"A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever: but thou, LORD, art most high for evermore."(Psalms 92:6-8)
A Note
The September 2018 page linked below notes that a specialized computer program, "in the early 1970s...predicted that civilization would likely collapse by 2040." And, there is something else to note. There is evidence which indicates that Rome may be destroyed a while before the actual end of the world happens. It appears that Rome's utter destruction may possibly happen by 2048, if not sooner. This is noted in a page linked here.
The pages and videos at the following links --- (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9) --- all speak about the end of the world. The various sources give quite a number of reasons for why the world will end. But, for the most part, it appears they are speaking about peripheral issues or symptoms relating to the end of the world, rather than the actual root cause for the end of the world.
This 15-part series will consider both the symptoms and the root cause which brings on the end of the world. As we rapidly approach the end of the world, in order to get a more accurate picture of what things will be like upon this earth, there are actually many things which must be considered.
Please bear with the writer in this lengthy, multi-part investigation about things relating to the end of the world, for there is quite a story to be told. Things may be presented on a scale not often considered. There is much "food for thought" within this 15-part series.
This lengthy writing should give some important, very basic information which can help people to better grasp the magnitude and fulness of that "big picture" about what will be happening as humanity approaches and enters into that period which includes the end of the world.
Basic Introduction
Economic troubles, unrest, wars, rumors of wars, terrorist activities both within and without, volcanoes and major earthquakes, plus famines, pestilences, climate change, nuclear crisis and natural disasters: it appears that things are happening fast upon our earth. It appears that things may be "heating up" and civilization may be entering a new phase. This new phase may be a time of immense trouble, engulfing virtually the whole world.
For those who take the time to truly read and study for themselves, the uncorrupted Holy Bible does not leave them ignorant about what has been happening to this world. It tells many things about the past and the present, plus things yet to come upon this earth. It even speaks about who is behind various things which are happening upon this earth.
The uncorrupted Holy Bible speaks in relatively simple terms: sometimes, even in vast understatements. The weight of the evidence presented in the Bible can work to produce a relatively clear picture of world events and how things will happen in the times ahead. At this time, let us consider the end of the world, as spoken about throughout the Holy Bible.
As this investigation begins, a few questions need to be asked. What is the end of the world all about? What will it be like? What will be happening during the time of the end? How will this world end? Will there be people who survive the end of the world? Beyond these introductory questions, there is still more to consider.
What is the true meaning of the end of the world? Will this earth no longer exist, or does the end of the world mean the utter destruction of the wicked and ungodly people who reside upon this earth? Will this utter destruction be initiated by flaming fire from above, with possible volcanic activity from beneath? And then, there is even more to consider.
What will be happening during the deadly tribulation which preceeds the end of the world, and how does this tribulation relate to the end of the world? And then there is Rome, which calls itself the "Eternal City." Will it be violently and utterly destroyed a number of years before the actually end of the world, so all humanity can witness its utter destruction?
These are just a few of the things which are examined, with questions potentially answered, in the discussions which follow in this 15-part series.
A Warning
There are people who appear to be longing for the day of the Lord and the end of the world. They cannot wait for it to happen, for they appear to believe that it will bring bliss to them. But, what is the real truth in this matter? How should people, especially those who call themselves God's people, be looking at the end of the world? What do the Scriptures say?
It is written: "Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! To what end is it for you? The day of the LORD is darkness, and not light: as if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light; even very dark, and no brightness in it?"(Amos 5:18-20)
When it comes to the end of the world and why the promised end of the world has not already happened, it is written: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."(2 Peter 3:9)
And, for those that call themselves God's people, they are not to be hoping for the end of the world where an immense amount of people will perish for all eternity. There is actually a large job which they are supposed to be doing and their true work must parallel the wishes of the Most High God, that none should perish, "but that all should come to repentance."
Those that call themselves Christians or God's people are not to be asleep or hiding in the corner or in some church as we rapidly approach the end of the world, or they will be destroyed also. True authentic Christians have a job to do. They are to be speaking the truth in love, while calling the people of this world to repentance, in hopes that at least some will turn to the truth and not be destroyed for all eternity.
Before the Terrible Day
From what is shown throughout the Scriptures, it appears that the end of the world will occur during the day of the Lord. The day of the Lord is that time when a mighty judgment happens upon this earth. Concerning the time before the day of the Lord, it is written: "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come."(Joel 2:30-31)
The above passage of Scripture shows that there will be wonders in the heavens, before the great and terrible day of the Lord occurs. Upon the earth, there will be blood. It is clear from the Scriptures that there will be a major time of trouble which preceeds the day of the Lord. This time of trouble is commonly called "the great tribulation." During the tribulation, great numbers of people will be dying and much blood will be shed upon this earth.
