Biblical Foundations of End Times
Imagine a big school play where everyone has a part, and there’s a grand finale. The teacher has given clues about how the play will end, but no one knows exactly when the final act will start. Everyone is excited but also a bit nervous, making sure they’re ready when the time comes. This is a bit like what the Bible says about the end times – it gives us clues, but we don’t know exactly when it will happen.
Key Scriptures on the End Times
- Matthew 24:36
Scripture: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
Explanation: Jesus tells us that no one knows the exact time of the end, not even Him, only God the Father. This means we should always be ready.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Scripture: “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
Explanation: This passage describes how Jesus will return and gather His followers. It’s often called the “rapture.”
- Revelation 21:1-4
Scripture: “Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Explanation: This describes the new heaven and new earth where God will live with His people forever, with no more suffering or pain.
Understanding Eschatological Terms and Concepts
- Eschatology
Term: Eschatology is the study of the end times.
Explanation: It’s like studying how a story ends, focusing on what the Bible says about the end of the world and the return of Jesus.
- Rapture
Term: The rapture is when Christians believe they will be taken up to meet Jesus in the air.
Example: Imagine being picked up by a loving parent at the end of a long day – that’s like the rapture, where Jesus comes to take His followers to be with Him.
- Tribulation
Term: The tribulation is a period of great trouble and suffering before the end times.
Example: Think of it like a tough exam period at school – it’s hard, but it has an end, and something better comes after.
- Second Coming
Term: The second coming is when Jesus returns to earth.
Example: It’s like waiting for a special guest to come back and make everything right again.
- Millennium
Term: The millennium is a thousand-year reign of Christ on earth.
Explanation: It’s like a long, peaceful time where Jesus rules and everything is good.
Conclusion
The Bible gives us clues about the end times, but we don’t know exactly when it will happen. Here’s a quick recap:
- Be Ready: We don’t know when the end times will come, so we should live in a way that pleases God every day.
- Jesus Will Return: Jesus will come back to take His followers to be with Him.
- New Heaven and New Earth: God will create a new heaven and new earth where there will be no more pain or suffering.
Scriptural Encouragement: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” – Matthew 24:42
By understanding these key Scriptures and concepts, we can be ready for the end times and look forward to the wonderful things God has planned. Keep studying the Bible, stay close to God, and trust in His promises!
