H- The Doctrine of the Eternity

H- The Doctrine of the Eternity2017-03-30T17:07:03-04:00
Study Explanation
Key Scripture
Discussion Guides
Growing Exercises
Recommended Reading

Explanation

The doctrine of eternity deals with our future hope and of last things.  It deals with the end of times and the consummation of God’s final kingdom.  What is God’s plan for his creation?  How will the world end?  What will happen in those days?  How will we recognize the end of times?  What is God’s kingdom going to be like?  What happens to people after we die?  What happens at the judgement?  Why do some go to Heaven and some go to Hell?  What is Heaven for?  What is Heaven like?  What is Hell for?  What is Hell like?

KEY SCRIPTURES

Key Scriptures

Key Scriptures are designed to give a biblical overview of the topic in question.  They are extremely valuable for gaining an immediate general understanding of what the Bible teaches on a given subject.  Key Scriptures are the first place you should explore when starting a new subject.  They can be discussed individually, in part, or in whole.  Generic inductive Bible study questions are provided to assist you in your discussion.  Key Scriptures are also good for memorizing and reference.

The Lord is in Heaven 

Psalm 33:13 – From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind. NIV

Psalm 103:19 – The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. NIV

The Lord desires all people to go to Heaven

2 Peter 3:9 – The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. NIV

Luke 15:10 – In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. NIV

Jesus will return

Matthew 25:31 – When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. NIV

Matthew 26:64 – Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” NIV

Acts 1:11 – “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? 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.” NIV

See also 1 Thessalonians 5:2

There will be a future judgment

Hebrews 9:27 – Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment. NIV

2 Corinthians 5:10 – For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. NIV

The judgment will determine the fate of people

Matthew 25:32-33 – All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. NIV

Matthew 13:49 – This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous. NIV

2 Peter 2:9 – The Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. NIV

God will judge all through Christ

Psalm 96:13 – They will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth.

He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth. NIV

John 5:22-23 – Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. NIV

2 Timothy 4:1 – In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead. NIV

See also Acts 10:42 and Romans 2:16

The hope of believers is eternal life

John 6:40 – For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. NIV

John 12:25 – The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. NIV

See also Romans 2:7

Jesus taught Hell is a real place

Matthew 8:12 – But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” NIV

Matthew 10:28 – Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. NIV

See also Matthew 23:33

The fate of unbelievers is punishment and death

2 Thessalonians 1: 8-9 – He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord. NIV

Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. NIV

Matthew 25:46 – Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life. NIV

Inductive Bible Study Questions

to be used with individual Key Scriptures

  • What is the primary point of this passage?
  • How does this passage challenge us?
  • How does this passage comfort or encourage us?
  • What does this passage teach us about God?
  • What spiritual insights are found in this passage?
  • What are the personal & spiritual implications of this text?
  • What does this passage ask or require of us?

Key Scriptures Bible Study

to be used when studying all Key Scriptures together

  • Did any of the scriptures given surprise you? Explain
  • Did any of the scriptures given confuse you? Explain
  • Did any of the scriptures given comfort or excite you?
  • How would you sum up these scriptures to another?
  • What implications do these scriptures have for our lives?
  • Which of these scriptures would you find it valuable to memorize?

DISCUSSION GUIDES

The Return of Jesus

H1 – Keeping Your Lamp Burning – Luke 12: 35-40

Key Words: Eternity, Readiness, Faithfulness, Return of Christ

  1. What is the primary point of this parable?
  2. Wedding banquets in that day often lasted days or even weeks at a time, does this shed light on the meaning of the parable?
  3. What three commands does Jesus give in verse 35?
  4. What is the significance of being dressed verses being undressed?
  5. What is the significance of having our lamp burning (See Revelation 2-3)?
  6. Jesus indicates that we wants us watching: watching for what?
  7. What does it mean to be on watch?
  8. What is happening on our watch in our community, country, day and time?
  9. What thieves might be breaking into God’s house and what might they be wanting to steal (See 1 Peter 2: 4-10)?
  10. When is Jesus coming back? Do we know the time?
  11. Why is this fact crucial to understanding the parable?
  • Approach God’s Word with humility, honesty and teachability

