The End of Time

2003005

Topic # 239 (the end)

Introduction:

A. Present day religious world finds itself in great debate concerning return of Jesus.

1. War in Middle East; Iran & North Korea defying UN guidelines, building nukes.

2. Things not progressing smoothly in Iraq.

B. During world conflict, many are the calls that Jesus’ return is imminent.

1. Revelation = the usual go to book.

2. Some claim to be able to prophecy – claim the end is near.

3. People believe these “prophets” sell their possessions; go to the desert to “wait on the Lord.”

C. What should be our response to these things?

1. What does the Bible teach concerning the end of time?

2. Today…discuss what the Bible says concerning how our world will end.

3. Most importantly, we will discuss how we should prepare for it.

4. Fewer subjects are more interesting; fraught w/error; and as important.

5. Get your bible out & let’s read together what the Bible says will take place.

I. Jesus promised to return. The NT treats His return as FACT.

A. John 14:1-3; esp. 3, 18. About to die on cross – seeking to comfort disciples. I will come to you – 14:18.

B. Acts 1:9-11 – at his ascension into heaven note the words of the angel.

C. 1 Cor. 11:26 – Jesus’ return spoken of fact by Paul as we will partake of the LS until He comes.

D. Heb. 9:28 – spoken as fact here.

E. Js. 5:7 – be patient until the coming of the Lord.

F. 1 Peter 5:4 – the Chief Shepherd (will) appear.

G. 1 John 2:28 – when He appears…

II. We have been told to watch!

A. There is a sense of urgency connected with this.

1. Mk. 13:32-33; 35-37- Be on the alert!

2. As a thief in the night – Mt. 24:42-44.

a) coming at an hour you do not think He will.

3. Command to watch echoed in Lk. 12:35-40.

B. Paul commanded the Thessalonian brethren to watch – 1 Thess. 5:1-6.

C. Some will not be watching & will come up short on judgment.

1. Mt. 24:45-51 – penalty of delay expressed here.

2. 2 Peter 3:3-14

a) 3:4 – some – it’s not going to happen.

b) 3:8 – one day = 1000 years & 1000 years = one day.

c) 3:9 – day WILL happen!

3. Men are expected to repent b/f the end. Acts 17:30-31. No chance after death; or Christ’s return.

4. 1 John 2:28 – shrink away at the coming of Christ.

a) Heart will be laid bare at His coming.

b) Pretensions of goodness will be stripped away.

c) No rejoicing in His return here.

D. Why should we be vigilant in looking for Christ’s return?

1. Rev. 3:11; 16:15; 22:12; 20 – I am coming quickly!

2. No warning; no time period to give indication; no signs in the heavens & earth; etc.

III. At His Coming…

A. 1 Thess. 4:13-18 – Thessalonians became distressed b/c loved ones died before Lord’s return. They felt sure Christ would return b/f end of 1^st century.

1. Paul begins to explain in detail what will happen.

B. 1 Thess. 4:16 – Jesus will descend from heaven – in the manner that He ascended to heaven. (Acts 1:11)

1. Note: no mention of His setting foot on earth again. 4:17 says we’ll meet Him in the clouds.

C. 1 Thess. 4:16 – all will know of His return. Nothing secret/silent about it!

1. Great shout: a cry of excitement – wd used nowhere else in NT. Means “an outcry; clamor; or shout.”

2. Voice of archangel. Archangel means “chief angel.” The highest of heavenly hosts will take part in the day – some have speculated that it is their purpose to summon the world to the bar of judgment.

3. Trumpet of God will sound.

a) In bible, trumpet sounded at the beginning of solemn events.

3. Again…hardly a silent; secret thing. Any other teaching: false doctrine.

E. 1 Thess. 4:16 – the dead in Christ will rise.

1. John 5:28-29 – Jesus will call the dead to rise.

F. 1 Thess. 4:17 – Those who are alive & remain will be caught up together in the clouds.

1. Note again, we’ll meet Him in the air.

G. When Jesus comes – our souls will be fitted with a body suitable for eternity. We’ll put on an immortal body.

1. 1 Cor. 15:50-53

2. 1 John 3:2 – we will be like Him – see Him just as He is.

H. What of earth?

1. 2 Peter 3:10-12 – it will be destroyed.

2. What of those left? Experience first hand the destruction of the earth.

IV. Then comes the judgment.

A. Heb. 9:27 – an appointment we will all keep. Not an optional thing. Can’t run from God.

1. Paul spoke of judgment as a fact – 2 Tim. 4:1

2. Note: Jesus is the Judge.

B. It is at this time that every knee will bow. Phil. 2:9-11.

1. Everyone is going to acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus.

2. This not a time to argue case before God.

a) No one will be able to speak up for anyone else.

b) There will be no time to explain things away in hopes that God will change His mind.

