Is there such a concept of the “end of the world” found in the bible? Certainly, if you read the book of Revelation, you’ll find terrible plagues that kill the majority of humanity – but it’s not the end of the world. You’ll then find the return of Christ to reign on earth for 1000 years with the saints in Revelation 20, followed by the Great White Throne Judgment… But what happens then? Is that it? Earth over? Everyone goes to either heaven or hell, while earth has outlived its usefulness? Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about the fate of this terrestrial ball:
2 Peter 3:10-12
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.
According to Peter, it sounds like the earth is done for… But, wait a sec, it says “that day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire” – not only no more earth, but no more heaven either?!? Let’s keep reading:
2 Peter 3:13
But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
AHA! According to the bible, there will be both a new heaven and a new earth – the ones that now exist are going to be destroyed by fire. Not only that – these places will become the “home of righteousness.” Keep in mind that God’s law defines righteousness, and notice what Christ says concerning the coming of the new heaven and new earth:
Matthew 5:17-18
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
The law defines righteousness, and the earth will be purified by fire and made into a dwelling place for men and women who have been made into righteous, spiritual beings who keep God’s law perfectly.
Hebrews 12:26-29
… but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken – that is, created things – so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”
The new heaven and new earth will be the home of righteousness. Righteousness cannot be shaken. Therefore, what kind of people ought we to be?