H2 – Birth Pains – Matthew 24: 1-36

Key Words: Eternity, Readiness, Faithfulness, Hope, Signs of the End

  1. Do we know when Jesus is coming back?
  2. If we do not know when he is coming back, what then is the point of this passage?
  3. What words would you use to describe the end of times?
  4. What is the nature of the spiritual and religious deception that will take place at the end of times?
  5. Verse 8 speaks of birth pains: what is the nature of birth pains and what do they teach us regarding how calamities on earth will come and intensify over time?
  6. What are the various calamities people will face during the end of days?
  7. What does Jesus desire God’s people to understand from this passage?
  8. Describe how the following themes are present in this teaching: watchfulness… faithfulness… endurance… hope.
  • Approach all scripture prayerfully open

H3 – Watching and Waiting – Matthew 24: 36-51

Key Words: Eternity, Readiness, Faithfulness, Signs of the End

  1. Do we know the day or hour when Christ will come?
  2. Will we recognize the season of the end of days?
  3. How will we know when the time is getting close (See entire chapter)?
  4. In what ways do the end of times parallel the days of Noah?
  5. What can we learn from Noah about how to approach the end of days?
  6. In the parable, the master’s servants keep watch over his house, in what ways do God’s people keep watch over his house today (Again, see 1 Peter 2: 4-10)?
  7. How do verses 45- 46 describe a faithful and wise servant?
  8. How does God reward such servants?
  9. What are the tasks God has given us as his servants in our time?
  10. How do verses 48-49 describe wicked servants?
  11. How do these images translate for God’s servants today?
  12. How does God punish such servants?
  • These questions are only suggestions, allow the Holy Spirit to be your guide

H4 – The Rapture – 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18

Key Words: Eternity, Return of Jesus, Hope, Death

  1. What event is Paul describing in this passage?
  2. Who are those who have fallen asleep?
  3. Why would people grieve over those who have fallen asleep?
  4. Why should we not grieve in the same way?
  5. What promise do we have regarding loved ones who have preceded us in the Lord?
  6. What does verse 16 teach the coming of Jesus will be like?
  7. What do you suppose the trumpet represented in Bible times?
  8. What does the trumpet signify in this passage?
  9. What happens when Jesus gives his command?
  10. Can you think of other times when creation responded to the word or command of Christ?
  11. Where will those in Christ be gathered?
  12. What does this teach us about Heaven and hope?
  13. What does verse 18 give us as the purpose of this passage?
  14. Why or why not does this passage have this effect on you?
  • These questions are simply a foundation for you to build upon

H5 – The End of Evil – Revelation 19

Key Words: Eternity, Victory, Hope, Justice, Judgment, Bride of Christ

  1. According to the text, how reliable and accurate are the judgments of God?
  2. Do you feel that God’s judgments are accurate and fair?
  3. Explore the contrasts between a bride and a prostitute.
  4. In general, what do you believe God desires from his people?
  5. How is this reflected in the image of a bride?
  6. How is this violated in the image of a prostitute?
  7. How does the prostitute commit adultery against God?
  8. What does it mean to say she is responsible for the blood of God’s servants?
  9. Is the prostitute a person, institution, spirit, or idea? What is her agenda?
  10. Some have suggested the prostitute is the false or apostate church, some say she is the world system that opposes God, some say she is all humanistic and human centered ideology that sets itself up against God, some say she is all the enemies of God: which of these ideas bests fits the chapter?
  11. What judgments do the wicked experience in this chapter?
  12. Why are these judgments just?
  13. How do these judgments express justice and vindication for the righteous for all time?
  • Create your own study by adding and subtracting questions as needed

