Some Benefits Derived from the Coming Destruction of the Heavens and the Earth

The end of the age, which is the end of the world, is drawing near (1 Pet 4:7). Of course, the Bible warns against false prophets (Mt 24:11, 24), some who deceive the gullible, claiming to know the day of God’s wrath to come. The fact is that only God knows the day appointed from eternity. We are taught that the unprepared will view it, as one might a thief (2 Pet 3:10). They will be caught unaware, and their doom will be sealed in eternal judgment.

The Lord Jesus Christ is coming again to judge the living and the dead (Acts 10:42). Everyone ever conceived will be resurrected to see His glorious appearing on the day of the Lord (Jn 5:29; 1 Thess 4:13–5:11; Rev 19:11–21). The damned will mourn and call for rocks to fall on them (Rev 6:16), rather than face the wrath of the Lamb, that is, Christ (Rev 14:10).

Following the resurrection and gathering of the elect and the damned (Mt 13:39–43; 24:31), Christ will sit on His glorious white throne of judgment (Rev 20:11). He will separate the glorified saints from those who will be cast into hell and the lake of fire, forever (Mt 25:41, 46; Jude 7; Rev 20:14–15). When God’s case against humanity is finally closed, and men are sentenced to their eternal home, then will come the universal destruction of creation (2 Pet 3:10–13).

The features of the final destruction are intense heat, burning, melting, and a roar. All of the elements will be destroyed. Heaven and earth will pass away under God’s just judgment.

Far from loathing the prospects of ultimate destruction, the Christian is expectant of the promise of a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells (Is 65–66; 2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21–22).

The evil, pain, suffering, deceit and darkness of this world will be no more. The pride of man, with all his towers, technology, and teaching will be destroyed (Gen 11). Man’s futile attempt to make a name for himself, to be like God (Gen 3:5), and to steal glory from God, will come to nothing.

The knowledge of the day of the Lord is highly beneficial to Christians. It offers some benefits for us to consider.

First, we can redeem what little time we have in this evil world (Eph 5:16). Our lives are vaporous, but time can be employed to seek and serve the kingdom of God.

Second, Christians ought to live godly in Christ Jesus (2 Tim 3:12; Titus 2:12). Knowing the wrath to come upon those people mindlessly sinning day by day, we should use our position in righteousness for good works. Justification comes before good works, but good works are the result of God in us (Gal 2:20), willing and working His good pleasure (Phil 2:13). Of course, one of those good works is to warn others of the wrath to come.

Third, the coming destruction is our impetus for maintaining hope in the world to come (1 Tim 6:17). Sinful man practically denies his life beyond the grave, by making no preparations for it (Mt 25). He lives for a comfortable future in this world, which invariably remains elusive (Eccl 6:6).

The essence of living for the world to come is serving God in this one. Jesus and Paul referred to it as, “storing up treasures in heaven (Mt 6:20; 1 Tim 6:19). Our hope for eternity is somewhat observable, by our investments in the next. Again, Jesus taught, “And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the wealth of unrighteousness, so that when it fails, they will receive you into eternal dwellings (Lk 16:9).”

Fourth, coming destruction gives us a sense of purpose, like a meteorologist warning others to seek shelter from the storm. We can warn others of the destruction to come (Mt 3:7; Lk 3:7; 1 Thess 1:10).

The prophet of doom is never a welcome guest, but following the destruction, he is recognized for his love, in attempting to help those living as unwise and unprepared. Some will heed the call to watch and pray, but others will scoff and ignore his warning.

Christian, your life in this world is being observed. Are you living in the manner described here? Can it be said of you, “She clearly believes what she says about the coming destruction!” Are you being faithful to the calling to live godly in Christ Jesus, being zealous for good works (Titus 2:14), prepared for you beforehand in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:10)?

Pray for God to use your life, as a good example of one, who is living for the life to come in the world to come, after the One to come destroys, in preparation of building all things new.

David Norczyk

Spokane Valley, Washington

January 1, 2022