How Will the Lord Bring This World to an End?

Dr. Bradford Reaves

Sermon • Submitted a month ago • Presented a month ago

0 ratings

· 4 views

Notes

Transcript

Guinea Bissau Conference Session #5: The Return of the King and the Certainty of Justice

Core Question: “How will the Lord end when the world is in great trouble?”

Key Texts:

Revelation 19–20; Daniel 7; 2 Peter 3:10–13

Big Idea:

History does not end in chaos—it ends in Christ.

INTRODUCTION: WHEN THE WORLD FEELS OUT OF CONTROL

When the world is in trouble—when wars increase, evil seems unchecked, injustice goes unanswered, and suffering appears endless—people begin to ask a very old question: How does this end?

This question is not asked by unbelievers alone. It is asked by believers. It was asked by the prophets. It was asked by the disciples. And Scripture does not leave us without an answer.

The Bible does not teach that history spirals endlessly into chaos. It teaches that history is moving toward a climax—a decisive, righteous, visible intervention by God Himself.

The end of this world is not an accident.

It is not evolution.

It is not destruction for destruction’s sake.

It is the return of the King.

I. HISTORY IS MOVING TOWARD A THRONE

(Daniel 7:9–14)

Daniel is given a vision of world empires—beasts rising, devouring, dominating. Each empire appears powerful. Each seems unstoppable. And yet, suddenly, the scene changes.

Daniel writes: “I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took His seat.”

This is one of the most important truths in all of prophecy: human history is not controlled by beasts—it is governed by God.

Then Daniel sees “One like a Son of Man” coming with the clouds of heaven. He is given dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will never pass away. This is not symbolic of good winning over evil in a general sense. This is a person receiving a literal kingdom.

Jesus later identifies Himself as this Son of Man. When He stood before the Sanhedrin, He said they would see the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. The world may reject Christ now, but Scripture assures us that He will not return as a suffering servant again—He will return as King.

II. CHRIST RETURNS AS KING, NOT MERELY JUDGE

(Revelation 19:11–16)

Revelation 19 gives us the clearest picture of how history ends. John sees heaven opened—and what comes out of heaven is not chaos, but Christ.

Jesus returns riding a white horse, symbolizing victory, authority, and righteousness. He is called Faithful and True. His eyes are like a flame of fire. On His head are many crowns. This is the King reclaiming what is rightfully His.

Notice something important: Jesus does not return as a victim. He does not negotiate. He does not campaign. He does not plead. He rules.

The nations are not destroyed because Christ is cruel—they are judged because Christ is just. Evil is not tolerated forever. Scripture assures us that injustice has an expiration date.

This is deeply comforting to believers who live in unjust systems. Every act of oppression, every lie, every murder, every betrayal will be answered—not by human courts, but by the righteous Judge of all the earth.

III. THE DEFEAT OF EVIL—NOT THE DESTRUCTION OF HOPE

(Revelation 19:17–21; 20:1–3)

The return of Christ results in the decisive defeat of evil powers. The Beast and the False Prophet are destroyed. Satan himself is bound. Evil does not gradually fade away—it is defeated by divine authority.

This matters deeply for suffering believers. Scripture does not promise that evil will improve itself. It promises that evil will be ended.

Revelation 20 shows Satan bound for a thousand years. This is not symbolic language. It is real restraint. The deceiver who corrupted nations is finally silenced.

This tells us something vital:

Evil feels powerful now—but it is temporary.

God’s justice feels delayed—but it is certain.

IV. THE KINGDOM THAT FOLLOWS

(Revelation 20:4–6)

After judgment comes reign.

Christ establishes His kingdom. Those who belong to Him reign with Him. This fulfills promises made throughout Scripture—from the Psalms, to the Prophets, to the words of Jesus Himself.

The world does not end in darkness.

It ends in righteous rule.

The reign of Christ is not merely spiritual—it is physical, global, and just. This matters especially for believers in nations that have known corruption, violence, and injustice. God’s answer to injustice is not escape alone—it is restoration.

V. THE FINAL PURIFICATION OF CREATION

(2 Peter 3:10–13)

Peter tells us that the present heavens and earth will pass away—not because God hates creation, but because He intends to renew it.

Fire in Scripture often symbolizes purification. God is not annihilating hope—He is cleansing creation. Peter reminds us that believers are not waiting for destruction, but “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

This is the final answer to suffering: not just rescue from pain, but a world where pain no longer exists.

VI. CERTAINTY IN AN UNJUST WORLD

Many believers ask, “Why does evil seem to win?”

Scripture answers: It doesn’t—it only seems to, for a season.

God is patient, not powerless.

God is slow to judge, not unwilling.

And when He acts, He acts decisively.

This certainty anchors suffering believers. We do not need revenge. We do not need despair. We trust the righteous Judge.

VII. WHERE IS THE CHURCH IN ALL THIS?

Here is the blessed truth: the Church is not waiting for judgment—we are waiting for Christ.

Before Revelation 19, the Bride is already in heaven. Before wrath is poured out, the redeemed are gathered. Scripture consistently teaches that believers are not appointed to wrath, but to salvation.

This is why we speak of hope—not fear.