9105 last things

The doctrine of the last things (“eschatology”) includes the subjects of death, the second coming of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the last judgment, heaven and hell.

Death

Physical death is universal Job 30:23 See also 2Sa 14:14; Ro 5:12

The timing of natural death is beyond human control Ecc 8:8 See also Ps 90:10; Mt 6:27; Jas 4:14

Death is not to be feared by the believer Ps 23:4 See also Ps 116:15; Pr 14:32; Ro 14:8; Php 1:21; Rev 14:13

For believers, death is likened to falling asleep Jn 11:11-13 See also Mk 5:39; Ac 13:36; 1Co 15:6

At the second coming, believers still living on earth will not experience death 1Th 4:15-17 See also 1Co 15:51-52

Death is the penalty for unforgiven sin Ro 6:23 See also 1Ch 10:13; Pr 11:19; Ro 5:12

The second coming of Jesus Christ

The second coming is foretold Mt 26:64 pp Mk 14:62 See also Lk 21:27; Ac 1:11; Heb 9:28

The timing of the second coming is known only to God the Father Mt 24:36 pp Mk 13:32 See also Mal 3:1; Mt 24:44 pp Lk 12:40; Rev 16:15

God’s purpose at the second coming is to gather his people together, to reward the faithful and judge the wicked Mt 16:27 See also Da 7:13-14; Mt 25:31-32; Jn 14:3; 1Co 4:5; 1Th 4:16-17; 1Pe 5:4; 1Jn 3:2; Jude 14-15

The right attitude towards the second coming 1Jn 2:28 See also Mk 13:35; Ac 3:19-20; 1Ti 6:13-14; 2Pe 3:11

The resurrection of the dead

All will be raised Jn 5:28-29 See also Da 12:2; Ac 24:15

Believers in Jesus Christ will be raised to eternal life Jn 6:40 See also Jn 11:25; 2Co 4:14; 1Th 4:16

Unbelievers will be condemned Jn 5:29 See also Mt 25:46

Believers will be given resurrection bodies 1Co 15:42-44 See also 1Co 15:50-53

The last judgment

All face judgment after death Heb 9:27 See also Ro 14:12; 1Pe 4:5; Rev 20:11-12

Judgment is entrusted to Jesus Christ Jn 5:22 See also Ac 10:42; Ac 17:31; Rev 1:18

Those who have not responded to Christ will be condemned Jn 12:48 See also 2Th 1:7-8; 2Pe 3:7; Jude 15; Rev 20:15

Believers will not be judged for sin Jn 5:24 See also Jn 3:18; Ro 8:1-2,33-34

Believers will be judged on how they have lived their Christian lives 2Co 5:10 See also 1Co 4:5; Heb 9:28; 1Jn 4:17

Heaven

God’s throne is in heaven where he is continuously worshipped Rev 4:9-10 See also Isa 6:1-3

God’s will is perfectly served in heaven Mt 6:10 pp Lk 11:2 See also 1Ki 22:19

At Jesus Christ’s second coming, a new heaven and earth will replace the old Rev 21:1

The redeemed will enjoy life in the presence of God in the new heaven 1Th 4:17 See also Mt 5:8; Php 3:20; Jude 24; Rev 21:1-4

All life in heaven is sustained by God Rev 22:1-2 See also Jn 6:58; Rev 2:7; Rev 21:23

Hell

Hell is the destiny of human beings who reject God Mt 25:41 Hell was originally meant for the punishment of the devil and his angels. See also Mt 13:41-42; Ro 2:8; Heb 10:26-27; Jude 6; Rev 17:8

Those in hell are finally separated from God 2Th 1:9 See also Mt 25:46

Hell is a place of fire, darkness and weeping Rev 20:15 See also Mt 8:12; 2Pe 3:7; Jude 7

Jesus Christ himself frequently warned about the dangers of hell Lk 12:5 See also Mt 5:29-30 Jesus Christ is using Eastern hyperbole, not intended literally, to stress importance; Mt 13:40

See also