Glossary for Eschatology: The Study of Last Things

Apocalypse: 1) a uncovering; revealing; making know what was formerly concealed. 2) More ancient title for the final book of the Bible, now more commonly called Revelation (singular, no final "S").

Apocalyptic: A highly symbolic literary form which finds its roots in the word above, usually deals with the proclamation of cataclysmic events and "grand finales."

Armageddon: A place name occuring *ONCE in Scripture, Revelation 16:16. A major cult uses the name as a general title for its doctrine of the consummation (see below). It likely finds its etymological origin in the Old Testament place name Megiddo.

Chiliasm: See millenialism.

Consummation: The ultimate fulfillment of God's purposes, the end of history which ushers in the eternal state.

Eschaton: Greek word for LAST from which the English word eschatology derives. The eschaton is the climax of history.

FOREtelling prophecy: Miraculous prediction of future events through divine inspiration by Biblical writers such as Daniel and Isaiah.

FORTHtelling prophecy: Proclamation of the word of God which does not necessarily involve the miraculous, and which continues today through those faithful to the inspired Scriptures; i.e. preaching.

Futuristic: Regards a prophetic prediction as yet unfulfilled (compare preteristic).

Hymenaeism - A.k.a. "full preterism." Teaches that the resurrection already happened; named for an heretic to whom Paul referred at 2 Timothy 2:16-18.

Millenialism: Also known as chiliasm. Views regarding the 1,000 year reign of Christ and His people, mentioned in *ONE Biblical passage, Revelation 20:1-7.

• A - millenialism - Characterized by uncertainty about the nature of whatever history remains before the consummation, which includes Christ's final, visible, and public coming; the general resurrection of all mankind; and the final judgment. The 1,000 years is not literal, but refers to the present new covenant (church) age. The end of the millenium could be in the near OR distant future. Somewhat regrettable label since it does not reject that one Biblical passage in its interpretation of it.
• Pre - millenialism - Expects a generally worsening future for this present new covenant age, the end of which is probably very close at hand. His final, visible, and public coming inaugurates a literal 1,000 year reign of Christ on Earth; often conceived as having earthly Jerusalem as a "capitol." The general resurrection of all mankind and the final judgment occur AFTER the literal millenium. There are several nuances of this view.
• Post - millenialism - Expects a generally improving future for this present new covenant age, which it identifies as the 1,000 years like the a-millenial view. This non-literal millenium will end with Christ's final, visible, and public coming which includes the general resurrection of all mankind and the final judgment.

Preteristic - Regards a prophetic prediction as already fulfilled (compare futuristic)