Romans- Paul’s eschatology

Question 1

Romans Summary

Answer 1

Paul begins this letter in a similar manner as the others we have read; he gives words of encouragement. By chapter 2 Paul has started going off on Jewish believers, and states that circumcision is now an inward matter, not a physical matter. He then backs this up by siting Abraham as evidence; Abraham was made righteous before his circumcision. Paul goes on, in later chapters, to make a very powerful argument and to enlighten the reader about the realities of Christ.

Question 2

Eschatology: Definition

Answer 2

The world-movement, religiously considered, tending towards a definite goal, beyond which a new order of affairs will be established

This new order of affairs will not be subject to any further change, but will partake if the static character of the eternal

Question 3

Course of development

Answer 3

Bianry and antithetical (opposites):

• This age, and the age to come (overlap)
  1. Creation of first man
  2. Beginning of age to come- Jesus
  3. End of this age- second coming (Parousia) and final judgement
• The first man and the last man (Jesus)

Question 4

The Parousia (the second coming of the Messiah)

Answer 4

A sign preceding the Parousia
-Punishment of Israel

Events preceding
-Persecution (many antichrists- against or in place of)

The manner of the Parousia
-Widely visible and glorious

Question 5

Resurrection: Scope

Answer 5

Universal

1. Believers will be raised to glory
2. Unbelievers raise for punishment

Question 6

Resurrection: Timing

Answer 6

Only once

At the Parousia (no rapture)

Question 7

Resurrection: Aspects

Answer 7

Now resurrection of the soul (already come in part)

Then resurrection of the body

Question 8

The change of those living at the Parousia

Answer 8

Not everyone will have died before, those alive fall into two camps

i. Believers
- Bodies are glorified- not subject to decay or death (just as believer who are dead)
ii. Unbelievers
- Nothing will happen to their bodies (just as unbelievers who are dead)

Question 9

The judgment: Scope

Answer 9

Partial, not universal

1. Believers will be vindicated, not judged (judged at cross)
2. Unbelievers for Adam’s sin and their own

Question 10

The judgement: Timing

Answer 10

After Parousia and resurrection

Question 11

The judgement: Aspects

Answer 11

Believers judged- 33 CE

Unbelievers judged at the end of time

Question 12

The consummate state

Answer 12

Definition
i. When age to come (kingdom of God) no longer over laps with this age

Qualities

i. Glory
ii. Communion with God
iii. Eternal life