Part 1-Putting On Different Glasses (Originally Published On May 19, 2011)
Eschatology is the part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind.
Why would anyone want to embark on this topic? It has been discussed and over discussed. I want to offer a new perspective on eschatology. When I first came to the Lord I heard many teachings about the end times. The main focus was that everything was going to get worse and by the grace of God we were going to get sucked out at the last moment and no judgments would ever come upon us. I would watch as people would get excited as if this was good news. On the other hand, there would almost be a quiet joy over calamity, because this meant that Jesus was coming back.
This philosophy however leaves many people without power and hope for the future. The year was 1996 and I had completed seven years of study on the topic of the end times according to the way it was taught. I found myself frustrated and convinced that it was not accurate.
First, it seemed that there was no hope to shape the future. We were all living our lives and no matter what we did it was going to end up the same. The devil was going to take over the earth and in a flash Superman Jesus would rescue us from the fate of a lost world and we would spend at least the next seven years in heaven while judgment and fire were being poured out on the earth. I have even heard people use this as a witnessing tool. Our prayers were hopeless in the dying world and nothing could change the outcome. We were to give ourselves to getting as many souls to the Holy Spirit bus stop and wait for Elijah or Moses to come and pick us up. As exciting as winning the souls may sound, when you have this theology it seems pointless to pray for dreams and vision of a future and a hope. Remember time is short so don’t make any long-range plans.
Second, this theology lacked the power that was clearly given to the Church. The notion that our future was already mapped out took away one of the most amazing gifts from God, free will! Without that we are no different than the animals. We are history makers not role players. Winston Churchill put it this way, “History shall be kind to me for I intend to write it.” That is power. Things are not left up to chance but by co-laboring with the Father of heaven we can shape the world.
Third, the kingdom of God was a place in a time period that seemed pointless to me. All the scripture I read kept pointing to a kingdom that was here and now. What I was taught was that the kingdom would come at the return of the Lord and then everything would be better. Unfortunately, I just could not see it. Why was the church just settling for a mediocre existence and not the fullness that the Lord Jesus obtained for us?
Forth, there was too much fear and not enough power, love and sound mind. I watched the youth become disenchanted with life as it was to come to an end quickly. Anytime you hear a spirit of fear in our doctrine you have the right to question it. God’s kingdom is one of love not fear.
In 1993 my son, Jordan, was born. When I was praying the Lord told me not to tell him that he was the last generation for it would shorten his days. Again and again the Spirit would break down the walls of the old fearful theology and begin to formulate a new one that brought hope and power.
Over the next several months I want to take you on a journey that I have been on for fifteen years. We will cover many of the topics that will reveal the kingdom in a powerful way. When we are done I hope to have convinced you that you are a world changer and have been given the most amazing opportunity in the kingdom.
Addicted to His Presence,
Louis C DeSiena
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