THE END OF THE WORLD

​Many people have predicted- and are still predicting- the end of the world. If one listens to the news, it is hardly surprising that many believe the world is on the edge.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the flamboyant US Senator, speaking at the Women’s Unity Rally in Foley Square in 2019 said, “The world is going to end in 12 years if we don’t address climate change.” So, according to her, we only have 9 years left.
Stephen William Hawking, 1942-2018, a theoretical physicist, cosmologist and author was a genius and an atheist. He said the world began with a “big bang” and would certainly end one day.
In the New Testament we read:” And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away; and there was no more sea.” (Rev 21:1)
Many confuse the end of the world with the end times – the second coming of Christ- but the world will still be very much here then! This event will be the most awe inspiring ever seen. It will be seen by everyone, no matter where they are. The dead in Christ shall rise and join the vast heavenly throng in the air. These are people of faith like Abraham, the Patriarchs, and Prophets and ordinary people of faith before Christ’s nativity on our first Christmas. It will also include past Christians and those Christians alive at his second coming. All shall receive new bodies as they join their souls, bodies, like Christ’s, suited for heavenly spheres. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthian church, expounds this. (1 Cor 15:49-53).
For the first thousand years of eternity, the redeemed will be housed with their Lord Jesus Christ in “the new Jerusalem” which shall be seen “descending out of Heaven from God.” (Rev 21:1). It will be incredibly beautiful, illuminated by the glory of God himself, and it shall not land on earth. Notice the enormous size of this holy city: 12,000 furlongs (or 1,500 miles) length, width, and height - a perfect cube! (Rev 21:10-23).  It will be here, hovering above earth where nothing evil can enter, that Christ will reign for a thousand years.
Then the Devil will be released, and his surrogates, Gog and Magog, will foment a revolt against God but will be completely destroyed. (Rev 20:7-10). Then comes the Judgment of the Great White Throne which only applies to those dead or unredeemed after the defeat of the Devil – certainly not to those alive with their Lord in the Holy City. (Rev 20:11-14).
The Apostle Peter writes, “We, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2 Pet 3:13).
The present heavens and earth shall be destroyed. (Rev 21:1). This is the end of the world!! And what will the new heavens and earth be like Some have tried to picture it, but the Bible says” Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have  entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for
those who love him.” (1 Cor 2:9).
 
We are, however, told a few things. Isaiah prophesized, “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former shall be remembered no more, nor come into mind.” (Isa 65:17). Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions…I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2). The Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, asked Jesus about marriage in heaven. “Therefore, in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the 7 for they all had her?”  Jesus answered, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For, in the resurrection, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.” (Mt 22:28,29,30). The Apostle John writes, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any pain: for the former things are passed away.”  (Rev 21:4).
A glorious future awaits the Redeemed!
God bless
Merle