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That is a great question. Why should we? I mean honestly—haven’t we been waiting for Jesus’ return for over two thousand years at this point? And furthermore, don’t we all have people in our lives that live out the maxim, “Some people are so heavenly-minded that they are no earthly good”. Bottom line, is there a problem with being pan-millennial (it will all “pan” out in the end)?

I think there are reasons to reject the pan-millennial mindset, even though eschatological indifference is not the most egregious indifference to have.

I offer 4 reasons we should care about eschatology:

#1: Jesus cared about it.

At an initial glance, this is an obnoxiously obvious statement. Jesus, being divine, was capable of caring about many aspects of human existence, without the excesses that plague those humans stained with original sin.

But even granting this point, I believe there is value in unearthing the reasoning behind the eschatological focus of Jesus.

First, Jesus knew the disciples could be deceived.

Matthew 24:4 (ESV)

And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.”

People are always talking about the signs of the end times, whether global events or technology, political figures or future eschatological dates. All of this needs to be interpreted very carefully. Jesus made it clear that no one, even the Son of Man Himself, knew the day and the time of Jesus’ return.

Second, Jesus wants the disciples to be ready.

The parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) is one of the many parables encouraging followers of Jesus to be ready. Earthly distractions are always available. Demonic distractions are subtle, but soul sucking. Satan knows if he cannot remove an image-bearer from the grip of the Father, he is more than happy to prevent any divine blessing or empowerment to occur, by keeping the elect busy, content and comfortable.

Third, Jesus went to prepare an eternal home for us.

There is no question that John 14 has a soteriological flavor to it. And yet, there are fundamental assurances that Jesus gives in this chapter, specifically in verses 2-3.

John 14:2-3 (ESV)

In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Hope. This is vomited all over this text. The disciples are assured that each of them will have a room in the Father’s house. The assumption draws the conclusion that community is valued in this new existence. We will not only have deeper communion with God, but also a deeper union with each other.

Furthermore, the concept of reunion is highlighted in this text. Reunions are often elevated higher than they should be. But that does not mean that reunions are not part of the sweetness of Heaven. We will see those individuals again, the ones who entered the afterlife trusting in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of sins.

#2: Eschatology is meant to edify us.

Again, this seems like a no-brainer, but the vitriol and obsessiveness of some Christians makes me wonder if this can be a sanctifying tool of the Holy Spirit. Yet aside from the frailty of man, the scriptures are quite clear that eschatology is meant to edify the follower of Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

I mean the whole point of the book of Revelation is the JESUS WINS. I don’t know what is more edifying than that.

#3: It is in the Bible for a reason.

This point is similar to the previous point, but God moved (or carried along) the authors of scripture to write what God ordained in eternity past to reveal. No more, no less.

2 Peter 1:21

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus didn’t have to teach about the end times. He could have stuck to moral living or lessons on salvation. But a vast amount of Jesus’ teaching was focused on the afterlife. Even the resurrection itself was eschatological in nature.

J. Barton Payne once said that 27% of the Bible is predictive prophecy. That is over one-fourth of total written revelation. It could easily be argued that hope is what fuels perseverance. If this is so, then reading the prophetic portion of the Scriptures is vital for bold, empowered lives.

#4: It is fascinating.

I have often told people that from a pastoral perspective, if I wanted to draw a crowd (with my preaching), I would preach a series about eschatology. People are fascinated with the rapture, the anti-Christ, the Four Horsemen and 666. There is no question that a reader who employs wooden literalism is the most crazy at an eschatological party. That being said, even those with better hermeneutics still enjoy a playground date within the Disneyland of Symbolism.

On a serious note, eschatology provides mild relief for the weary spiritual traveler. Suffering is the litmus test of genuine faith, therefore, eschatological literature provides the necessary adrenaline boost to stay the course.

There is a reason God took Saul of Tarsus up to the Third Heaven. Seeing the ACTUAL finish line is an unusual gift, but prophecy provides a taste. And as you know, the aftertaste stays with you for a while.