The Doctrines of the Church and Last Things

Course Description

Welcome to ITP 204, the capstone course in our systematic theology sequence. This course addresses two of the most practical and anticipated areas of Christian doctrine: Ecclesiology (the study of the Church) and Eschatology (the study of last things). We will begin by examining the biblical foundations of the Church—its nature as a Spirit-empowered community, its universal and local expressions, its mission, its governance, and its ordinances. We will explore what it means to be the ekklesia, the “called-out assembly,” and how the Church functions as the body of Christ in the world today.

In the second half of the course, we will turn our attention to the future, exploring the rich and often complex field of biblical prophecy. We will carefully survey the major eschatological events, including the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Second Coming of Christ, the Millennial Kingdom, and the eternal state. This course will equip you to understand the Church’s vital role in God’s plan and to live with hope and confidence in light of Christ’s promised return.

Course Structure

This course is composed of five chapters, each building upon the last to provide a comprehensive understanding of the doctrines of the Church and Last Things. Each chapter includes a detailed summary, five in-depth lessons, a chapter test, and an optional “Deep Dive” for further study. The course culminates in a final course test.

• Course: Syllabus + Interactive Syllabus + 5 Chapters + Course Test
• Chapter: Summary + 5 Lessons + Chapter Test + Deep Dive

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Articulate the Nature of the Church: Define and defend the biblical concept of the Church, including its universal and local manifestations, its mission, and its key metaphors (e.g., Body of Christ, Bride of Christ, Temple of the Spirit).
2. Explain Church Leadership and Ordinances: Describe the biblical qualifications and functions of church leaders and explain the meaning and significance of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
3. Understand the Role of the Holy Spirit: Analyze the person and work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church, with a focus on spiritual gifts and the Church’s empowerment for mission.
4. Survey Major Eschatological Views: Identify and compare the main interpretive frameworks for biblical prophecy (e.g., premillennialism, amillennialism, postmillennialism).
5. Sequence End-Time Events: Outline the major events of the end times according to a premillennial, pretribulational framework, explaining the significance of each event.
6. Integrate Doctrine and Life: Apply the doctrines of the Church and last things to personal life, ministry, and worship, fostering a greater love for the Church and a more urgent hope for Christ’s return.

Course Outline

Chapter 1: The Doctrine of the Church (Ecclesiology) – Its Foundation and Nature

• Lesson 1: The Origin and Definition of the Church: The Ekklesia
• Lesson 2: The Universal Church and the Local Church
• Lesson 3: Biblical Metaphors for the Church: Body, Bride, and Building
• Lesson 4: The Mission of the Church: The Great Commission
• Lesson 5: The Church and the Kingdom of God

Chapter 2: The Government and Ordinances of the Church

• Lesson 1: Principles of Church Government
• Lesson 2: The Offices of the Church: Elder and Deacon
• Lesson 3: The Ordinance of Believer’s Baptism
• Lesson 4: The Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper (Zikaron – Memorial)
• Lesson 5: The Priesthood of All Believers

Chapter 3: The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Church (Pneumatology)

• Lesson 1: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
• Lesson 2: The Gifts of the Spirit (Charismata): Their Purpose and Practice
• Lesson 3: The Fruit of the Spirit in the Community
• Lesson 4: Worship in Spirit and in Truth
• Lesson 5: The Church as a Spirit-Empowered Community

Chapter 4: The Doctrine of Last Things (Eschatology) – Introduction and the Rapture

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Eschatology: Why Study Prophecy?
• Lesson 2: Covenants as the Foundation of Prophecy (Abrahamic, Davidic, New)
• Lesson 3: Overview of Millennial Views
• Lesson 4: The Blessed Hope: The Rapture of the Church
• Lesson 5: The Judgment Seat (Bema) of Christ

Chapter 5: The Tribulation, the Kingdom, and the Eternal State

• Lesson 1: The Tribulation Period and the Antichrist
• Lesson 2: The Second Coming of the Messiah
• Lesson 3: The Millennial Kingdom of Christ
• Lesson 4: The Great White Throne Judgment
• Lesson 5: The New Heavens, New Earth, and New Jerusalem

Assessments & Grading

• Chapter Quizzes: Short quizzes will follow each lesson to assess comprehension.
• Chapter Tests: A test at the end of each of the five chapters will review the material covered.
• Final Course Test: A comprehensive final exam will cover the key ideas from all five chapters.
• Passing Requirement: To successfully complete this course, you must achieve a score of 80% or higher on each of the five Chapter Tests and the Final Course Test.