Eschatology vs. Missiology

Attribute	Eschatology	Missiology
Definition	The study of the end times and the ultimate destiny of humanity	The study of the mission of the church and its outreach to the world
Focus	End times, judgment, heaven, hell	Evangelism, missions, cultural engagement
Key Figures	John the Apostle, Augustine, John Calvin	William Carey, David Livingstone, Ralph Winter
Key Texts	Book of Revelation, Matthew 24, 1 Thessalonians 4	Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, Romans 10:14-15
Goal	To understand and prepare for the end times	To spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations

Introduction

Eschatology and Missiology are two important fields of study within Christian theology. While they may seem distinct at first glance, they both deal with the ultimate purpose and destiny of humanity. Eschatology focuses on the study of the end times and the final destiny of individuals and the world, while Missiology is concerned with the study of missions and evangelism. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between Eschatology and Missiology.

Definition and Scope

Eschatology is derived from the Greek word "eschatos," meaning last or final, and "logos," meaning study. It is the branch of theology that deals with the ultimate destiny of humanity and the world, including topics such as death, judgment, heaven, hell, and the return of Christ. Missiology, on the other hand, is the study of missions and evangelism, focusing on the spread of the Christian faith to different cultures and people groups. While Eschatology looks towards the future, Missiology is concerned with the present and how to fulfill the Great Commission.

Focus and Emphasis

Eschatology places a strong emphasis on the return of Christ and the events leading up to the end times, such as the tribulation, the resurrection of the dead, and the final judgment. It seeks to understand the biblical prophecies related to the end of the world and how they will be fulfilled. Missiology, on the other hand, focuses on the practical aspects of spreading the gospel, such as cross-cultural communication, contextualization, and the role of the church in missions. It seeks to equip believers to effectively share their faith with others and make disciples of all nations.

Biblical Foundation

Both Eschatology and Missiology have a strong biblical foundation. Eschatology draws heavily from prophetic passages in the Old and New Testaments, such as the book of Daniel, the Olivet Discourse in the Gospels, and the book of Revelation. It seeks to interpret these passages in light of the overall biblical narrative and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Missiology, on the other hand, is rooted in the Great Commission given by Jesus to his disciples in Matthew 28:19-20, where he commands them to go and make disciples of all nations. It also draws from the examples of missionaries in the early church, such as Paul and Barnabas.

Practical Application

Eschatology has practical implications for how believers live their lives in light of the end times. It encourages them to be vigilant, faithful, and prepared for the return of Christ, knowing that they will be held accountable for their actions. It also provides hope and comfort in the face of suffering and persecution, reminding believers that their ultimate destiny is secure in Christ. Missiology, on the other hand, challenges believers to step out of their comfort zones and engage with people of different cultures and backgrounds. It calls them to be bold witnesses for Christ and to share the gospel with love and compassion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Eschatology and Missiology are two important fields of study within Christian theology that share a common goal of advancing the kingdom of God. While Eschatology focuses on the end times and the final destiny of humanity, Missiology is concerned with the spread of the gospel and making disciples of all nations. Both fields have a strong biblical foundation and practical implications for the lives of believers. By studying and applying the principles of Eschatology and Missiology, Christians can be better equipped to fulfill their calling to be salt and light in the world.