The term “eschatology” comes from the Greek eschatos, meaning “last,” and logos, meaning “subject matter.”[i] Therefore, eschatology is the doctrinal study of prophetic events in this present age that will be fulfilled in the last days leading up to the return of Christ. It also includes events that will occur in the age to come after Christ’s return, including the Millennium, the final “great white throne of judgment,” the New Jerusalem, and the new heaven and earth. Prophecy in this study deals with predicted future events given to Israel, many of which were fulfilled at Christ’s First Advent, and all remaining predictions that will be fulfilled at His Second Advent. We read in Daniel, “Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city… To seal up vision and prophecy…” (Daniel 9:24). When the One who was predicted to come, Jesus, has returned to dwell with His people, there is no longer a need for predictions. All predictions will have been fulfilled, and all visions and prophecies will be sealed forever.
Edom and The Last Days
The word Edom in Hebrew means “red.” The Bible relates this name to Esau, the elder son of the Hebrew patriarch Isaac and the brother of Jacob—later named Israel. Esau became the father of the Edomites and other nations, including Amalek. The Edomites primarily inhabited the area of Mount Seir. This mountainous region, situated in modern-day Jordan, stretches along the eastern flanks of the Jordan Valley from the Dead Sea southward towards the Gulf of Aqaba.
Are We Seeing the End?
Are we seeing the end of the age, the days immediately before the tribulation and the return of Christ? Quite possibly. Previous generations thought they were living at the end, saying, “Look at all these wars and horrific events taking place. Certainly, the end is upon us.” And when Jesus did not return as expected, scoffers arose to criticize the church. So what has changed in this generation? We will find out.
The Mystery of Babylon
We read in Jeremiah: “Flee from the midst of Babylon, and every one save his life! Do not be cut off in her iniquity, for this is the time of the Lord’s vengeance; He shall recompense her” (Jeremiah 51:6).
The Day of The Lord
“The great day of the Lord is near; It is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the day of the Lord is bitter; There the mighty men shall cry out. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of devastation and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness” (Zephaniah 1:14-15, NKJV).