December 27, 2012 (Thursday)
As we approach the end of the year, we do so in the wake of grave concern by many about the end of the world.
The great Mister Rogers always asked the children, “Can you say..?” So..let’s use Mister Rogers’ method and talk about words commonly used when discussing the end of the age. Here we go. A la Mister Rogers:
“Can you say, “Apocalypse?” This word is the Greek word translated, “Revelation” in English. Use of the word to describe cataclysmic events is a derived usage.
Can you say, “Millenium?” It is a Latin word that simply means, “thousand years.”
Can you say, “Armaggedon?” It is a Hebrew word that means “Valley of Megiddo.” It is a place in Israel where many battles have been fought.
Can you say, “Rapture?” It is from a Latin word, and means, “joyous ecstasy.” It is never found in the Bible, although Jesus gathering Believers to Himself when He returns is certainly taught in the Bible. The idea of secrecy is debated by interpreters.
Can you say, “Tribulation?” It is from a Latin word, and means suffering great affliction, trial or distress.
Can you say, “Eschatology?” It is from a Greek word that means, “last.” In theology it is a technical word for a study of last things or the end of the world.
These words and others are used by people when they explain what they believe about the future. Various ideas are held by devoted Christians who are sincere in their beliefs. All our discussions of prophecy with each other and about each other should be done in the spirit of Christ.
Jesus usually did not take the initiative in discussing these things; His teachings about future events were nearly always answers to questions. He disdained the seeking of signs (Matthew 16:4), and declared that not even He Himself knew the time frame for end-time events (Matthew 24:36). The great emphasis that Jesus placed upon His Second Coming was that He wants to find his followers faithful to Him whenever that happens (2 Peter 3:10-11). We can do that without defining the above words nor understanding any of the views held by theologians.
The one verse that should make all of us sit up and take notice is this one: “For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body” (2 Corinthians 5:10 NLT). Can you say, “Wow!”