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The phrase “end of the world” is one that carries immense weight, often invoking images of apocalyptic events, final judgments, and the end of human history as we know it. Many people wonder when this end will occur, what signs will precede it, and what it will look like. According to the Bible, the concept of the “end of the world” is closely tied to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the final judgment, and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth. The Bible provides significant insight into these events, emphasizing God’s sovereignty, the urgency of readiness, and the ultimate hope of restoration.
Understanding the “End of the World” in Biblical Terms
The Bible does not use the phrase “end of the world” in the same way it is commonly understood in modern culture. Instead, it speaks of the end of the age, the end of human history as it is currently ordered, and the beginning of a new eternal order. The term “world” in this context refers to the present world system—human governments, institutions, and the order of things that are governed by sin and decay.
- Matthew 24:3 (NKJV): “Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?'”
The term “end of the age” is synonymous with the “end of the world,” as Jesus’ disciples sought to understand when the world as they knew it would come to a close and what signs would precede it. The “end of the age” refers to the conclusion of the current world system and the ushering in of God’s eternal kingdom.
Signs of the End Times
The Bible outlines several signs that will precede the end of the world. These signs are recorded primarily in the Gospels, the Book of Revelation, and the letters of the Apostle Paul. They are meant to alert believers to be prepared, to remain faithful, and to keep watch for the return of Christ. The Scriptures describe the condition of affairs at the end of the time in the following passages:
Capital-labor troubles
“The hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord” “Be … patient; … for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh” (James 5:4, 8).
Unrest, fear, and upheaval
“And there shall be … upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; … Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth” (Luke 21:25, 26).
Increase of knowledge
“Even to the time of the end … knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4).
It is said that 80 percent of the world’s total knowledge has been brought forth in the last decade and that 90 percent of all the scientists who have ever lived are alive today.
Scoffers and religious skeptics who turn away from Bible truth
“There shall come in the last days scoffers” (2 Peter 3:3). “They will not endure sound doctrine; … And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3, 4).
Moral degeneracy–decline of spirituality
“In the last days … men shall be lovers of their own selves, … Without natural affection, … incontinent, … despisers of those that are good, … Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
Craze for pleasure
“In the last days … men shall be … lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-4).
Increasing lawlessness, bloody crimes, and violence
“Iniquity shall abound” (Matthew 24:12). “Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse” (2 Timothy 3:13).
Destructive earthquakes, storms, and famines
“And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences” (Luke 21:11).
A turning to spiritualism
“In the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits” (1 Timothy 4:1). “They are the spirits of devils” (Revelation 16:14).
Signs in the heavenly bodies
1) The Sun Turned into Darkness
Prophecy: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened” (Matthew 24:29).
Fulfillment: This was fulfilled by a day of supernatural darkness on May 19, 1780. It was not an eclipse. Timothy Dwight says, “The 19th of May, 1780, was a remarkable dark day. Candles were lighted in many houses; the birds were silent and disappeared, and the fowls retired to roost. … A very general opinion prevailed, that the day of judgment was at hand.” Connecticut Historical Collections, compiled by John Warner Barber (2nd ed.; New Haven: Durrie & Peck and J.W. Barber, 1836) p. 403.
2) The moon turned into blood
Prophecy: “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come” (Joel 2:31).
Fulfillment: The moon became as red as blood on the night of the “dark day,” May 19, 1780. Milo Bostick in Stone’s History of Massachusetts says, “The moon which was at its full, had the appearance of blood.”
3) The stars fall from heaven
Prophecy: “And the stars shall fall from heaven” (Matthew 24:29).
Fulfillment: The great star shower took place on the night of November 13, 1833. It was so bright that a newspaper could be read on the street. One writer says, “For nearly four hours the sky was literally ablaze” *Men thought the end of the world had come. Look into this. It is most fascinating, and a sign of Christ’s coming. *Peter A. Millman, “The Falling of the Stars,” The Telescope, 7 (May-June, 1940) 57.