The Judgment

H6 – The White Throne Judgement – Revelation 20: 11-15

Key Words: Eternity, Justice, Judgement, Hope, Book of Life, Salvation

  1. When is the event in this passage taking place? Who is seated on the throne?
  2. Who clue do we have besides context that God is on the throne?
  3. Who is standing before God to be judged? How are the dead judged?
  4. What are recorded in the books?
  5. What do we know from scripture about the deeds in the books (John 3: 19-20; Romans 3:23)? There is another book that is opened; what is that book and what is in it?
  6. Whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 13:8; 21:27; Psalm 69:28)?
  7. According to Revelation 13:8, those who belong to the Lamb have their names written in the book of life; who is the Lamb?
  8. Why is he called the Lamb? Why was he sacrificed?
  9. Why do those who belong to the Lamb have their names written in the book of life?
  10. Those who belong to the Lamb are judged by a different standard; what is that standard?
  11. What happens to everyone whose name is not written in the book of life?
  12. What happens to everyone who name is written in the book of life?
  • Your questions are probably better than mine

H7 – The Sheep and the Goats – Matthew 25: 31-46

Key Words: Eternity, Judgment, Righteousness, Works, Faith

  1. According to verse 31 when and where will this judgment take place?
  2. Who is standing before the King?
  3. How is this crowd divided?
  4. Is there significance to these designations?
  5. How is the image of sheep used in scripture (see Psalm 23; John 10:11-18)?
  6. What is the destination of the sheep and goats respectively?
  7. What word does the king use synonymously for sheep in verse 37?
  8. Does this give insight into who the sheep are?
  9. Does this passage speak of a positional or practical righteousness?
  10. What clues does this passage give that the righteous are those who know Jesus and have a relationship with him?
  11. Does this passage teach works as a basis for salvation or does it teach works as a validation or fruit of a genuine relationship with Christ?
  12. How does this passage synch with Ephesians 2: 8-9?
  • Interrogatives are keys that unlock wonderful secrets 

H8 – The Judgement Seat of Christ – 1 Corinthians 3: 10-17

Key Words: Eternity, Judgment, Reward, Works, Good Deeds, Priorities, Earthly Treasure, Eternal Treasure

  1. What aspect of judgment is this passage referring to?
  2. How do we know that Paul is only referring to the saved in this text?
  3. What is the point of this teaching?
  4. What does Paul desire for those reading this letter?
  5. Both Christians and non-Christians will be judged for their deeds; contrast how this works for each?
  6. Why are some deeds referred to as wood, hay and straw?
  7. What qualities of deeds might cause them to be referred to as perishable?
  8. Why are some deeds referred to as gold, silver and costly stones?
  9. Is there anything about the nature of these materials that explains why Paul drew this analogy?
  10. Read Matthew 6: 19-21 and 19:21, how do we store treasure in heaven?
  11. Contrast earthly treasure and heavenly treasure?
  • Be like a detective who interrogates scripture 

H9 – Ultimate Justice – 2 Peter 2

Key Words: Eternity, Justice, Spiritual Leaders, Gospel, False Teachers

  1. Who is this passage referring to?
  2. What activities condemn these false teachers and prophets?
  3. What clues do we have that these people are familiar with the true gospel?
  4. What clues do we have that these people have turned their back on the true gospel?
  5. What is the motivation of these people?
  6. What words does the text use to describe the fate of these false teachers and prophets (there are at least 5 in the first 12 verses)?
  7. What biblical examples does Peter use to describe how God will treat these people?
  8. What is Paul’s argument in verses 5-10?
  9. Explain why or why not verse 10 sums up the attitude of people who live in defiance of God?
  10. What authority might they despise?
  11. How does their behavior parallel the behavior of those in Lot’s or Noah’s time?
  12. How does this passage speak to people who live as if there is no God nor any consequence for their actions?
  13. How does it speak to people who believe they are getting away with unrighteousness?
  • The insight is found in scripture; questions are simply tools to mine the ore

Heaven

H10 – Many Mansions – John 14: 1-7

Key Words: Eternity, Heaven, Hope, Deity of Christ, Promise

  1. What is Jesus’s purpose for this teaching?
  2. Why should this teaching encourage his disciples?
  3. Where is Jesus going?
  4. How do we know Jesus is going to the Father?
  5. According to the text, what is his purpose for going?
  6. What is the purpose of preparing a place for us?
  7. What is Christ’s desire for his followers?
  8. According to verse 6, what is the way to the place where Jesus is going?
  9. How is Jesus using a play on words when he tells his disciples they know the way to where he is going?
  10. How does this text reinforce the deity of Christ?
  11. How does the deity of Christ reinforce this promise?
  12. What comfort, if any, does this passage give you… explain?
  • Follow the lines of curiosity 

