July 15, 2010 by C.J. Mahaney
Categories: Theology | End times
There is often no lack of interest in—or confusion about—the topic of eschatology. So I was grateful that Jeff Purswell, dean of the Sovereign Grace Ministries
Pastors College, took up the topic for his contribution to our Next 2010 conference in Baltimore.
Jeff brought both clarity and appropriate emphasis to this important topic, helping us avoid two of the dangers associated with the end times: speculation and negligence.
His message was a conference highlight.
What follows is an outline of the message and one excerpt (more excerpts are forthcoming). Let’s be clear—this is none other than my attempt to encourage you to listen to the entire message.
Jeff taught from
1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11 and made these five important points:
- Eschatology is rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Eschatology is centered on the return of Christ.
- Eschatology looks forward to perfect fellowship in the presence of God.
- Eschatology pronounces the coming justice of God.
- Eschatology provides hope and motivation for our daily lives now.
Jeff introduced us to the importance of the study of eschatology this way:
Here’s how we can sum up the thrust and import of eschatology: Eschatology assures us that God’s purposes will prevail, and it motivates us to live faithfully until those purposes are fulfilled. It changes the way we live. We live in light of those purposes and in light of the destination to which all things are heading.
You can download his message (“The End Times”) from the
Next website.