The above passage of Scripture also declares that there will be fire upon this earth, and pillars of smoke. From various Scriptures and other sources, it appears that some of this fire may be the result of numerous asteroids or comet fragments which impact the earth. The Scriptures clearly speak of many stars falling from heaven to the earth, in what appears to be a mighty barrage (see: Revelation 6:12-14). This phenomenon will be examined in more detail later in this discussion series.
Other portions of the fire upon this earth may be the result of volcanic activity. The fire, along with the common pillars of smoke, could readily fit the description which is proclaimed further above. Some of the recent volcanic eruptions, which fit the description above, are shown or spoken about at the following links: (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7). Further volcanic eruptions may even be triggered by major earthquakes which are created by increased tectonic plate activity.
There is also a chance that other volcanic eruptions may be triggered by major earthquakes which are caused by the massive earth impacts by celestial objects or large space rocks. It is clear that some of the columns of smoke may be a direct result of the numerous earth impacts by these celestial objects.
Then, there is the potential that at least a few of the more minor, short-lived columns of smoke will result from the detonation of nuclear weapons, as nations fight against each other and unleash nuclear devastation. Some of these human-caused columns of smoke are illustrated in pages at the following links: (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16).
At this point, there is something to consider. In the passage of Scripture at the top of this section, it appears that God will be the one causing the fire and pillars of smoke which are being spoken about. So for now, our discussion will turn to natural fire and pillars of smoke, which are caused by things like volcanic activity.
Fire and Pillars Of Smoke
We of this day and age have lived during one of the most geologically quiet periods which this earth appears to have experienced. But, that could readily change, in just a moment of time. We may be seeing more geologic activity and natural disasters in the times ahead. We may soon be observing more fire and pillars of smoke. As just one small example of how a person's surroundings can suddenly begin to change, consider the following scenario.
It was 1943. A farmer in Mexico was working in his cornfield. Suddenly, volcanic material began erupting from the ground. A volcano was born and quickly grew in size. The farmer and his family were able to witness the whole event. In its initial stages, this was an explosive, pyroclastic volcano which was named Paricutin.
To view information about Paricutin, simply click on the buttons below. It should be noted that volcanic events similar to this could potentially occur at virtually any place across the face of this earth, under the right circumstances. Events like this could potentially occur even in the midst of large population centers.
Included in the links below are also pictures and information about other volcanic events which include fire and pillars of smoke. The effect which volcanoes have on climate may also noted.
In Flaming Fire
In the discussion which follows, let us first consider events which will occur as we suddenly enter the time which culminates in the end of all things as we know them. After that, let us consider those events which will occur prior to the end of the world.
Let us begin this part of the discussion by examining a passage of Scripture. This passage of Scripture will help to form a Biblical picture of that which will be happening at the return of Christ, at the time of the end of this world.
It is written:
"And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day."(II Thessalonians 1:7-10)
Upon the Disobedient
There is now something important to consider. While we are still alive in this time before the horrific judgment of this world, we are living in the time of grace. During this time of grace, our decisions can have an effect on our eternal destiny. With a true heart, we can turn to the true way of God which is shown in the Scriptures. In so doing, we may receive of that eternal life: that life in God and Christ which starts in this life and continues into eternity.
Once we die, if we have not turned to the true way of God and Christ in this life, things are different. At this point, there is something to make extremely clear. It is declared in the Scriptures: "...it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment..."(Hebrews 9:27)
Once we die, there is no changing our eternal destiny or changing the judgment which shall come upon us. No pope or anyone else has the power to pray a person out of their eternal destiny, once they die.
Furthermore, once the massive judgment upon this whole earth begins, there will be no changing anyone's ultimate destiny any more, because the time of grace will then be over. Yes, now is the time of grace. Now is the time to repent and turn to the true way of God and of Christ.
At this point, there is another thing to note about the passage of Scripture in the section above. It indicates that when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven, with his mighty angels, it will be in flaming fire. This flaming fire will be used to take vengeance on those who really do not want to obey or know the authentic God of heaven and his way. This flaming fire will be upon those who do not obey the true and complete gospel as presented by the Lord Jesus Christ.
Later in this discussion will be considered that which appears to be the cause of all this flaming fire from heaven, which occurs in the day of the Lord. The process which creates all this flaming fire is well known in the scientific community. But now, at this time, let us consider what else the uncorrupted Holy Bible has to say about a fiery type of scenario at the end of this world.
Day of the Lord
It is written:
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?"(II Peter 3:10-12)
Like a Thief in the Night
The above passage shows that, in the day of the Lord, the heavens shall pass away with a great noise. As the heavens pass away with a great noise, the elements shall melt from the very intense heat which occurs at that time. Because of the intense heat, the earth and the works of mankind shall be utterly burned. The Holy Bible shows that this particular day of destruction will come in a similar manner as a thief in the night.