H11 – Immortal and Glorious – 2 Corinthians 5: 1-5

Key Words: Eternity, Heaven, Hope, Glorification, New Bodies

  1. What analogy does Paul use here for our mortal bodies?
  2. Contrast and compare an earthly tent with an eternal house?
  3. How do we know our eternal house is spiritual in nature?
  4. How can we be clothed with a building?
  5. For what do we long and groan?
  6. Why would we be so anxious to escape our earthly tent?
  7. What is so deficient about our earthly tent?
  8. Read Revelation 7: 9-17; what does this passage teach about our garments in Heaven?
  9. Verse 4 says, “What is mortal may be swallowed up by life.” Describe at least three ways this is true when we go to Heaven.
  10. What does this text teach regarding life in the mortal world verses life in the immortal world?
  • Group leaders may wish to consult a commentary for background information 

H12 – An Eternal Kingdom – Philippians 3: 17-21

Key Words: Eternity, Kingdom of God, Following Jesus, Transformation, Jesus – King

  1. What pattern does Paul desire we live by?
  2. What is the heavenly pattern?
  3. Contrast and compare those who live according to the earthly pattern verses those who live according to the heavenly pattern?
  4. Why does verse 20 indicate we should live according to the heavenly pattern?
  5. Support or critique the following statement: ‘We live by the values and patterns of the kingdom because we have committed ourselves to the king.’
  6. Does this passage indicate that Jesus will ultimately be Lord of both the earthly and heavenly kingdoms?
  7. When will this happen (see the previous chapter, verses 5-11)?
  8. What does this passage teach regarding those who follow Jesus when he comes into his kingdom?
  9. In what ways will our bodies be like Christ?
  10. Why is the transformation of our mortal bodies a great source of hope?
  • Seek to connect the dots with other scriptures and Bible content 

H13 – Living in Eternal Hope – Hebrews 12: 22-28

Key Words: Eternity, Heaven, Hope, Joy, Book of Life, Covenant,

  1. How is this passage is a summary of heavenly realities?
  2. List the facts regarding heaven we find in this text?
  3. Why do you suppose the angels are so joyful (see Psalm 36: 8-9)?
  4. Why are we called the church of the firstborn?
  5. Where are our names written in heaven?
  6. Who does the text say will be made perfect?
  7. What part of us will be made perfect?
  8. What is the meaning of perfection?
  9. How are we made righteous and what does this have to do with the new covenant?
  10. What is the new covenant (see Luke 22:20; Hebrews 9:15)?
  11. How do people refuse and turn away from God and the eternal realities he offers?
  12. What does verse 28 teach our response should be in light of the hope we have?
  • There are no greater tools for effective Bible study than humility, honesty, and diligence

H14 – New and Eternal Bodies – 1 Corinthian 15: 42-58

Key Words: Eternity, Heaven, Hope, New Bodies, Death, Victory

  1. Contrast and compare the natural and spiritual body.
  2. Where is the natural person from?
  3. What are the qualities of the natural body?
  4. Where is the spiritual person from?
  5. What are the qualities of the spiritual body?
  6. In what ways are our natural bodies associated with death?
  7. Why must our natural bodies eventually find the grave?
  8. Why does a natural view of the world often lead to hopelessness and despair?
  9. Do you think the following statement serves as an adequate summary of verses 42-50? ‘Our natural bodies are destined for sin and death.’
  10. How does God answer the curse of our natural bodies in verse 51 and following?
  11. When will this happen?
  12. What is our victory?
  13. Why are our new bodies immune to sin and death?
  14. How does this reality answer the greatest fear and question of our humanity?
  • You are responsible for your level of engagement

H15 – Citizens of Heaven – Revelation 7: 15-17

Key Words: Eternity, Heaven, Hope, Salvation, Righteousness, Sanctification, Forgiveness