3. This is the time for receiving a final sentence based on how one has lived on earth – 2 Cor. 5:10.

a) Fate sealed at death.

C. 1 Cor. 4:5 – this is a time when all things will be brought to light. Complete! Total judgment.

D. See also Rev. 20:11-15

V. Eternal Destinations.

A. Some will receive a sentence of eternal death.

1. 2 Thess. 1:7-9 – will deal out vengeance on those who do not submit to Him.

2. Rom. 12:19 – vengeance is mine – I will repay.

a) Mt. 16:27 – every man will be repaid according to His deeds.

b) Jude 14-16 – ungodly will be punished.

B. Mt. 7:21-23 – even some who thought they were His servants will come up short!

1. Once faithful – but turn away – receive punishment – 2 Pet. 2:20-22.

2. See also Heb. 10:26-31

C. Others receive eternal life b/c of forgiveness of sin.

1. Paul expected it. 2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Cor. 1:7-8 – blameless in the end.

2. Mt. 25:31-46; esp. 46.

a) Those who obediently served Christ. Active spiritual lives.

b) Phil. 2:12 – those who worked out their salvation w/fear & trembling.

3. Col. 3:23-25

4. It is after judgment that Christian receives final inheritance. 1 Pet. 1:3-4

Conclusion:

A. Life uncertain. Could end before we think it will.

B. Dead is certain. Our fate is sealed at death. No 2^nd chance.

1. Eternity is forever. Know for sure these things will happen!

2. Rev. 14:11 – unending torment. God will have complete destruction over all who disobey Him.

3. Rev. 20:10

C. Each one of us makes a personal decision as to where we will wind up.

1. Where are you headed?

2. 1 Pet. 1:3-4 – Peter talks about receiving an eternal inheritance.

a) Key: being born again through obedience to gospel.

b) Have you done this?

c) Obey gospel today!

