Your Kingdom Come Section Study Guides Thirdmill 316 Live Oaks Boulevard Casselberry, FL 32707 USA YOUR KINGDOM COME STUDY GUIDE 1.1 Lesson 1: The Goal of Creation Section 1: Old Testament Expectations OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES The Goal of Creation Introduction I. Old Testament Expectations A. Creation B. Redemption 1. Adamic Covenant 2. Noahic Covenant 3. Abrahamic Covenant 4. Mosaic Covenant 5. Davidic Covenant C. Eschaton REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What is God's purpose in history and in creation? 2. Where in the "Our Father" is God's purpose in history and creation summarized? 3. What is meant by the technical term "eschatology"? 4. As God's vassals on Earth, what job has He given us to do? 5. Which Old Testament passage is referred to as the "cultural mandate"? 6. What technical term do theologians use for the offer of redemption found in Genesis 3:15? 7. How long is the stability of nature promised in Genesis 8:22? 8. How did the Mosaic covenant incorporate and continue the covenants with Adam, Noah, and Abraham? 9. Where do we find the historical record of God's covenant with David? 10. Which kingdom conquered the nation of Israel in 722 B.C.? 11. What was Isaiah's hope for the nation of Israel (seen in Isaiah 2:4) after the exile? 12. True or False? Old Testament prophets, like Isaiah, built on the Davidic covenant by saying there would be a perpetual line of Davidic kings. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What has been your experience with or understanding of "eschatology" prior to starting this course? 2. Why is it important to study eschatology? What are the practical implications of developing a biblical doctrine of eschatology? 3. How has God uniquely gifted you to be his "vassal" where you live? 4. What encouragement do you find in reading that the Messiah's reign will never end? 5. How do you understand the “cultural mandate” in practical terms. In what ways can you fulfill the “cultural mandate”? YOUR KINGDOM COME STUDY GUIDE 1.2 Lesson 1: The Goal of Creation Section 2: New Testament Realizations OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. New Testament Realizations A. Theological Developments B. Historical Complications 1. Unmet Expectations 2. Prophetic Mystery 3. Covenantal Conditionality 4. Divine Freedom C. Adjusted Expectations 1. Last Days: Inauguration 2. Last Days: Continuation 3. Last Days: Consummation REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Jewish theologians between the Old Testament and the time of Christ saw the first age ("this age") characterized by what? 2. During his life and ministry, did Jesus fulfill all of the contemporary expectations for the last days? Explain. 3. Did the biblical prophets always explain the fulfillments of their prophecies in detail? 4. What analogy does Jeremiah use in Jeremiah 18 to illustrate the fundamental conditionality of the covenant? 5. When God swears, or takes an oath, or makes a covenant, those promises are __________. 6. What kind of transition between "this age" and "the age to come" did Jewish theologians at the time of Jesus expect? 7. The eschatological kingdom has been advancing, or growing in the world at least since the time of __________. 8. What did the term "gospel" or "good news" typically refer to in the ancient world? 9. In what passage do we see Jesus comparing the kingdom to a field growing toward harvest, a mustard tree that grows from a seed, and yeast expanding a lump of dough? What do they collectively describe? 10. According to 2 Peter 3:10, 13 the present creation will be destroyed by what? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What kind of tension is there in living simultaneously in both "this age" and "the age to come"? 2. Is it troublesome to you to know that Christ didn't fulfill all of the messianic expectations in his first coming? Why, why not? 3. What can we learn from the fact that the Jews did not understand exactly how the Messiah was to fulfill the prophecies of his first coming teach us? How can we be sure that we do not misunderstand the prophecies about the second coming? What attitude should we have? 4. If this present creation is to be destroyed, why should we bother caring for it? 5. Already, in process, and not yet The first presentation of the series "Your Kingdom Come" highlights the theme of inaugurated eschatology. This concept makes a distinction between three stages of the development of the kingdom of God: inauguration, continuation, and consummation. Christ "already" fulfilled some aspects in His first coming, some aspects are in process, and other aspects have "not yet" been fulfilled (and are not in process yet either). This also has an application in our personal lives. That is, some aspects of our salvation were already fulfilled when we converted, other aspects are in process, and some aspects have not yet been fulfilled. Consider the following passages, and write next to each “Already,” “In Process,” or “Not Yet”, as appropriate: Romans 5:1 _______________ Romans 6:14 _______________ Romans 8:1 _______________ Romans 8:21 _______________ Romans 12:2 _______________ 1 Cor. 15:52 _______________ Rev. 21:4 _______________ YOUR KINGDOM COME STUDY GUIDE 2.1 Lesson 2: The Living and the Dead Section 1: Present State OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES Introduction I. Present State A. Unregenerate 1. Spiritual Death 2. Moral Inability 3. Enmity with God B. Regenerate 1. Spiritual Life 2. Moral Ability 3. Reconciliation to God REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What is “individual eschatology”? 