How Eschatology impact the Church and Christians

Eschatology is the study of what is to happen in the end times. The future and final events include the Second Coming, Millennialism, Tribulation and Final States.
How the Church and Christians interpret and understand Eschatology determines how life is to be lived. This is because:
‘The future condition of the human individual is largely determined by the decisions made in this present life. These decisions affect the outcome for each individual for all eternity.’ Erickson
Knowing the ultimate purpose of mankind and the Church contributes to the living out purposeful lives on earth. However, it should be said that Eschatology shouldn’t be treated as blueprint (details), but it should be regarded as a ‘game plan’ (guidelines and parameters). Doctrinal issues and the different positions fit into place are mysteries only the omnipotent God will know.

The general perception and attitude of Christians toward death. What do you think should the proper respond of Christians to the issues of death?

Death is an issue that most people dislike to talk about, Christians included. This is because it represents grief, sadness, bereavement, a sense of loss. Christians and non-Christians alike agree to the reality and unavoidability of death; that our bodies suffer the process of decay and return to the ground. This topic is a gloomy one and the thought of it creates fear especially to non-Christians (at least for those who do not know what will happen to them in the afterlife) due to a general perception that death is a tragic end to the one life that they know of. Christians of course do not believe that this mortal life is the only one, but rather death is a separation of body and soul. Erickson says, “Believers, although still subject to physical death, do not experience its fearsome power, its curse.” The perishing of the immortal, corruptible life marks the beginning of eternal life.

The problem is many Christians see their days on earth as more important than the life hereafter. When physical existence is more real than heavenly destination, death is unwelcome. Carl F.H. Henry summarizes beautifully how Christians should respond:
“Heaven is the beatific(pure, virtuous, excellent) vision, ever deeper communion with God, the perfection of God’s image, the fulfillment of spiritual nature, the maturing of higher capacities, the perfection in holiness, ‘serving God day and night.’…. If, in this life only, we have hope, death is a terrible tragedy, unrelieved pessimism, the dark night of the soul. If Christ is our hope, death has already lost its dominion; it is the threshold of life; life is ‘present with the Lord’ and reunion with the blessed dead, in communion with whom the beatific vision will be shared.”

Sources referred to: Christian Theology by Millard Erickson, Basic Christian Doctrines-Contemporary Christian Thought by Carl F.H. Henry

What is the minimal acceptable age for a person to be accepted for water baptism?

Water baptism is an act of obedience to the commandment of the Lord as stated in Matthew 28:18-20. Baptism in water is also identification with Christ’s work: His death, burial and resurrection according to Romans 6:4. It can be a statement of faith; that the old life has been buried and new life in Christ has begun. The prerequisite for water baptism is that a person has made the decision to accept Christ as Lord, repent from his/her sins and to be a disciple. So, it is important that a person reaches an age of discretion and accountability before he/she is baptized. Young children (who have yet to grasp the significance of this act) and infants (who definitely cannot understand the whole matter) are incapable of this step of faith.

However, some denominations and church groups like the Roman Catholics, Lutheran and Anglicans baptize infants because of their belief that water baptism is required for salvation. Since it regenerates a person spiritually, everyone from adults to infants go through baptism. Some parents have their children baptized as an act of introduction into the church family and announcing that they will bring up their children in the ways of the Lord. Other denominations like the Assemblies of God on the other hand, do not baptize babies because they hold to the stand that water baptism has no saving power and is an ordinance whereby a believer gets to witness to the world.

Notes:
Matthew 28:18-20: Then Jesus came to them and said… go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…
Romans 6:4: We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Sources consulted:
Systematic Theology (Louis Berkof), Christian Theology (Millard Erickson), Assemblies of God USA website

The Role of Church in a Pluralistic Society - Post Modern Church

All over the world there is a realization that the world has entered into the postmodern era. This is evident in the changes that are happening in politics, the media, philosophy, psychology and religion to name a few. With a mesh of worldviews, races and lifestyles, our world has become a pluralistic society. Changes have always been happening and this trend will continue. Since the church is called to be a light to the world and the salt of the earth, it has to engage it.

The call to be relevant has resulted in some churches doing ministry in a ‘postmodern’ approach. These churches eagerly take on the challenge to immerse themselves in the evolving culture. In postmodernism, the value of experience, relationship and community is highlighted. Since methods of discerning meaning are different, these churches had to rethink and reconsider the way of presenting the message. The brand of Christianity that they present is more about personal transformation less, about personal salvation; more about lifestyle, less about doctrine; more compassionate, less moralistic; more inclusive, less exclusive. This desire to embrace the world has led some streams of the postmodern church coming up with controversial concepts of soteriology and eschatology.

It must be said that there is nothing wrong about changing methods. But to also change the message is highly inappropriate. ‘The church must be versatile and flexible in adjusting its methods and procedures to the changing situations of the world in which it finds itself….It must go where needy persons are found…. It must not cling to all its old ways. As the world to which it is trying to minister changes, the church will have to adapt its ministry accordingly, but without altering its basic direction.’ (Erickson)

Sources consulted:
Articles from/by Dan Kimball, Earl G. Creps, Christianity Today, Enrichment Journal, Ministry Today, Emergent Village, Leadership Network, Chisitian Theology-Erickson