Will the world come to an end?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

DLM

Member
Dec 28, 2021
101
20
18
#1
If the world is going to end, why does the Bible tells us the Earth will NEVER End?

Ecclesiastes 1:4 A generation goes and a generation comes, But the earth remains forever.

See also (Genesis 8:21-22, Psalms 72:17 78:69, 89:36-37, 93:1, 96:10, 104:5, 119:90, 148:4-6, Isaiah 45:17, Ephesians 3:21)
 

2ndTimothyGroup

Well-known member
Feb 20, 2021
5,883
1,953
113
#2
If the world is going to end, why does the Bible tells us the Earth will NEVER End?

Ecclesiastes 1:4 A generation goes and a generation comes, But the earth remains forever.

See also (Genesis 8:21-22, Psalms 72:17 78:69, 89:36-37, 93:1, 96:10, 104:5, 119:90, 148:4-6, Isaiah 45:17, Ephesians 3:21)
I looked at multiple translations only for Gen 8:21-22 and found that the NLT gives us the best perspective. In a review of 6 or 7 other translations, I suspected that verse 22 was indicating that the Curse of the Lord would remain for as long as the earth existed. Sure enough, the NLT states just that:

Genesis 8:21-22 NLT - 21 And the LORD was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and said to himself, "I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things. 22 As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night."

All of these elements are the result of the Curse of the Lord as per the unholy work of Adam and Eve. Darkness, the night, is absolutely a reflection of evil. Even sleep itself is a reflection of the Curse, thus we "wake up." Each time that we wake up from our sleep, this is a symbol that Spiritually . . . we are expected to wake up. We are to wake up and transfer from darkness to light; from being asleep to being awake.

John 9:39 NLT - "Then Jesus told him, "I entered this world to render judgment--to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind."

I don't know what the other verses have to say. I'll leave room for others . . . if they so dare to become involved with this wonderful challenge you have presented before us. :D
 

Yahshua

Senior Member
Sep 22, 2013
2,915
817
113
#3
If the world is going to end, why does the Bible tells us the Earth will NEVER End?

Ecclesiastes 1:4 A generation goes and a generation comes, But the earth remains forever.

See also (Genesis 8:21-22, Psalms 72:17 78:69, 89:36-37, 93:1, 96:10, 104:5, 119:90, 148:4-6, Isaiah 45:17, Ephesians 3:21)
The world will end. The earth will not. It will be renewed.
 
J

JAPOV

Guest
#4
Revelation 21
The New Heaven and the New Earth
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling placea of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people,b and God himself will be with them as their God.c 4He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

I figure after the 1000yr reign, the White Throne judgment, the final war and judgment of Satan... earth and heaven will be renewed, but never destroyed.
 

2ndTimothyGroup

Well-known member
Feb 20, 2021
5,883
1,953
113
#5
The world will end. The earth will not. It will be renewed.
I hear you. What will the purpose be of a renewed earth, or any physical universe, once the Lord has walked all of creation through its planned process? I admit that I only focus on Spiritual Circumcision, knowing nothing about "end times." Is there a plan for the world after the Spiritual Plan has been fulfilled?
 

JTB

Well-known member
Aug 31, 2021
2,256
733
113
#6
If the world is going to end, why does the Bible tells us the Earth will NEVER End?

Ecclesiastes 1:4 A generation goes and a generation comes, But the earth remains forever.

See also (Genesis 8:21-22, Psalms 72:17 78:69, 89:36-37, 93:1, 96:10, 104:5, 119:90, 148:4-6, Isaiah 45:17, Ephesians 3:21)
Our universe is made up at the subatomic level with clusters of like charged particles, which science tells us like charged particles should naturally repel each other. They call the unknown factor that keeps it all from exploding "the strong force". There are several theories as to the source of this ‘strong force’, including God’s claim that He holds it all together. Now, on that theory, God claims He created it all into being out of nothingness - while science says out of nothingness, kaboom there it is. Are those really 2 different stories?

And then there’s dark matter/energy. Scientific estimates vary, but they hover around the theory that 90% of what makes up the universe, we can’t see, except for how it affects the things we can see. God says there is indeed another realm that we can’t see, other than how it affects what we can see. And He wants His 10% back. Again, are these really unrelated?

God then says that someday He will speak this universe out of existence. Paul describes that moment, saying the elements will melt with fervent heat (2 Peter 3:7, 10, 12). Think of what results when the atom splits – intense heat and fire.

Now, the interesting thing is, that we don’t see the lake of fire appear until right after this present earth and heavens are de-created.

