Can Eschatology Be Made Practical? Chalcedon’s Leadership Makes That Case.

If there is any doctrine that can easily go off the rails it is eschatology. If there’s any teaching that will draw a crowd, it’s one that promotes how current world events reveal that we’re nearing the end of all things. As you’ll see momentarily, there is a more insightful way to view eschatology and one that will truly shape the future. This was the topic of a recent Chalcedon Podcast episode on “Eschatology & Restoring God’s Order.”

Inspired by R. J. Rushdoony’s concept of eschatons, Mark Rushdoony and Martin Selbrede discussed salient points about how ethics shape both human history and our own lives, which begs the question as to why mainstream evangelicals have limited eschatology to what Martin referred to as “cosmic eschatology,” i.e., the end of time and creation, which gives us no ethical imperative. We’re simply uninvolved observers awaiting the pyrotechnics of the end times.

Eschatons: The Harvest of Ethics

In this episode, Martin began by defining “eschatons” as endpoints or harvests—the culmination of actions and ethics sown over time. He explained that eschatons are not limited to the ultimate cosmic end but are present throughout history, impacting individual lives, institutions, and nations. These harvests manifest as blessings for obedience or curses for disobedience, illustrating the inseparable connection between ethics and eschatology.

“Eschatons are all over the Bible,” Martin said, pointing to historic examples but noting that these eschatons are found in our own lives. He asks:

What is our eschaton? Do we use our time properly? Three score and ten years is the span of time of a man, approximately, according to Psalm 90. What will you be doing with that time? What’s that time going to be like?

By detaching ethics from eschatology, he warned, we risk trivializing eschatology into mere speculation, losing its practical guidance and spiritual depth. This also fosters sensationalism and false hopes. “When ethics is put into place as the engine that drives eschatons,” he explained, “we align with Scripture’s simple but profound directive: ‘Do this and live; do this and die.’” This alignment restores the power of eschatons to guide believers and societies toward God’s intended order.

Judgment as Part of Redemption

While many view God’s judgments as only punitive and as end points in themselves, they actually have a redemptive purpose, as Mark Rushdoony noted: “All of God’s judgments serve to destroy the works of man, frustrate Satan’s efforts, and reestablish His divine order.” With this understanding, we shift the focus from fear to hope, and our faith resides in God’s commitment to restoration.

Mark critiqued the pessimism that we see in eschatological perspectives such as dispensationalism, which portrays church history as a long series of failures where the only victory is at the end with the intervention of Christ as a radical break in the redemptive timeline. Instead, Mark asserted, “The failure of humanistic orders prepares the way for God’s Kingdom to take root and flourish.”

The Role of Historical Perspective

“We often can’t recognize an eschaton until we look back,” Martin said, “but history consistently demonstrates God’s sovereignty over human affairs.” Both Martin and Mark emphasized the importance of historical perspective in understanding eschatology. Martin cited examples from biblical and modern history, such as the fall of the Soviet Union. These events, he argued, represent eschatons that redirect humanity toward God’s purposes.

Mark added that eschatology should inspire humility and diligence when interpreting history. He cautioned against overconfidence in predicting how God’s plans will unfold, reminding us that even the disciples misunderstood Christ’s mission until after His resurrection. “We must avoid arrogance in eschatological matters,” he said. “God’s timeline and methods often defy human expectations.” We don’t seem to learn this lesson.

Building on Godly Foundations

Both Mark and Martin stressed the need for Christians to build on Biblical foundations rather than relying on humanistic systems destined for collapse. Martin warned against leveraging corrupt institutions for temporary gains, emphasizing the importance of establishing systems rooted in Biblical principles. “When the root is evil, the fruit will be bad,” he said. “We must focus on constructing righteous foundations that can endure.” This is the essence of Christian Reconstruction.

Mark echoed this sentiment, calling Christians to responsibility and active participation in God’s Kingdom. “The work of Christian Reconstruction begins with individuals, families, and education,” he said. “We cannot simply hope to preserve the status quo; we must lay the groundwork for a society aligned with God’s law.”

Mark and Martin agreed that God’s sovereignty is the cornerstone of eschatology. Mark described God as the absolute monarch, combining legislative, judicial, and executive authority. “If we believe God is on His throne,” he said, “we must act accordingly, aligning our thoughts and actions with His authority.”

Practical Eschatology

Martin went on to emphasize that eschatology is not merely an abstract theological concept but a practical guide for daily living. He noted that every individual, institution, and society is constantly moving toward an eschaton. “God’s revelations about the future are not for our amusement,” he said. “They are meant to empower us to work faithfully for His Kingdom, knowing that our labor is not in vain.” This focus on responsibility reinforces the covenantal thrust that actions have consequences, whether blessings or judgments.

Mark elaborated on this point, stating that eschatology provides a framework for understanding accountability. He explained that recognizing eschatons in contemporary history, such as the collapse of ungodly institutions, should inspire Christians to build alternatives rooted in God’s law. “Our labor is not just about survival,” he said. “It is about advancing God’s kingdom and preparing the ground for future generations.”

Whether ancient or modern history, the interplay between ethics and eschatology should be clear. Martin noted how the neglecting of the land Sabbaths in ancient Israel led to her captivity in Babylon. “Ethics trumps historical assumptions,” he said. “God’s patience does not negate His justice. When the time comes, the consequences of disobedience are unavoidable.”

Mark reflected again on the fall of the Soviet Union as a modern example of an eschaton. “When humanistic systems collapse, they pave the way for God’s order to take root,” he said. “These moments in history remind us of God’s sovereignty and the futility of opposing His will.”

Reconstructing Society

Mark and Martin both emphasized the need for Christian Reconstruction as a response to the failures of humanistic systems. Martin argued that Christians must move beyond passive engagement, taking active steps to rebuild society on Biblical foundations. “The modern church often focuses on preserving the status quo,” he said. “But we are called to reconstruct every area of life according to God’s law.”

Mark stressed that this work begins with individuals and families but extends to education, economics, and social governance. “The foundations we build today will determine the future,” he said. “We must prioritize obedience to God’s law, even in areas where it challenges societal norms.”

The Future of God’s Kingdom

The podcast episode concluded with a hopeful vision of the future, rooted in the certainty of God’s promises. Martin reminded us of Isaiah’s prophecy that “of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end.” He emphasized that God’s kingdom has grown steadily since the time of the apostles and will continue to expand despite opposition.

Mark echoed this optimism, urging Christians to remain faithful in their work. “God’s plan is bigger than any single moment in history,” he said. “Our responsibility is to trust in His sovereignty and labor diligently for His glory.”

Once again, a truly Biblical worldview can bring us great encouragement as we better understand both the power of God’s sovereignty as well as the power of our own obedience. There are many more eschatons to face both individually and collectively, but God’s law and covenant provide us with the necessary tools to fulfill our responsibilites in advancing Christ’s Kingdom in history.

Click to listen to the full podcast episode.