“End Of Time”

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

I have been reading about the end times.  It seems that we are very close (from what I have heard and read myself).  It seems that a lot of churches talk a lot about the end times from what I can see.  Do you think that we are close to the end?  Also, what signs in the Bible, if any, have not happened yet?  I am just scared that we are close to the end; of course, it could end before I even finish writing the question, so we all need to be ready for it, just wanting your opinion on the subject; thanks!

Sincerely,
Looking Ahead

Dear Looking Ahead,

Many verses that people use to discuss the end of time are used out of context.  It might surprise you to know that most of the book of Revelation has nothing to do with the end of the world (even John, the writer of the book, said that the book of Revelation was full of things shortly to come to pass – Rev 1:1).  So be careful in taking too much stock in what you read on the internet (which is ironic, since this is a website!) or hear through other people.  What matters is what the verses say, not what people think or assume.  Most stuff you read is merely conjecture.  2 Thess 2:1-2 specifically warns us about getting too caught up in worrying about when the end will come.

The clearest passages we have on the topic of the end of the world are 1 Thess 5:1-10, 2 Pet 3:3-12, and 1 Cor 15:50-58.  All three of these passages clearly outline what needs to be known about the end of the world.

First, it will come like a thief, and no one will be ready for it (1 Thess 5:2, 2 Pet 3:10).  If the day will only come when no one is expecting it, it only makes sense to not worry about trying to pinpoint that day since God says it is impossible!

Second, we should live every day like it will be our last (1 Cor 15:58, 2 Pet 3:11-12, 1 Thess 5:8-9).  If you are always living a holy and faithful life, it won’t matter when Christ returns – a point which you made in your question.  Live faithfully, and whether you live or die, you will be ready to meet your Lord (1 Thess 5:10).

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