The End of the World
When I talk about the end of the world, people are usually frightened. For example, back in the 1930s, an actor named Orson Welles created a radio drama entitled The War of the Worlds. In this radio drama, he pretended that the earth was being attacked by beings from outer space.
When people heard this program, they actually believed that these things were taking place. Some people even died from heart attacks because they were afraid that it was the time of the end of the world. I don't blame them, because whenever you watch TV or read a magazine or a book about this subject, it seems that people are always describing the end of the world in terms of the bizarre, science fiction, or wars.
Well, I'm no prophet, and I don't know when the end of the world is going to be. But I do know that the Bible teaches some very specific and easily understood things about the end of the world, and I'd like to share those things with you today. So get your Bibles, a pencil, a piece of paper, and join our study class today as we explore the doctrines concerning the end of the world.
Why So Many Different Teachings?
Welcome to another Bible class today on Bible Talk. We have a very interesting subject today. We're going to talk about the end of the world.
Have you ever wondered why there are so many different teachings about the end of the world? You talk to one person, and he says the end of the world is going to be this way. You talk to someone else, and they describe it in another way.
The Bible, of course, teaches only one thing, but there are a lot of people who have many different ideas about the end of the world. Before I start talking about this, I need to explain two very important historical events. If we don't understand these two key events, we really cannot understand what the Bible teaches about the end of the world.
Key Historical Event #1:
The Destruction of Jerusalem (70 A.D.)
The first key historical event we need to understand is the destruction of Jerusalem, which occurred in the year 70 A.D.
In the first period of its growth, the greatest challenge to the Christian faith was the Jewish leadership. The Jewish leaders in Jerusalem were bent on destroying the Christian faith.
When Christianity started, most people thought it was just another branch of the Jewish religion and tolerated it as another sect. However, over time it became clear that Christianity was not just another branch of Judaism but a religion separate and apart from it. The Jewish leaders were intent on destroying this new faith.
Saul–who later became Paul–was one of the great leaders among the Jews who persecuted the church in the first century. Eventually, he became one of the greatest missionaries of that same church.
Aside from physical persecution, there was also ideological persecution. You had two religions fighting one another ideologically. Judaism claimed to be the spokesman for God. The temple, the priesthood, and the sacrificial system in Jerusalem were seen as the place where religious authority dwelled. The Jews were God's chosen people, and their temple was magnificent.
On the other hand, Christians claimed that Jesus was the Messiah and that all the promises made to the Jews were fulfilled in Him. Jesus said in Matthew 28:18, "All authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Me." Christians believed that all religious authority now dwelled in Christ and that worship should be offered to Him.
There was a great ideological battle between these two religions.
In 70 A.D., a dramatic event changed religious history. The Roman Empire ruled the world, and Jerusalem was under Roman control. After repeated rebellion, Rome sent an army and destroyed the city of Jerusalem. They also destroyed the temple–brick by brick. Historical accounts, such as those by the Jewish historian Josephus, describe it as a terrible massacre. Over 200,000 people were killed.
The city walls were torn down, and only one wall–the Western Wall–remained standing. Pagan idols were later set up in the temple area, desecrating it permanently.
With this destruction came the end of Jerusalem as a religious center of authority for the Jewish people. Christianity, meanwhile, was able to develop without hindrance from Jewish leadership in Jerusalem.
Key Historical Event #2:
The Fall of the Roman Empire
The second major event is the fall of the Roman Empire.
Initially, Christianity was tolerated by Rome as long as it was considered part of Judaism. But once it became clear that Christianity was distinct, persecution began. In 68 A.D., Emperor Nero officially began persecuting Christians. This persecution continued, on and off, for several centuries.
By the fourth century, the Roman Empire began to crumble from within. Eventually, it fell, and a new empire emerged. Interestingly, after four centuries of persecution, Christianity became the official religion of the new empire.
Matthew 24 and the Question of Interpretation
In Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, Jesus gives a long speech about what seems to be the end of the world. He speaks of wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, and terrible events.
In the Book of Revelation, John writes about dramatic and symbolic events often associated with the end times.
People generally interpret these writings in three ways:
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Some believe Jesus and John were predicting the literal end of the world and try to match modern events with biblical prophecy.
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Others believe Jesus was speaking about the destruction of Jerusalem and John about the fall of Rome–events that have already happened.
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A third group believes these writings describe recurring cycles throughout history, culminating in the final return of Christ.
Clear Teaching #1: II Peter 3
Peter explains that in the last days, mockers will come, saying that nothing has changed and everything continues as it always has. He reminds believers that God once destroyed the world by water in the days of Noah.
Just as God created and destroyed the world by His word before, He will do so again–this time by fire. The heavens and earth are being reserved for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
From this passage we learn:
- God created the world by His word.
- He once destroyed it by water.
- He will destroy it again by fire.
- Judgment will coincide with the end of the world.
Peter also reminds us that with the Lord, one day is like a thousand years. God is patient, not wishing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.
However, the day of the Lord will come like a thief–suddenly and unexpectedly. The heavens will pass away with a roar, the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.
Clear Teaching #2: I Thessalonians 4:13–18
In I Thessalonians 4, Paul addresses Christians who were worried that those who died before Christ's return would miss heaven.
Paul assures them that when the Lord descends from heaven with a shout, the dead in Christ will rise first. Then those who are alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, they will always be with the Lord.
Peter explains the destruction and judgment. Paul explains the resurrection and reunion of believers.
What We Know for Sure
Despite differences of opinion, there are certain things we know for sure:
- Jesus will return.
- Final judgment will take place.
- Eternity will begin–either one of joy or one of suffering.
The Purpose of This Lesson
The purpose of this lesson is simple:
- To encourage those who are faithful to Jesus Christ to keep going.
- To encourage those who do not know Him to get to know Him before He returns.
That's all the time we have for this week. Thank you very much. Thank you at home.
