Eschatology is defined as ‘a branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of humankind.’  In other words, eschatology is the study of future events as given in the Bible.  I agree with your statement that “prophesy and the end times are a large part of the Bible and should be taught.”  The book of Revelation begins with this statement, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” (Revelation 1:3).  This shows that prophesy can be understood and be acted upon.  There are blessings promised to those who will read and heed the words of the prophesy in Revelation. 

According to “The Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy” by J. Barton Payne, there are 1,239 prophecies in the Old Testament and 578 prophecies in the New Testament for a total of 1,817. These prophecies are contained in 8,352 of the Bible’s verses. Since there are 31,124 verses in the Bible, the 8,352 verses that contain prophecy constitute 26.8 percent of the Bible’s volume.  So, yes, prophesy is a large part of the Bible and should not be ignored. 

It is estimated that there are nearly 400 prophesies concerning the Lord Jesus in the Bible.  He fulfilled every one that dealt with His first advent.  A few unfulfilled prophesies concerning the Lord include:

*  The rapture of the church. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:51-57.

*  The judgment of nations prior to the Lord establishing His kingdom on the earth. Matthew 25:31-46.

*  One day every knee shall bow before the Lord and everyone will acknowledge Him. Romans 14:11.

The study and understanding of prophesy have a great practical impact on our lives as believers.  In 2 Peter 3, the Apostle Peter describes the return of Christ, the destruction of the earth, and the creation of a new heaven and a new earth. But then he goes on to say, “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11-12).  The realization of these future events encourages us to live righteously in these last days.  The Apostle John kindly warns us in 1 John 2:28, “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”  The coming of the Lord should encourage us to live such a life that we are not ashamed before the Lord when He returns. 

Knowing the future judgment of God on those who do not believe on the Lord Jesus, the Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:11, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…”  In view of coming judgment, Paul seeks to persuade others to believe on the Lord. 

The knowledge of what will happen in the future helps us to understand what is going on around us.  After the rapture of the church, the world will enter into a seven year tribulation period where God will judge the world for their unbelief.  As we see that day approaching, we can understand how the stage is being set for the Lord to take out His church and then bring about this tribulation period. 

We read in 1 Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”  As Paul teaches us about the importance of the remembrance meeting of the Lord, he also draws our attention to the fact that the Lord is coming again.  The teaching of eschatology gives both understand and peace to those who believe on the Lord.  It is so important that we study it.  (389.6)