Could it be that the de-creation of our universe creates the lake of fire?

Could it be that for those who loved this world more than Him, God lets them have it in its natural state apart from Him?

The lake of fire is eternal. If it is formed by the decreated elements of this earth, then it can be said that this earth does go on forever.
 

Yahshua

Senior Member
Sep 22, 2013
2,915
817
113
#7
I hear you. What will the purpose be of a renewed earth, or any physical universe, once the Lord has walked all of creation through its planned process? I admit that I only focus on Spiritual Circumcision, knowing nothing about "end times." Is there a plan for the world after the Spiritual Plan has been fulfilled?
Yeah. It is written that the end was told from the beginning. Recall that the living God walked in the garden and communed with Adam (and Eve) and then note the passage posted by JAPOV just above. The Almighty REALLY, REALLY wants to dwell with us in this place that He's created. That was the original purpose before mankind's fall. Note that once Adam was cursed so also was the ground/earth.

The tree of life returns on the scene bearing fruit all year. No death. The leaves are said to be for the healing of the nations. No pain. Other passages say that all weapons of war will be eradicated. It will be paradise on earth. Absolute paradise.

...but as you say, the inside of us needs to be taken care of first.
 

soberxp

Senior Member
May 3, 2018
2,511
482
83
#8
The world will end in the hands of the wicked, but the world will start again in the hands of God。
 

Isaskar

Active member
Nov 13, 2021
139
55
28
#9
If the world is going to end, why does the Bible tells us the Earth will NEVER End?

Ecclesiastes 1:4 A generation goes and a generation comes, But the earth remains forever.

See also (Genesis 8:21-22, Psalms 72:17 78:69, 89:36-37, 93:1, 96:10, 104:5, 119:90, 148:4-6, Isaiah 45:17, Ephesians 3:21)
This is true, the earth will remain, but there will still be a new heaven and new earth. How is this possible?

Because "New Earth" doesnt mean the previous one will be destroyed, Peter contrasts this with the flood of Noah, where the earth was destroyed yet the globe is still here ;)

2 Peter 3:5-7 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water. Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

So the world "perished" yet here we are. Same way in the new heavens and the new earth, this time it will be not done with water, but with fire.
 

DLM

Member
Dec 28, 2021
101
20
18
#10
I looked at multiple translations only for Gen 8:21-22 and found that the NLT gives us the best perspective. In a review of 6 or 7 other translations, I suspected that verse 22 was indicating that the Curse of the Lord would remain for as long as the earth existed. Sure enough, the NLT states just that:

Genesis 8:21-22 NLT - 21 And the LORD was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and said to himself, "I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things. 22 As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night."

All of these elements are the result of the Curse of the Lord as per the unholy work of Adam and Eve. Darkness, the night, is absolutely a reflection of evil. Even sleep itself is a reflection of the Curse, thus we "wake up." Each time that we wake up from our sleep, this is a symbol that Spiritually . . . we are expected to wake up. We are to wake up and transfer from darkness to light; from being asleep to being awake.

John 9:39 NLT - "Then Jesus told him, "I entered this world to render judgment--to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind."

I don't know what the other verses have to say. I'll leave room for others . . . if they so dare to become involved with this wonderful challenge you have presented before us. :D
Thank your for your reply. The way I see it is the Age came to an end not the world. To me it's clear Ecclesiastes 1:4 A generation goes and a generation comes, But the earth remains forever. Not only that the spiritual Kingdom is forever. And in His Kingdom, He upholds it with justice forever. Isaiah 9:7 Also note that Isaiah 65:17 had to be fulfilled before the law could pass away.
 

DLM

Member
Dec 28, 2021
101
20
18
#11
This is true, the earth will remain, but there will still be a new heaven and new earth. How is this possible?

Because "New Earth" doesnt mean the previous one will be destroyed, Peter contrasts this with the flood of Noah, where the earth was destroyed yet the globe is still here ;)

2 Peter 3:5-7 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water. Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

So the world "perished" yet here we are. Same way in the new heavens and the new earth, this time it will be not done with water, but with fire.
Heaven and earth have to pass away before the law can be fulfilled.

If we do not know what "heavens and earth" are in the bible we will end up in confusion and stuck in some man made end time scenario. Those that know the truth about "heavens and earth" avoid the scary, so called, End Times.

Many use Isaiah 65:17 and say God is going to destroy this earth and make a new one. They skip right over the part about the New Heavens just to avoid the question of "Why does God need to make a new heaven"? And of course, everyone know God does not need to make a New A Heaven.
 

