God's Story Is Our Story: From Acts to New CreationNäide

When will the church age end? We don't know that. This age will be characterized by the spread of the gospel unto all the nations and will last until God has brought to faith all whom will be saved. The book of Revelation tells us that we will face adversity in this mission, and that perhaps there will be some final surge of the enemy at the end. John mentions the devil being unchained and released for a time. Paul mentions in 2 Thessalonians that Jesus won't return until the Man of Lawlessness will be revealed. Perhaps we are waiting for some greater antichrist (oppressor of Christians) to make a dreadful appearance in the story. But, John assures us that God will be with us to sustain through whatever adversity we face.

The end of the church age will come when Jesus returns. This is called the Day of the Lord, when Jesus appears to finally purge the earth of evil. A part of this is also what is called the Last Judgment when all will be resurrected from death and stand before Christ to be sorted. This is the sobering reality the Bible tells us is the end of this part of the story. The only ones who can face that day in confidence are the ones who have turned to believe in what Christ has done for them. Are we ready for that day?