Have you ever wondered about the “end of the world”? Will the world end because of nuclear war? Will it end because of “global warming”? Does the Bible say anything about the end of the world?

God’s word not only says much about the end of the world, it actually illustrates the point with different images. For instance, in 1 Thess 5:2-3 the scripture says, “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 When they are saying, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall in no wise escape.”

Jesus will return as a “thief in the night.” To appreciate this thought we simply need to ask what thieves are like. Thieves often plan their robberies and Jesus’ second and final coming will be planned. Thieves usually want something important, and Jesus will be coming after something important: all people who have ever lived. He will gather everyone together for a final day of judgment (2 Cor. 5:10). Thieves generally come “in-person,” and the New Testament says Jesus will also come personally. Thieves count on people being unprepared; Jesus does not want that, but He warned (Mt. 7) that most will be unprepared to meet Him.
Jesus is coming as a thief in the night. Are you prepared to meet Him?

Find the truth about God and become a New Testament Christian. Find out more about New Testament Christianity by running some Internet searches for “church of Christ” and “churches of Christ.” You may also want to visit http://www.abiblecommentary.com for Bible study information.

Remember, in order to be saved and enjoy all God’s blessings (not the least of which is salvation), a person must have faith (Jn. 8:24), be willing to repent (Lk. 13:3), and after confessing Christ as Lord, the final step is water baptism (Rom. 6:3; 1 Cor. 12:13; 1 Pet. 3:20-21). Proper baptism in water puts a person “into Christ” (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3) and results in the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).