The Bible deals with death, eternity, and the final events in many places. The central theme is that humans and nature belong to the world created by God, but the life span of creation is limited. Above all, however, is God’s care for all of creation, which extends from one age to another.
What then is the role of humans when the world ceases to exist? Jesus said, “a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out” (John 5:28-29). Believers does not need to fear this moment, for they have hope for the afterlife. Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).
Time and timeless eternity
With their limited understanding, humans are unable to comprehend eternity, and that is why God bound the humans He created to time. The small part of eternity that humans experience on earth can be measured with a clock and a calendar. At the same time, being bound to time means that humans can only live in the present; they cannot move to another time. God, however, is not limited by time in the same way as man, for God is eternal and He lives in eternity. He has no beginning and no end; He is simultaneously in the past, present, and future.
God, who is above all and sustains all, allows us to feel the power of His deeds, but reveals to us only a small part of Himself and His power. We must humbly acknowledge our limitations. He is beyond our understanding. The Bible repeatedly calls God “hidden”: “Truly you are a God who has been hiding himself, the God and Savior of Israel” (Isaiah 45:15). The evangelist John writes: “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known” (John 1:18).
The eternal God, who is above time, is also the Lord of life and death. He sets limits on people’s lives that they cannot change or move (2 Pet. 3: 4-13). However, He has also created man for eternal life, and in His love He invites all people to join Him in eternity. Every person has a longing for communion with God, because the immortal soul of man seeks eternity and timelessness with its Creator.
Eternal immortality with God is possible through faith. On the other hand, the greatest harm occurs when the soul of a person who dies in unbelief is separated from God forever. Jesus continues in the Gospel of John: “all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned” (John 5:29).
The End of the World – Threats and Prophecies
As Jesus’ words show, the end of the age of mankind is related to Jesus’ second coming and the last judgment. The Bible contains prophecies that describe the end of the world and the signs associated with the events of the end times.
Interpreting the predictions and placing the signs of the end of time in the context of contemporary events has always fascinated people. Even the disciples wanted to know more about the subject: “As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. ‘Tell us’, they said, ‘when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’” (Matt. 24:3)
God’s word urges us to watch the signs of the times, but above all to remain vigilant in faith. Although Jesus gave many predictions in the situation described above, which would tell of the approaching end of the world, he began his answer by saying: “Watch out that no one deceives you” (Matt. 24:4; see also Luke. 21:7-19; 2 Thess. 2:3,4). The predictions about the end of time should be treated with caution, as they involve an increased risk of false teachings. Even through the promised signs, God does not give precise details of His plans. Jesus himself said: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matt. 24:36).
Modern humanity is concerned about the state of the climate and changes in nature. Natural disasters have occurred in different parts of the world, which could be interpreted as signs of God’s end times. However, it is advisable to avoid hasty interpretations. The Christian perspective returns to the idea of the Bible’s creation story that people must cultivate and protect creation (1. Moses 2:15). This means that people are allowed to use natural resources wisely, but at the same time they have to take care of the environment. The Creator sets limits to everything. He does not allow people to destroy the world He has created.
The Second Coming of Jesus
Christians have been waiting for the second coming of Jesus and new life in eternity from the beginning. The Gospel of Mark describes how, in the end, the Son of Man will arrive and the scattered believers will be gathered as God’s people. The Gospel of Matthew speaks of the coming judgment of the world. On the last day, Christ will come in his brightness, and all people will be gathered before him. They are divided into two groups: some receive eternal life, others eternal punishment. The most important thing is to always be ready, because no one knows when the last moment will come (Mark 13; Matt. 24-25; Luke 17:22-37).
The Gospel of John does not speak of the end of the world. Instead, the Gospel of John emphasizes Jesus’ teaching that death cannot take away the future from believers. John writes about the event in which Jesus arrives to the relatives of the dead Lazarus. To Martha, he says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John 11:25-26). On the other hand, it is clear from the Gospel of John that if a person does not believe, he condemns himself (John 3:18).
Most importantly, Jesus’ teaching of the last events emphasizes God’s grace and mercy. He can open the door of heaven to a sinful man and close the gates of hell. He can save the man he created from eternal loss and raise him to enjoy eternal connection with Him.
Resurrection and an endless life in eternity
Christian faith also teaches the resurrection of the dead. Christ was the first to rise from the grave and open the gates of heaven to the believers with his resurrection. Thus, at the end of the world, the followers of Christ will face the resurrection to eternal life. Although the body disintegrates in the grave after death, a new union of body and soul takes place in the resurrection, for God creates a new body for the dead in His faith, the body of the enlightened resurrection (1 Cor. 15:12-23).
In Christian language, heaven means the invisible world of God. According to the Bible, the kingdom of God is not only on earth in time, but it is also in heaven in eternity. Heaven is therefore the part of the kingdom of God from which Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit have come.
Heaven is also the eternal home of God-blessed people (Rev. 7), where they will go at the end of the world. Eternal life and heaven are concretely described in many songs. Familiar images are white robes, festive tables, harps and songs, and a golden city. These metaphors convey and sustain hope that frees man from grief, hunger and deprivation. A believer can hope and wait for the final call.
“The word of the Lord came to me: ‘What do you see, Jeremiah?’
‘I see the branch of an almond tree’, I replied.
The Lord said to me, ‘You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled’” (Jer. 1:11-12).
Author: Kingdom of Peace
Image: Erkki Alasaarela, Credits: SRK