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The End of the World as We Know It?

"It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine ..."

So go the words of a 1987 song by R.E.M., appropriately titled "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)." Since then it has been featured in the alien-invasion film Independence Day and more recently in Chicken Little. Evidently, it is the theme song of the apocalypse.

With our world continually embroiled in political disputes, wars and the proliferation of nuclear weapons, it's no wonder that people are asking questions about the future.

Biblically speaking, we know the end will come — but when and how?

What is Eschatology?

Derived from a Greek word meaning "last," the theological study of last things is known as eschatology (pronounced es-kah-'tä-lah-jE). It addresses issues such as our final state (i.e., what happens to us when we die), the end goal of history and the second coming of Christ. Bible prophecy and how certain end-times scenarios will play out is also a component of eschatology — the one that tends to get the most attention.

In this article, I will explore three primary Christian views of the end times, as well as differing perspectives on what is known as the rapture of the church. The goal is not to argue for any of these positions, but rather to present each one briefly and fairly. I will also highlight areas of Christian unity in relation to the end times and provide insights on the practical application of eschatology.

The Meaning of the Millennium

From the Latin word meaning "thousand," millennialism refers to the reign of Christ as mentioned in the Bible. Revelation 20:6 (NIV) reads, "they [believers] will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years."

Differences of interpretation regarding this thousand-year reign of Christ have resulted in three primary views of the millennium within Christianity: postmillennialism, premillennialism and amillennialism.

Three Christian Views of the End of the World

Postmillennialists believe that the world will get better and better as the church spreads the message of Christ. As more and more people convert to Christianity, the church will wield more influence. Consequently, Christian values will ultimately predominate, thus ushering in the millennial reign of Christ. In this view the second coming of Christ will take place after (or "post") the millennium.

Premillennialists anticipate a Great Tribulation, usually said to last seven years, which will culminate in the return of Christ followed by the establishment of His thousand-year reign. As addressed below, premillennialists also believe in the rapture of the church (the church will be taken up and united with Jesus upon His return), but disagree about the timing of this event.

Amillennialism means "no millennium." Though this position does not interpret the thousand years of Revelation literally, amillennialists do believe Christ will return at the end of history. One implication of this position is that there will be no rapture or a seven-year Great Tribulation. For amillennialists, the church is already in the final age of history which will culminate in Christ's return.

The Rapture of the Church

The word "rapture" is derived from the Latin word rapio, meaning "caught up." The rapture is the premillennialist belief that the church will be taken up (or caught up) and united with Jesus upon His return. Premillennialists disagree, however, about when the rapture will take place in relation to the Great Tribulation.

Those who hold to a pre-tribulation rapture believe that Christians will be removed from the earth prior to the Great Tribulation. This view has been popularized in recent years by the Left Behind book series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. A second view, called the mid-tribulation rapture, says that Christians will be removed from the world sometime in the middle of the Great Tribulation. Those holding to a post-tribulation rapture believe that Christians will have to endure the entire Great Tribulation and will not be raptured until the Tribulation ends. There are other views of the rapture, but these three are predominant.

Can't We All Just Get Along?

With all these views of the end times, it's easy to see why some skeptics argue that differences between Christians is evidence that Christianity is false. After all, if Christians can't even agree on issues of eschatology, why should they be trusted to know the truth about God, Christ and salvation?

Such objections miss the fact that, despite Christian differences on the finer points of eschatology, throughout history the church has always agreed on the core of end-times events. Christians agree that history has a purpose and culmination directed by God; that Christ will literally return; and that His return will usher in not only judgment for those who reject Him, but everlasting joy for those who have embraced Him. These are pretty big points of agreement.¹

"Eschatomania" and "Eschatophobia"

Theologian Millard Erickson wisely cautions against two extremes when it comes to eschatology. "Eschatomania" is a tendency to place too much attention on end-times issues and speculations such that eschatology becomes the primary focus. Conversely, he warns against "eschatophobia," which entails fear or aversion to issues of eschatology. "Somewhere between the two extremes of preoccupation with and avoidance of eschatology," writes Erickson, "we must take our stance."²

Beyond the core of end-times beliefs, such as the Second Coming, secondary aspects of eschatology should never be a point of division among Christians or serve as an opportunity to look down on those who do not agree with the details of our end-times beliefs. That is not to say that eschatology is not important. Indeed, one's eschatology can have far-reaching consequences both personally and in the broader context of global events. As such, one should never approach important theological issues lightly or hold to a particular position without carefully considering the implications.³

Hope and Encouragement

None of us has all the answers to all the specifics of end-times events. If we think we do, it is far more likely that we are in need of a strong dose of humility. The practical purpose of doctrines such as the Second Coming, in addition to the truth of their promise, is to give us hope and encouragement as we anticipate the culmination of history under God's perfect direction (see, for example, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Titus 2:13).

More important than trying to sort out the details of these events is our understanding of the enormous significance of the points of agreement between Christians regarding the end of history. History has a God-directed purpose. Christ will return. Evil will be overcome. And, for those who believe, indescribable and everlasting joy will follow.

While we are given biblical glimpses of the end, we do not know exactly when or how these events will unfold.⁴ What matters is that when they do, we are found using our talents wisely. It is then that God will say to us, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25:21).

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Although "it's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine" makes for a catchy lyric, as Christians we should embrace the hope that we have in Christ's promised return and that history has a purpose. Then "the dwelling of God" will be with us and "the old order of things" (death, mourning, crying, pain) will pass away (Revelation 21:3-4).