The world as we know it will come to an end. God says in Isaiah 13, “I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity…Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth will move out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts and in the day of His fierce anger” (see verses 9-13). Jesus said in a context of judgment, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (see Matthew 24:29-36). The apostle Peter addressed this subject of the end of the world with the readers of his second epistle. He did so to refute those who scoffed at such an idea, and to encourage believers in Christ to be faithful to the end (2 Peter 3:1-18).

The world “came to an end” in the days of Noah when God sent the flood. Peter indicates that this time the world will be destroyed not with water, but with fire (vs.5-7, 10). The Bible does not tell us how or when this will take place, but it does urge us to be ready. “Therefore since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conduct and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11). Future events prophesied in the Bible are fascinating, and generate a lot of interest. And we should study these prophecies and do our best to understand them. But our consideration of these end time events ought to promote a lifestyle that is becoming increasingly more godly. We should be looking forward to the Lord’s coming, and be striving to be found by Him a holy people when He does return (3:14). May we all be growing in God’s grace (3:18), and be ready when that Day comes!