The concept of the “end time” has often been associated with doomsday predictions and dire prophecies. Many are intrigued by these dire predictions, but many others are weary and sceptical, having heard it all too often before. That will not deter many who will continue to predict the end of days.
Some may base their predictions on Nostradamus or tea leaves. But many base their predictions on the Bible.
Eschatology, the study of end-time prophecy, delves into what the Bible says about this period and what lies beyond. Despite being described as the worst time in human history, the “end time” is ultimately seen as a time of salvation and renewal.
Jesus Christ said: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake, those days shall be shortened. (Matthew 24:21-22).
Christ will intervene to prevent the total destruction of the human race. And from then on, it’s very good news!
The Bible puts things in perspective. This miserable age of evil and suffering will be replaced by a wonderful world ruled by our Savior.
Acts 3:19 calls the coming age the “times of refreshing”!
Biblical passages paint a vivid picture of this coming age, describing it as a utopia where nations will seek God’s guidance and conflicts will cease.
“But in the last days, it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.
“And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
“And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
“But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.” (Micah 4:1-4).
Analogies like childbirth portray the end of the current age as labour pains preceding the birth of a new era, the Kingdom of God.
“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” (Romans 8:22).
It is easy to be convinced, looking at the sorry state of the world today and at these inspiring scriptures, that the end of this age and Christ’s second coming to set up the Kingdom of God is the best news this world can hear.
But no one will know when exactly this will happen.
Christ tells us to “watch therefore and pray always” and to discern the “signs of the times” (Luke 21:36; Matthew 16:3).
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36).
Despite uncertainty about the timing of these events, believers are encouraged to remain vigilant and discern the signs of the times. The emphasis is on living a life aligned with God’s will and spreading the good news of the coming kingdom. Then, even though we don’t know precisely when the end will come, we will be ready.
The good news is, it’s not really the end. It’s the beginning of a much better world!
