The Practical Value of Eschatology
It is frequently asserted that
eschatology has no practical value in the sense that it brings force to bear
upon the present life of men. Some insist that occupation with the relevance and fitness
of the future produces a detachment from the realities of the present that
culminates in no good effect. That this view is widely held is supported by the
fact that few know much about the program of the future and there is little
teaching and preaching of eschatology. But the Scriptures do not support this
attitude.
1. Contrariwise, eschatology does reveal
the people who belong to God. Concerning the book of Revelation it is asserted
that "Blessed is he that readeth,
and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are
written therein" (Rev. 1:3).
The word "blessed"
describes the nature of the people who read, hear, and keep the things
belonging to eschatology. Such people demonstrate that they have an interest in
and bring their lives into conformity with the pattern, program, and
preciousness of the future. It is certainly of practical value to each saint to
be able to assure his own heart that he belongs to God and may therefore
cherish the hope of experiencing the blessings of the future and escaping the
blasts of judgment.
2. Moreover, eschatology does reveal the
practical life for God's people. (2 Pet.
3:11-18). In order to escape the dissolution of the present order and enjoy
the dwelling in a new order, the saints are urged to live like foreigners who
want to go home (2 Pet. 3:11-13).
Since the eschatological crisis is imminent, the saints are reminded that the
right kind of conduct is urgent, and ignorance and fallacious reasoning can
lead to destruction (2 Pet. 3:14-16).
Since the eschatological events are certain, the saints are warned about
falling into the error of the wicked on the one hand, and of the need to
respond with holiness on the other (2
Pet. 3:17-18).
It will be evident that there is no
prediction of the eschatological future that does not have a corresponding
practical application in the present. In fact, the central feature of
eschatological teachings is the moral and spiritual effect upon the life and
conduct of God's people in the present.
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