 Timothy 3:14-15, the Church is the temple of God, belongs to
Him, and is the pillar and ground of truth.
Common topics in Ecclesiology include how the Church began, the
organization of the Church, its purpose, the ordinances of the Church,
metaphors that describe it, and the destiny of the Church.
HOW THE CHURCH BEGAN
The Church began on the day of Pentecost as described in Acts 2. See also
John 16:13; 14:16- 17; 16:26-27; and Matthew 16:18 for related passages.
The Church emerged after the coming of the Holy Spirit through which all
true believers are baptized spiritually into one Body.
THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH
Although there are many local “churches,” there is really only one Church
(Ephesians 4:4; Hebrews 12:23). The true Church is both visible and
invisible. It is invisible in that it is a spiritual body known as the Kingdom of
God and the Body of Christ. It is visible in local congregations of churches to
which Christians commit themselves. The Kingdom of God may be thought
of as the reign of God, and the Church as the realm in which that reign is
visibly manifested.
Various groups of churches have also organized in terms of denominations,
i.e., Baptist, Methodist, etc., although denominations are not mandated in
God's Word. Denominations are part of the true Church only when their
beliefs and conduct conform to the Word of God. The attempt to unify all
churches, regardless of their stand on biblical truths, is heresy. False
doctrines must be refuted (Titus 1:9) and exposed (Ephesians 5:11). The
local Church is given the authority to remove from fellowship those who
embrace heresy (1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 2:18; Titus 3:10). The true
Church is to separate itself from those who embrace doctrinal error (2
Corinthians 6:14-18; Romans 16:17; Acts 19:8-9). The true Church is
composed of those who embrace the fundamental doctrines of the Word of
God.
The primary authorities in the Church are God the Father, the Son, the Holy
Spirit, and the scriptures. The head of the Church is Jesus Christ
(Ephesians 5:23). Within the Church, the leadership gifts of apostle,
prophet, pastor, evangelist, and teacher should be operative
(Ephesians 4:11). The Bible also provides guidelines for bishops, elders,
deacons and deaconesses to assist in other church-related matters (1
Timothy 3; Titus 1).
THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH
The purpose of the Church is to fulfill the mandate of Jesus in proclaiming
the gospel to the world:

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But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and
ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places
might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the
eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:10-
11)
For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of
the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
(Acts 13:47)
Thus, the gospel message is at the heart of the purpose of the Church and is
to be reflected in the lives and ministries of its members. The Church is to
worship, praise, glorify, and pray to the one true God and edify one another
(Ephesians 1:6,12,14; 3:10).
The Church is also commissioned to establish and equip new believers in
the faith:
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in
heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them
to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with
you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)
The gifts of the Holy Spirit provide the Church with the abilities needed to
fulfill this divine mission to the world. (See Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians
1:7; 12-14; Ephesians 4:11-12; Hebrews 2:3-4; and 1 Peter 4:10-11, plus
the discussion on Pneumatology in this study.).
ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH
There are two main ordinances given to the Church by the Lord. They are
water baptism and the Lord’s Supper, or as the latter is sometimes referred
to, the Eucharist.
The Ordinance Of Water Baptism.
The passage which best introduces water baptism describes the baptism of
Jesus: Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to be baptized of him. But John
forbade Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to
me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it
becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered Him. And Jesus,
when He was baptized went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the
heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like
a dove, and lighting upon Him: And lo a voice from Heaven, saying, This is my
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:13-17)
Jesus was not baptized by John as evidence that He had repented of sin,
because He had no sins for which to repent. Jesus was baptized to
"complete all righteousness.” He was setting a righteous example of behavior
which He wanted all believers to follow.
The following are some issues important to the ordinance of baptism:
-Baptism of babies. Jesus was not baptized as a baby. When He was an
infant His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord,
but He was not baptized until He was old enough to know what He was
doing and the reason why He was doing it (Luke 2:22). Babies should not be
baptized. Children can be presented to the Lord for dedication and blessing

