Simply Christian – Part 7

Class Date: November 10, 2021

This class begins with a discussion about apocalyptic literature, which is literature that deals with the end of days. One important reason this type of writing became popular at the time of Christ’s birth is that the problem of suffering became more mysterious. According to the apocalyptic writers, at the end of days there would be a resurrection from the dead and God would reward the faithful and punish the sinners. When this happens, all sorrow, suffering and death will have been defeated and humanity will return to paradise. Jesus was not a political messiah, which is what many Jews wanted. He was the connection between Heaven and earth – the way through which God could become accessed by human beings. Jesus didn’t do away with sin and death by some violent resolution. He conquered sin by bearing its consequences, so it is now possible for human beings to become empowered by the love and rule of God.