In this session on eschatology, we focus on the importance of interpreting Scripture by literal, historical, cultural, grammatical, and critical rules. Correct interpretation requires understanding the original meaning of words as they were known to the first readers, even if they did not fully grasp the events described.
Scripture must always be read in context—words like “power” (Romans 1:16) or “doubt” (Romans 14:23) illustrate how meanings can shift depending on usage, yet always remain rooted in their original sense. Figurative language should be recognized as such but not allegorized beyond what the text intends. Literal interpretation respects both the grammar and culture of the original audience.
Examples are given from 1 Peter 1:10–11, John 1:1, Galatians 4, and Jeremiah 31, emphasizing how context, grammar, and cultural background safeguard against misinterpretation. Distinctions must be maintained between Israel, the Church, and the Gentiles when studying prophecy.
Different systems of eschatology are surveyed. Liberal approaches often strip prophecy of the supernatural, allegorize future events, or reinterpret them to fit modern culture, leading to error. Realized and existential eschatology likewise deny the literal fulfillment of prophecy. In contrast, conservative systems, especially premillennialism, hold to a literal thousand-year reign of Christ, a clear distinction between Israel and the Church, and two resurrections.
Ultimately, prophecy should not be allegorized or forced into current events. The next prophetic event is the rapture, after which God will resume His program with Israel. Scripture was written in the common language of its day to be understood plainly, and prophecy must be interpreted literally to preserve its truth.
