In a recent interview, Dr. Keith Mathison argues that eschatology is not only about the second coming of Christ but is a thread that runs the whole biblical narrative. He invites listeners to begin their study at Genesis, where God’s purpose for creation and humanity is first revealed, and to follow that purpose forward to the final book of Scripture.

Why Start at Genesis, Not Revelation?

Mathison points out that beginning with Revelation is like reading a novel from its last chapter. Without the context of the earlier books, the symbols and visions in Revelation lose meaning. By starting with the creation account, we see the very first question the Bible asks: why did God create the heavens, the earth, and humanity? The answer—God’s goal to restore all of creation into a relationship with Himself—sets the stage for every promise that follows.

The First Advent as an Eschatological Milestone

He challenges the common view that eschatology concerns only the second coming. The Old Testament promises a Messiah, a restored kingdom, and a new covenant—promises that are forward‑looking and therefore eschatological. The first coming of Christ fulfills those promises, but not in a single, catastrophic event. Instead, the atonement, the inauguration of the kingdom, and the spread of the gospel unfold over a long period, a “stretched‑out last days” that includes the growth of the church and the subduing of enemies.

Tracing Themes from Creation to New Heaven

Mathison suggests a practical way to see the biblical arc: read the Bible year by year, each time choosing a theme—creation, covenant, kingdom, redemption—and following it through every book. By tracing these strands from Genesis to Revelation, listeners can grasp how the entire Scripture points forward to Christ and how the Old Testament images are rooted in earlier texts.

What to Take Away

While the interview touches on the book’s structure and the author’s background, the main takeaway is that eschatology is a goal‑oriented study of God’s plan. The first advent of Christ is as much a fulfillment of Old Testament promises as the second, and the entire biblical narrative is a journey toward that fulfillment. For a fuller exploration of these ideas, listeners are invited to hear the complete conversation.