The End is Earthly
Wait what, the end is earthly? I sense some raised eyebrows, but let me explain myself. I want you to think back to the beginning of Genesis. And in Genesis chapter 2 we have the wonderful picture of the Garden Eden where we see what God intended for humanity – to enter into a perfect with us. It would have literally been heaven on earth if we define heaven as God's dwelling place. Now here is why I say the end is earthly. What God will do in the end is a completion of what He started in the beginning.
The book of Revelation tells of a new heaven and a new earth and of God dwelling with man. This awesome picture clearly reflects what God intended in the beginning. God will come in the end to live visibly with us on the new earth. Heaven will be on earth.
The End is a Person
The end is a person, not just a set of forthcoming things. That person is Jesus. The South African theologian, Adrio Konig, writes at the beginning of his book, 'The eschatology offered here is not primarily concerned with the "last things" – although of course some things will be discussed. Instead, this book is first and foremost about the last One, he whom the New Testament calls the End and the Last One. Eschatology must be about him, because he himself is the realisation of God's purpose in creating the world.'
Revelation often introduces Jesus as the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last. If you haven't guessed already, Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last. Jesus is both the Lord of the whole of history of created reality and the destination toward which all creation is moving - the destination which will be reached through Him, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.
The End is Invitational
This is truly a great point to finish off with. The hope which humanity has in Jesus is a free gift, by grace, from our loving God. This is something that we've heard time and time again.
But think about it in light of the end, in light of all the astronomically amazing things which have been guaranteed by Jesus. Let it sink in. Revelation 22:17 says, 'Both the Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come."
And let the one who desires take the water of life without price.' It's an open invitation to share in the glory, the beauty, in the transformed New Creation.
Anton Zhang is studying aeronautics and arts at the University of Sydney, he is part of a family of four, his hobbies include music, hiking and fencing. He is an active part of the Christian youth work at the Padstow Chinese Congregational Church.
Anton Zhang's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/anton-zhang.html