Introduction:
Our religious world finds itself in great debate concerning return of Jesus. Add to this the uncertainty and instability in our world. During world conflict, many are the calls that Jesus’ return is imminent. What should be our response to these things? What does the Bible teach concerning the end of time? Today we will discuss what the Bible says concerning how our world will end. Most importantly, we will discuss how we should prepare for it. Get your bible out & let’s read together what the Bible says will take place.
I. Jesus promised to return. The NT treats His return as FACT.
A. John 14:1-3; esp. 3, 18.
B. Acts 1:9-11 – at his ascension into heaven note the words of the angel.
C. 1 Cor. 11:26 – until He comes.
D. Heb. 9:28 – spoken as fact here.
E. Js. 5:7 – be patient until the coming of the Lord.
F. 1 Peter 5:4 – the Chief Shepherd (will) appear.
G. 1 John 2:28 – when He appears…
A. There is a sense of urgency connected with this.
1. Mk. 13:32-33; 35-37- Be on the alert!
2. As a thief in the night – Mt. 24:42-44. See also Lk. 12:35-40.
B. Paul commanded the Thessalonian brethren to watch – 1 Thess. 5:1-6.
C. Some will not be watching & will come up short on judgment.
1. Mt. 24:45-51 – penalty of delay expressed here.
2. 2 Peter 3:3-14
3. Acts 17:30-31. No chance after death; or Christ’s return.
4. 1 John 2:28 – shrink away at the coming of Christ.
D. Why should we be vigilant in looking for Christ’s return?
1. Rev. 3:11; 16:15; 22:12; 20 – I am coming quickly!
A. 1 Thess. 4:16 – Jesus will descend from heaven
B. 1 Thess. 4:16 – all will know of His return. Nothing secret/silent about it!
C. 1 Thess. 4:16 – the dead in Christ will rise.
D. 1 Thess. 4:17 – Those who are alive will be caught up together in the clouds.
E. When Jesus comes –We’ll put on an immortal body. 1 Cor. 15:50-53
F. What of earth? 2 Peter 3:10-12 – it will be destroyed.
IV. Then comes the judgment.
A. Heb. 9:27 – This is not optional.
1. Paul spoke of judgment as a fact – 2 Tim. 4:1
B. It is at this time that every knee will bow. Phil. 2:9-11.
1. 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor 4:5; Rev. 20:11-15
V. Eternal Destinations.
A. Some will receive a sentence of eternal death. 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Mt. 7:21-23; 2 Pet. 2:20-22
B. Others receive eternal life b/c of forgiveness of sin. 2 Tim 4:8; 1 Cor. 1:78; Mt. 25:31-46; Col. 3:23-25.
Conclusion:
Life uncertain. Could end before we think it will. Dead is certain. Where are you headed?