Eschaton IV - How Shall We Then Live?

Francis A. Schaeffer wrote a book entitled, "How Should We Then Live," which raises the question of the purpose of the study of eschatology. In my manuscript, "Biblical Prophecy, a Look at God's Redemptive Plan for the World," I state the following: "The study of Biblical prophecy should not be undertaken merely for the purpose of satisfying our curiosity or for trying to learn details about the future. God has revealed Himself and His plan for the ages through His Word in order that we might shape our lives according to His Word. A study of eschatoloty is beneficial only if we can find in it some clues as to how we should live in the present day. Any study of eschatology that looks only to the future for significance is not in tune with the spirit of Biblical prophecy" (p.60).

We are called in the Scriptures to be alert and live holy lives as we await the parousia. Paul says in Romans 13:11-14, "The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now then when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Need I say more?

I could say much more, as there are many more scriptures that tell us how we are to live as we await the appearing of our Lord Jesus. We are to be patient, as James 5:7-9 tells us. We are to pray as Peter says in 1 Peter 4:7-10. We are to encourage one another to do good deeds, and not forget to meet together, Hebrews 10:24-25. And perhaps most importantly, we are to live holy lives, 2 Peter 3:10-12a, 14. (The reader may look up the above scriptures at your leisure).

With this post I conclude this short series on the eschaton. I have enjoyed getting back into the subject a bit again, but I no longer feel the need to dig deeply into it as I once did. Perhaps if these posts have done anything for me it has given me a new sense of urgency to further shape my life to the life of Jesus. For that I need the discipline and encouragement from a daily reading of God's Word and listening for God's promptings to a deeper life of holiness. How about you?

Maranatha. Even so come Lord Jesus.

Pilgrim on the way