THE

DOCTRINE OF LAST THINGS

IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

TIIE doctrine of last things is usually called by a single convenient and comprehensive word, eschatology; but the particulars included in it are not always the same, being sometimes six or seven in number, though commonly four.1 We propose to consider the second advent of Christ, the resurrection, the state of the dead till they rise again, the last judgment, future rewards and

1 Gerhard makes six. See his Loci Theologici, vol. xvii. p. 13, ed. Cotta.

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punishments. Our list has an addition to the usual contents, which is more important, perhaps, than any of them, though compassed with serious difficulties. But it belongs to the whole subject and requires examination. What does the New Testament teach respecting the particulars mentioned ? They are a branch of Christian theology, presenting a test by which the reader can judge how far the genuine Christian spirit developed itself independently of Judaism when the New Testament books were written. The inquiry will also show whether the writers give an harmonious view of the last things, or whether individual peculiarities shaped their opinions. It may also present a criterion in judging the propositions set forth in creeds and confessions relating to the subject; for the question may be asked, How far do these formularies agree with primitive beliefs? The topics in question cannot be examined without a collation of texts, or a comparison of

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many passages in the New Testament. proper conclusion can only be arrived at by the analytic method. Did a homogeneous eschatological view run through the New Testament, we might be satisfied with a synthetic statement, but variations are observable. Laborious

as is an examination of the different Christian

authors, it is a safe way of arriving at the truth.