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by the laying on of hands, but they should not be baptized until they
understand the meaning of the act and have met the Biblical requirements.
There is no set age at which this understanding comes. It depends on the
mental and spiritual development of each child.
-Sprinkling or immersion. Some churches baptize by sprinkling with water
while others totally immerse in water. When Jesus was baptized He went
down into and then came up out of the water. Considering this and the
Biblical meaning of the word "baptize", we conclude He was fully immersed
in the waters of Jordan. In allowing Himself to be baptized, Jesus showed
outward obedience to the will and the plan of God. When believers are
baptized, this outward act symbolizes the inward decision and the cleansing
from sin which they have received by faith.
-The time of baptism. To be eligible for water baptism a person must receive
proper instruction, repent, believe, and have a good conscience toward God.
The length of time it takes to meet these requirements will differ depending
on the individual. Some churches require those who desire baptism to
complete long periods of instruction lasting weeks or months, but the Bible
says that on the day of Pentecost three thousand people were baptized. A
few hours before they were unbelievers who rejected Jesus to be the Messiah
of Israel and the Son of God. From the end of Peter's sermon to their
baptism, the time required to give necessary instruction could not have
exceeded a few hours: "Then they that gladly received his word were
baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about three
thousand souls" (Acts 2:41). Philip also baptized the Ethiopian the same day
he preached the Gospel to him.
-Significance of Christian baptism. The following text reveals the spiritual
significance of Christian baptism:
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid.
How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that
so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His
death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death; That like as
Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we
also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:1-4)
When you repent and accept Jesus Christ as Savior, death to sin and the
old life occurs. There is the creation of a new life of righteousness to be lived
for God:
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto
God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal
body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof... For sin shall not have dominion
over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:11,12,14)
Christian baptism in water is a symbol of the death and resurrection of
Jesus. It symbolizes death to sin as you are immersed in that "grave" of
water and resurrected into a new life lived for God in righteousness as you
come up out of the water. The believer who is raised up out of the water to
live this new life does not do this in his own power. His new life is lived by
the power of God, the same power that raised Jesus from the grave.
-Requirements For Baptism. There are requirements to be met by those
seeking Christian baptism.

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1. Instruction: The first requirement for baptism was given by Jesus:
Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all
things whatsoever I have commanded you... (Matthew 28:19-20)
Christ's command to teach new believers is given twice. They are to be
taught before and after baptism. Sinners must first hear and receive the
Gospel in order to become true believers:
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized. (Acts 2:41)
When they heard this, they were baptized... (Acts 19:5)
A certain woman named Lydia...attended unto the things that were spoken of
Paul...and she was baptized. (Acts 16:14-15)
Before baptism, believers should receive enough teaching to understand its
meaning. After baptism, they should continue to receive instruction in order
to become mature Christians. Paul calls this "going on to perfection"
(Hebrews 6).
2. Repentance: The second condition for baptism is repentance from sin.
Peter emphasized this during his sermon on the day of Pentecost:
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto
Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
(Acts 2:37)
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of
the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
Note that conviction of sin is not enough. Action must be taken. The two
commands Peter gave were to repent and be baptized. True repentance must
precede baptism.
3. Belief: The third condition for baptism is believing:
And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to
every creature.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not
shall be damned. (Mark 16:15-16)
This requirement of believing is illustrated by the story of the Ethiopian man
and Philip which occurred on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza (Acts 8).
Philip heard the Ethiopian read from the book of Isaiah and he joined him in
his chariot to explain the Gospel. As they continued on their journey, the
road led past water. Upon the Ethiopian's request and his confession of
faith, Philip baptized him:
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the
eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And
Philip said, if thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he
answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And He
commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the
water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. (Acts 8:36-38)
Philip said to the eunuch: "If you believe with all your heart, you may be
baptized." The eunuch replied: "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son God."
A person who desires Christian baptism must confess their faith in Jesus
Christ as the Son of God.
4. A good conscience toward God: A fourth condition for Christian baptism
is a good conscience toward God. Peter compares Christian baptism in water

