Bible Students

I believe the study of eschatology can be very important, but is not as important as many make it out to be. I feel often the one who teaches the Bible is disconnected from the one who listens to the teaching. For example, at Bible College, many people talk about abstract systematic issues which are far-detached from the life of the every-day believer. Preachers of the Word must teach the things which matter to every-day discipleship. Dividing over eschatological systems, when no one can know for sure, is not profitable, and is against the desire of Christ for the unity of the body.

However, there is much advantage to studying the end times. For example, the study of eschatology demonstrates the sovereignty of God over both good and evil, the ultimate plan of God through everything, the patience of God over evil, the deliverance of those who love Him from destruction, and the ultimate hope of a new heaven and earth. The study and teaching of those things are very practical to the every-day Christian who needs the hope given by the Scriptures.

So, in short, while I have seen much abuse of the study of eschatology, it can be studied and taught in a manner that is both edifying and profitable for discipleship and the building of the body.