Christian eschatology facts for kids
Eschatology is a part of Christian theology. It's a special study about what Christians believe will happen at the very end of time. It also looks at what happens to people's souls after they die, according to the Holy Bible.
This study focuses on big questions like: What is death? What happens after we die? Will people come back to life? And what is the final judgment?
The word "Eschatology" comes from two old Greek words. "Eschatos" means "last," and "logy" means "the study of." So, it literally means "the study of the last things." People started using this word in English around 1844.
Contents
What Is Eschatology?
Eschatology is a branch of theology, which is the study of religious beliefs. For Christians, eschatology explores the "last things" or "end times." It's about God's plan for the future of the world and humanity.
This field of study helps Christians understand their hopes and beliefs about the future. It covers events that are believed to happen at the end of history.
Key Ideas in Christian Eschatology
Christian eschatology looks at several important ideas. These ideas are found in the Bible and have been discussed by Christians for centuries.
Death and Life After Death
One main topic is what happens when a person dies. Christians believe that death is not the end. They believe in a "life after death." This means that a person's soul continues to exist after their body dies.
The Bible teaches that after death, people will go to either Heaven or Hell. Heaven is seen as a place of eternal happiness with God. Hell is a place of eternal separation from God.
Resurrection of the Dead
Another key idea is the "resurrection of the dead." This means that at some point in the future, people's bodies will be brought back to life. This is similar to how Jesus Christ was resurrected after his death.
Christians believe that both those who have died and those who are still alive will receive new, spiritual bodies. This event is often linked to the Second Coming of Christ.
The Second Coming of Christ
The "Second Coming of Christ" is a central belief in Christian eschatology. Christians believe that Jesus will return to Earth. This return will be a major event that signals the end of the current world.
When Jesus returns, it is believed that he will establish his kingdom fully. He will also judge all people.
The Final Judgment
After the Second Coming, Christians believe there will be a "Final Judgment." This is when God will judge all people. Everyone will be judged based on their actions and beliefs during their lives.
This judgment will decide if people go to Heaven or Hell for eternity. It is seen as a time of justice and accountability.
A New Heaven and New Earth
Many Christians believe that after the Final Judgment, God will create a "new heaven and new earth." This is described in the Bible as a perfect place. It will be free from sin, suffering, and death.
This new creation is seen as the ultimate goal of God's plan. It is a place where God will live with his people forever.
Why Is Eschatology Important?
Eschatology is important for Christians because it gives them hope. It helps them understand God's plan for the future. It also encourages them to live good lives now.
Believing in these future events can influence how Christians live today. It reminds them that their actions have eternal consequences. It also gives them comfort in times of loss.
Images for kids
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The tree of life, a print from the Phillip Medhurst Collection of Bible illustrations.
See also
In Spanish: Escatología cristiana para niños
