The primary sections of the Christian Scriptures
("New Testament") that deal with end times prophecy are Matthew 24, Mark 13,
Luke 21, and of course, the Book of Revelation. It is important to remember that
prophecies in the Book of Revelation function in the same manner as those in the
Hebrew Scriptures ("Old Testament") in the sense that they are 'polyvalant' --
meaning that they have a specific meaning/message for the time in which they are
spoken, and a fuller, more perfect meaning/message for some future time.
A 'specific' relationship with 2012 claims is
dubious at best -- though at the same time, it cannot be dismissed outright -- "The
heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands"
(Psalm 19:1) God clearly spoke to the Magi through celestial/astronomical
placement and phenomena, and being that "He determines the number of stars
and calls them each by name" (Psalm 147:4) it is within the Creator's power
to speak of His works and plans in anyway he chooses. This is not in
anyway the promotion of astrology, which suggests the celestial movements affect
and/or determine our individual behaviors; the possibility considered here these
celestial bodies and events may "declare" or "reflect" God's work. A
fascininating DVD on this matter is The Star of Bethlehem
; the associated website also contains additional information
www.bethlehemstar.net
For further resources analyzing information on
prophecy from multiple sources,
please visit The
Prophecy Page.
Bible Prophecy / Christian Eschatology - General Definition
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Christian eschatology is concerned with death, an intermediate state, Heaven,
hell, the return of Jesus, the resurrection of the dead, a rapture, a great
tribulation, the Millennium, end of the world, the last judgment, a new heaven
and a new earth, and the ultimate consummation of all of God's purposes.
Eschatological passages are found in many places, esp. Isaiah, Daniel, Matthew
24, and the Book of Revelation, but Revelation often occupies a central place in
Christian eschatology.
The second coming of Christ is the central event in Christian eschatology.
Most Christians believe that death and suffering will continue to exist until
Christ's return. Others believe that suffering will gradually be eliminated
prior to his coming, and that the elimination of injustice is our part in
preparing for that event. Needless to say, there are various views concerning
the order and significance of other eschatological events.
The book of Revelation is at the core of Christian eschatology. The study of
Revelation is usually divided into four approaches. In the Futurist approach,
Revelation is chiefly seen as referring to events which as yet have not come to
pass, but which will come to pass at the end of the age, and the end of the
world. This is the approach which most applies to eschatological studies. In the
Preterist approach, Revelation chiefly refers to the events of the first
century, such as the struggle of Christianity to survive the persecutions of the
Roman Empire, the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, and the desecration of the temple
in the same year. In the Historicist approach, Revelation provides us with a
broad view of history, and passages in Revelation are identified with major
historical people and events. In the Idealist (or Spiritualist or Symbolic)
approach, the events of Revelation are neither past nor future, but are purely
symbolic, dealing with the ongoing struggle and ultimate triumph of good over
evil.
Some traditions regard popular discussion of eschatological issues as
irrelevant or even dangerous.
More on
Bible Prophecy from
wikipedia...
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Christian Eschatology from
wikipedia...
2012
Christian Eschatology Resources
