Life As We Know It Will Eventually End

“And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”” Acts‬ ‭1:9-11‬ ‭NASB‬‬

When Jesus left earth and returned to heaven, the angels announced to those who were watching that Jesus would return in similar fashion. That was nearly 2000 years ago. The Bible makes it clear that no one knows when this will take place and even teaches that it will catch many people off guard, happening at a time when it is unexpected. Yet Christians are encouraged to watch expectantly for His return and to live as if it will happen today, because in reality, it most certainly could.

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”  ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭4:16-18‬ ‭NASB‬‬

We’re given a few more details as to His initial return in this passage. Christians who have already died will be raised from the grave and will meet Christ first, then those who are still alive will be caught up together with them to meet Christ in the air. Many Christians refer to this event as the “rapture” of the church. So why has this not happened yet?

They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” …..But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:4, 8-9 NIV

God, because He is patient, wants to give more time for men to make things right with God.  His love delays His return so that more people will experience the forgiveness of sin, be reconciled to God, and have the opportunity to spend all eternity in His presence.

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 2 Peter 3:13-14 NIV

Here’s the bottom line. Jesus will come in our lifetime, or He’ll wait until after we pass, but He will come. You can be sure that life as we know it will eventually end and all men will be faced with eternity. Peter gives us good advice when He tells us to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. That’s the only thing that will really matter when life is over and we stand before God. Have you taken advantage of the time He’s given you to make peace with Him?

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