  1. Who does this passage reveal as being before the throne of God?
  2. What does nakedness represent in scripture (see Genesis 3: 10-11)?
  3. What does clothing often represent in scripture (See Genesis 3:21; Isaiah 64:6)?
  4. What does blood accomplish in scripture (see Genesis 3:21; Hebrews 9:22)?
  5. In light of all this, what does it signify to have our garments washed in the blood of the Lamb?
  6. What benefits do the righteous receive in Heaven?
  7. What can we learn about Heaven from this passage?
  8. What is the first and most significant quality of heaven for the righteous?
  9. How do all of the other benefits flow from the first?
  10. Is it possible to have a Heaven without God?
  11. Respond to the following statement: ‘God not Heaven is our primary inheritance.’
  • Go beyond the obvious by avoiding “Yes” or “No” answers

H16 – The New Heaven and Earth – Revelation 21

Key Words: Eternity, Heaven, Hope, Joy, Beauty, Bride of Christ, Light

  1. Who is Heaven prepared for?
  2. Describe an optimal relationship between a bride and groom.
  3. How does the relationship between God and his people parallel that of a bride and groom?
  4. How does verse 3 not only sum up this relationship, but also sum up a major theme of the Bible?
  5. Who is not allowed in Heaven?
  6. What would happen to Heaven if such people were allowed?
  7. How would the presence of the sin and the unrepentant diminish Heaven?
  8. How would it reflect on the holiness, sovereignty, righteousness and justice of God if the unrepentant were allowed?
  9. If Heaven is a spiritual place, why does John use earthly materials to describe its value and beauty in verses 9-21?
  10. How and why is and value and beauty of Heaven a reflection of its creator?
  11. What does verse 22 teach about authentic spirituality and what God desires for us?
  12. What does light represent in general?
  13. What are the qualities of light?
  14. What does light represent in scripture (see John 1: 3-8; John 8:12)?
  15. What does it say that the Father and Son illuminate Heaven?
  16. Does this passage make you long for Heaven… explain?
  • Sit and think before answering

Hell

H17 – Perspective and Hell – Mark 9: 42-49

Key Words: Eternity, Hell, Sin, Death

  1. What point is Jesus making in this passage about sin?
  2. What does the passage indicate is less destructive than sinning?
  3. Does our culture have this same view of sin?
  4. Do you have this same view of sin?
  5. Where does sin ultimately lead?
  6. How does Jesus describe Hell in this passage?
  7. How does it describe the nature of Hell?
  8. How does it describe the intensity of Hell?
  9. How does it describe the duration of Hell?
  10. In light of the nature of Hell, what should our view be of sin?
  • Thoughtful silence is the soil of epiphany

H18 – So Great a Salvation – Hebrews 2: 1-4

Key Words: Eternity, Hell, Judgment, Heaven, Salvation, Forgiveness

  1. What must we be careful to do?
  2. According to verse 3, what message is the author speaking of?
  3. How do verses 3-4 indicate we know this message is true?
  4. Why is salvation so needed?
  5. What does the text teach is deserving of punishment?
  6. What punishment is the text referring to?
  7. Has God provided a way for us to escape this punishment?
  8. What warning does the text give regarding our openness to the message of salvation?
  9. Which of the two following statements best reflects the spirit of this verse… 1) Heaven and Hell depend on whether or not we sin.  2) Heaven and Hell depend on whether or not we trust Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
  •  Seek Nuance

H19 – The Presence of the Lord – 2 Thessalonians 1: 5-10

Key Words: Eternity, Hell, Gospel, Kingdom of God, Judgment, Free Will, Death, God’s Goodness

