Making Sense of End-Times Passages (Without the Panic)
Let's be honest… when most of us hear "end times" or flip to texts like Revelation, Daniel, or Matthew 24, we feel a mix of confusion and anxiety. These passages often conjure images of dramatic signs, perplexing beasts, and cosmic upheaval. It's easy to get lost in the details and feel like you need a secret decoder ring to understand what Jesus (or John, or Daniel) is really talking about.
But there's a simpler way to approach these texts. A way that can actually bring clarity and peace, rather than panic.
Recently, at Immanuel, we’ve been going through a short series exploring Jesus' teachings on the end times in Matthew 24 & 25 called “Be Ready.” In this series, I introduced a concept I've been calling the "Onion of Apocalyptic Prophecy." Think Shrek and the complexity of ogres. Just like peeling an onion reveals distinct layers, we can approach the apocalyptic texts scripture with a threefold understanding, recognizing that these prophecies often have multiple, distinct fulfillments.
Here's how the "onion" method can help us make sense of what might initially seem confusing:
The Three Layers of Apocalyptic Prophecy:
The Immediate Historical Layer: Think of this as the outermost skin of the onion. Many apocalyptic prophecies initially sound grand and far-reaching, but they often had a very specific, immediate fulfillment for the audience who first received them. Jesus' words in Matthew 24, for example, would have resonated deeply with His disciples within their lifetimes. He spoke of the imminent destruction of the temple in Jerusalem which occurred in A.D. 70. Understanding this initial, historical context is crucial for grounding the prophecy. It wasn't just about some far-off future; it was about their present reality too.
The Continuing Pattern Layer: As we peel back that first layer, we find a deeper one: the ongoing, repetitive patterns of history. While a prophecy might have had an immediate fulfillment, it often describes principles and patterns that repeat throughout history. What is true in the text that is always true in the broken and cursed world? The "wars and rumors of wars," "famines, and earthquakes" Jesus describes aren't just one-time events. They are recurring signs of a fallen world, reminding us that throughout history, humanity experiences turmoil and change. This layer helps us see how God's truth applies to our present, even if we're not living in the exact historical moment of the original fulfillment.
The End-Times Layer: And finally, at the very core of the onion, we find the end-times fulfillment. Many apocalyptic prophecies do indeed point to a definitive, climactic end-time event – whether it's the final return of Christ, the establishment of His eternal kingdom, or the ultimate judgment. This is the layer that often captures our attention the most, and for good reason! It reminds us that history is moving somewhere, and God has a sovereign plan for its ultimate culmination.
Why This Matters for You
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by end-times prophecies, trying to pinpoint every single detail and date, I’d invite you to pause and take a breath. The "Onion of Apocalyptic Prophecy" invites us to step back and ask:
What did this mean for the people who first heard it? (Immediate Layer)
How do these patterns of God's work and human history continue to play out today? (Continuing Layer)
What is the ultimate, future truth this passage is pointing towards? (End Times Layer)
By approaching these texts with this multi-layered perspective, we can:
Reduce Anxiety: No longer do we have to feel like every detail must be a literal, singular event that we must perfectly decode. We can appreciate the immediate historical truth while also recognizing the enduring patterns.
Find Relevance: These passages aren't just dusty prophecies from millennia ago or cryptic forecasts of a distant future. They speak to our present realities. They speak to the challenges, the deceptions, and the suffering of life in this cursed world. And they offer guidance for navigating them.
Cultivate Hope: At their core, apocalyptic passages are not about fear; they are about hope and joy. They remind us that regardless of how difficult things may become for the world, the church, or for you individually… Jesus still wins. The world will continue to burn and churn, but Jesus' return brings ultimate healing and restoration.
Applying the Onion: A Practical Example from Matthew 24
Let's quickly look at how this works in Matthew 24. When Jesus speaks of "wars and rumors of wars," "famines, and earthquakes":
Immediate Layer: There were indeed wars, famines, and earthquakes in the Roman Empire leading up to and following the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 A.D.
Continuing Layer: Sadly, we know that these events are constant realities in our fallen world. Every year brings news of conflicts, natural disasters, and the rise of individuals claiming to offer salvation. They are "labor pains.” Yes they are painful, but they point to a greater birth.
End-times Layer: These also point to the intensifying signs that will precede Christ's final return and the ultimate culmination of all things.
This interpretive method allows us to understand that Jesus was speaking to all these realities simultaneously. It's not about choosing one layer; it's about seeing how they all contribute to the richness and enduring truth of the prophecy.
So, the next time you encounter an apocalyptic passage, don't let it intimidate you. Grab your "onion," and start peeling back the layers. You might be surprised by the clarity, peace, and hope you discover within!
