The Doctrine of Eschatology: Judgment and Hell
Chris Hefner
Three Overarching Principles:
- The Hebrew linear view of history means that the world is advancing toward a telos or end.
- We need to enlarge our perspective on the subject of what is to come because of the vastness of what has been.
- We would be wise to hold our eschatological perspectives a little less tightly than the other main doctrines of the Bible.
General Order of Eschatological Events:
Jesus’ Return (Parousia)Þ ResurrectionÞ Final Judgment Þ Hell/Lake of Fire
Clarifying Passages:
- Matthew 25:31-46—the eternal nature of blessing and judgment
- 1 Corinthians 3:10-15—the nature of the believer’s judgment
- Revelation 20:4-15—the final judgment (Great White Throne)
Theological Considerations:
- Who receives judgment and reward? Universalism, Pluralism, Inclusivism, Exclusivism.
- The questions of compatibility: Is everlasting judgment compatible with God’s justice; with his love; with his victory; with his grace?
- Annihilationism—those who remain reprobate (in unbelief) are eventually annihilated utterly and do not live in judgment forever.
- Conditional Immortality—only those who believe are granted eternal life.
Theological Takeaway: To ignore the biblical doctrine of hell is to misunderstand the holiness of God and/or to minimize the depth of human sin.
Worship Takeaway: The doctrine of hell depicts the holy wrath of the one true God. It invites (demands) reverential fear.
Evangelistic Takeaway: If we take the Bible to be true and authoritative, then we must pray and share the gospel that those who do not believe may come to Christ.
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