About eternity: the second coming of Christ and the establishment of a new heaven
By eternity we mean a true relationship with God and a life that transcends the limitations of time and space. It means not only the continuation of life, but also a deep, eternal fellowship with God that we receive through Jesus Christ. The end of the world and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth are miraculous and future events that ultimately pave the way for eternal life.
The second coming of Jesus Christ and the events that will occur as a result of it, especially the rapture , the great tribulation , the great white throne judgment , and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth , are all described in detail in the Bible. These events present a mixture of hope and fear for the future. Amid the difficulties and stresses of today’s world, these prophecies are a reminder of the power of faith and the justice of God.
Rapture: The Church’s Hope
The Rapture refers to a wonderful and mysterious event that will take place in the church of Christ for His followers. According to the Bible, Christ will one day take His church, which includes all believers, and raise them up into the sky in His presence and power. At this time, all Christians around the world will experience these eternal events, and this event will clarify the importance of faith and eternal life. Jesus said in Matthew 24:40-41, “On that day two men will be working in the field; one will be taken, and the other will be left.”
The Rapture is a hope that unites all believers in Christ. It signifies the collective salvation of the church and the certainty of eternal life. Although this event is challenging to understand in general terms, according to the Bible, it is a miraculous event in which Jesus Christ will return to gather all who have believed in Him. This event will cause much confusion and terror for the rest of the world.
The Great Tribulation: Seven Years of Trouble
After the Rapture, the world will enter a time of great tribulation , which will last seven years. The Bible calls this event the “Great Tribulation,” and it will be a time of great suffering and war on earth. It will involve the subjugation of all nations and the influence of Satan . During the seven years, Satan and his followers will rule the earth and create an atmosphere of chaos. This time will be extremely difficult and painful, especially for Jesus’ followers, but at the end of this event, Jesus’ victory and God’s judgment will be assured.
Jesus described this time in Matthew 24:21 as a “great tribulation of desolation.” During this time, many people in the world will experience various kinds of suffering, but it will be even more difficult for those who believe. The great tribulation will be a time of testing and testing of faith. During this time, evil forces will oppose all things holy and righteous and will persecute the church of Jesus Christ. However, followers of Christ will be encouraged to face it with steadfast faith and peace.
The Great White Throne Judgment: Satan’s Defeat and God’s Judgment
After the great tribulation, the end of the world and the time of judgment will come. According to the Bible, after these events, the Great White Throne Judgment will take place. During this time, all people, including those who believe in Jesus, will give an account of all their deeds. Satan and the evil creatures who follow him will be judged before the great white throne of God. In this holy judgment, Satan will be sent to the lake of fire, that is, hell.
This great white throne judgment is discussed in John 20:11-15. Here, all death is brought under His judgment, and these judgments will determine the eternal destiny of each person—whether eternal life in heaven or eternal torment in hell. The main purpose of this time will be to declare judgment and punishment, based on which the true status and life of each person will be decided.
New Heavens and a New Earth: The Hope of Eternal Life
After the Great White Throne Judgment, Christ will establish a new heaven and a new earth . The arrival of this time will coincide with the end of the world and symbolize a new beginning. In this new heaven and earth, everything will be new and holy. All the sorrow, pain, and unrest in the world will end and God’s faithful will have a life of eternal peace and joy.
Revelation 21:1-4 says, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away…and God himself would dwell with men.” In this new earth, there will be no more sorrow, pain, tears, or death. The entire world will be transformed , and people will be able to have an eternal relationship with God.
Conclusion: The Journey to Eternal Life
The second coming of Jesus Christ, the great tribulation, the great white throne judgment, and the establishment of the new heaven and earth are all serious and powerful events of the future. Although contemplating these events may cause some fear and anxiety, all of these events ultimately reveal the hope of eternal life and the true nature of God’s judgment .
The coming of Christ will one day bring hope and peace to the whole world, and these events will symbolize the complete implementation of God’s love and justice. In anticipation of Jesus’ second coming, we, as believers, must strive to make our lives true and pure. The journey to eternal life will be based on our faith, love, and obedience to God, and this path will make up our realistic future.