The Rise of False Messiahs and Deception
One of the key signs of the end of the world is the appearance of false messiahs and deception. Jesus warns His disciples not to be deceived by those who claim to be the Christ or who promise salvation apart from Him.
“And Jesus answered and said to them: ‘Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many'” (Matthew 24;4-5).
This warning emphasizes that deception will be rampant, and people will be led astray by those who promise false hope. Such deception is a precursor to the chaos and tribulation that will follow.
Wars, Famines, Earthquakes, and Persecutions
Jesus also described other signs, including wars, natural disasters, and persecutions of believers. These events will signal the beginning of birth pains, indicating that the end is near.
“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:6-8).
The “beginning of sorrows” refers to the tumultuous period that will precede the final events, a time when the world will experience turmoil, unrest, and suffering. The world will seem to spiral out of control as these signs unfold.
The Gospel Preached to All Nations
Before the end of the world, the Gospel must be preached to all nations, and every tribe, tongue, and people will hear the message of Jesus Christ.
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14).
The preaching of the Gospel to the entire world is a sign that the end is near. The spread of the Gospel serves as a testimony to God’s desire for all people to come to repentance and be saved.
The Great Tribulation
A particularly significant period that precedes the end of the world is the Great Tribulation, a time of unprecedented suffering and persecution. During this period, God’s judgment will be poured out upon the earth, and the faithful will face severe trials.
- Matthew 24:21-22 (NKJV): “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.”
This tribulation is characterized by suffering, hardship, and the persecution of believers. It will be a time when the forces of evil, led by the Antichrist, will attempt to deceive and destroy God’s people. However, God promises that this period will be shortened for the sake of His elect, those who are faithful to Him.
The Second Coming of Christ
The climax of the end of the world is the return of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that Jesus will come again, not as a humble servant but as a triumphant King, to judge the living and the dead and to establish His eternal kingdom.
- Matthew 24:30 (NKJV): “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
Jesus’ Second Coming will be a visible, powerful event. His return will be accompanied by signs in the heavens, and people will recognize Him as the true Messiah. This event will mark the final end of the world as we know it and the beginning of the new heaven and new earth.
The Resurrection of the Dead
When Jesus returns, the dead in Christ will rise first, and the living believers will be caught up to meet Him in the air.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NKJV): “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
This event is often referred to as the Rapture. It marks the final resurrection of the righteous and the reunion of all believers with Christ.
The Final Judgment
The return of Christ will also be marked by the final judgment, where all people, living and dead, will be judged according to their deeds. The righteous will enter eternal life, and the wicked will be cast into eternal separation from God.
- Matthew 25:31-32 (NKJV): “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.”
The judgment will be a separation of the righteous and the wicked. Those who have trusted in Christ will be rewarded with eternal life, while those who have rejected Him will face eternal punishment.
The New Heaven and New Earth
After the judgment, God will create a new heaven and a new earth, free from sin, death, and suffering. This will be the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to restore all things.
- Revelation 21:1-4 (NKJV): “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.'”
This new creation will be a place of perfect peace, joy, and communion with God. It will be the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan for His people.
Conclusion: Live in Readiness
The Bible makes it clear that the exact timing of the end of the world is unknown. Jesus Himself stated that no one knows the day or the hour of His return, not even the angels or Himself, but only the Father.
- Matthew 24:36 (NKJV): “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”
Therefore, the focus for believers is not on predicting the exact time but on living in readiness. Jesus calls His followers to be vigilant, to live holy lives, and to watch for His return.
- Matthew 24:42-44 (NKJV): “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Believers are called to live with the hope of Christ’s return, to be faithful in doing His work, and to share the Gospel with others in anticipation of His coming kingdom.
The “end of the world” will be a momentous event that signals both the end of sin’s reign and the beginning of God’s perfect eternal kingdom. It is a time of judgment, but also of great hope for those who trust in Christ.