6 Points of Negative Eschatology

The following six points of negative eschatology are derived from the idea of a yet imminent, future return of Christ. These were documented in the 19 century during the rise of millennialism.

(1) It is useless to work for things in the distant future.

(2) It is sin to be involved in such worldly pursuits as math, art, science, history and civil government.

(3) Wait for Christ's return, hence, withdraw from society

(4) Retreat from evangelism

(5) Renounce all material possessions, as the materially prosperous cannot be a good Christian. This was a basic premise of the French Revolution --poverty was proof of virtue and sincerity.

(6) Missionary efforts are reduced to spreading knowledge versus saving souls and reforming lives.

The Church Victorious, Ovid Need, Jr.

While many may be partially blinded to the negativity of the futurist paradigm, its fruit in the society cannot be denied. There is an alternate choice. We are not left to a one-sided view of the endtime. Consider the prospect for a fulfilled eschatological paradigm in countering negative eschatology.

Those who view eschatology as fulfilled in first century biblical history are influenced by a worldview of victory, hope and unlimited opportunities. They embrace the present and future with accountability, understanding their power to reign with Christ as kings in influencing the world for good.

Such worldview fosters acceptance of responsibility, accountability and abundance.

Like Paul, they have a balance of desiring to be with Christ, (translated out of this world) but who also understand that to remain in the world to offer service is more needful for the church and society as a whole. Paul chose the latter until his death became inevitable, (Philippians 1:21-25).

Paul's eschatological predictions were limited to the imminent endtime events which characterized the end of the Jewish age but were overshadowed by his bright outlook for the future glory of the church on earth after the arrival of the Parousia, (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Romans 8:17, 18, Ephesians 3:21).

John concurs in his message of glory for the redeemed church. The kingdom of God is a kingdom out of the heavens described as the holy city which comes down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride. It is the tabernacle of God which is now with men. Through it, God dwells in his people, (Revelation 21:2)

God and Christ reign from heaven over the holy city, --the church, where the nations walk in its light. The kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. The gates are not shut by day, there is no night there.

The choice is yours, that of negative eschatology embraced by futurism (knowingly or unknowingly) or the bright, positive worldview of hope in fulfilled eschatology.