In contrast to the denial that eschatology has no effect on lifestyle, other pessimists believe the increasing evil will result in unprecedented temptations away from godliness and they have resolved to remain obedient despite the cost. Even here the presumption of inevitable doom, despite the well-intended obedience, has deep implications. Knowing that prophecy affected the way people behaved, the leaders of the fledgling dispensational movement in the 1800's intended to use premillennial eschatology as a club to wake up the backslidden church and to call sinners to repentance. It is hard to imagine an area of life that is not touched by eschatology. A pessimist will plan for the short term, an optimist for the long term.
Eschatology affects one's perseverance.
Not long ago a premillennialist confronted a postmillennialist undergoing a series of trials. The eschatological presuppositions of pessimism or optimism affect virtually every decision a Christian makes. The more a decision is affected by time, the more one's eschatological persuasion will influence his decision. Eschatology has a very profound effect on one's life. Back to top Back to Table of Contents Design by Studio Theta .