The End of All Things Is Near

(1 Peter 4:7) Peter’s words to the early church may conjure up many ideas based on the hype surrounding the “Left Behind” series, and our infatuation with the thought that Jesus will return while we are alive. To force upon this text our own cultural perspectives would not only be a disservice to the reader. It might also cause you to miss his point all together.

We do not get enough information here to begin understanding whether Peter would be considered pre- or amilleniast. There is no way to know whether he holds to a pre- or post tribulation rapture of the church. In fact, he does not even mention the Church leaving the Earth. What he does teach is that there will be an end to all things and it is imminent. Jesus is going to return and the victory is going to be His. You can take that to the bank.

When we put this verse back into its context it becomes clear that Peter is not pushing his view of eschatology. Instead, he wanted his audience to understand how critical his words were. He had just written that enough time had been wasted on living as lost people live. The end of all things is near, so now pray for God’s will, love others like Jesus loves us, and serve one another in God’s power, so that God will be glorified.

Peter wants his readers to understand just how important this is. It is imperative that the Church stands up and acts like the Church. The only way to get the Church to move is to move the people that make it up. That is you and me, and every other believer in the world. So here, it is again. The end of all things is near; let me ask you, how wisely are you spending your time?

This is not a call to withdraw from the world or anything that might be considered entertainment, but to carry the light that we have seen every where we go. Everything we do, from work to play, and everything we endure becomes an opportunity to share the love of Christ. All you have to do is bring Him with you. The idea is that we do not wait to go on mission at a particular time, but that we live our lives on mission all the time. The end of all things is near, let’s get busy.