One of the biggest issues that seems to cause division between Christians is endtimes positions. It's a pity because I dont think this topic is a DIRECT salvation issue although groups with certain views are left open to deception by men.
Much endtimes theology seems to come from these verses in Revelation:
Rev 20:3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
Rev 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Rev 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Rev 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
After I read the bible (having not been churched in any way) I found it surprising when I joined Christian forums to find so much talk on a pre-trib rapture and a future Earthly literal millenial Kingdom of Christ on Earth. I found these ideas foreign and unscriptural.
Join us in our
End Times / Bible Prophecy section to discuss the various positions.
You will find threads on:
Amillennialism - Christs Kingdom was ushered in at His first coming and the '1000 years' is a symbolic number.
PRE-Millenialism - Future Earthly literal 1000 year reign on Earth by Christ from Jerusalem.
Post Millenialism - A '1000 year' golden era dominated by Christians on Earth will be followed by Christs return.
God Bless.