Christian Eschatology: Key Terms and Definitions Christians have diverse beliefs about the future, often discussed under eschatology—the study of last things. This includes terms like 'last days,' 'end times,' Armageddon, Apocalypse, second coming (Jesus' return), and Millennium (a thousand-year reign mentioned in Revelation). The three main views on the Millennium are pre-millennialism (second coming before a literal 1000 years), post-millennialism (Millennium before Christ's return as an indeterminate period), and amillennialism or nunc millennialism ('Millennium now').
Four Perspectives on Biblical Prophecy The four perspectives—preterist, futurist, historicist, idealist—interpret biblical prophecy differently. Preterists see most events as past; futurists view them mostly in the future; historicists believe they unfold sequentially throughout history; idealists interpret them as spiritual truths applicable at any time during the church age.
Common Combinations of Millenarian Views with Prophetic Perspectives Futuristic premillenial views dominate today but include debates over Rapture timing relative to tribulation periods. Historic premillenial positions were more common historically but rare now due to disagreements over historical event matching. Postmillenialist interpretations generally avoid strict timelines while Amilennials focus on symbolic meanings without expecting earthly golden ages.
'Rapture' Controversies within Premillenial Futurism 'Rapture' refers to Christians being physically taken up from Earth—a concept debated mainly among futuristic premillinarians regarding its timing around a seven-year Great Tribulation period preceding Jesus’ millennium kingdom establishment after his Second Coming.