The Doctrine of Last Things and a Pastor’s Ministry

This article is about “last things” in several ways. First, it is the last article on ten major doctrines and a pastor’s ministry. I have greatly enjoyed writing about these topics, and I hope and pray that you will find these articles, both individually and collectively, to be a helpful and abiding resource in your life and service to the Lord. Second, this final essay in the series is about “last things,” that is, eschatology. Primary biblical texts on this issue are Jesus’ end-time discourse (the Olivet Discourse) and the book of Revelation. In addition, Paul and Peter make important contributions to our understanding of the end times, referring to the “rapture” and defending the expectation of Jesus’ return against those who mocked its apparent delay. Here, then, are seven biblical truths we will do well to impress on the people in our congregations.

7 Truths to Teach about the Doctrine of Last Things

1. Jesus is coming back.

All too often, eschatology has proven to be a divisive issue among Bible-believing Christians. It should not be this way. Rather than being dogmatic about difficult-to-discern details about the end times, we should strive for unity and focus on biblical essentials taught in Scripture. Most obviously, this means we should affirm that Jesus is coming back! While we don’t know exactly when Jesus will return, we know he will do so. The book of Revelation depicts Jesus returning triumphantly on a white horse as king of kings and Lord of lords. Just like Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, he will one day return in all his power and glory, vanquish all his enemies, and judge the world in righteousness.

2. The expectation of Christ’s return should motivate us to live holy lives.

Ethics (how we should live) and eschatology (last things) are inextricably linked throughout the New Testament. In his second letter, Peter appeals to eschatology to motivate believers to live holy lives: “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness” (2 Pet. 3:11–13). Too often, we’re caught up in our temporary pursuits and busy lives. Expecting Christ’s return can help us put distractions and worldly cares into perspective. Moreover, the prospect of standing before a holy God to give an account of our lives should motivate us to live our lives in light of eternity. We should ask: Will what I do now matter in eternity?

3. We should call sinners to repentance.

Revelation contains powerful images of God’s judgment on the unbelieving world. God’s final judgment is a necessity that follows from God’s righteousness. God cannot let sin go unpunished. Unless a person trusts in Christ and his death on the cross, they must pay the price for their sin themselves, which is eternal death and separation from God. “The devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire” and “will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Rev. 20:10). “And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (20:15). As Christians, we should be gripped by the terrible prospect of unbelievers suffering eternal torment and separation from God and call them to repentance.

4. Focus on our eternal destiny.

As a teenager, I was terrified of dying. In due course, God revealed himself to me and, by his grace, enabled me to believe. Now I have confidence that when I die, I will spend eternity with him in heaven. As pastors, we should keep reminding people of the importance of settling their eternal destiny and make such questions a continual priority. We should urge them that deferring such matters is precarious because no one knows when they will die. As the wise preacher said, “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come” (Eccl. 12:1). Let’s impress this truth, especially on our young people who live in the moment. Let’s urge them to remember their Creator while they’re young and invest their best years in serving him.

5. Seek first his kingdom.

Many people spend their lives accumulating material possessions. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying our life here on earth as long as we hold God’s gifts with an open hand and generously help those in need. Yet, as Jesus advised, we should not lay up for ourselves treasures on earth. Let’s not be deceived; we “cannot serve God and money” (Matt. 6:24). Instead, we should seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). Our lives are not our own. As Paul wrote, “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Cor. 5:14–15).

6. Proclaim the gospel to those who have never heard it.

In light of Christ’s soon return, we should put a priority in our missions strategy on taking the gospel to those who have never heard. This was Paul’s strong desire: “Thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, ‘Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand’” (Rom. 15:20–21). Jesus said, “And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations” (Mark 13:10), and later told his followers, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19). Without overlooking post-Christian nations, what about people groups who’ve never heard the gospel in their entire history?

7. Life is war.

It’s easy to forget that, like it or not, we find ourselves in a spiritual war zone. The sooner we embrace the reality of spiritual warfare, the better. There is a war raging for the souls of men, and we’re part of it. Satan is out to destroy us and our families. We must put on the “full armor of God” and “fight the good fight” to the end, armed with spiritual weapons such as the Word of God and prayer (Eph. 6:10–18). The day will come when Satan is forever vanquished, and God “will wipe away every tear from [our] eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4). Hallelujah!

Conclusion

Jesus is coming back! The expectation of Christ’s return should motivate us to lead holy lives. We should call sinners to repentance and focus on our eternal destiny. We should first seek his kingdom and preach the gospel to those who’ve never heard. And we should wage spiritual warfare with spiritual weapons, embracing the reality that life is war. Pastors, let’s eschew divisive eschatological issues and instead focus on the certainty of Christ’s return and prioritize eternal matters. Let’s call our people to be alert and get ready, for Jesus is coming back soon.

©2023 Andreas Köstenberger. Used with permission.