Mushroom
Puritan Board Doctor
In light of the threads on bad news about our society, I had a question about eschatologies.
I have tended towards an optimistic eschatological view for some time, more towards post- rather than a- millenialism, but not completely decided. In Sunday School last Lord's Day we were studying 1Peter 4:
Does that have any impact on eschatology or not? Why or why not?
I have tended towards an optimistic eschatological view for some time, more towards post- rather than a- millenialism, but not completely decided. In Sunday School last Lord's Day we were studying 1Peter 4:
We also looked at other scriptures that speak of suffering being necessary for our sanctification and the glory of God, and the usual comments were made about how Christians in other countries suffer much more than we do in developed countries, and are therefore more spiritually blessed. It came to my mind that if persecutions and suffering for the faith are necessary things for a stronger Church, how can an optimistic eschatology be true? If things get better and better, wouldn't the Church become proportionately weaker and weaker?1Pe 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Does that have any impact on eschatology or not? Why or why not?