At some point, according to the Bible, all physical things will come to an end. This includes me, you, everyone (anyone living at the end time), the stars, the earth, the universe, and time. See 1st Peter 4:7, 2nd Peter 3:7, 2nd Peter 3:10, and Matthew 24:35.
In its numerous references to the end of all things, the Bible poses a crucial question in 2nd Peter 3:10-11. As all things are destined for destruction, what manner of life should we lead in holiness and godliness? This is not a mere philosophical query, but a matter of life and death. The end time will bring about the judgment of the righteous and the unrighteous. It’s a stark warning-you don’t want to be among the unrighteous, who will face eternal torment in hell.
Something to Note
It’s crucial to understand the significance of the resurrection of Christ. Some Christians in Corinth were skeptical about the resurrection of the dead, as mentioned in 1st Corinthians 15:12. Paul, in response, asserts in 1st Corinthians 15:13, “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised.” The resurrection of Christ is not just a historical event, but a cornerstone of our faith. If Christ had not been raised, their faith was in vain, and they were still in their sins. See 1st Corinthians 15:13-17. Also, if Christ had not been raised to life, then those who died in Christ would have perished without the hope of heaven. However, New Testament doctrine teaches the opposite: Christ was indeed raised from the dead (John 20:14 ff), He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-11), and He currently sits at the right hand of God (Ephesians 1:20). Christians who perish are in some manner associated with Jesus in Paradise, (2nd Corinthians 12:1-4, Revelation 2:7 and Revelation 22:2).
Sins of Humanity Will End
It all started with Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God told them they would die if they did this, Genesis 2:17. They were banished from the garden, and they eventually died the way all humans perished. Sin was ushered into God’s earth, Romans 5:12.
Reading Romans 1:18-2:8 gives ample information about the sins of humanity. Romans 3:23 says everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.
At the end of all things, rebellion against God stops. All people, the dead and the living will be resurrected to judgment, John 5:28-29. A comparative few will enter heaven; the vast majority will be cast into hell, Matthew 7:13-14.
The only time one can be saved from hell is right now, 2nd Corinthians 6:1-2. Each breath we take is an opportunity to accept God’s plan of salvation. God indeed provides salvation through His Son, Ephesians 2:8, but one must obey the gospel. Grace is unconditional – it applies to all, but salvation is conditional. It requires obedience through faith in God’s plan of salvation. See 2nd Thessalonians 1:8-9.
Suffering Will End
Consider all the evil and suffering that have occurred since creation. How many billions of people have died, some due to accidents, some due to horrible illnesses? What about wars, refugees, starvation, and squalid living conditions that people have suffered?
Satan is a murderer, causing sin in the world and death through sin, John 8:44. Everyone is subject to the evil of the devil.
At the end of all things, suffering will end. In heaven, Jesus is our Shepherd, and He will heal and comfort everyone there and dry their tears, Revelation 21:4. In Revelation 22:2, Saints can access the Tree of Life and the Water of Life. Heaven is a blessed place and a reward for living a faithful earthly life.
As the body breathes its last, faithful Christians will be at home with the Lord, 2 Corinthians 5:8.
Bible Error Will End
There are so many churches these days. According to Google, there are more than 200 denominations in America. Likewise, there are 45,000 different churches globally. Why so many? Because man does not take the simple Bible truth, creating their way of church beliefs. It only takes the New Testament (and Old Testament prophecy) to see that Jesus died for one church, Daniel 2:44, Matthew 16:18, Matthew 26:26-29, Acts 20:28, and Ephesians 1:22-23.
At the end of it all, religious error will end. 2nd Peter 2:1 states that false prophets and teachers will arise from the one true church. They will teach destructive heresies, even denying Jesus. 1st John 4:1 teaches that we should test those who speak to determine the validity of their word, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. We should be like the Bereans who studied Scripture to see if Paul’s teaching was true, Acts 17:10-12.
When the end comes, promoters speaking incorrect doctrine will be judged; Bible error will cease.
The Time For Salvation Will End
When Jesus returns to collect His Saints, there will be no more opportunity for salvation. The time of salvation will have passed. All the saved will enter heaven, but the condemned will enter hell. Recall 2nd Corinthians 6:1-2. Today is the day of salvation. Everyone has until their last breath to believe, repent, confess Jesus as Lord, and be baptized to wash away sin. Following baptism, Jesus adds the saved to His church, Acts 2:47, which He died for.
Hebrews 9:27-28 has this: “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,
“So Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him,” Hebrews 9:28.
Conclusion
All of us have sinned, but God offers salvation through His only earth-born Son, John 3:16. We have a choice: to accept God’s saving plan or reject it. Those who deny it face the judgment of hell. Those who submit to His plan and live righteously will enjoy the blessings and relief of heaven. The choice is always available until your death or until the Lord returns.
Thanks for reading!!
Contact me at garland.churchofchrist@gmail.com, subject: The End Of It All.
Sign up for our weekly devotional at https://biblepoints.org/bible-points.
You’ll receive spiritual teaching and love at the Matthews St. church of Christ in Bay City, TX. Check us out. We’re at 1915 Matthes St. in Bay City, TX 77414. We’d love to see you!
We have a Bible correspondence course we’ll be glad to send you. You can also meet with us via Zoom. Just let us know which you want.
Your soul in heaven is our goal.
Garland Van Dyke
http:www.matthewsstreetchurchofchrist.com
Much of this material was taken from the article by Wayne Jackson at https://christiancourier.com/articles/five-things-that-will-end-when-christ-returns