The Last Time Has Already Begun
The apostles made it clear: we are living in “the
last time.” In 1 John 2:18, the presence of antichrists and
spiritual opposition was proof that the final era had begun. 1
Peter 1:5 affirms that salvation will be fully revealed in the
“last time"—a phrase not referring to a new dispensation but to the
final stage of God’s plan. The “last days” are not future; we are in
them now. This is the time for vigilance and readiness as history
nears its end.
A Thief in the Night: The Day of the Lord
In 2 Peter 3:10-12, Peter describes the
end with vivid power: “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in
the night.” No one will expect it. The heavens will pass away with a
deafening noise, and the earth will be consumed by fire. The basic
elements—what we consider solid and lasting—will melt. Everything
will be dissolved. In light of this, Peter asks a penetrating
question: What kind of people should we be? The answer is clear—we
should live in holiness, godliness, and constant expectation.
Old Testament Prophecies of Destruction
Isaiah prophesied centuries before Peter, yet his
words align perfectly. In Isaiah 24:19-20, the prophet saw
the earth shaken to its foundations—breaking, dissolving, and
falling. The image is of global upheaval so intense that the earth
itself staggers “like a drunkard.” Isaiah 34:4 adds a
cosmic dimension: the stars and heavens will be dissolved and rolled
up like a scroll. This is not symbolic—it is a prediction of the
final judgment upon creation itself.
The Day Will Come Suddenly
1 Thessalonians 5:2-4
reinforces Peter’s warning. The day of the Lord will come like a
thief. While the world boasts of “peace and safety,” destruction
will arrive without warning—just like labor pains come upon a
pregnant woman. But Christians are not in darkness. We are to live
alert, watchful, and prepared. God has told us what will happen; now
we must live accordingly.
Only the Unshakable Will Remain
Hebrews 12:26-28
compares the past shaking of Mount Sinai with a future, greater
shaking—one that will remove not only earthly things but also the
heavens. The purpose? To reveal what cannot be shaken: the unmovable
Kingdom of God. While the physical world burns away, the church of
Christ—His kingdom—will remain. This eternal kingdom is where we
must place our trust, our hope, and our allegiance.
Judgment Is Coming for the Ungodly
Jude 14-15 quotes
the ancient prophecy of Enoch: the Lord is coming with His saints to
execute judgment. Everyone will give account. He will expose every
ungodly deed and every careless, rebellious word. No one will escape
who has lived in defiance of God's will. Judgment will not be hidden
or symbolic—it will be final and just.
Christ Will Return in Glory and Power
Revelation 22:12-13
delivers Christ’s own solemn promise: “Behold, I come quickly.” He
brings His reward, and each person will receive exactly what they
deserve. He is Alpha and Omega—beginning and end. His return will
mark the end of time and the beginning of eternity. There will be no
more delays, no more warnings, no more second chances. Only reward
or punishment.
Sermon Outline: What Does the Bible Say
About the End of Earth?
Introduction
- We are living in the last time (1 John 2:18;
1 Peter 1:5)
- The end will come suddenly and finally
I. The Earth Will Be Burned Up (2 Peter
3:10-12)
- Destruction by fire, not renewal
- All things will be dissolved
- Calls for holy and godly living
II. The Old Testament Foretold the End
(Isaiah 24, 34)
- Earth will break, dissolve, fall
- Heavens will be rolled up like a scroll
III. The Day Will Come Suddenly (1
Thessalonians 5:2-4)
- Unexpected, like a thief in the night
- The world will feel safe—but destruction will
strike
IV. Only the Kingdom Will Remain (Hebrews
12:26-28)
- Everything physical will be shaken
- The church—the Kingdom—will stand
V. Judgment Will Be Final (Jude 14-15;
Revelation 22:12-13)
- Christ comes to judge every person
- The righteous rewarded; the ungodly condemned
Call to Action: Are You Ready for the
End?
Are you living like the world will last forever?
God says it won’t. The earth, the heavens, and all that is in them
will be burned up. But the faithful will receive an unshakable
kingdom—a home in heaven. Have you obeyed the gospel? Have you
entered the Kingdom that cannot be moved?
If not, now is the time to act. Repent of sin.
Confess Jesus as Lord. Be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts
2:38). Live in holiness and godly fear. Be ready for the Lord’s
return—for it will come suddenly, and it will be final.
“Behold, I come quickly…”
Will you be ready when He does?
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