2. Where do we find the only reliable answers to questions about life after death? 3. What is the "essence of spiritual death"? 4. What is meant by the Latin phrase "posse non peccare"? 5. Why does the lesson say the unregenerate are not simply bystanders or innocent civilians in the spiritual conflict? 6. Are all the unregenerate simply deceived and, therefore, not considered God's "enemies"? Why or why not? 7. Does the Holy Spirit completely remove sin's corruption and influence from our lives when He regenerates us? 8. Do evangelical theologians agree that God can claim credit for the good works we do? 9. Because we are united to Jesus, what is our new status with God the Father? 10. What does Dr. D. A. Carson say about the idea that you are justified partly on the basis of Christ’s work and partly on the basis of how you have lived? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Besides the Bible, where else might people go for answers to questions about life after death? Why are those sources inadequate? 2. Why is it important to see the unregenerate as more than bystanders in the spiritual conflict? 3. What attitude should we have toward unregenerate people? 4. Why is it important to recognize that our own works do not partly merit our justification? 5. How would you answer a person who says that if we believe our good works don’t merit our salvation, we will sin more? YOUR KINGDOM COME STUDY GUIDE 2.2 Lesson 2: The Living and the Dead Section 2: Intermediate State OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Intermediate State A. Physical Death B. Unregenerate Souls C. Regenerate Souls 1. Lord's Presence 2. Fellowship with Regenerate Souls 3. Perfect Holiness REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What is the “intermediate state”? 2. Since our bodies don't go with us to heaven when we die, are they really that important? Why, or why not? 3. Do our souls cease to exist when we die? 4. Which biblical passage gives us the clearest picture of how unregenerate souls experience the intermediate state? 5. In Luke 23:43, Jesus tells the penitent thief they would be together in paradise. According to Jesus, when would they be together? 6. Who is included when the Bible speaks of those who are "in the grave"? 7. Which biblical passage shows us regenerate souls in the intermediate state fellowshipping with one another? 8. When do regenerate persons lose the ability to sin? 9. Summarize what happens to the regenerate and the unregenerate in the intermediate state. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Why do some believers (the regenerate) still fear physical death? What is your attitude when you contemplate death? 2. In the end, does it matter if our bodies are buried or dealt with some other way after we die? Explain your view. 3. Read Philippians 1:18-25. What is Paul’s dilemma? How does this passage help us think more biblically about death? For what reason does he think he will not die yet? What does this passage teach us about our purpose for remaining alive? YOUR KINGDOM COME STUDY GUIDE 2.3 Lesson 2: The Living and the Dead Section 3: Final State OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Final State A. Physical Resurrection B. Unregenerate C. Regenerate 1. Perfect Bodies 2. New Heavens and New Earth 3. Rewards REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Who will be raised at the general resurrection? 2. Which Old Testament passage is given in the lesson to indicate that there will be a general resurrection? 3. What are the two categories of terms typically used to describe hell in the New Testament? 4. According to the lesson, is God present in Hell? 5. When is the salvation of the regenerate made complete? 6. According to Dr. Alcorn, does the fact that there will be no curse in the final state mean that will there be no work? 7. In the ___________, God's curse on the earth will be completely removed. 8. Summarize what happens to the regenerate and the unregenerate in the final state. 9. How does Dr. Matt Carter answer the question of how a loving God could send people to hell? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. In a day when many people would find the idea of hell unfashionable, why should we hold to this important Christian doctrine? 2. How do you reconcile God's love with his judgment of the unregenerate in hell? 3. How are the new heavens and the new earth different from "heaven" in the intermediate state? 4. What things are you especially looking forward to in the stage of the new heavens and new earth? 5. If you could ask Jesus a question about the eternal state, what would it be? Why? 6. How could you comfort the family members of a recently deceased Christian? How could you comfort the family members of a recently deceased non-Christian? Write down some ideas. 