The concept of the end times and the final judgment has been a topic of interest for many Christians for centuries. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous references to the end times, the return of Jesus Christ, and the final judgment. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about these events and what they mean for believers.
The End Times
The end times, also known as the last days or the end of the age, refer to the period of time just before Jesus Christ returns to earth. In Matthew 24:3, the disciples asked Jesus about the signs of His coming and the end of the age. Jesus responded by giving them a list of events that would occur, including wars, famines, earthquakes, false prophets, and persecution of believers.
The book of Revelation provides a more detailed account of the end times, with visions of the seals, trumpets, and bowls that bring about judgment upon the earth. The book also describes the Antichrist, who will rise to power and deceive many people before being defeated by Jesus Christ.
One thing that is clear from the Bible is that no one knows the exact time of Jesus’ return. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus said, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
The Final Judgment
The final judgment is the event in which God will judge all people, both believers and non-believers. This judgment will determine each person’s eternal destiny. In Revelation 20:11-15, John describes the great white throne judgment, in which all the dead will be raised and judged according to what they have done.
For believers, the final judgment is not something to fear. Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Believers are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and their sins are forgiven. However, believers will still be judged according to their works, and rewards will be given based on how they lived their lives on earth (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).
Non-believers, on the other hand, will be judged according to their rejection of Jesus Christ. Revelation 20:15 says, “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” This is a sobering reminder that there is a consequence for rejecting God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.
What Does This Mean for Believers?
As believers, the end times and the final judgment should serve as a reminder to live our lives in a way that honors God. We should be actively sharing the gospel with others, knowing that time is short and that Jesus could return at any moment. We should also be living our lives in a way that pleases God, knowing that we will be held accountable for our actions.
It’s also important to remember that God is in control of the end times and the final judgment. We can trust that He will bring about justice and righteousness, and that He will ultimately triumph over evil. As Revelation 22:20 says, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
Conclusion
The end times and the final judgment are sobering topics, but as believers, we can have confidence in the promises of God. We know that Jesus Christ will return to earth, that there will be a final judgment, and that we will spend eternity with God. Our response should be to live our lives in a way that honors God and to share the gospel with others, knowing that time is short. Ultimately, we can trust in God’s plan and His sovereignty over all things.
