Today we will look at passages about something that most of us don't hear
much about, but something that is part of God's plan for the world: The Return
of Christ, also known as "The End of the World." All passages are from the
Revised Standard Version (RSV).
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment
seat of Christ, so that each one may receive good or evil, according to what
he has done in the body.
Mark 13:31-37 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my
words will not pass away. But of that day or that hour no one knows, not
even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch;
for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a
journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his
work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Watch therefore--for
you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or
at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning--lest he come suddenly and
find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Watch.
Matthew 24:10-14 And many false prophets will arise and
lead many astray. And because wickedness is multiplied, most men's love will
grow cold. But he who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of
the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, as a testimony to
all nations; and then the end will come.
Matthew 24:36-41 But of that day and hour no one knows,
not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. As were
the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of man. For as in those
days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving
in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they did not know
until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the
Son of man. Then two men will be in the field; one is taken and one is left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill; one is taken and one is left.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-11 But you are not in darkness, brethren,
for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all sons of light
and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let
us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those
who sleep sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But,
since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of
faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined
us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who
died for us so that whether we wake or sleep we might live with him. Therefore
encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Revelation 21:3-5 And I heard a loud voice from the throne
saying, "Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them,
and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will
wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither
shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things
have passed away." And he who sat upon the throne said, "Behold, I make all
things new." Also he said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and
true."