The word “apocalypse” has an enigmatic and unsettling quality. We even read about “apocalyptic events” in secular media. What does that mean, though?
Revelation of the end times
Firstly, the Greek term “apokalpsis,” which meaning “apocalypse,” signifies “revelation.” Two ideas come to mind when we think about revelation: the last book in the Bible, the book of Revelation, and revelation concerning the end of the world. Because the book of Revelation informs us about the end times, we can draw a connection between these two elements: the revelation regarding the end times and the book of Revelation.
“What” is far more important than “How”
When people think about the apocalypse, they have in mind great catastrophes that will eventually lead to the end (or even the destruction) of the world. According to the Bible, we don’t expect a sudden end of this planet; Christians do expect a close of this age (time-frame). The earth will not be destroyed, but renewed. Be sure of this: when you read these words, it is far more important to know what the Bible says about the end times, than how everything will take place and how everything will be fulfilled. That is not to say that it isn’t important to know what we are to expect, but it is far more important to know what is going to happen and how we will live in light of that knowledge.
“Come, Lord Jesus!”
The Apocalypse is the fortunate hope of Jesus Christ’s glorious revelation to Christians. The earthly Church, in pain and struggling, calls out, “Come, Lord Jesus!” There is no uncertainty or doubt about the future in our lives. “We are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells,” the apostle Peter states in 2 Peter 3:13. To put it another way, Christians shouldn’t be alarmed when they read or hear about the “apocalypse.” They ought to feel uplifted and hopeful. The beautiful accomplishment of God’s redeeming promises will occur on the [day of Christ’s return]. Suffering will cease, faith will be replaced with sight, and sin will be punished.
What matters today
According to the apostle Paul, everyone shall stand before Jesus Christ’s judgment bench (2 Corinthians 5:10). The most pressing question of our day is this: What will Jesus Christ say to you if He returns today and you are called to appear before Him? Because you have put your trust in Him, will He openly grant you entry into His everlasting Kingdom? Or will He openly close the door to His Kingdom because you refused to make amends with Him?
The response to this query will always be significant. As such, take what you read or hear about apocalyptic events as a divine summons to seek reconciliation with God via trust in the Lord of Glory, the One Who is to be expected, Jesus Christ.