DLM

Member
Dec 28, 2021
101
20
18
#12
Revelation 21
The New Heaven and the New Earth
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling placea of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people,b and God himself will be with them as their God.c 4He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

I figure after the 1000yr reign, the White Throne judgment, the final war and judgment of Satan... earth and heaven will be renewed, but never destroyed.
So, why do some people think "Heaven and Earth" are the actual Heaven and Earth in the bible? The answer to that is they have not studied "Heavens and Earth" or they deny truth to up hold their doctrine.

Throughout the O.T. God referred to Israel as "Heavens and Earth."

In Deuteronomy 31:30; 32:1 - God is talking to Israel He calls them, "O heavens," and, "O earth." He is clearly not speaking to the physical heavens and earth. He's talking to Israel.

In Isaiah 1:1-2 God is talking to Israel. He calls them heavens and earth.
Isaiah 24:3-6 - God refers to Israel as the earth. He says, "The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly.
Isaiah 24:19-20 - The earth fades away "Notice how many times God referred to Israel as the "earth." This symbolic language is speaking of the destruction of the people of Israel.
 

DLM

Member
Dec 28, 2021
101
20
18
#13
The world will end. The earth will not. It will be renewed.
Hebrews 8:13 In that He says, "A new covenant," He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. IT'S HEAVEN AND EARTH.

Hebrews teaches us that the "Old Covenant" and the "Heavens and earth" are the same.

From Matthew 5:17-18 The phrase "till heaven and earth pass away" refers to the duration of the whole Old Testament's authority. So, Jesus is saying that not a single item of the Law, the Old Testament will ever be changed until heaven and earth pass away.
 

DLM

Member
Dec 28, 2021
101
20
18
#14
The world will end in the hands of the wicked, but the world will start again in the hands of God。
Thanks for your reply. I believe God will intervene to save what He called "Good", the earth/world.


Many bibles call "age" "world" and that's how people get trapped into thinking the world will someday end. The only world "age" that came to and end was predicted in the bible It was the old covenant world. There are only two worlds the old covenant world and the new covenant world. Sound confusion? The new covenant world has no end.

His spiritual kingdom on earth is forever. Let's review Isaiah 9:7 in a few versions.

Isaiah 9:7, NIV: "Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this."

Isaiah 9:7, ESV: "Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this."

Isaiah 9:7, KJV: "Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."

Isaiah 9:7, NASB: "There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this."

Isaiah 9:7, NLT: "His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven's Armies will make this happen!"

Isaiah 9:7, CSB: "The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the LORD of Armies will accomplish this."

We're told that He will uphold His kingdom with justice. I see justice as assigning rewards or punishments. This tells me judgment will go on forever. God is in control of everything.
 

Isaskar

Active member
Nov 13, 2021
139
55
28
#15
Heaven and earth have to pass away before the law can be fulfilled.

If we do not know what "heavens and earth" are in the bible we will end up in confusion and stuck in some man made end time scenario. Those that know the truth about "heavens and earth" avoid the scary, so called, End Times.

Many use Isaiah 65:17 and say God is going to destroy this earth and make a new one. They skip right over the part about the New Heavens just to avoid the question of "Why does God need to make a new heaven"? And of course, everyone know God does not need to make a New A Heaven.
What is the heaven and earth in the BIble? I say they are this place we are in, as I proved in my opinion with the Bible verse in Peter where the old earth was "destroyed" by water.
 

DLM

Member
Dec 28, 2021
101
20
18
#16
Our universe is made up at the subatomic level with clusters of like charged particles, which science tells us like charged particles should naturally repel each other. They call the unknown factor that keeps it all from exploding "the strong force". There are several theories as to the source of this ‘strong force’, including God’s claim that He holds it all together. Now, on that theory, God claims He created it all into being out of nothingness - while science says out of nothingness, kaboom there it is. Are those really 2 different stories?

And then there’s dark matter/energy. Scientific estimates vary, but they hover around the theory that 90% of what makes up the universe, we can’t see, except for how it affects the things we can see. God says there is indeed another realm that we can’t see, other than how it affects what we can see. And He wants His 10% back. Again, are these really unrelated?

God then says that someday He will speak this universe out of existence. Paul describes that moment, saying the elements will melt with fervent heat (2 Peter 3:7, 10, 12). Think of what results when the atom splits – intense heat and fire.

Now, the interesting thing is, that we don’t see the lake of fire appear until right after this present earth and heavens are de-created.

Could it be that the de-creation of our universe creates the lake of fire?

Could it be that for those who loved this world more than Him, God lets them have it in its natural state apart from Him?

