I’ve said many times in many places regarding theological discussion, “Unity in the essentials, freedom in the non-essentials, and love and charity in all things!”
What’s this mean? It means that God has revealed himself to thew world uniquely through Christ, and through Scripture. Since God has revealed himself in human language (Scripture), it must be interpreted. the Bible also plainly states that its message is clear to all those who read it seeking to love an obey God (the doctrine of the clarity of scripture).
But if the Bible is clear, why do Christians disagree on so many things (as is evidenced in the fracturing of the church in so many divisions and denominations!)? Well, the answer to that is that the Bible is clear on the essentials for salvation, which can be found in the Nicene Creed (the same, God-inspired tradition that gave us the 66 books of the Bible gave us this creed as a “grid” through which to interpret the Scriptures).
So, as Christians we agree on those interpretations that are essentials to right belief/faith and practice (altogether: right worship).
At the same time, there is freedom for Christians to disagree over the non-essentials, that is, doctrines that do not impact salvation (every doctrine will relate to an essential in one way or another, as all theology is linked).
In classic Christianity, then, the essentials of faith regarding eschatology are those core beliefs about the end times that have been historically affirmed across the major branches of the Church (Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant). These essentials are derived from Scripture, articulated in early Church creeds, and recognized as fundamental to Christian doctrine. While there are many secondary debates about the details of eschatology (e.g., the timing of the millennium, the rapture, etc.), the essentials are broadly agreed upon and center on the following:
1. The Second Coming of Christ
Essential Belief: Jesus Christ will return visibly, bodily, and gloriously to judge the living and the dead.
Scriptural Basis:
- Matthew 24:30: “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven… and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
- Acts 1:11: “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
- Revelation 19:11-16: Jesus returns as the victorious King of kings.
This belief is central to Christian hope, emphasizing that history will culminate in Christ’s triumphant return.
2. The Resurrection of the Dead
Essential Belief: At Christ’s return, all the dead will be raised, both the righteous and the unrighteous.
Scriptural Basis:
- 1 Corinthians 15:51-52: “The dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”
- John 5:28-29: “A time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out…”
- Daniel 12:2: “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.”
The resurrection affirms that our ultimate hope is not merely spiritual but includes a bodily restoration.
3. Final Judgment
Essential Belief: Christ will judge all people, both living and dead, based on their faith and works.
Scriptural Basis:
- Revelation 20:11-15: The Great White Throne Judgment.
- Matthew 25:31-46: “He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
This judgment highlights God’s justice and mercy, revealing the eternal destiny of every soul.
4. Eternal Destinies: Heaven and Hell
Essential Belief: There will be eternal rewards for the righteous (heaven) and eternal separation from God for the wicked (hell).
Scriptural Basis:
- Matthew 25:46: “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
- Revelation 21:1-4: A new heaven and a new earth where God dwells with His people.
- Revelation 20:14-15: “The lake of fire is the second death.”
This dual destiny underscores the eternal significance of faith in Christ and the moral choices made in this life.
5. The New Creation
Essential Belief: God will renew and restore creation, establishing a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells.
Scriptural Basis:
- Revelation 21:1-5: “I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.”
- 2 Peter 3:13: “We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”
- Isaiah 65:17: “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth.”
This emphasizes God’s ultimate purpose of restoring all things, fulfilling His redemptive plan for creation.
6. The Kingdom of God
Essential Belief: The fullness of God’s kingdom will be established at Christ’s return, and His reign will be eternal.
Scriptural Basis:
- Revelation 11:15: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”
- Daniel 7:14: “His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away.”
- Matthew 6:10: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
The kingdom of God affirms that Christ’s reign will bring perfect justice, peace, and righteousness.
Summary of Essentials in the Creeds
The early Church expressed these essentials in the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed, which both affirm:
- Christ’s return to judge the living and the dead.
- The resurrection of the body.
- Life everlasting in the new creation.
These creeds reflect the core eschatological beliefs that unite Christians across traditions.
What Is Non-Essential in Eschatology?
While the essentials focus on Christ’s return, the resurrection, and final judgment, non-essentials include differing interpretations of:
- The nature and timing of the millennium (e.g., premillennialism, amillennialism, postmillennialism).
- The specifics of the tribulation and rapture.
- The symbolic vs. literal interpretation of apocalyptic texts.
Christians can hold a variety of views on these secondary matters without compromising their faith in the essentials.
The essentials of Christian eschatology focus on God’s ultimate triumph in Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the establishment of the new creation. These beliefs offer hope and assurance while emphasizing the importance of faithful living in light of eternity. By uniting around these essentials, Christians can avoid unnecessary division over secondary issues and remain focused on proclaiming the Gospel.
