Five Things to Know About the End of the World

The past 12 months have certainly been memorable. We have experienced death, racial injustice, increased division in politics, and even an attack on the U.S. Capitol. We have generated enough conspiracy theories this year to provide Hollywood with fresh script material for the next 50 years. We are divided on just about every issue imaginable, and all of this has led to increases in fear and anxiety. During this period, Google searches hit their peak on inquiries about Revelation and the Apocalypse.

If we are honest, we have all had the end of the world stirring in the back of our minds. Some of us welcome it. Some of us deny it. Most of us are terrified. I am not saying that this is the end. I do not know when that day will happen, but here are five things that you need to know about the end of the world, and why we should welcome it.

1. The end is inevitable.

No, we do not read about Thanos and his infinity gauntlet in Revelation, but we do read about the end of this world. We cannot do anything to stop the end either. Yes, even warning people that wearing a mask will lead to the “Mark of the Beast,” will not delay the inevitable. We all fear the unknown, but Revelation has told us that even though the world is going to end, there is good news for believers. There will be a new world.

And if you fear the mark of the beast, have confidence in the mark of the Holy Spirit that has guaranteed your salvation (Eph 1:13-14). Those marked by the Holy Spirit will dwell in this new world forever.

2. The end leads to a new beginning.

The first two chapters of Genesis communicate the origins of creation and the purpose for man’s existence: to fill the earth with God’s image. In Genesis 3, humanity sins against God and now experiences death as a result of their disobedience. Everything that is created is now cursed, including the world. All hope seems lost, but God promises throughout the Old Testament that a Messiah is coming to reclaim dominion over the earth and establish a new, eternal kingdom.

A New Jerusalem on a New Earth. Jesus commissions the disciples to fill the earth with God’s image by sharing the gospel. Those who believe in Christ will live in this New Jerusalem. And this Messiah will reverse the curse of pain, suffering and death and make all things new.

3. Suffering will no longer be present.

We have all experienced suffering in this world. The death of a loved one, losing a job, a chronic illness that makes our lives more inconvenient than others. The list goes on and on. We can all relate to a unified hatred of death, suffering, and pain. All of this is as a result of the curse of sin.

But there is good news! Yes, MORE good news! When the new world is established, and God is seated on His throne in New Jerusalem, “He will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Sin’s curse is reversed, and the world is reconciled to God. Jesus suffered to end our suffering.

4. God will dwell with us.

This is the reason Christ came. Not just to die for our sins, but to reconcile us to God so that we could live in His presence. The end of the world just happens to be a part of the process. Christ must reconcile ALL things. This includes doing away with the old and bringing in the new. And as mentioned earlier, dwelling with God includes a world without suffering and pain. It includes a new beginning where sin is not present.

But most importantly, it means that we get to live in the presence of our Almighty God. This is what eternal life is all about. Knowing Him (John 17:3).

5. There will be peace amongst the nations.

Imagine a world without racism, murder, human trafficking... It sounds too good to be true, right? These are just a few things that humanity has dealt with for the entirety of our recordable history! When Christ establishes New Jerusalem, we will not only be reconciled to God, but we will also be reconciled to each other. We will be in perfect harmony with God and His people. We will be united as one people, serving the one God of all things.

Of course, the end of this world is only good news if you know Jesus Christ and believe in the power of His work on the cross. The impending apocalypse (whether it’s now or later) should highlight the importance of sharing the gospel to everyone we know. Christ didn’t commission us to share his story for kicks and giggles. The Bible shows us that only those who know Him will be able to dwell with God in New Jerusalem.

Only those that know Jesus will experience a relationship with God and all the fruits that go with it. So, do you know Jesus? If so, who are you going to tell?