Exploring Eschatology: Credibility of Scripture and Jesus

 

Summary

In this session, we embark on a journey through the field of eschatology, a branch of systematic theology that deals with the "last things" or the "last days." This subject, while fascinating, is fraught with disagreement among Christians, more so than any other theological doctrine. As we delve into this series, I will present a perspective on eschatology that is not widely held, and it may be new or even surprising to many of you. My own understanding of eschatology has evolved over time, and I approach this topic with humility, recognizing the complexity and difficulty inherent in it.

The focus of this series will be on a crisis within eschatology that is often overlooked: the credibility of the Bible and, more importantly, the credibility of Jesus Himself. Over the past 200 years, there has been an unprecedented assault on the trustworthiness of the Scriptures, particularly from within the church. Critics have targeted eschatological prophecies, questioning their fulfillment and, by extension, the reliability of the Bible. This skepticism extends to Jesus' own prophecies about His return, which some claim did not occur within the timeframe He specified.

Bertrand Russell, a prominent critic of Christianity, argued that Jesus predicted His return within the lifetime of His contemporaries, a prediction that, according to Russell, did not come to pass. This critique challenges the wisdom and credibility of Jesus, suggesting that if His prophecies failed, He could be considered a false prophet. The key texts in question include Jesus' statements in Matthew 10:23, Matthew 16:28, and Mark 13:30, where He speaks of His return occurring within a generation.

As we explore these issues, we will examine how evangelical scholars have addressed these timeframe references and the implications for our understanding of the Bible and Jesus. The urgency and expectation of the early church regarding Christ's return will also be considered, as well as how these expectations may have evolved over time. Ultimately, this series aims to address the critical attacks on the credibility of the Bible and Jesus, seeking to provide a deeper understanding of eschatological prophecies.

Key Takeaways:

1. Eschatology and Disagreement: Eschatology, the study of the last things, is a complex and often divisive subject among Christians. The lack of consensus highlights the need for humility and openness in exploring these doctrines, recognizing that our understanding may evolve over time. [00:37]

2. Credibility Crisis: The credibility of the Bible and Jesus is at the heart of eschatological debates. Critics have targeted the trustworthiness of Scripture, particularly its prophecies, challenging the reliability of both the Bible and Jesus' teachings. This crisis calls for a careful examination of the evidence and a reaffirmation of faith. [04:17]

3. Jesus' Prophecies: Jesus' prophecies about His return have been a focal point of criticism. Statements in the Gospels suggest a timeframe for His return that some argue has not been fulfilled. Understanding these prophecies requires a nuanced approach, considering historical context and theological implications. [09:12]

4. Bertrand Russell's Critique: Bertrand Russell's critique of Jesus' wisdom, based on His eschatological teachings, underscores the importance of addressing these criticisms. By examining the context and meaning of Jesus' words, we can better understand His teachings and defend His credibility. [14:12]

5. Urgency of the Early Church: The early church's sense of urgency regarding Christ's return reflects their expectation of imminent fulfillment. This urgency, however, must be understood in light of historical developments and the evolving understanding of eschatological prophecies within the Christian community. [20:55]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:37] - Introduction to Eschatology
- [01:15] - Disagreements in Eschatology
- [01:56] - A Minority Viewpoint
- [02:41] - Structure of the Series
- [03:26] - Common Eschatological Issues
- [04:17] - The Crisis of Credibility
- [04:56] - Focus on Jesus' Teachings
- [05:43] - Criticism of the Bible
- [06:18] - Higher Criticism and Eschatology
- [07:45] - Personal Anecdote
- [08:23] - Credibility of Christ
- [09:54] - Bertrand Russell's Critique
- [11:16] - Historical Jesus Debate
- [12:29] - Jesus' Moral Character
- [13:29] - Jesus' Wisdom Questioned
- [14:58] - Timeframe of Jesus' Return
- [16:02] - Key Texts in Question
- [17:22] - Interpretation Challenges
- [19:07] - Evangelical Responses
- [20:55] - Urgency of the Early Church
- [22:26] - Evolution of Expectations
- [23:07] - Conclusion and Focus

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 10:23 - "When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes."
2. Matthew 16:28 - "Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
3. Mark 13:30 - "Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened."