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to the experience of Noah and his family who were saved from judgment as
they entered into the ark:
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us [not the putting
away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward
God] by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 3:21)
Peter dismisses any idea that the purpose of baptism is any kind of
cleansing of the physical body. He says the condition of Christian baptism is
the inner relationship of the believer's heart toward God. He calls it "a good
conscience toward God."
The Ordinance Of The Lord’s Supper.
It was during the celebration of the Passover on the evening prior to His
death that Jesus instituted this ordinance, known as the Lord's Supper. It is
an integral part of Christian worship as it reflects back on the Lord’s death
and resurrection and looks forward to His return in the future.
The Passover was the most sacred feast of the Jewish religious year. It
commemorated the final plague on Egypt when the firstborn Egyptian sons
died and the Israelites were spared because of the blood of a lamb that was
sprinkled on their doorposts--symbolizing the blood of the Lamb Jesus
Christ. The lamb was then roasted and eaten with unleavened bread. God’s
command was that throughout the generations to come the feast would be
celebrated. The story of the first Passover is recorded in Exodus 12. The
accounts of the Lord’s Supper are found in Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:17-
25; Luke 22:7-22; and John 13:21-30.
During the last supper shared with His disciples--a Passover celebration--
Jesus took a loaf of bread and gave thanks to God. As He broke it and gave
it to His disciples, He said, “’This is my body given for you; do this in
remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup,
saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for
you’” (Luke 22:19-21). Jesus indicated that believers were to do this in
remembrance of Him--partaking of the bread and wine symbolizing His body
and blood.
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul wrote concerning
the Lord’s Supper and included a statement not found in the Gospels:
Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an
unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the
Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks
of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of
the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.
(1 Corinthians 11:27-29)
What does it mean to partake of the bread and the cup in an unworthy
manner? It means disregarding the true meaning of the bread and cup and
ignoring the tremendous price our Savior paid for our salvation. It may also
mean to allow the ceremony to become a dead and formal ritual or to
partake of the Lord’s Supper with unconfessed sin. In keeping with Paul’s
instructions, we should examine ourselves before eating the bread and
drinking the cup to be sure our sins are forgiven and our motives pure.
Another statement Paul made that is not included in Gospels is “For
whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s
death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). This places a time limit on the

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observance. The wine and bread used by Jesus at the last supper with His
disciples were metaphors symbolizing His body and blood and we are to
continue this ordinance until the Lord’s return in memory of His great
sacrifice.
One of the most commonly used passages when observing the Lord's supper
is as follows:
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the
Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when
he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which
is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also
he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament
in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as
often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till
he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the
Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a
man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to
himself, not discerning the Lord's body. (1 Corinthians 11:23-29 )
METAPHORS DESCRIBING THE CHURCH
A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two things that have
common characteristics.
They are natural examples that are used to explain spiritual truths. Study
the following metaphors which are used in scripture to describe the Church.
-The Body of Christ: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Romans 12:5; Ephesians
4:12,16.
-The Body of Christ of which the Lord is the head: Ephesians 1:22-23.
-The family of God, as we are all sons and daughters of the Lord: 2
Corinthians 6:18.
-A pillar of truth in the world: 1 Timothy 3:15.
-A vine and its branches: John 15:1-11.
-The building of God: 1 Corinthians 3:9 and Ephesians 2:19-22.
-A living temple: Ephesians 2:20-21.
-Each member is a living stone built on the cornerstone, Christ Jesus:
1 Peter 2:9.
-A holy temple in which God dwells:1 Corinthians 3:16.
-A holy nation: 1 Peter 2:9.
-A royal priesthood: 1 Peter 2:5-9.
-Salt: Matthew 5:13-15.
-Light: Matthew 5:13-15.
-A sweet odor: 2 Corinthians 2:15.
-The Bride of Christ: Ephesians 5:23-32; Revelation 19:7, 8; 21:9.
-The flock of the true Shepherd, Jesus Christ: John 10 and 1 Peter 5:1-3.
-Saints: 1 Corinthians 1:2.
THE DESTINY OF THE CHURCH
The Church will eventually be raptured to be with the Lord. Believers who
have died will be resurrected, then those who are alive will be caught up
together with them in the air to meet the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Believers will be judged on their ministries for the Lord, and rewarded
accordingly (1 Corinthians 3:10-15 and 2 Corinthians 5:10). The Church will

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ultimately return with Christ to earth and rule with Him (Revelation
chapters 19-20).

