It is of utmost importance that as you travel down the path of studying end-times prophecy (eschatology), you never lose your focus on your job to make disciples. Our Christian job is, first and foremost, the Great Commission – Matthew 28:19-20.
I have found that the best way to find balance is to use end-times prophecy to make disciples. A well-rounded student of prophecy is well-versed in many subjects in the Bible, as that is what it takes to pursue an understanding of these prophecies. First and foremost is an understanding of salvation and the making of disciples. Suppose you enjoy studying end times prophecy but don’t know much about these other topics. I promise learning the rest of the Bible will only enhance your understanding of prophecy!
For example, understanding the fall is vital to comprehending Revelation. Understanding God’s (promised) lasting relationship with the Jews and everything they went through up to and including the death and resurrection of Christ and what God did to Israel then and his promises to them now is a tremendous blessing and generates love for God beyond explanation because of his enduring faithfulness.
Understanding the importance of the feasts God assigned to Israel, his use of prophets, and how the religious scholars in Israel got off track make sorting and understanding prophecy much more straightforward and exciting. Understanding these other topics also means you will be MUCH more effective at making disciples of others.
End times prophecy points to our Blessed Hope – the appearing of Jesus Christ in the sky to collect us and take us home to Heaven for the wedding feast of the lamb. Enduring the times on a fallen and broken earth is not fun, but the sacrifice is worth the pain. Just like childbirth, you won’t even realize you were in pain once you receive the prize.
Sharpen your sword – study your Bible – ALL of it. Then keep one eye on the sky as you understand the signs of the times and eagerly await our Blessed Hope.
I’m excitedly waiting right here with you.
