Christian Eschatology

Eschatology is defined as a branch of theology that outlines the final events of the world and of mankind. It is also the study of the ultimate purpose of the world and God’s intentions. In Christianity, eschatology is often viewed as a forbidden subject in the study of theology. On the other hand, some regard eschatology as the most influential part of their religious life because they it determines the way in which they live their lives. These people live by a set of rules and ethics set by the Bible because they want to have the favorable experience after death that was outlined in the Christian Eschatology. In Christianity, death is thought to be the point at which the soul leaves its earthly body and the soul is at rest until judgment day. Death is God’s punishment imposed upon humans resulting from Adam eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. The instant that Adam ate the forbidden fruit, humans gave up immortality. This is stated in Romans chapter 5 verse 12 which says, “Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men.” Our souls are then at rest until the second coming of Jesus which will also be the day that we will be judged for our sins. The word Rapture is not mentioned in the Bible but is referring to the event of those who are saved being brought up from the earth by God. God will come down from heaven with a shout which will be heard in the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God. Those who died in Christ shall be brought up first and those who are still alive in Christ are then brought up. As a result of the rapture of the church, all Christians will be removed from the earth and only non-believers will remain. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 outlines these events of the rapture. According to James F. Stitzinger, “The rapture represents the translation or removal of the church to be with
Christ forever.” There are different views on when the rapture will

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