“…and then the end will come”

Sep 10, 2021 by

How looking forward to our ultimate future brings encouragement in confusing times.

Editorial from the September 2021 Newsletter, from GAFCON Great Britain and Europe

As he walked with his disciples in Jerusalem, Jesus used their amazement at the vast scale of Herod’s temple building to teach them about the puniness of human endeavour in comparison with the power of God in control of a world which seems out of control. He gave them a concise summary of what would happen during the next 2000+ years: wars, natural disasters, false religion and persecution of God’s people, but also, salvation, and his return:

“Nation will rise against nation…there will be famines and earthquakes…many will turn away from the faith and hate each other…many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who holds firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
Matthew 24:7-14

Some key things to learn, or remind ourselves of, as we reflect on this in the context of a turbulent world and uncertain short-term future:

Firstly, the world won’t keep going forever. Scripture is very clear: planet earth as we know it is finite. And there is no sense that humanity will somehow evolve out of suffering and conflict which have characterised our history, bringing some kind of utopia before the end. The exact time of the end will be unexpected (v44). But we’re told that ultimately, this is not a disaster, but good news. The build up will be traumatic, especially for those used to material comforts, but “the end” will not mean the end of human existence – instead it will pave the way for a new heaven and earth, where a redeemed humanity will live without the constant struggle against sin, and suffering , death and decay.

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