Concerns regarding the end of the planet are common. Some believe that the sun will gradually burn out over the next few billion years, signaling the end of time. Some believe that the end will arrive far sooner. Maybe it was caused by an asteroid, a nuclear accident, or an extraterrestrial invasion, as some of the most current and terrifying disaster films imply! These kinds of questions often frighten us. Therefore, what is the Bible’s position on the end of the world?
What the Bible tells us
We can be certain of the following two things:
- Jesus’ return will mark the end of this planet. Refer to 2 Peter 3:10 “The earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed when the day of the Lord comes, and the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved.”
- According to 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2, “Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you,” the Bible says that this day [would come unexpectedly]. You know quite well that the day of the Lord will arrive suddenly, like a thief in the night.Acts 1:7 states that even Jesus was unable to predict when He would return (Mark 13:32).
- In addition, the Bible provides an explanation for why this day has not yet arrived: “The Lord is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God offers us grace throughout the interval between Jesus’ first and second comings, allowing us to accept His love and place our trust in Him. God is allowing time for the world’s tribes, tongues, and countries to hear the Good News, ensuring that people of all racial and national backgrounds will be saved (Revelation 7:9–10).
- On the last day, God will send Jesus back to earth to judge the world (Acts 17:31). According to John 5:28–29, Jesus will call everyone of us back from the dead, raising some of us to life and raising others to be condemned.
- It will be a joyful day for everyone who believes in Jesus. Because of this, individuals who are in Christ Jesus are no longer subject to condemnation, thus they don’t need to be terrified (Romans 8:1). However, Jesus will punish you for your crimes with everlasting destruction if you have rejected him (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10).
Signs
We are witnessing the beginning of the end of the world. “And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars,” says Matthew 24:6–8. Make sure you are not scared because, although this is inevitable, the end is still coming. Because of this, there will be earthquakes and famines in different parts of the world, as well as nation against kingdom and nation against nation. These are just the start of the labor pains.
Pain during childbirth is real. However, it hurts to be waiting for something amazing. These days, we witness actual suffering and a great deal of pain. However, the Bible refers to these difficulties as “birth pains.” A brand-new world is going to emerge. There will be no more pain and a new reality where we can behold the grandeur of God. A mother forgets her pain as she cuddles her baby. There’s only joy left.
Future
Revelation 21 tells us: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
We anticipate a future like that. We spread the good news of God’s love that Jesus Christ makes known to us until that day arrives. Because whomever puts their faith and confidence in him will be granted eternal life!
Do you doubt that you will experience joy on the day of Jesus’ return and the end of the world? Learn about God on a personal level and study the Bible by signing up for our online Bible course, for instance. It will explain to you how believing in Jesus can grant you eternal life.
