The end of the world, it is a topic that has been thought about by many. It has become a topic of conversation increasingly so over the last several decades. Movies are made about it, books are written about it, and songs are sung about it. Even mini T.V. series’ have come out about it. It has become an issue in the science community and in politics. There is talk to force people to make changes based on beliefs about the end of the world, even sacrificing some things that make our lives better. Such a major issue, you would think that we would seek to know what the Bible says about it. There are several questions that need to be asked to learn God’s perspective about it through the Bible.

First question to ask is, “who or what can destroy the world?” The Bible declares that Jesus “is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). It also says that Jesus “upholds all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3). The earth is “being reserved for fire” and “kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction” by “His word” (2 Peter 3:7). Jesus has complete power over the earth. No one can bring it to an end but Him. Perhaps we can raise or lower the quality of life for ourselves, but we cannot destroy the earth. Only Christ, that is God, has the power to destroy the earth.

Next we ask, “How will the earth be destroyed?” The earth is “being reserved for fire” (2 Peter 3:7). It “will be destroyed with intense heat” that is “the earth and its works will be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10). Again, Peter points out “the elements will melt with intense heat” (2 Peter 3:12). This destruction by fire is carried out by the judgment of God. It is at the judgment that “earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them” (Revelation 20:11). The world is “being reserved for fire, kept for the Day of Judgment” (2 Peter 3:7). It is because of “the coming of the day of God” that “the elements will melt with intense heat” (2 Peter 3:12). The world will be destroyed by God’s judgment through fire.

Then we should ask, “Why does God want to destroy the earth?” He is motivated by man’s sin. It is man’s sin that invites God’s judgment. Peter says that “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way,” he urges them to live “in holy conduct and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11). It is godly living that aids a person in escaping God’s judgment. In fact, the very reason that new heavens and a new earth will have to be created is because of the sin in the current heavens and earth. It is that reason that Peter states in contrast that in the new heavens and the new earth “righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). Peter also urges us to respond to the coming judgment by being “diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14). The implication is that if it weren’t for man’s sin, the earth wouldn’t have to be destroyed. The sin that has instigated God’s judgment is that which is listed in Galatians 5. It says “the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these” (Galatians 5:19-21). It was our sin that caused God to decide to plan the end of the world.

Notice that there is no room in these passages for changing God’s mind. We can do nothing to stop the end of the world. It will happen, that is “all these things are to be destroyed” (2 Peter 3:11). We can escape God’s judgment by committing our life to Christ, but we cannot prevent the end of the world by godly living or anything, for that matter. The world will come to an end; it is fixed.

Now the concept of global warming has become an issue discussed today. Those teaching its principles are insisting on government regulations based on these principles or beliefs. Many of these actions cause the rise in the price of gasoline and even to where in Massachusetts, the citizens are limited to about one or two garbage bags a week or they suffer a penalty. The principles or beliefs of global warming are the following—because of pollution, the earth’s temperature is rising. It will continue to rise to the point of completely destroying the earth. Only putting an end to pollution can this destruction be prevented. It is for obvious reasons that the global warming crowd is pushing for regulations.

How should we respond? Well, first they believe that the world will be destroyed by heat, which is a biblical belief. However, they also believe that pollution is its cause. The Bible teaches that God’s judgment in response to man’s immoral sin is the cause. They believe that the end of the world can be prevented, but the Bible teaches that it is fixed and cannot be prevented. Not that recycling, picking up litter, and being concerned about our environment isn’t important, but what are our motives? Are our motives coming from an unbiblical view of the world or a biblical one? What are we accomplishing? Is it good, bad, or necessary? Are we planning to force people into certain regulations and hindrances in life because of debatable science and an unbiblical starting point? Again, I’m not trying to say that we shouldn’t take care of our environment, but have we gone to an unbiblical extreme? Think of these issues whenever you hear of global warming, pollution, recycling drives, and the like. Are you going to be led by the truth of the Bible or unwarranted fear?