The lake of fire is eternal. If it is formed by the decreated elements of this earth, then it can be said that this earth does go on forever.
Those whom Peter addressed knew very well that the elements and works to which Peter referred were the O.T. rituals and system (Galatians 4:3-9). This is why He reminded them (vs.1) that the prophets of old warned of these times (Acts 3:21-24). Peter used pressing language that would prompt their awareness of godly living. Because the Day was at hand, Peter showed them what manner of persons they were to be while "looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God." This is very significant as we remember that Peter was present at the Olivet discourse. Because of his keen eschatological knowledge he, with Paul, understood that just as Jesus warned them that when certain signs came to pass they were to know that the time was near, so likewise, Peter warned that the last days had come. Peter said, "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness." In other words, "because that Day is at hand and God is about to destroy the Temple, the Old Covenantal system, and its adherents, you had better be ready. Do not fall into the error of the scoffers. By this warning he could be assured that those who were truly Christ's would be "found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." It is certain that any true Christian would not deny these compelling words of Peter and would therefore be prepared at the coming of the Lord.


"Now this, 'Yet once more,' indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken (old covenant temple system), as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we (first century saints) are receiving a (new covenant spiritual gospel) kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." (Heb. 12:27-28).

The Old Covenant Jewish temple system is described as the "old heavens and old earth". It will be shaken and pass away. This occurred with the destruction of the Temple in 70ad. The New Covenant Kingdom is described as the "new heavens and new earth". It is a spiritual kingdom that is within each of His born-again believers. (Luke 17:20-21).

"Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved (old covenant system), what manner of persons ought you (first century saints) to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the (soon) coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens (old covenant temple system) will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements (laws, principles, rudiments) will melt with fervent heat?" (2 Pet. 3:11-12).
 

DLM

Member
Dec 28, 2021
101
20
18
#17
What is the heaven and earth in the BIble? I say they are this place we are in, as I proved in my opinion with the Bible verse in Peter where the old earth was "destroyed" by water.
Thanks for your reply
"Now this, 'Yet once more,' indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken (old covenant temple system), as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we (first century saints) are receiving a (new covenant spiritual gospel) kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." (Heb. 12:27-28).

The Old Covenant Jewish temple system is described as the "old heavens and old earth". It will be shaken and pass away. This occurred with the destruction of the Temple in 70ad. The New Covenant Kingdom is described as the "new heavens and new earth". It is a spiritual kingdom that is within each of His born-again believers. (Luke 17:20-21).

"Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved (old covenant system), what manner of persons ought you (first century saints) to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the (soon) coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens (old covenant temple system) will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements (laws, principles, rudiments) will melt with fervent heat?" (2 Pet. 3:11-12).
 

2ndTimothyGroup

Well-known member
Feb 20, 2021
5,883
1,953
113
#18
Yeah. It is written that the end was told from the beginning. Recall that the living God walked in the garden and communed with Adam (and Eve) and then note the passage posted by JAPOV just above. The Almighty REALLY, REALLY wants to dwell with us in this place that He's created. That was the original purpose before mankind's fall. Note that once Adam was cursed so also was the ground/earth.

The tree of life returns on the scene bearing fruit all year. No death. The leaves are said to be for the healing of the nations. No pain. Other passages say that all weapons of war will be eradicated. It will be paradise on earth. Absolute paradise.

...but as you say, the inside of us needs to be taken care of first.
Say what? You mean that God's Eternal Plan was overturned by mere humans? We are in control and God is not? I don't get it. On the contrary, Yahshua . . . the Eternal Plan is being set into motion EXACTLY as Planned and designed.

Ephesians 3:9-11 NLT - "I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. 10 God's purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord."

When Paul explained that he was chosen to explain this Plan . . . was he lying?

It amazes me that virtually no one recognizes these passages of Paul. He explains exactly what is going on, yet the "church" seems to have absolutely no recognition of it. It seems that virtually no one recognizes the utter Power of God. And, perhaps this is why I rarely ever run across any 'christian' that Truly fears the Lord.

I just don't get it.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,429
6,707
113
#19
When broken down to the first building block of all that we know is composed we find everything amounts to being energy. What we call matter is simply very slow energy. This explains a lot to me, but I am afraid not to anyone else.
 

DLM

Member
Dec 28, 2021
101
20
18
#20
When broken down to the first building block of all that we know is composed we find everything amounts to being energy. What we call matter is simply very slow energy. This explains a lot to me, but I am afraid not to anyone else.
Thanks for your reply but I'm Not sure what this has to do with the world NOT coming to an end. I understand the Bible tells us the Earth will never end.