The day of the Lord will come at a time when it is not expected by the great masses of people upon this earth. It appears that it will come as a complete surprise to the majority of people. Let us now look to the uncorrupted Holy Bible. Let us see what it states about how things will be upon this earth as the day of the Lord approaches and finally dawns.
Sudden, Unexpected Destruction
It is written:
"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."(I Thessalonians 5:1-3)
Notice that when the people are feeling safe and secure in their doings --- when they think that all is okay and they can just keep doing what they have been doing all along, including horribly corrupting themselves --- then sudden destruction shall come upon them from the Lord. Then shall come that horrendous judgment of God upon the wicked and corrupted people of this earth, and they shall not be able to escape.
Regarding these matters, it is again written:
"This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
"For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."(II Peter 3:1-7)
The Lord Jesus Christ also declared: "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."(Matthew 24:37-39)
And, the Lord Jesus Christ declared further: "Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."(Luke 17:28-30)
Note how, in the two cases above, the people were going about their daily business and other activities, totally unsuspecting that which was coming. Then, suddenly they were taken away and destroyed. In both cases, the Scriptures indicate that these people did not believe in and follow the true way of God. Also, they were not watching. They were not observing the clear signs of the times, that they could understand that the destruction from God was on its way.
At this point, there are two important things to note. In the two passages above, in which the Lord Jesus Christ speaks, it was noted that things shall be as they were in the days of Noe, or Noah, before the devastating flood. Things would also be as they were in the days of Lot, when Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed.
In the days of Noah, the people had corrupted their ways upon the earth, plus the earth was filled with violence because of these corrupted people (see: Genesis 6:11-12). And, in the days of Lot, the region around Sodom was filled homosexuality (1)(2)(3), or widespread sodomy, just how things are becoming in our day. The two signs spoken about by Christ, of how things will be before the sudden destruction, are what is all around us today.
False Sense of Security
The Scriptures in the section above paint a relatively clear picture of the future, plus even the things which are now happening in our world. Just prior to the day of the Lord, the wicked of this earth will be thinking that all is okay for them. They will feel that any danger which formerly existed on this earth is now passed. They may believe that peace and safety is now reigning for them and their activities upon the earth and they can just continue to corrupt themselves. Because of this, the people will take on a particular nature.
The Scriptures declare that in the last days there will be scoffers. They will brazenly scoff at the thought of a massive destruction from God, coming upon this whole earth. They will mock the idea of the mighty coming or return of the authentic Lord Jesus Christ. They will even mock Christians and say: "Where is the promise of his coming?" They will declare that all things are continuing just as they always have since mankind has been upon this earth, and will continue in this way for a long time to come ... possibly even for millions or billions of years.
Now it is time for a reality check. For starters, let us consider those who believe that things shall continue as they always have been, as long as humans have been on this earth. Let us consider that field, which is often termed as science, which indicates that things will continue just as they are for a long time to come. At this point, let it be said that the uncorrupted Holy Bible shows that there is a true science, but it also speaks of science falsely so called. (see: I Timothy 6:20)
The evolutionist theories which prevade the field of modern science declare that this earth is multiple billions of years old. These theories indicate that no major worldwide catastrophies have occurred in the last multiple millions of years. These questionable theories tend to lull people into a false sense of peace and security, thinking any worldwide catastrophy will not be happening anytime soon ... and the people love it so. They appear to love being lied to.
Ominous Signs
Let us consider the picture presented in the Scriptures, which are shown in the sections above. One passage likens the coming of the day of the Lord to the labor which suddenly comes upon a pregnant woman. Let us consider this thought further.
A pregnant woman most likely sees a number of signs in her body and knows for quite a period of time that she has a child living within her. She also knows that one day this child must come out of her. But, the woman has no true idea of exactly when this labor will come upon her.
When the labor comes naturally upon a woman, it just happens. Looking further, generally speaking, when it is time for the child to come out of a pregnant woman, there will be no stopping it, short of death. The laws of nature take over and the event will happen. In like manner, so shall it be at the end of this world.
In old times, the general population (and in most cases, even the scientists) did not diligently read and study the Holy Bible, so they could better understand the various signs which signal the coming end of this world. But now, knowledge has increased: especially about our world and universe.
In more recent times, we have seen changes taking place upon our earth. Natural disasters appear to be increasing and intensifying. The scientists have also discovered numerous tell-tale signs upon this earth which indicate that there are major natural disasters waiting to happen at virtually any moment. But that is as far as they can go with things.