Eschatology 101: An Introduction to the End Times

What will the end of all things look like? Our series, Eschatology 101, will set out to answer this question by listening to four voices from the New Testament and seeing how they would respond - Jesus, Paul, Peter and John. By consulting these four voices, we will allow the Word of God to direct our perspectives on the end times, Jesus’ return, and all of the doctrines therein - rapture, millenium, tribulation, judgement, armageddon, and the new creation. By the end of our time together, our hope is that you will be able to understand what Jesus’ return means and that we could each be among those who “…love his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

All of the lessons and the corresponding notes can be found below.

Eschatology 101, Part 1 - Introduction: A Perennial Promise

This first lesson in Eschatology 101 introduces the biblical study of “last things,” exploring God’s plan of creation, fall, redemption, and ultimate consummation in Christ. Rather than fearing apocalyptic imagery shaped by pop culture, part 1 reframes the end times as a hopeful promise of intimacy with Jesus and the fulfillment of God’s covenant. Together, we will walk through the nature of apocalyptic literature, the meaning of eschatology, expectations for the series, and ending with a brief study in the Old Testament designed to show how God’s perennial promise of restoration shapes how Christians view the end times.

Eschatology 101, Part 2 - What Did Jesus Say About the End Times? (Matthew 24:1-14)

Part 2 unpacks Jesus’ teaching on the end times, focusing on Matthew’s Gospel and especially the Olivet Discourse. Jesus warns against alarmism, false messiahs, and apostasy, while also promising that tribulation, lawlessness, and a decline in true love will precede His return. At the same time, He assures believers that His Parousia—His glorious presence—will reveal Him as the unrivaled Lord of the cosmos. Ultimately, the hope of Christ’s return fuels perseverance and global evangelization, reminding us that the end is not a cause for fear but for steadfast faith.

Eschatology 101, Part 3 - What Did Jesus Say About the End Times? (Matthew 24:15-31)

In part 3 of our series, we continue asking the question “What did Jesus Say About the End Times?” as we continue our interpretive journey through Matthew 24-25. As apocalyptic language, Jesus’s words might feel intimidating and even confusing. However, that which is confusing often requires a little context. As we will continue to see, verses 15-31 are hyperlinked, borrowing images and ideas from the Old Testament to illustrate future realities. From Daniel’s vision to Isaiah’s cosmological language, Jesus is painting an image of the end that will be glorious for us and tumultuous for those who don’t know Jesus.

Eschatology 101, Part 4 - What did Jesus say about the end times? (Matt. 24:32-25:46)

Part 4 wraps up Jesus’ words about the end times by focusing on Matthew 24:32–25:46. In our time together we will survey views on “this generation,” the signs of Christ’s return, and Jesus’ call to readiness—especially through the fig tree, thief in the night, faithful/evil servant, ten virgins, talents, and sheep & goats. Rather than predicting dates, it anchors us in Christ’s glory and our response of hopeful faithfulness: watchful, prepared, and steadfast in obedience. In this week’s lesson, we will learn to love Jesus’ return, steward what He’s entrusted, and serve “the least of these” as we await His coming.

Eschatology 101, Part 5 - WHat Did Paul Say about the End Times?

In week 5 of our series, we will see that Paul’s eschatology is thoroughly Christ-centered: “Christ’s atonement shapes Christ’s arrival,” so the cross and resurrection anchor our hope about the end. Surveying themes like the Parousia, last day, inheritance, new creation, and especially the rapture (1 Thess. 4) and the “lawless one” (2 Thess. 2), Paul gives comfort not calculators, concern or confusion—assuring that the dead in Christ are not disadvantaged and that Jesus will decisively triumph. We will see that our call is to sober readiness and joyful hope: fix your eyes on Christ, encourage one another, love His appearing, and live faithfully until He comes.

Eschatology 101, Part 6 - What Did Paul Say About the End Times?

In lesson 6, we will continue exploring Paul’s teaching on the end times, emphasizing that Christ’s atonement guarantees His victorious return and shapes every future event. Paul reveals that believers will be resurrected into imperishable bodies, judged with assurance rather than fear, and included in God’s redemptive plan alongside a faithful remnant of Israel. Overall, what we should see clearly in Paul’s literature is hope and confidence—the war is already won through Christ’s cross.