7. Bob Dylan, Knockin’ on Heaven's Door Bob Dylan sings, It's gettin' dark, too dark to see I feel I'm knockin' on heaven's door Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door (1973, "Knockin 'on Heaven's Door") QUESTION: Suppose you were to die today and "knock on heaven's door." If God asked you, "Why should I let you into my presence?", how would you answer? YOUR KINGDOM COME STUDY GUIDE 3.1 Lesson 3: The Coming of the King Section 1: The Return of Christ OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES I. The Return of Christ A. Necessity 1. Abraham's Heir 2. David's Heir B. Manner 1. Personal 2. Physical 3. Visible 4. Triumphant REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. In what key passages of the New Testament do we see Jesus' eventual return mentioned? 2. God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15 and 17 included what two things? 3. How did Abraham's son Isaac serve as a type or foreshadow that prefigured Christ? 4. At the present time, where is Jesus' throne located? 5. Did Jesus' ascension in Matthew 28 and Acts 1 indicate that his eschatological work was complete? 6. Is Jesus reigning now, both in heaven and on earth? 7. The promises made to Abraham and David can only be fulfilled by Jesus in his _______ nature. 8. What are the four terms used to describe the manner in which Jesus will return? 9. When Jesus returns, who will be able to see him visibly? 10. What does the theological term “kenosis” mean? Where does the term come from? What is the erroneous interpretation of its meaning? According to the lesson, what is the correct meaning? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Do you find yourself more content with this life, or more discontent? Why? What would make you more content? 2. Why would God ask 'human sacrifice' of Abraham if He is good and loving? 3. Do you long for the future physical return of Christ? What do you think it will be like? YOUR KINGDOM COME STUDY GUIDE 3.2 Lesson 3: The Coming of the King Section 2: The Signs of the Times OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. The Signs of the Times A. Divine Mystery B. Significant Precursors 1. Demonic Opposition 2. Human Opposition 3. Worldwide Evangelism C. Interpretive Strategies REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. The eschaton unfolds in what three stages? 2. Why didn't Jesus tell his disciples when he would return? 3. Even though God has freedom in how he fulfills his prophecies about the future, does the Bible give us enough guidelines to have legitimate expectations about Christ’s return? 4. Where will the two beasts of Revelation come from? 5. Who is mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10 that is satanically empowered to perform false miracles, eventually proclaiming himself to be God? 6. What do the white robes and palm branches represent in Revelation 7:9? 7. Explain the four evangelical strategies for interpreting the precursors to Christ’s return: preterism, futurism, historicism, and idealism. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Would you like to know exactly when Jesus will return? Why? How would it affect you? 2. Of the four interpretive strategies mentioned regarding the precursors to Christ’s return, which do you find most compelling? Why? YOUR KINGDOM COME STUDY GUIDE 3.3 Lesson 3: The Coming of the King Section 3: The Millennium OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. The Millennium A. Historic Premillennialism B. Dispensational Premillennialism C. Postmillennialism D. Amillenialism REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Briefly describe each of the four views of the millennium presented in this lesson: historic premillennialism, dispensational premillennialism, postmillennialism, and amillenialism. 2. What are some of the key points on which all evangelicals agree regarding the millennium? What is the key area of disagreement in general? 3. What term is used to describe the perspective that God's eschatological kingdom has begun in Christ but hasn't yet come in all its fullness? 4. What 2nd century author tells us there were a variety of opinions on the millennium in his day? 5. Which view of the millennium is sometimes called "chiliasm" in ancient writings? 6. Premillennialists look to which passage to show people will live much longer during the millennium? 7. What is the key difference between historic premillennialism and dispensational premillennialism? 8. Dispensationalism teaches that God works in _______ ways during _____ eras or "dispensations." What difference does this make for eschatology? 9. How do dispensationalists view God’s plan for the Jewish people? 10. Which millennial view teaches that the millennium is an age of greater and greater success for the gospel, the expansion of the kingdom, and for its influence in society, preparing the earth for Christ's return? 11. What is the difference between amillenialism and postmillennialism? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Which millennial position do you find to be the most compelling? Why? 2. What is the practical importance of adopting the most biblical position (in your view) of the millennium? 3. Why is it important to believe, like Justin Martyr, that regarding millennial views, "many who belong to the pure and pious faith, and are true Christians, think otherwise"? Do you sometimes tend to be too dogmatic about your view of the millennium? 4. What encouragement do you find in studying Christ's eventual return and reign? 5. What things should all evangelicals be able to agree on regarding the second coming of Christ? YOUR KINGDOM COME STUDY GUIDE 4.1 Lesson 4: The End of the Age Section 1: General Resurrection OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES I. General Resurrection A. Early Controversies B. Divine Authority 1. Hell 2. Heaven C. Effect on Creation 1. Natural World 2. Hell 3. Heaven REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Why is the general resurrection called "general"? 