How is the World Going to End?

Mark 13:5-7 (New Living Translation)

Jesus replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.”

What are the signs of the end times? There have been people in every generation since Christ’s resurrection claiming to know exactly when Jesus would return.

No one has been right yet because Christ will return on God’s timetable, not ours. Jesus predicted that before His return, many believers would be misled by false teachers claiming to have revelations from God. According to Scripture, one clear sign of Christ’s return will be His unmistakable appearance in the clouds, which will be seen by all people (Revelation 1:7).

In other words, you do not have to wonder whether a certain person is the Messiah or whether these are the “end times.” When Jesus returns, you will know beyond a doubt because it will be evident to all true believers.

Luke 12:40 (New Living Translation)

You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

Beware of groups who claim special knowledge of Christ’s return because no one knows when that time will be. But be bold in your total commitment to have your heart and life ready for Christ’s return.

2 Peter 3:9 (Contemporary English Version)

The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and
no one to be lost.

Christ’s return at an unexpected time is not a trap or a trick by which God hopes to catch us off guard. In fact, God is delaying His return so more people will have the opportunity to follow Him.

Before Christ’s return, we have time to live out our beliefs and to reflect Jesus’ love as we relate to others.

People who are ready for their Lord’s return are:

1. not hypocritical but sincere (Luke 12:1);
2. not fearful but ready to witness (Luke 12:4-9);
3. not worried but trusting (Luke 12:25-26);
4. not greedy but generous (Luke 12:34) ;
5. not lazy but diligent (Luke 12:37).

1 John 2:18-23 (New International Version)

Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know
it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us;
but their going showed that none of them belonged to us. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. I do not write
to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. Who is the liar? It is the man who
denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father;
whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

John is talking about the last days which refer to the time between Christ’s first and second comings. The first-century readers of 1 John lived in the last days, and so do we. During this time, antichrists (false teachers who pretend to be Christians and who lure weak members away from Christ) will appear. Finally, just before the world ends, one great Antichrist will arise (Revelation 13; 19:20; 20:10).

We do not need to fear these evil people, however. The Holy Spirit shows us their errors, so we will not be deceived. However, we must teach God’s Word clearly and carefully to the weak members among us so that they won’t fall prey to these teachers.

I encourage you: May your life be more like Christ’s so that when He comes, you will be ready to greet Him joyfully?