I call this study a systematic approach… so here it is.
Nearly everyone knows there are a myriad of different interpretations of what the Bible teaches about the end days. Why not start with the easiest-to-interpret passages relating to it first? In other words, DON’T START AT REVELATION! I’m sorry I got a little bit loud with that. I suggest to think about it this way. It’s much like putting a puzzle together: You start with the easy corner and side pieces and work your way to the inside of the puzzle.
You may have read the Book of Revelation already and have decided that the persecution of ἐκκλησία (Church) under Nero in 67 A.D. fulfilled most or all of the perils described in it. Or you may have been taught a teaching that most of the book doesn’t pertain to the end times church because you believe are going to mysteriously vanish after the third chapter. Pre-trib, Post-trib, Mid-Trib, Pre-wrath, Preterist, Partial- preterist, Postmillennialism, Amillenialism, Panmillenialism? Whatever conclusion you draw from the Book of Revelation, you must address the plethora of writings—or “pieces of the puzzle”—that were laid down prior the the book of Revelation.
For me, the teachings of Jesus from the synoptic Gospels serve as corner pieces. For the side pieces I consider the writings of Paul in the epistles to the churches. I believe the teachings of Jesus and of Paul go hand in hand as Jesus gives context and Paul gives clarity.
Anyone who has read Paul’s letters knows how precise he is in his language. After all, Paul was trained as a Pharisee who is well versed in the law. Look at the book of Romans. It is an open and shut case for why we need and how to understand the Gospel. Romans and Ephesians also serve to clarify the salvation plan and define the meanings of words like Jew, Israel, and Church and how they fit together. Between the Synoptic Gospel accounts and Paul’s writings I believe we have ample framework providing us the timing of Jesus’ parousia (coming).
The Apostle John beautifully communicates Jesus’ essence, but we have to concede he is not always the most precise in his language. Look for example at John 3:32-33 (KJV):
“And what he hath seen and heard, that he testfieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. 33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.”
What’s he trying to say? It is no one or is it some? In that regard, what is he saying in Revelation 13:16? (KJV) “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark….” Does he really mean everyone? Are any believers around during the tribulation that survive or get saved? We will cross examine this statement of John’s based in the writings of both Paul and Zechariah. Again, I recommend starting with the more unambiguous teachings of Paul, along with the core teaching of Jesus in the synoptic Gospels. (Matthew and Luke and Mark).
After those scriptures, add in a few chapters of Peter’s and Jude’s epistles as well. They wont take very long. Then it’s time to dig into the Old Testament books that speak expressly of end times events like Zechariah, Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Micah and even small parts of Zephaniah and the Psalms. Zechariah, notably, contributes such clarity on the parousia I might even consider it as one of the side pieces. Even other books I haven’t mentioned can be useful in putting together the pieces. One caution in studying the Old Testament books, is the use of types and shadows, especially in Daniel. Some of those prophecies are of things that have already happened and may be fulfilled again with the first fulfillment serving as the type or shadow of something to come.
Now when we delve into Revelation, you have a context to put it into like the recipients of John’s letter in the late first century did. Along with Revelation I would include Daniel with all of it’s symbolism as another book that needs to be fit the more concrete teachings of the synoptic gospels and epistles.
In section 4 I will give a laundry list of books and chapters that I encountered that can be useful in parousia study. I will not claim that this list will be an “end all” list. You may choose to read these before reviewing my teaching. You may even find more that fit into the big picture. I hope you will enjoy being able to grasp onto what the early church fathers ardently and lovingly labored for, and even died for: A people who will not be “destroyed for a lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6).