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the key disagreements among Christians regarding eschatology, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:15]

2. How does the sermon describe the crisis of credibility concerning the Bible and Jesus? [04:17]

3. What specific timeframe references made by Jesus are highlighted in the sermon, and why are they significant? [16:02]

4. How does Bertrand Russell's critique challenge the credibility of Jesus' prophecies according to the sermon? [14:12]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might the lack of consensus in eschatology affect a believer's faith and understanding of the Bible? [01:15]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the credibility of Jesus is linked to the fulfillment of His prophecies? [08:23]

3. How do the timeframe references in Matthew 10:23, Matthew 16:28, and Mark 13:30 challenge traditional interpretations of eschatology? [16:02]

4. What implications does Bertrand Russell's critique have for the way Christians defend the credibility of Jesus and the Bible? [14:12]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own understanding of eschatology. How has it evolved over time, and what factors have influenced your perspective? [01:56]

2. How do you personally respond to the crisis of credibility concerning the Bible and Jesus? What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in these areas? [04:17]

3. Consider the urgency and expectation of the early church regarding Christ's return. How does this sense of urgency influence your daily life and spiritual practices? [20:55]

4. How can you engage in discussions about eschatology with humility and openness, especially when encountering differing viewpoints? [01:15]

5. In light of the sermon, how can you better understand and explain the timeframe references in Jesus' prophecies to others who may be skeptical? [16:02]

6. How can you address and counter critiques like those of Bertrand Russell in conversations with non-believers or skeptics? [14:12]

7. What practical steps can you take to reaffirm your faith in the credibility of the Bible and Jesus' teachings in your personal study and community discussions? [04:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Humility in Eschatological Exploration
Eschatology, the study of the last things, is a complex and often divisive subject among Christians. The lack of consensus highlights the need for humility and openness in exploring these doctrines, recognizing that our understanding may evolve over time. As believers, it is important to approach eschatology with a willingness to learn and grow, acknowledging that our interpretations may change as we gain more insight. This humility allows for a more fruitful dialogue and a deeper understanding of the mysteries of faith. [00:37]

"For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away." (1 Corinthians 13:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your faith journey do you need to practice more humility and openness to growth? How can you create space for God to expand your understanding today?


Day 2: The Crisis of Credibility
The credibility of the Bible and Jesus is at the heart of eschatological debates. Critics have targeted the trustworthiness of Scripture, particularly its prophecies, challenging the reliability of both the Bible and Jesus' teachings. This crisis calls for a careful examination of the evidence and a reaffirmation of faith. As believers, it is crucial to engage with these challenges thoughtfully, seeking to understand the historical and theological context of biblical prophecies. By doing so, we can strengthen our faith and provide a reasoned defense of the hope we have in Christ. [04:17]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: What specific doubts or questions do you have about the credibility of the Bible? How can you seek answers and reaffirm your faith in the trustworthiness of Scripture today?


Day 3: Understanding Jesus' Prophecies
Jesus' prophecies about His return have been a focal point of criticism. Statements in the Gospels suggest a timeframe for His return that some argue has not been fulfilled. Understanding these prophecies requires a nuanced approach, considering historical context and theological implications. As believers, it is important to delve into the Scriptures with a discerning heart, seeking to understand the deeper meanings behind Jesus' words. This exploration can lead to a more profound appreciation of His teachings and a stronger faith in His promises. [09:12]

"For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of Jesus' prophecies and their implications for your faith? What steps can you take to study the historical and theological context of these teachings today?


Day 4: Responding to Bertrand Russell's Critique
Bertrand Russell's critique of Jesus' wisdom, based on His eschatological teachings, underscores the importance of addressing these criticisms. By examining the context and meaning of Jesus' words, we can better understand His teachings and defend His credibility. As believers, it is essential to engage with such critiques thoughtfully, seeking to understand the perspectives of others while remaining grounded in our faith. This approach allows us to respond with grace and truth, providing a reasoned defense of our beliefs. [14:12]

"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you prepare yourself to respond to critiques of Jesus' teachings with grace and truth? What specific steps can you take to engage with differing perspectives while remaining grounded in your faith?


