The Bible and the Future

The purpose of this course is to explore the biblical teaching and current theories surrounding the theme of the Second Coming of Christ, and all of the rich textured topics which revolve around it. Special emphasis in this course will be placed on the practical meaning of this teaching for discipleship, especially in urban communities which so desperately need the ministry of hope in its congregations and neighborhoods. We will critically assess the biblical evidence for the various dimensions of the future, the intermediate state, and the final judgments, and close with a close look at the eternal state of believers, and the hope of eternal life to come at the parousia, or Second Coming of our Lord Jesus.