The Destruction of the Heavens & Earth

At or near the time of the great white throne judgment of unbelievers, God will destroy the current sin-contaminated earth and its heavens with a roaring fire and intense heat.

Ben: God spoke and the universe came into being. In six short days God created stars and planets, water and land, plants and animals, man and woman. God then put mankind in charge of His creation, giving him much freedom and only one rule.

Scott: You really believe that?

Ben: Oh, yes. But man broke that rule and God cursed the ground and all creation. Creation had no choice in the matter, and now waits longingly to be freed from death and decay. Even God does not want to keep this creation going forever but anticipates creating a new heaven and new earth.

Scott: Yeah, right. What about that? Jesus is supposed to be coming back, but the apostles and followers of Jesus down through the ages are dead and gone and everything is continuing like always since “God created it.” Nothing changes!

Ben: In fact, things do change. God partially destroyed the world once already. Mankind became more and more evil, so God sent a flood to wipe evil off the face of the earth. Things got better, for a while. But man was at it again very soon afterward, sinning, corrupting. So the Eternal One who created this evanescent world will one day be done mending. He will take the heavens and earth that are wearing out like old clothes, destroy them for good, and judge mankind in the process.

Scott: Yeah, yeah, if you believe that sort of thing.

Ben: Listen, God spoke and the world came into being. He spoke and the flood came. God will speak again to destroy those who don’t believe, and the earth, planets, and galaxies will fuel the fire of judgment. In your skepticism you are overlooking something: a thousand years is like a day to God and a day like a thousand years.

Scott: Whatever. Maybe that’s why God is being slow in coming through with His promise.

Ben: No! He’s being patient for your sake. He doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed. He wants us to repent. But that day will come when we least expect it, just like when a thief breaks into a home at night.

Scott: (sarcastically) You think?

Ben: Without a doubt. And when it does, you like “Big Bang”? The sky will collapse with a thunderous explosion as Jesus releases the atoms to go their own way (which He is now holding together as He supports everything in the universe by His powerful word). Everyone’s thoughts will be laid bare; all their works exposed and judged. What a terrible event!

Scott: (thoughtfully) Whoa. So what do we do?

Ben: Unbelievers need to repent and trust Jesus as Savior. Believers should live godly lives in expectation of that day when God sets the heavens on fire and the elements will melt away in the flames.