D. Already Christian. Not living faithfully?

1. Don’t be one of the ones Peter talks about in 2 Peter 2:20-22

2. Don’t fall into hands of the living God. Heb. 10:31

3. Get your life right today!

E. I N V I T A T I O N



The End of Time 2003005 Topic # 239 (the end) Introduction: A. Present day religious world finds itself in great debate concerning return of Jesus. 1. War in Middle East; Iran & North Korea defying UN guidelines, building nukes. 2. Things not progressing smoothly in Iraq. B. During world conflict, many are the calls that Jesus’ return is imminent. 1. Revelation = the usual go to book. 2. Some claim to be able to prophecy – claim the end is near. 3. People believe these “prophets” sell their possessions; go to the desert to “wait on the Lord.” C. What should be our response to these things? 1. What does the Bible teach concerning the end of time? 2. Today…discuss what the Bible says concerning how our world will end. 3. Most importantly, we will discuss how we should prepare for it. 4. Fewer subjects are more interesting; fraught w/error; and as important. 5. Get your bible out & let’s read together what the Bible says will take place. I. Jesus promised to return. The NT treats His return as FACT. A. John 14:1-3; esp. 3, 18. About to die on cross – seeking to comfort disciples. I will come to you – 14:18. B. Acts 1:9-11 – at his ascension into heaven note the words of the angel. C. 1 Cor. 11:26 – Jesus’ return spoken of fact by Paul as we will partake of the LS until He comes. D. Heb. 9:28 – spoken as fact here. E. Js. 5:7 – be patient until the coming of the Lord. F. 1 Peter 5:4 – the Chief Shepherd (will) appear. G. 1 John 2:28 – when He appears… II. We have been told to watch! A. There is a sense of urgency connected with this. 1. Mk. 13:32-33; 35-37- Be on the alert! 2. As a thief in the night – Mt. 24:42-44. a) coming at an hour you do not think He will. 3. Command to watch echoed in Lk. 12:35-40. B. Paul commanded the Thessalonian brethren to watch – 1 Thess. 5:1-6. C. Some will not be watching & will come up short on judgment. 1. Mt. 24:45-51 – penalty of delay expressed here. 2. 2 Peter 3:3-14 a) 3:4 – some – it’s not going to happen. b) 3:8 – one day = 1000 years & 1000 years = one day. c) 3:9 – day WILL happen! 3. Men are expected to repent b/f the end. Acts 17:30-31. No chance after death; or Christ’s return. 4. 1 John 2:28 – shrink away at the coming of Christ. a) Heart will be laid bare at His coming. b) Pretensions of goodness will be stripped away. c) No rejoicing in His return here. D. Why should we be vigilant in looking for Christ’s return? 1. Rev. 3:11; 16:15; 22:12; 20 – I am coming quickly! 2. No warning; no time period to give indication; no signs in the heavens & earth; etc. III. At His Coming… A. 1 Thess. 4:13-18 – Thessalonians became distressed b/c loved ones died before Lord’s return. They felt sure Christ would return b/f end of 1^st century. 1. Paul begins to explain in detail what will happen. B. 1 Thess. 4:16 – Jesus will descend from heaven – in the manner that He ascended to heaven. (Acts 1:11) 1. Note: no mention of His setting foot on earth again. 4:17 says we’ll meet Him in the clouds. C. 1 Thess. 4:16 – all will know of His return. Nothing secret/silent about it! 1. Great shout: a cry of excitement – wd used nowhere else in NT. Means “an outcry; clamor; or shout.” 2. Voice of archangel. Archangel means “chief angel.” The highest of heavenly hosts will take part in the day – some have speculated that it is their purpose to summon the world to the bar of judgment. 3. Trumpet of God will sound. a) In bible, trumpet sounded at the beginning of solemn events. 3. Again…hardly a silent; secret thing. Any other teaching: false doctrine. E. 1 Thess. 4:16 – the dead in Christ will rise. 1. John 5:28-29 – Jesus will call the dead to rise. F. 1 Thess. 4:17 – Those who are alive & remain will be caught up together in the clouds. 1. Note again, we’ll meet Him in the air. G. When Jesus comes – our souls will be fitted with a body suitable for eternity. We’ll put on an immortal body. 1. 1 Cor. 15:50-53 2. 1 John 3:2 – we will be like Him – see Him just as He is. H. What of earth? 1. 2 Peter 3:10-12 – it will be destroyed. 2. What of those left? Experience first hand the destruction of the earth. IV. Then comes the judgment. A. Heb. 9:27 – an appointment we will all keep. Not an optional thing. Can’t run from God. 1. Paul spoke of judgment as a fact – 2 Tim. 4:1 2. Note: Jesus is the Judge. B. It is at this time that every knee will bow. Phil. 2:9-11. 1. Everyone is going to acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus. 2. This not a time to argue case before God. a) No one will be able to speak up for anyone else. b) There will be no time to explain things away in hopes that God will change His mind. 3. This is the time for receiving a final sentence based on how one has lived on earth – 2 Cor. 5:10. a) Fate sealed at death. C. 1 Cor. 4:5 – this is a time when all things will be brought to light. Complete! Total judgment. D. See also Rev. 20:11-15 V. Eternal Destinations. A. Some will receive a sentence of eternal death. 1. 2 Thess. 1:7-9 – will deal out vengeance on those who do not submit to Him. 2. Rom. 12:19 – vengeance is mine – I will repay. a) Mt. 16:27 – every man will be repaid according to His deeds. b) Jude 14-16 – ungodly will be punished. B. Mt. 7:21-23 – even some who thought they were His servants will come up short! 1. Once faithful – but turn away – receive punishment – 2 Pet. 2:20-22. 2. See also Heb. 10:26-31 C. Others receive eternal life b/c of forgiveness of sin. 1. Paul expected it. 2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Cor. 1:7-8 – blameless in the end. 2. Mt. 25:31-46; esp. 46. a) Those who obediently served Christ. Active spiritual lives. b) Phil. 2:12 – those who worked out their salvation w/fear & trembling. 3. Col. 3:23-25 4. It is after judgment that Christian receives final inheritance. 1 Pet. 1:3-4 Conclusion: A. Life uncertain. Could end before we think it will. B. Dead is certain. Our fate is sealed at death. No 2^nd chance. 1. Eternity is forever. Know for sure these things will happen! 2. Rev. 14:11 – unending torment. God will have complete destruction over all who disobey Him. 3. Rev. 20:10 C. Each one of us makes a personal decision as to where we will wind up. 1. Where are you headed? 2. 1 Pet. 1:3-4 – Peter talks about receiving an eternal inheritance. a) Key: being born again through obedience to gospel. b) Have you done this? c) Obey gospel today! D. Already Christian. Not living faithfully? 1. Don’t be one of the ones Peter talks about in 2 Peter 2:20-22 2. Don’t fall into hands of the living God. Heb. 10:31 3. Get your life right today! E. I N V I T A T I O N