Part 7 of the Series: Critical Theory, the End Times, and the Christian Response
Introduction: Running Toward the Sunrise
Picture standing on a battlefield just before dawn.
The night is thick with smoke and noise.
It would be easy to believe darkness would win.
But then, just beyond the eastern ridge, a glimmer breaks through:
The sun is rising.
Though the night howls louder for a moment, it cannot stop the coming day.
This is the Christian’s hope in a deconstructing world.
Not a shallow optimism.
Not a naïve denial of brokenness.
But a deep, soul-rooted confidence:
Christ has already won, and His victory is unstoppable.
About This Series
This is Part 7 — the final installment — of our series Critical Theory, the End Times, and the Christian Response.
Across this journey, we have diagnosed the false gospel of Critical Theory, its cultural impact, and its eschatological significance.
Now, we turn our eyes upward: to the certain, radiant victory of Christ — and what that means for us today.
To view all parts of the series, please visit the Series Page
The Christian’s Unshakable Hope
Our hope is not in:
- Political reforms
- Cultural revivals
- Academic debates
- Social influence
Our hope is in a Person — the victorious King of Kings:
“These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and elect and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14, LSB)
No matter how high rebellion rises, no matter how dark deception grows,
Jesus Christ will reign.
The Certainty of Christ’s Triumph
Prophecy is not merely prediction.
It is promise — a guarantee written by the Author of history.
- Revelation 19:11–16 — Christ returns as the conquering King.
- Daniel 7:13–14 — The Son of Man receives an everlasting dominion.
- Revelation 21–22 — A new heaven and new earth, where righteousness dwells.
Critical Theory will fall.
Babylon the Great will fall.
The Beast and the False Prophet will fall.
Every false system will fall.
But Christ’s kingdom will stand forever.
The Christian’s Call: Hopeful Faithfulness Until He Comes
The early Christians lived in a collapsing world:
- Governments hostile to their faith.
- Cultures drowning in decadence.
- Ideologies pulling people away from truth.
And yet, they lived with unbreakable hope:
“Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…” (Titus 2:13, LSB)
They were not escapists.
They were torchbearers — joyful, faithful, singing in the dark.
So must we be.
Story: Singing in the Catacombs
History records that when early Christians were forced underground — into the dark, damp catacombs of Rome — they still gathered to sing.
Not because they were blind to the danger.
But because they saw beyond it.
Their songs were not the songs of defeat.
They were anthems of victory — sung by those who knew the King would soon appear.
Today, we too live in a cultural catacomb of sorts.
But we sing.
Because the same King reigns — and the same promises hold.
Living with Hope in a Deconstructing World
Here is how Christians must live:
| Action | Application |
|---|---|
| Fix your eyes on the King | Set your mind on the things above, where Christ is (Colossians 3:1–4). |
| Stay awake and alert | Watch for deception; stay sober-minded (1 Peter 5:8). |
| Strengthen others | Encourage weary believers; build up the Body (Hebrews 10:24–25). |
| Declare the Gospel boldly | Offer the only hope that saves — not human reconstruction, but divine redemption. (Romans 1:16) |
| Rejoice in tribulation | Trials refine faith and magnify future glory (Romans 5:3–5). |
| Long for His appearing | Love His return more than the approval of this world (2 Timothy 4:8). |
The Final Word: He Will Come
One day soon,
- The skies will split.
- The true King will descend.
- Every lie will be silenced.
- Every wrong will be righted.
- Every tear will be wiped away.
“And He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” (Revelation 21:5, LSB)
Until then, we live as citizens of the coming kingdom:
Courageous. Joyful. Unshakable. Hopeful.
Reflection Questions
- How does focusing on Christ’s certain victory reshape the way you engage a deconstructing culture?
- In what practical ways can you encourage others to hold fast to biblical hope today?
- Are there areas where you need to renew your confidence in God’s promises?
References
Horkheimer, M. (1982). Critical theory: Selected essays (M. J. O’Connell, Trans.). Continuum. (Original work published 1972)
Lindsay, J., & Pluckrose, H. (2020). Cynical theories: How activist scholarship made everything about race, gender, and identity—and why this harms everybody. Pitchstone Publishing.
Trueman, C. (2020). The rise and triumph of the modern self: Cultural amnesia, expressive individualism, and the road to sexual revolution. Crossway.
The Holy Bible. (2021). Legacy Standard Bible. Three Sixteen Publishing. https://read.lsbible.org/
Footnotes
[^1]: The “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13) refers not to worldly success or comfort but to the certain, glorious appearing of Jesus Christ in His victorious return.
Glossary: Key Terms for Understanding Critical Theory and the End Times
