Dear Theophilus

What I have been talking about is called Kingdom Eschatology! This is the belief that basically we don't have to experience the world coming to a harsh and crashing end, that the world doesn't have to go to hell in a hand basket. That we as Christ followers do not have to fear anything, in part because we have power over dreadful things and in part because nothing worth fearing is going to rise up and destroy us (i.e. antichrist). Don't quote me as saying that no bad things will effect us. Christ is very clear, "Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also" (John 15: 20). So why is this a big deal? Many of my brothers and sister in the Lord have been apart of an ideal that is not accurate and is only less than 200 years old (Dispensationalism). It wouldn't be such a big deal to let inaccuracy remain except it causes irrational and unfounded behavior. I see in the Church ...

(This image is the least offensive one I can find which makes this blog all the more important to dispel the awful and unfounded notions out there). The Anti-christ has been a terrifying picture for many believers and non-believers alike. But where does the notion come from and how has it evolved to become the distortion it is today? Before we begin, we must first look at how Christians determine doctrine and beliefs. Protestants have their saying, "Sola Scriptura " which is easily translated, "Only Scripture" or "By Scripture alone." This is the mindset that all discernible beliefs and practices should be derived from Scripture. It is the belief that I ascribe to and the one from which I will argue. The other side of the coin that comes into play is Tradition which Catholics allow. We Protestants believe we are purer but we also have tradition mixed in as well and I will use tradition but only as a support for proper interpretation of scriptura. Th...