Eschatology 101, Part 7 - What Did Peter Say about the End Times?

Part 7 in our series explores the Apostle Peter’s teachings on Christian eschatology, revealing how his letters connect future hope with present endurance. Using the metaphor of pineapples thriving under stress, we’ll see that believers are designed to grow spiritually through trials, sustained by the hope of Christ’s return. The lesson highlights Peter’s seven eschatological themes—suffering, faithfulness, grace, judgment, Israel, reward, and transformation—showing how each points to the refining and redemptive purpose of God’s plan. Ultimately, what we will learn is that our hope in the coming King is our light in the present darkness, calling Christians to live faithfully and joyfully as they await the return of Christ.

Eschatology 101, Part 8 - What Did John Say About the End Times? (INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION)

In Part 9, we will hear about the Apostle John’s eschatological vision from the book of Revelation, while also observing its purpose, structure, and meaning for believers today. Revelation must be handled carefully but confidently—its power lies not in fear but in faithful interpretation. This lesson will unpack Revelation’s genres (apocalyptic, prophetic, and epistolary), its cultural context of Roman civil religion, and its timeless call for Christians to resist compromise and remain loyal to Christ amid worldly empires. Ultimately, it proclaims that God and the Lamb, enthroned in glory and praise, call us never to compromise, trusting all things will be made new.

Eschatology 101, Part 9 - What Did John Say About the End Times? (The Correspondence: Rev. 1-3)

Part 9 of our series explores Jesus’ messages to the seven churches of Revelation as a call to remain faithful amid cultural and spiritual compromise. What we will detect in Jesus’ words is the need for believers to fill their lives with the “living water” of Christ instead of the corrupt influences of the world. Through themes of faithfulness, suffering, judgment, and perseverance, the lesson shows that each church’s challenge mirrors the believer’s ongoing battle against apathy, comfort, and moral decay. Ultimately, it reminds us that God and the Lamb, enthroned in glory and praise, call us never to compromise, trusting all things will be made new.

Eschatology 101, Part 10 - What Did John Say About the End Times? (The Christ: Rev. 4-5)

In part 10, we will discuss John’s vision of heaven, where God reigns on His throne and the slain Lamb—Jesus Christ—is worshiped as the victorious Redeemer. Through vivid imagery of the throne, the scroll, and the Lamb, we will learn that divine order, not chaos, defines the end times. The lesson contrasts worldly power with God’s sovereign rule and shows that victory in Christ often looks like defeat to the world. Ultimately, it proclaims that we can have peace in uncertainty because God’s providence is certain, and the Lamb who was slain has already won the victory

Eschatology 101, Part 11 - What Did John Say About the End Times? (The Courtroom: Rev. 6-16)

In Part 11, we will survey Revelation 6–16, showing how its vivid symbols and judgments fit together like a work of art to reveal one cohesive truth: the victorious reign of Christ. It explains the “Courtroom” theme of God’s just judgments, the three cycles of seven, and the call for believers to persevere faithfully even amid tribulation. John’s visions—seals, trumpets, bowls, and symbolic signs—ultimately highlight God’s unwavering plan to defeat evil, redeem His people, and make all things new. Above all, the lesson emphasizes that judgment is not about God’s anger, but His persistent commitment to liberate and restore His creation.

Eschatology 101, Part 12 - What Did John Say About the End Times? (The Consummation: Rev. 17-22)

This final lesson in Eschatology 101 explores Revelation 17–22, contrasting the cities of Babylon and the Bride and asking the question: “Where do you belong?” John reveals the fall of corrupt empire, the victorious return of Christ, the defeat of evil, and the renewal of creation where God dwells with His people. In our time together, we will cover the “four F’s” of these 6 chapters—the Fall of Babylon, the Final Battle, the Foretold Kingdom, and the Fulfilled Creation—showing how God completes His covenant and brings history to its consummation. Ultimately, we will learn that you can either have the king and abide as his bride, or you can hate the king and be banished with Babylon.