Ask Your Preacher - Archives
“End Of The Road”
Categories: WORLD EVENTSAre we living in the end times?Sincerely,
How Close?
Dear How Close,
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).
