Reformed Eschatology

Dr. Robert Smart

Medellin, Colombia
October 19-23, 2015

I. Course Information:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.

Course Title:
Course Number:
Course Credit:
Class Days:
Class Time:
Professor:
Email Address

Eschatology: Study of Last Things

TBA
3 semester hours
October 19-23, 2015
TBA
Dr. Robert Smart
bob@christchurchpca.org

II. Course Description:

A study of the Scriptures, giving attention to doctrines, important events,
and key terms that relate to the end when Christ returns in glory.

III. Course Rationale:

The purpose of this course is to learn the main views of eschatology
through both a doctrinal and historical approach. First, understanding the
basic biblical terms will prepare you to teach and counsel Gods people with
their questions. Second, learning the Reformed perspective will give you
confidence and hope about the future. Third, you will be equipped to offer
sound criticisms of view other views.

IV. Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to
describe the key biblical terms relating to the end times.
articulate the biblical doctrines of Reformed eschatology.
find evidence in the New Testament supporting the claims for our hope.
elaborate the various strengths and weaknesses of the various views.
explain the already and not yet age in which we live.
recognize some of the influential theologians and theologies.
interpret texts with biblical hermeneutics for practical applications.
survey the book of Acts to appreciate the ascension of Jesus Christ.

V. Course Outline & Schedule

DAYS 1-2

The
The
The
The
The
The
DAYS 3-4

THE INSPIRATION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

Purpose of Eschatology
Progress of Redemption
Nature of Hope
Old Testament Hope
Fullness of Time & the Last Days
Individuals Eschatology versus General Eschatology
THE TRANSMISSION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

The Main Views of Eschatology

The Primary Exegetical Texts
The Overall Comparison of Interpretations (see chart)
DAY 5

THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

Review and Final Exam

VI. Course Texts:

Cmo entender el futuro: Una de las siete partes de la teologa sistemtica de Grudem
(Spanish Edition) by Grudem, Wayne A.

Study Guide prepared by Dr. Robert Smart

The Holy Bible

VII. Materials and Methods of Instruction:

The following methods will be employed in this course: Lecture, question and answer,
discussion, written response, reading, quizzes and final exam.

VIII. Course Requirements:

A. Reading The Syllabus Readings and Making Sense of the Future (Grand Rapids,
MI: Zondervan,1994, 2011) by Wayne Grudem
Grudem, Cmo entender el futuro:

Una de las siete partes de la teologa sistemtica de Grudem (Spanish Edition)

B. Participation in small groups and class discussions

2

C. One Quiz on the Grudem text

D. Final Exam: multiple-choice questions and one essay

IX.Course Evaluation
A. The grading scale is as follows:
100 93%
92 85%
84 76%
75 70%
69 0%

A
B
C
D
F

Excellent
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Failing

B. The student will be able to follow his progress throughout the course.
C. Each student is responsible for completing reading assignments, participating in
discussions, and completing papers on time.
D. Complete the Final Exam.

E. The final grade will be determined as follows:

Assignment
Class Participation
Quiz on Reading
Final Exam

Value
20 Points
20 Points
60 Points

Total

100 Points

Due Date
October 19-23, 2015
October 22, 2015
October 23, 2015

X. Course Polices
Class Attendance Policy
1. Any absence needs to be explained to the professor promptly.
2. Absences do affect the students grade.
3. Promptness is a godly trait. Lateness also affects ones grade.
3

Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is required of all members of the learning community.
Neither the school nor the professor will tolerate cheating or plagiarism on
examinations, papers, or other course assignments. The student must do
all his own work unless the professor, in which case the student must, in
writing, acknowledge any help received, authorizes collaboration.
Pretending to write, as ones own the words, ideas, or expressions of
another in any form is considered plagiarism (cheating), and will not be
tolerated. The claim of ignorance is no excuse. At the end of the course
there will be a final exam. The exam will focus is on issues and material
presented in class.

XI. Bibliography for Future Study

Making Sense of the Future (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan,1994, 2011) by Wayne
Grudem
The Bible and the Future (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1979) by Anthony A.
Hoekema
A Case for Amillenialism: Understanding the End Times (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker,
2013) by Kim Riddlebarger
A Comparison of Dispensationalism and Covenantal theology (Southbridge, MA:
Crowne Publications, 1986) by Richard P. Belcher
Dispensationalism Today, Yesterday, & Tomorrow (Memphis, TN: Footstool Pub, 1985)
by Crenshaw & Gunn
Hell on Trial: The Case for Eternal Punishment (Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian &
Reformed, 1995) by Robert A. Peterson
Postmillenialism: An Eschatology of Hope (Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R, 1999) by Keith A.
Mathison
Christ & The Future: The Bibles Teaching About the Last Things (Edinburgh, Scotland:
The Banner of Truth Trust, 2008) by Cornelis P. Venema