August 19, 2024
There is an end to this world. It’s coming. No one knows the day or hour, but it will happen as sure as we are breathing. The Scripture is very clear about this, as was Christ Himself.
The apostle Peter describes it clearly in 2 Peter 3. He tells us what we need to know to realize it is coming and how we should prepare. So, what will happen at the end of time, and what should we do in light of its coming?
1. SCOFFERS WILL DENY IT BECAUSE IT HASN’T HAPPENED YET.
Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” (Vs. 3-4)
You may be in that group. But Peter gives the immediate rebuttal to this argument. He reminds them God created the world, God destroyed the world by water (in Noah’s day), and this world is now destined to be destroyed by fire (Verses 5-7). He (and only He) has the power to accomplish this.
God is sovereign over this world. It exists because of Him and will be destroyed by Him, just as He promised. And that destruction will be His judgment upon His enemy, Satan (who has temporary authority in this world), and all men who have rejected Him.
2. GOD’S TIMING IS PERFECT AND PATIENT
Those who deny this ending don’t understand God’s relation to time. He is withholding this judgment for a season in His mercy so that many can come to repentance.
With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (Vs. 8-9)
3. IT WILL COME SUDDENLY AND THE WORLD WILL BE DESTROYED WITH INTENSE HEAT
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up (Vs. 10).
This will come suddenly, unexpectedly, and completely. No one will escape, and everything will be completely gone. This will make way for what is coming next.
4. WE MUST LIVE IN LIGHT OF THIS CERTAIN END
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, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! (Vs. 11-2)
Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you (Vs. 14-15)
If you knew the world was going to end tomorrow, what would you do? Many people believe multiple things must happen before this ending occurs. But regardless of your interpretation of the end times, THIS final end is sure, and Peter speaks as if it could come anytime.
We must come to Christ—fully and deeply—and prepare ourselves. We must live in light of the end, in holiness, godliness, peace with God and others, and blameless lives (which can only happen through our dependence upon Christ). Above all, we must make sure that we are ready to meet the end… that our eternal salvation has been settled through faith in Jesus as our Savior. And we must lead as many other people to Him as possible.
5. GOD WILL THEN BRING A NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH!
But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells (Vs. 13).
This new creation is clearly described for us in Revelation 21-22, the final chapters of the Bible. We should read these chapters often, for it is our great and sure hope. It is certain, and it will be glorious. It is the place He will create for the final kingdom of heaven, inhabited by the Father, Son, and Spirit, all of His angelic hosts, and all those men and women who have trusted and followed Him.
Because there are none in heaven who have rejected Him (no unbelievers) and because Satan and his hosts will be condemned to eternity in hell, it will be a place of eternal and complete righteousness! Just think of living in a place of perfect love, perfect peace, perfect joy! Where there is no disease or death. No anger or conflict. No want or need. It is the return to the Garden, but more, that God has promised since the beginning.
The destruction of this world is coming, but so is the entrance of the new world for all those who know Him!
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