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 CHAPTER TEN
ESCHATOLOGY
Biblical Prophecy, The End-Times, Eternity
DEFINITION
Eschatology is the study of last things--events that will occur in the end-
times. The word comes from the Greek word eschaton which refers to the
end or final things. In theology, Eschatology specifically focuses on the
study of the prophetic books of the Bible and Christ's prophetic teachings--
primarily those prophecies that are yet unfulfilled. It includes study of the
rapture, the Tribulation, the second coming, the Millennium, final judgment,
and eternity. It focuses on the prophetic books in scripture and Christ's
prophetic teaching.
The study of Eschatology is important because prophecy makes up a great
amount of the biblical text. Eschatology also confirms the validity of God's
Word as we witness prophesied events being fulfilled in detail. The study of
Eschatology motivates believers to remain true to the faith, as it gives details
of their eternal destiny with God.
There are some details about future events which are not revealed in God's
Word and that which is revealed has been interpreted in different ways by
theologians. It is not necessary to understand all the conflicting opinions
regarding prophecy. Most of these interpretations center on the exact timing
of certain prophetic events or specific details of these events.
What is important to foundations of the Christian faith is a general
understanding of what the Bible says will happen in the future. Though
some issues of Eschatology appear complex, the ultimate conclusion is that
Christ will reign forever and believers will be with Him for all eternity. The
following outline details the important events of Eschatological studies.
THE RAPTURE
The word "rapture" refers to a Latin term that means to be "caught up." The
Bible does not use the word "rapture", but it speaks clearly of a time when
believers in Jesus will be taken to be with Him in an instant.
The Bible teaches that the Lord will return to earth for believers. Jesus
promised His followers:
...I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will
come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be
also. (John 14:2-3)
This event can take place at any time, and thus it is referred to as the
imminent return of Jesus Christ.
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul provided details
about Christ's return:
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are
asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we
believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in
Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the
Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not
prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from
heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of
God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and
remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord

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in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one
another with these words.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
From this passage we learn that:
-Christ Himself will return (verse 16).
-There will be a resurrection from the grave of those who were believers
when they died (verse 16).
-There will be a rapture, which means "the act of taking a person from one
place to another.” Living believers will be taken from earth to meet Christ
(verse 17).
-There will be a reunion between believers who have previously died,
believers living at the time of Christ's return, and their Lord Jesus Christ
(verse 17).
Some people believe the rapture will occur before the period of time known
as the Tribulation and that believers will not have to experience any of this
terrible time on earth. Others believe the rapture will happen midway
through this period. Still others believe the rapture will happen at the end of
the Tribulation. The different views of the timing of the rapture result from
various interpretations of the prophetic information given in Scripture. What
is most important is to know you are a true believer and will be ready to go
with Jesus when He returns.
THE TRIBULATION
The Bible tells of a terrible time on earth which is called the Tribulation
(Revelation 7:14 and Matthew 24:21-22). The Tribulation is also referred to
as "the day of the Lord" (Isaiah 13:5); the "day of wrath" (Revelation 6:17);
and "the time of Jacob's trouble" (Jeremiah 30:7).
The Tribulation will last for 42 months or 1,260 days (Daniel 9:24-27). It will
be a very difficult time. There have been many difficult times in the world
down through history, but three things will distinguish the Tribulation from
all other times of trouble.
-First, it will be worldwide and not just local: Revelation 3:10.
-Second, people will realize the end of the world is near: Revelation 6:16.
-Third, the intensity of the trouble will be greater than ever before
experienced: Matthew 24:4-14.
During the Tribulation there will be a series of judgments from God on those
remaining in the world. These are described in Revelation chapters 6, 8-9,
and 16 and Matthew 24:4-14. The major purposes of the Tribulation is to
pour out judgment on wicked men and nations (Revelation 3:10; 6:15-17;
11:18; 14:10; 16:1; 19:1-2) and to prepare the nation of Israel to receive
their Messiah (Deuteronomy 4:27-31; Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 12:1;
Revelation 7:1-8).
The Tribulation will immediately precede the Second Coming of Christ and
the Millennium (Matthew 24:15-31 and Revelation 19:11-21).
THE SECOND COMING AND THE MILLENNIUM
After the Tribulation, Jesus will return to earth (His second coming), defeat
the enemy, and rule the earth in righteousness (Zechariah 14:9; Daniel
7:14). The Millennium refers to the thousand year reign of Jesus on the
earth. The city of Jerusalem will be the center of government (Isaiah 2:3)
where Jesus will rule and reign (Daniel 7:14).

