What Does the Bible Say About the End of the World — In Biblical Context
The Bible describes the end of the present age through Christ's return, judgment, and the creation of a new heaven and new earth.
The Bible describes the end of the present age through Christ's return, judgment, and the creation of a new heaven and new earth.
"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." — 2 Peter 3:10 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Biblical prophecy describes the end times in detail across multiple books. Jesus taught about signs of the end in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24), including wars, famines, earthquakes, and the gospel preached to all nations. Revelation describes a period of tribulation, the rise of the Antichrist, the battle of Armageddon, Christ's triumphant return, a thousand-year reign, and a final judgment. 2 Peter 3:10 states, '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.' But the story doesn't end with destruction — God promises 'new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness' (2 Peter 3:13). The end of this world is the beginning of God's eternal kingdom.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, 2 Peter 3:10, sits inside 2 Peter 3. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."
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