In this eschatology study, we trace the future of the church from the rapture through the tribulation, the millennial kingdom, and into eternity. We begin by reviewing the three stages of the Oriental marriage pattern and how it illuminates the marriage of the Lamb—arrangement, consummation, and the marriage feast. From there, we examine key passages on the marriage feast, the parable of the king and his invited guests, and the ten virgins, distinguishing Israel, the 144,000, and tribulation saints from the church.
The message then focuses on what the church is doing during the tribulation. Drawing from Revelation, we see that the church is no longer on earth after the rapture but in heaven, purified, rewarded at the judgment seat of Christ, and serving as kings and priests. We look at the 24 elders, their crowns, their priestly ministry in relation to the prayers of tribulation saints, and why the church is properly understood as heavenly in position and promise, not earthly.
Finally, we explore the role of the church in the millennial kingdom and in the eternal state. The church shares in Christ’s rule over the nations from the New Jerusalem, while Israel receives her land and earthly promises and David reigns over Israel on earth. We consider the new heavens and new earth, the New Jerusalem as the church’s eternal dwelling, the ongoing display of the riches of God’s grace into the ages, and the ultimate state of perfect, unending contentment in God’s presence.
