Chapter 15

‘The Last Things’

Sections

The history of the world as we know it will culminate in Jesus Christ’s dramatic and awesome return. Associated with this is God’s final judgment of all people. Afterwards the wonderful and everlasting life with God will begin, for those who are his people.

Jesus Christ’s Return

Jesus Christ will return at an unexpected time

You know very well that the day the Lord comes again will be a surprise, like a thief that comes in the night.   1 Thessalonians 5:2 NCV™

Jesus Christ’s return will be preceded by distressful events

And when you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be afraid. For these things must happen first, but the end will not come at once.” 10Then he [Jesus] said to them, “Nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven.   Luke 21:9-11 NET

The Final Judgment

On his return, Jesus Christ will judge and reward all people according to what they have done

For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.   Matthew 16:27 NET

Those who have believed in Jesus Christ will be saved

[A jailer, to Paul and Silas:] “What must I do to be saved?” 31They replied, “Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved! This is also true for everyone who lives in your home.”   Acts 16:30b-31 CEV

Those who have rejected Christ will be condemned

The one who does not believe has been condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.   John 3:18b NET

This and the above subsections show that people will be judged according to their deeds and their response to Jesus Christ.

The ungodly will be thrown into fire

And Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15And anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.   Revelation 20:14-15 NCV™

What people have known will be taken into account

For all who have sinned apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.   Romans 2:12 ISV

The Afterlife

God’s people will be given eternal life

[Jude, to believers:] Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the Lord Jesus Christ with his mercy to give you life forever.   Jude 1:21 NCV™

There will be no more sorrow and no more death

He [God] will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.   Revelation 21:4 GNT

God will live amoung his people

[John, describing a vision:] I heard a loud voice shout from the throne: God’s home is now with his people. He will live with them, and they will be his own. Yes, God will make his home among his people.   Revelation 21:3 CEV

Pray for persecuted Christians