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Here are some of the characteristics of the Millennium reign of Jesus:
-War is eliminated: Isaiah 2:4.
-The presence of God will be manifested: Ezekiel 37:24-28.
-People will have a personal relationship with God: Jeremiah 32:31-33.
-The Holy Spirit will be manifested: Joel 2:28-29.
-Believers will be Spirit-taught: Isaiah 11:9; Jeremiah 31:34.
-Righteousness will reign: Isaiah 11:3-5.
-There will be peace: Isaiah 35:10; 65:25.
-There will be great joy: Isaiah 35:10; 51:11; 65:18-19.
-There will be justice: Isaiah 65:20-23; Zechariah 14:17-19.
-The curse on the earth is reversed: Isaiah 11:6-8.
-Productivity will increase: Isaiah 35:1-2; Amos 9:13.
-There will be changes in the animal world: Isaiah 65:25; 11:6-8.
This period will end when Satan is freed and stages a final revolt against
God (Revelation 20:7- 9). Sadly, even after 1,000 years of God's reign, some
people will openly oppose God and rebel (Zechariah 14:17-19). God will send
fire from Heaven and end all opposition. Satan will be cast into the lake of
fire for eternity (Revelation 20:10) and there will be final victory over Satan,
demons, sin, evil world powers, and death (Revelation 20).
Here is a summary of the events associated with this period of time:
-The return of Christ: Rev 19:11-18.
-Satan bound from operating for 1000 years: Revelation 20:2-3.
-The marriage of the Lamb: Revelation 19:7-10.
-The Battle of Armageddon: Revelation 14:14-21; 16:16.
-A great earthquake: Revelation 16:18.
-The judgment of the nations: Matthew 25:31-46.
-The Antichrist and False Prophet cast into the lake of fire:
Revelation 19:20-21.
-Jesus establishes His Millennial Kingdom: Revelation 20:1-6.
-Satan is released one last time: Revelation 20:7-9.
-There is a final rebellion: Revelation 20:7-9.
-Satan is cast into the lake of fire: Revelation 20:10.
Here is a summary comparing the rapture and the second coming of Jesus
Christ:

The Rapture The Second Coming

Timing: Can occur at any time. General signs precede it.
1 John 2:28; 3:2 Matthew 24:33
Believers' Jesus returns for Jesus returns with believers.
Involvement: believers. Revelation 19:8,14
1 Thessalonians 4
Purpose: Jesus catches up Jesus defeats the enemy and
believers and establishes His Kingdom on
returns with them to earth.
Heaven. Zechariah 14:1-3; Revelation
1 Thessalonians 4:17; 19:15-16
John 14:3

