Scriptural references to “the end” or “end times” must be read in context to identify which time period is ending. Knowing what follows a prophecy also helps to understand verses properly. Inaccurate scriptural interpretations have fostered a fearful dread in people when the topic of end times arises. The Bible does not use the phrase “the end” to refer to the destruction of planet earth or to the annihilation of mankind!     

The “present evil world”, under the rulership of Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4), is promised to come to an end when he is cast into the “bottomless pit” for 1,000 years ( Revelation 20:1-3). This end of Satan’s rulership will usher in Christ’s 1,000 year Kingdom when God’s will “will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

In the KIngdom, Jesus has promised to resurrect all those asleep in the grave –  “For the hour is coming, in which ALL who are in their tombs shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; those who have done good to a resurrection of life, and those who committed evil to a resurrection of judgment” (John 5:26,27 NASB).  “For in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (I Corinthians 15:22).

The Apostle Paul tells us that “Christ will abolish all rule and all authority and power…For He must reign until He has put all enemies under His feet.  The last enemy that will be abolished is death… “ (I Corinthians 15:24-26 NASB) 

Christ’s Kingdom will be one of instruction and rehabilitation to root out sin from every heart. At the end of the 1000 years there will be one final judgment of restored humanity. “And when the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, and will come out to deceive the nations…” (Revelation 20:7,8) The incorrigible will be completely destroyed and the righteous will receive life everlasting.

 “And when he shall have subdued ALL things to him then the Son himself will be subject to Him who subdued ALL things to Him, that God may be all in all.”  “Then comes the end when he delivers up the Kingdom to God and Father” (I Corinthians 15:28).  Sin, sorrow, suffering, and Adamic death will have come to an end, to be followed by an eternity of perfection on a perfect earth.

Soon Jesus’s everlasting Kingdom will be established. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6-7.