  1. According to this verse, who is included in the coming kingdom of God?
  2. What does it mean to know God?
  3. How does this speak of relationship: worship, love, desire, commitment, trust, and obedience?
  4. What does it mean to obey the gospel of our Lord?
  5. What is the gospel?
  6. Who will be punished when Jesus comes at the end of days?
  7. How will they be punished?
  8. Do you agree that the text seems to be giving the impression that the worst of this punishment is being shut out from the presence of the Lord?
  9. Revelation 21 gives the impression that everything good about Heaven flows from the person and character of God.
  10. He is the source of all good things.
  11. Does this text follow the same logic… if life and goodness come from the presence of God, then death and destruction are what remains in his absence?
  12. Does it seem fitting to you there is a place for those who reject God and desire nothing of him?
  • Be sure to explore all the resources for each doctrine, virtue, and practice

H20 – Shadows of Heaven and Hell – Luke 16: 19-31

Key Words: Eternity, Hell, Heaven, Free Will, Priorities

  1. Where is the rich man?
  2. Where is Lazarus?
  3. What is this place: it obviously exists prior to the judgment and the end of days (see Revelation 20:14)?
  4. What is the nature of each destination?
  5. How does each destination foreshadow their eternal counterparts?
  6. What does this parable teach about the value of earthly possessions and positions in the afterlife?
  7. How and why is Lazarus pleasantly surprised in the afterlife?
  8. How and why is the rich man surprised?
  9. How does the rich man’s world view change after he dies?
  10. How do his values change?
  11. Explain what it means to live by temporal values?
  12. Explain what it means to live by eternal values?
  13. How is this world and how we live a shadow or indicator of what is to come?
  14. How should the realities of Heaven and Hell change how we live life now?
  • Remember there are additional studies in the Key Scriptures section

GROWING EXERCISES

  1. Research at least three different theories on the end times. I would recommend including pre-millennialism and amillennialism.  What are the basic tenets of each?  What is the scriptural basis for each?  What are the strengths and weaknesses of each?  Which theory do you affirm?

 

  1. Complete a word study on the New Testament use of the word ‘faithful.’ How does Jesus use this word? How is this word emphasized during the book of Revelation?  Read Revelation 1:3.  How are we to take these words to heart?  What is the purpose of the book?  How does the use of the word and idea of being faithful frame Revelation?  Comb through Revelation chapter by chapter and see how many chapters reference being faithful.  What does this teach us about the purpose of prophecy?

 

  1. Research how many times the New Testament refers to crowns. What are the nature of various crowns and who receives them.  What does this reveal about what God values in his people?  What does this reveal about Heaven?  What does Revelation 4 teach about crown in Heaven?  What does reveal about Jesus and how we respond to his presence?

 

  1. Google Far Side cartoons images of both Heaven and Hell. How do the cartoons for both Heaven and Hell reflect popular societal beliefs about each?  What theology is presented for Hell?  What theology is presented for Heaven?  In what ways do each of these differ from biblical theology?

 

  1. How and why must our views on the end times, judgment, Heaven and Hell be consistent with our theology of God: his love, mercy, grace, holiness, sovereignty, justice, and righteousness? For example:

 

  1. Why is Hell necessary?
  2. What happens to our theology of God if he allows all people into Heaven?
  3. Is there a tension between the demands of love and holiness? How is that tension worked out in the coming kingdom?
  4. Is there a tension between the demands of justice and mercy? How is that tension worked out in the coming kingdom?
  5. If God is sovereign and desires all people to go to Heaven, why then do some still end up in Hell?

 

  1. Contrast and compare Christ’s first coming with Christ’s second coming? Be sure to use scripture for your analysis.  What are the differences between the suffering servant and the conquering king?  What is the purpose of each coming?  What is emphasized in each coming?   What are the values of each coming?  What does each coming say about Jesus?  What happens when we only view him as one or the other: suffering servant or conquering king?

RECOMMENDED READING

  1. The Heaven Answer Book by Billy Graham
  2. Heaven by Randy Alcorn
  3. A Life God Rewards by Bruce Wilkinson
  4. Hell Under Fire by Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson
  5. Four Views on Hell by William Crockett
  6. Is Hell for Real or Does Everyone go to Heaven? By Robert Peterson and Albert Mohler
  7. A New Heaven and a New Earth by Richard Middleton
  8. A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times by Kim Riddlebarger
  9. When Time Shall be no More by Paul Boyer
  10. Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Hope of the Church by N.T.Wright
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