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FINAL JUDGMENT AND ETERNITY
All created beings will be judged by God. This is known as the time of final
judgment.
Judgment will be done on the basis on the Word of God and the outcome
will separate all of mankind into two categories:
Unbelievers: Those who died as unbelievers will be resurrected to face
judgment. Because they did not repent from sin and accept Jesus as Savior,
they will be condemned to eternity in Hell (Revelation 20:12-15).
The Bible teaches that Hell was originally designed for Satan and his
demons (Matthew 25:41;
Revelation 20:10), but Hell is also the destination of those who reject Christ
as Savior (Matthew 13:41,50; Revelation 20:11-15; 21:8). Hell is conscious
torment where there is fire, weeping, and grinding of teeth (Matthew 13:50);
there is no death and the fire is not quenched (Mark 9:48); and it is a place
of fire and brimstone (Revelation 14:10). Hell is eternal (Revelation
14:11). It is called the second death (Revelation 20:14) and is reserved for
those whose names are not written in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15).
True believers: True believers will be judged on their works, not to
determine their eternal destiny (Romans 8:1; John 5:24; 2 Corinthians
5:10). Those who repented from sin and accepted Jesus as Savior will spend
eternity in Heaven in the presence of God (Revelation 21).
There are five specific rewards mentioned in Scripture, referred to as
"crowns":
-A crown of rejoicing for those who won people to Christ: 1 Thessalonians
2:19.
-An incorruptible crown for those who conquered the flesh: 1 Corinthians
9:25.
-A crown of life for those who successfully endured trials: James 1:12.
-A crown of righteousness for those who loved and looked for His appearing:
2 Timothy 4:8.
-A crown of glory for feeding and ministering to the flock of God: 1 Peter 5:4.
The greatest reward, of course, will be eternal life in the presence of God.
Heaven is a real place as Jesus repeatedly claimed to have come "from
Heaven" (John 6:41, 52); after His resurrection He ascended into Heaven;
and someday He will return from Heaven (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16).
He is currently in Heaven preparing a place for believers (John 14:3).
In Heaven, believers will have resurrected bodies (Romans 8:17) and there
will be no sin, sickness, or sorrow. There will be no more death, crying, or
pain (Revelation 21:4). We will be forever in the presence of God (Revelation
22:3-5).
Following is a summary of the prophetic books of the Bible.
Isaiah: Warns of coming judgment against Judah because of their sin
against God.
Jeremiah: Written during the later decline and fall of Judah. Told of the
coming judgment and urged surrender to Nebuchadnezzar.
PROPHETIC BOOKS OF THE BIBLE
Lamentations: Jeremiah's lament (expression of sorrow) over the
destruction of Jerusalem by
Babylon.

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Ezekiel: Warns first of Jerusalem's impending fall and then foretells its
future restoration.
Daniel: The prophet Daniel was captured during the early siege of Judah
and taken to Babylon.
This book provides historic and prophetic teaching which is important in
understanding Bible prophecy.
Hosea: Theme of this book is Israel's unfaithfulness, their punishment,
and restoration by God.
Joel: Tells of the plagues which foreshadowed future judgment.
Amos: During a period of material prosperity but moral decay, Amos warned
Israel and surrounding nations of God's future judgment on their sin.
Obadiah: God's judgment against Edom, an evil nation located south of the
Dead Sea.
Jonah: The story of the prophet Jonah who preached repentance in
Ninevah, capitol of the Assyrian empire. The book reveals God's love and
plan of repentance for the Gentiles.
Micah: Another prophecy against Israel's sin. Foretells the birthplace of
Jesus 700 years before the event happened.
Nahum: Tells of the impending destruction of Ninevah which had been
spared some 150 years earlier through Jonah's preaching.
Habakkuk: Reveals God's plan to punish a sinful nation by an even more
sinful one. Teaches that "the just shall live by faith."
Zephaniah: Judgment and restoration of Judah.
Haggai: Urges the Jews to rebuild the temple after a 15 year delay due to
enemy resistance.
Zechariah: Further urging to complete the temple and renew spiritual
commitment. Foretells Christ's first and second comings.
Malachi: Written after the return of God's people from exile, the purpose of
this book is to ensure that the hearts of the Jews was right and that they
were keeping God first in their lives.
Revelation: A revelation of end-time events.
CHRIST'S PROPHETIC TEACHINGS
Study the prophetic teachings of Jesus using the following outline which is
arranged by subject.
The Second Coming Of Jesus Christ:
Matthew 24:6-47; 25:1-13; 26:64
Mark 2:20; 8:38; 13:7-36; 14:62
Jerusalem:
Matthew 5:34,35; 23:37-39; 24:2
Mark 13:2
Luke 13:34,35; 19:42-44; 21:20-24; 23:28-31
John 4:21
The Jews:
Matthew 8:11,12; 10:6; 11:16-19; 15:24,26; 21:31,32; 22:2-7
Mark 7:27
Luke 7:31-35; 21:24; 22:67,68
John 4:22; 7:19,21; 8:37-47,49; 9:41; 10:26,32; 18:20,36
The Scribes, Pharisees, And Sadducees:
Matthew 12:34; 15:7-9,14; 16:6; 23:2-7,13-15,25-27,29-36

