The end of the world – What does the Bible say?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible teaches that the end of the world involves judgment, destruction, and renewal. There will be a time of great distress, cosmic signs, and God's final judgment before He creates a new heaven and a new earth (Isaiah 24:19–20; Isaiah 65:17; Daniel 12:1–2; Joel 2:30–31; Zechariah 14:1–4). The New Testament also reveals a series of end-times events, including the tribulation, Christ’s return, the final judgment, and the creation of a new world free from sin and death (2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 21:1–5). In light of the coming end of the world, believers are called to live in holiness, share their faith, and eagerly await the fulfillment of God’s promises (2 Peter 3:11–13; Matthew 22:37–40). Believers do not need to fear the end of the world, but we look forward to it as the beginning of eternal life with God and His people (1 Thessalonians 4:18; 1 John 5:13).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Isaiah 24:19–20 says the earth will undergo catastrophic judgment due to sin, leading to its downfall.
• Isaiah 65:17 talks about the new heavens and new earth: "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind."
• Daniel 12:1–2 reveals that a time of great distress will come, followed by resurrection and final judgment, before the end of the world. Joel 2:30–31 also reveals the "day of the LORD," a time of judgment, coming before the end of the world.
• Zechariah 14:1–4 reveals that the Lord will return to judge the nations and establish His rule.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The end of the world is made up of many specific events, including the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18), a seven-year tribulation (Revelation 6–12), the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:11–21), a 1,000-year millennial kingdom led by Jesus from Jerusalem (Revelation 20:1–6), a final uprising by Satan and his followers (Revelation 20:7–10), a final judgment (Revelation 20:11–15), the destruction of the earth (2 Peter 3:10), and the creation of a new heaven and earth free from sin and death (Revelation 21–22).
• Second Peter 3:10 describes what we often refer to as the end of the world as we know it: "The heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." This notes the sky (heavens) will end; the sun, moon, and stars will burn up (heavenly bodies); and the earth will be exposed (or "burned up" in some translations).
• Revelation 21:1 says, "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." The first heaven and earth will be gone, along with the seas, and a new reality will exist. Revelation 21:5 adds the Lord saying, "Behold, I am making all things new."
• Second Peter 3:11–13 describes how believers are to respond to the future end of the world: "Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

In light of the end of the world, believers are to live holy and godly lives. This includes how we love God, as well as other people (Matthew 22:37–40). This also impacts how we share our faith, knowing that time is limited, and many have yet to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord.

We are also to greatly anticipate our future dwelling with the Lord. Whether we die and enter God's presence, or Jesus returns for us during our lifetime, we are to "encourage one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18). The end of the world is a comfort for those who believe in Christ and daily live for Him.

We can also look forward to eternity with all of God's people. This will include Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Ruth, Joshua, Esther, Peter, Mary, and other saints from the Bible, as well as believing family members and friends who have gone before us. We can confidently know we will see them again in eternity, knowing that those who believe in the Lord have eternal life (1 John 5:13).

For those who have not yet placed their faith in Christ, the end of the world does not carry the same hope. For unbelievers, the reality of the end of the world is a call to turn to God while there is still time. God desires for all to repent and come to salvation (2 Peter 3:9), offering eternal life to those who trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior (John 3:16).

UNDERSTAND

• The end of the world brings judgment and destruction but also renewal.
• Christ will return at the end of the world, bringing final judgment and a new creation.
• Believers await eternity with God at the end of the world, but the end of the world does not hold the same hope for unbelievers.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that the world will one day be judged and renewed change the way you live today?
• How do you struggle with fear or anticipation about the end of the world?
• How are you living a life of holiness in light of the coming judgment and renewal?

ENGAGE

• How do the Old and New Testament prophecies about the end of the world shape our understanding of God's plan for history?
• What practical steps can we take as believers to live with an eternal perspective while still engaging in the present world?
• How can we help those who are not believers see the significance of the end of the world?