Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 9000 Last things » 9100 Aspects of the last things » 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 2 Samuel 14:14; Romans 5:12 The timing of natural death is beyond human control Ecclesiastes 8:8 See also Psalm 90:10; Matthew 6:27; James 4:14 Death is not to be feared by the believer Psalm 23:4 See also Psalm 116:15; Proverbs 14:32; Romans 14:8; Philippians 1:21; Revelation 14:13 For believers, death is likened to falling asleep John 11:11-13 See also Mark 5:39; Acts 13:36; 1 Corinthians 15:6 At the second coming, believers still living on earth will not experience death 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 See also 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Death is the penalty for unforgiven sin Romans 6:23 See also 1 Chronicles 10:13; Proverbs 11:19; Romans 5:12 The second coming of Jesus Christ The second coming is foretold Matthew 26:64 pp Mark 14:62 See also Luke 21:27; Acts 1:11; Hebrews 9:28 The timing of the second coming is known only to God the Father Matthew 24:36 pp Mark 13:32 See also Malachi 3:1; Matthew 24:44 pp Luke 12:40; Revelation 16:15 God's purpose at the second coming is to gather his people together, to reward the faithful and judge the wicked Matthew 16:27 See also Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 25:31-32; John 14:3; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Peter 5:4; 1 John 3:2; Jude 14-15 The right attitude towards the second coming 1 John 2:28 See also Mark 13:35; Acts 3:19-20; 1 Timothy 6:13-14; 2 Peter 3:11 The resurrection of the dead All will be raised John 5:28-29 See also Daniel 12:2; Acts 24:15 Believers in Jesus Christ will be raised to eternal life John 6:40 See also John 11:25; 2 Corinthians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:16 Unbelievers will be condemned John 5:29 See also Matthew 25:46 Believers will be given resurrection bodies 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 See also 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 The last judgment All face judgment after death Hebrews 9:27 See also Romans 14:12; 1 Peter 4:5; Revelation 20:11-12 Judgment is entrusted to Jesus Christ John 5:22 See also Acts 10:42; Acts 17:31; Revelation 1:18 Those who have not responded to Christ will be condemned John 12:48 See also 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8; 2 Peter 3:7; Jude 15; Revelation 20:15 Believers will not be judged for sin John 5:24 See also John 3:18; Romans 8:1-2,33-34 Believers will be judged on how they have lived their Christian lives 2 Corinthians 5:10 See also 1 Corinthians 4:5; Hebrews 9:28; 1 John 4:17 Heaven God's throne is in heaven where he is continuously worshipped Revelation 4:9-10 See also Isaiah 6:1-3 God's will is perfectly served in heaven Matthew 6:10 pp Luke 11:2 See also 1 Kings 22:19 At Jesus Christ's second coming, a new heaven and earth will replace the old The redeemed will enjoy life in the presence of God in the new heaven 1 Thessalonians 4:17 See also Matthew 5:8; Philippians 3:20; Jude 24; Revelation 21:1-4 All life in heaven is sustained by God Revelation 22:1-2 See also John 6:58; Revelation 2:7; Revelation 21:23 Hell Hell is the destiny of human beings who reject God Matthew 25:41 Hell was originally meant for the punishment of the devil and his angels. See also Matthew 13:41-42; Romans 2:8; Hebrews 10:26-27; Jude 6; Revelation 17:8 Those in hell are finally separated from God 2 Thessalonians 1:9 See also Matthew 25:46 Hell is a place of fire, darkness and weeping Revelation 20:15 See also Matthew 8:12; 2 Peter 3:7; Jude 7 Jesus Christ himself frequently warned about the dangers of hell Luke 12:5 See also Matthew 5:29-30 Jesus Christ is using Eastern hyperbole, not intended literally, to stress importance; Matthew 13:40 See also
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