Tag: end times

Bible Term: Second Coming

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date February 4, 2014

After Jesus died and returned to heaven (the ascension), angels promised he would one-day return (Acts 1:11). This is anticipated as the “second coming” of Jesus to earth.

Key verse about Second Coming: Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed. (John 4:53-54, NIV).

A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.

Tags end times

Bible Terms

Bible Term: Eschatology

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date January 31, 2014

Although eschatology isn’t found in the Bible, it does refer to a biblical concept: the end of the world, sometimes called the end times. Eschatology, then is the study and theology of the end of the world as we know it.

The primary book in the Bible to addresses this is Revelation, though other books also contain passages or sections that cover this topic. The last half of Daniel is a key example.

The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all contain an end time teaching as well (Matthew 21, Mark 13, and Luke 21).

Some people read the book of Revelation as a literal account of what will actually happen at the end of the world.

Others understand it from a figurative perspective: a great supernatural battle will occur, evil will be defeated, and those who follow Jesus will join him in a new existence (that is, heaven).

Tags end times, eschatology

Bible Terms

Bible Term: Apocalypse

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date January 28, 2014

Apocalypse can generically refer to any prediction or prophecy about the future destruction of the world, that is, the end times. In a general sense, an apocalypse can refer to any prophecy or revelation.

Two books in the Bible align with this perspective and are called Apocalyptic books. They are Daniel and Revelation.

For a follower of Jesus (a Christian) there is hope amid this destruction because of a future anticipation of eternity in heaven.

The Bible doesn’t, however, use the word Apocalypse. But you can read about it in parts of Daniel and Revelation, such as:

“The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up” (Revelation 8:7, NIV).

Tags end times

Bible

Who Says, “The End Is Near?”

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date September 12, 2013

Jesus says nobody knows when the world will end. Later on Paul confirms no one knows when Jesus will return (therefore signaling the start of the end). It will happen unexpectedly, like a “thief in the night.”

So if the Bible says no one knows, why do some preachers make their audacious predictions anyway? Adding to their error, they often tap the Bible for clues as to when, even though the Bible says no one knows.

Yet they try anyway. I’m not sure if this is out of arrogance of who they are or ignorance over what the Bible says.

Yes, we need to be ready, but we don’t know when the end will occur. So let’s forget about trying to figure out what we can’t know and instead focus on doing what we already do know, the things Jesus told us to do.

After all, be it far away or near, the end will happen when it happens.

[1 Thessalonians 5:1-3, Matthew 24:35-36, and Mark 13:31-32]

Tags end times