When Does the World End?

As we consider the mysteries of life and faith, a common question arises: when will our world end?

You’ve likely heard many different theories that people have come up with regarding this question, and perhaps you have some of your own.

Together, we are going to explore what the Bible has to say about it so that we can have a godly understanding of what Jesus taught about the end of our world.

What Does Jesus Say?

Have you ever just wanted to be face-to-face with Jesus and ask Him, “When does the world end?” We are blessed to have a story in the Bible where the disciples ask Jesus this question straight out! So, what does Jesus have to say?

Matthew 24:3-8 reads, “Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?”

Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.”

Signs of the Times

The “Signs of the Times” is a phrase often used to describe the things Jesus says will precede the end of the world. This phrase comes from the verse above, where we learn about these things. What are they?

Jesus talks about wars, nations going against nations. Not only that but there will also be further threats of other wars. These escalating conflicts will coincide with natural disasters such as earthquakes. The combined pressures of all of these struggles will lead to severe famines. While many see the conflicts going on in our world today and take them as a sign of the end, Jesus points out that these are only the beginning. It sounds like things will get far worse before Jesus returns.

These dramatic signs and wonders are meant to signify that the world we know it is coming to an end. Not only that, but that God is about to usher in a new one. While scary for the sinner, it’s a message of grace and love for believers. It will be a time of redemption for all those who call upon the name of Christ.

Luke 21:27-28 reads, “At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Qualities of People in the End Times

The Bible even gives us a heads up about what qualities to look for in others in society as a whole that point to the reality of Jesus’ return being near.

In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul writes, “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.“

No One Truly Knows

Only God knows the time when these things will transpire.

In Matthew 24:36, Jesus says, “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.”

This means that no matter what we experience, what happens in the world around us, or what anyone tells us, we can never pinpoint the time when Jesus will return.

Why is this? God made it this way so that we would be motivated to live righteous lives now, rather than choosing to live sinfully until the last moment then seek salvation.

Rather than devoting our time and energy to trying to figure out information only God Himself knows, we must devote that same time and energy to living according to His Word instead.

Conclusion

As we look at the world around us and compare it to the things we read in the Bible, it seems evident that the world is progressing toward the time when Jesus returns and ushers in the end. This is not a thing to mourn though: in fact, it’s a thing to celebrate! As long as we believe in Christ and strive to faithfully follow Him, Jesus’ return will be a good thing for us. He will usher in a new reality for believers, one where we will live with Him forever in a place with no more death or mourning or crying or pain (Rev. 21:4).

So, our lesson is that it matters less WHEN Jesus will return and the world will end and it matters MORE what we are doing with our lives in the present. If we are living faithfully, we should have no concerns as to when the end will come. In fact, we should be eagerly awaiting the return of our Lord and the opportunity to meet Him face-to-face.

Related: How Do I Get Into Heaven?