Day 5: The Urgency of the Early Church
The early church's sense of urgency regarding Christ's return reflects their expectation of imminent fulfillment. This urgency, however, must be understood in light of historical developments and the evolving understanding of eschatological prophecies within the Christian community. As believers, it is important to balance this sense of urgency with patience and perseverance, trusting in God's perfect timing. By doing so, we can live with a sense of purpose and anticipation, eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of God's promises. [20:55]

"Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:42, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of urgency and anticipation for Christ's return in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to live with purpose and readiness for His coming today?

Quotes


Now, when we enter the arena of eschatology we enter a fascinating subject, but one in which there's very little consensus among Christians. There's probably more disagreement about matters relating to eschatology among Christian people than among all of the other doctrines that tend to divide us put together. [00:00:42]

And because of that there has been something of a crisis in our time in terms of trying to understand the teaching of Scripture with respect to future prophecy. Now, I need to alert you at the beginning that as I canvass some of these issues of eschatology in this series I'm going to be taking a position on eschatology that is a minority report. [00:01:09]

And in fact it'll be a viewpoint on eschatology that many, if not most of you, who are hearing this will be hearing for the first time perhaps. And it may even come as a shock to you to hear some of the positions that I take because my own thinking on eschatological matters has undergone a transition from earlier times. [00:01:43]

And secondly it has to do even more importantly with the credibility of Jesus Himself. And that's why I'm concerned to look at what Jesus taught about the last things. I won't be covering many of the common issues of eschatology, interpretations for example of the book of Daniel and the 70 weeks of the Old Testament and that sort of thing. [00:04:48]

Now, it's not that there was never criticism of the Bible prior to the enlightenment, but since the enlightenment there has been a radical escalation of criticism leveled against the believability, the credibility, of the biblical documents. And that attack has not come simply from outside the church, but for the most part in the last century or so the guns of criticism have been leveled against the authority of the Bible from inside the church. [00:05:45]

Now, even more significant than the question of the credibility of the Bible is, of course, the credibility of Christ Himself. Even outside the church there are those who, though they do not accept the deity of Christ, will affirm that He was a great teacher or that He was even a prophet. [00:08:10]

But when we examine the future prophecies of Jesus the critics come to these and say that the prophecies that Jesus made with respect to the future did not come to pass within the specific timeframe that He said they would come to pass. And if that is true, namely, if the prophecies of Jesus fail to come to pass in the timeframes in which He said they would come to pass, that would, bottom line, reduce Jesus to the role of false prophet. [00:08:47]

Russell published a little book entitled, Why I am Not a Christian, and in that book he gave a series of criticisms against historic Christianity, against arguments for the existence of God and so on, but he focused his attention on the central importance of Jesus to historic Christianity. [00:10:10]

Yet, at the same time, Bertrand Russell made a distinction between the real historical Jesus, which he doesn't think we can know, and the Jesus that is presented to us in the literature of the New Testament, particularly in the gospels. Now, he did have some good things to say about Jesus. He had a certain degree of respect for the moral character of Jesus, at least the Jesus who appears in the New Testament documents. [00:12:16]

Now, the three texts that most scholars make reference to and all of which were referred to by Bertrand Russell in his criticism of the New Testament at this point are these: First of all, the statement that Jesus made to His disciples in Matthew 10:23, "You shall not have gone over all the cities of Israel till the Son of Man be come." [00:15:54]

Now, here Jesus says that they, namely the disciples, would not finish their missionary outreach beyond the sphere of all of the cities of Israel before the Son of Man, and the Son of Man is a title obviously that is Jesus' favorite self-designation -- He's talking clearly about Himself here -- until the Son of Man be come. [00:16:26]

The way in which evangelical scholars have handled these timeframe references have been in many cases far less than satisfying, and certainly not satisfying to the critics who say that the plain and obvious meaning of Jesus' words in these texts are that He intended to manifest Himself, to come again in glory, within the framework of no longer than a generation, and in Hebrew terms a generation is approximately 40 years. [00:19:43]

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Transcript
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