Consummation: The Completion of Creation

We can read about what the disciples did after this in the book of Acts and in the letters that the apostles wrote. But even though Jesus’ disciples are gone, and the Bible has been fully written, Jesus still hasn’t returned.

We can trust that God is faithful.

So what’s going on? When will Jesus come back? What are we supposed to do now? These are good questions, and we need to examine Scripture carefully as we look for the answers to these questions and form our conclusions. The Apostle Peter even wrote in 2 Peter 3:16–18 that there are topics and portions in Scripture that are difficult to understand. But by sticking to what we know is true in the Bible, we can trust that God is faithful and able to do what he has said he will do, and we can continue to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. With this truth in mind, let’s take a look at what God has told us about Jesus’ return in his Word.

Jesus Will Return!

As mentioned previously, the angels assured the disciples after Jesus ascended to heaven that he would come back (Acts 1:11). But this certainly isn’t the only time that Jesus’ return is mentioned. The Apostle Paul also affirmed that Jesus will return, descending from heaven, and that those who believe in Jesus as their personal Savior will join him. We are also told that there will be a new earth and heavens (2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 21:1). With just these few passages in mind, we can clearly see that Jesus will return, and the earth and heavens will be made new. But keep in mind that during his lifetime, Jesus said to stay alert because “you do not know on what day your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42).

There Will Be a Judgment

The return of Jesus will be a joyous event with a new creation for believers. But there will also be a judgment for Christians and non-Christians alike:

• Psalm 96:12–13 describes that the trees will sing for joy, and when the Lord does come, he comes to judge the earth. He will do so in righteousness and faithfulness.
• Hebrews 9:27–28 speaks of a judgment that will take place when Christ appears for the second time.
• In 2 Corinthians 5:10, the Bible tells us that “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
• But Revelation 20:11–15 warns of the final judgment of those who reject Christ and his free gift of salvation.

Where will you spend eternity? Get answers!

If there is going to be a judgment, then there must also be consequences, and these consequences are eternal (Matthew 25:46). We must understand that heaven and hell are real places. Jesus described both places in multiple ways and at multiple times to warn us and help us understand what is coming and that we will be living in one of those places for eternity (Matthew 13:27–50).

• Hell is a real place, and it is reserved for those who do not trust Christ for salvation (Hebrews 10:28–29). It is a place of suffering (Luke 16:22–24), sorrow (Matthew 13:42, 50), and separation from God (2 Thessalonians 1:9).
• Heaven is a real place, and it is a place of perfection (Revelation 7:15–17, 22:5) that is prepared and reserved for those who love God (1 Corinthians 2:9).

What Are We Supposed to Do Now?

We must be ready for his return.

Remember that we don’t know when Jesus’ return will take place, but we are clearly told that it will be sudden and at a time when we don’t expect it (1 Thessalonians 5:2), and because of this, we must be ready for his return (Matthew 24:44) by continually trusting in him for our salvation! But we should not just be keeping the truth of God’s grace to ourselves; let us look to Titus 2:11–15 as a charge:

• Verse 11: God’s grace has appeared to us, and it is for all men!
• Verses 12–13: God’s grace instructs us to live righteously as we wait for the return of Jesus Christ!
• Verse 14: Jesus gave his life so that everyone could be saved from their sin and purified to live for him!
• Verse 15: Because it is the Creator of the universe that is telling us this, we can declare these truths boldly and confidently!

Now that we know the truth about what is to come and that God is faithful to fulfill these things, let’s follow Jesus’ command, just as his disciples did, and “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15)!