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Mark 7:6; 8:15; 12:38-40
Luke 11:39,40-44,46-52; 12:1; 20:46,47
John 5:42
The Gentiles:
Matthew 8:11; 21:43; 22:8-10; 24:14; 28:19
Mark 13:10; 16:15
Luke 13:29; 24:46,47
John 10:16
False Prophets And False Teachings:
Matthew 7:15-18,20; 24:4,5,11,23,24,26
Mark 13:5,6,21,22
Luke 6:39,43,44; 17:1,2,22,23; 21:8
John 10:1,8
Use the following guidelines for studying Biblical prophecy:
SUPPLEMENTAL STUDIES
-Study prophecy “in the Spirit,” not with your natural reasoning because "...
the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are
foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually
discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14).
-Accept that prophecy can be understood as it is written without changes,
additions, or speculations. God gave prophecy because He wants you to
know about future events, so begin with the attitude that you will be able to
understand it. If there are things you don't understand, don't get
discouraged and quit. Record your questions for future reflection and
continue on with your study.
-Do not change literal meanings to symbolic meanings unless the text
clearly indicates otherwise.
-Keep in mind the times and circumstances under which the prophet
recorded God’s message.
Without knowledge of the historical background, expressions of that time
may seem peculiar or difficult to understand.
-Remember that sometimes prophets describe future events as if they were
continuous and successive, but there actually may be thousands of years
between. This is called “the law of prophetic perspective,” meaning that
prophecy can be fulfilled in various stages. Seek answers to these questions:
-Has the prophecy been fulfilled or is it yet to be fulfilled?
-Is the prophecy conditional based upon peoples' response or is it
unconditional?
-Does the prophecy have an immediate fulfillment, a future fulfillment, or
both immediate and future?
-Keep in mind the “law of double reference.” In some passages, two distinct
meanings are indicated. For example, in Revelation 4:1 John is caught up
into heaven in the Spirit to be given the Revelation. The double reference in
this verse indicates the rapture of the Church.
-Study passages within their context, as many times the text itself interprets
a prophetic vision or revelation. An example is Revelation 1:12-13 which is
explained in 1:20. Also study each passage within the context of the total
revelation of God's Word. Remember that no prophecy is of private

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interpretation (2 Peter 1:20), meaning it is not to be interpreted apart from
the entire revelation of God's Word.
Use the following guidelines for studying Biblical prophecy:
-Remember that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That
the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2
Timothy 3:16-17). "All Scripture" includes the more difficult portions, like
prophecy.
-Understand that Jesus Christ is central to all prophecy (Revelation 19:10
and Luke 24:27).
-Recognize that much prophecy is symbolic. Some symbols are explained,
such as in Revelation 1:20; 4:5; and 5:8. Other symbols, such as those used
in Revelation 2:7 and 4:7, can be understood through Old Testament
prophecies. Other symbols are not explained--such as Revelation 2:17.
4. Study the following prophetic books
- Isaiah
- Jeremiah
- Lamentations
- Ezekiel
- Daniel
- Hosea
- Joel
- Amos
- Obadiah
- Jonah
- Micah
- Nahum
- Habakkuk
- Zephaniah
- Haggai
- Zechariah
- Malachi
- Revelation

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