2. Which Jewish sect in Jesus' day denied a physical resurrection of the dead? 3. While there were some Jewish groups that denied a universal, bodily resurrection, do we have any record of anyone in the first century church doing so? 4. Who rules over hell? What are the implications for this? 5. What does the Westminster Confession of Faith have in mind with the term "means" in chapter 5, section 3? 6. Did God intend for us to live in heaven forever. Why, why not? 7. Will our resurrected bodies be completely new? Why is this significant? 8. How will the resurrected bodies of the regenerate be different from our current bodies? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Why is it important to affirm the resurrection of the body? 2. What differences do you think there might be between our present bodies and our resurrected bodies? 3. How have your thoughts on hell changed, if at all, after going through this lesson? 4. Read through 1 Corinthians 15:35-58. What points is Paul trying to get across in this passage? 5. Bob Dylan, With the noose around my neck In another song, Bob Dylan expresses his feelings like this: I'm well dressed, waiting on the last train Standing on the gallows with my head in a noose Any minute now I'm expecting all hell to break loose … I've been walking forty miles of bad road If the Bible is right, the world will explode I've been trying to get as far away from myself as I can QUESTION: What do you think he is saying? What would you say to him? YOUR KINGDOM COME STUDY GUIDE 4.2 Lesson 4: The End of the Age Section 2: Final Judgment OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Final Judgment A. Judge B. Parties 1. Unregenerate 2. Regenerate C. Evidence D. Decisions 1. Curses 2. Blessings REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Who will be the judge at the final judgment? 2. According to 1 Corinthians 6:23, who will assist the Lord in judging both the unregenerate and the fallen angels? 3. Which passages teach that when the resurrected human race appears before Christ's judgment throne, the Lord will separate the unregenerate from the regenerate? 4. Will everyone be held to the same level of accountability, or will we be judged according to our own different situations? Why? 5. Will those that never heard the gospel be judged and condemned, even though they never had the opportunity to accept or deny Jesus? 6. What did Paul mean when he said the wicked would be punished with "everlasting destruction"? 7. Why do the regenerate receive the same blessings of the covenant that Jesus earned? 8. In the last judgment, will everyone who is judged solely on the basis of his or her works will be condemned to the lake of fire? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Is the concept of "Jesus as Judge" a comforting thought to you or a fearful one? Why? 2. What reasons did the lesson give for denying the concept of the annihilation of the wicked? Do you find the argument to be compelling? Why, why not? YOUR KINGDOM COME STUDY GUIDE 4.3 Lesson 4: The End of the Age Section 3: New Heavens and New Earth OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. New Heavens and New Earth A. Purity B. Newness C. Geography 1. Unified Kingdom 2. New Jerusalem REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What will happen at the last judgment to ensure that all demons and the unregenerate don't inhabit the New Heavens and New Earth? 2. To what does Peter compare the end time purification in 2 Peter 3? 3. Where does the phrase "new heavens and new earth" first appear in Scripture? 4. What passage shows God tasking humanity with cultivating the entire earth? 5. What phrase is used to refer to the spiritual world of angels and demons? 6. The Most Holy Places in the tabernacle and temple were replicas of what? 7. What will be the centerpiece of the new creation? 8. The dimensions and descriptions of the New Jerusalem frequently mention what number? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Describe what you think the world will be like when it is free from the curse. 2. How are you working to extend God's preternatural kingdom of heaven to encompass the natural kingdom of earth? 3. What are the most important things you have learned in this course? 4. How do you think your life and ministry might change as a result of this course? 5. If you were to teach a class on eschatology, what would your outline be? What would you emphasize? 6. Read John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  Read the following verse of the hymn, “Rock of Ages.” While I draw this fleeting breath, When mine eyes shall close in death, When I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee. QUESTION: Are you prepared to present yourself before God? Are you trusting Jesus alone for your salvation? Explain your answer. For other resources, please visit Third Millennium Ministries at thirdmill.org. © 2018 by Third Millennium Ministries All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means for profit, except in brief quotations for the purposes of review, comment, or scholarship, without written permission from the publisher, Third Millennium Ministries, Inc., 316 Live Oaks Boulevard, Casselberry, FL 32707 USA.