Board index ‹ The End of the World

[Newbie]

I'm curious as to whether or not there's any biblical explanation for what happens after the final judgement. From what I've read, the Christian apocalypse involves the final judgement of all people on earth, implying everyone is sent to either heaven or hell for eternity , followed by a 1000 year reign of the messiah. But then what? Our current scientific understanding of the universe implies that it should continue existing for many many many years beyond that regardless of what occurs to the entirety of the human race/earth. Does it continue existing without us? Is it re-made? Is it destroyed?

Also, what happens to humans that are on other planets during the apocalypse? Do they experience the same apocalypse on Mars as is described in revelation to happen on Earth? Do they experience it at all?

[jimwalton]

In Revelation 21.1 and Romans 8.21 we learn that the universe will be transformed. The word "passed away" (ἀπῆλθαν) in Rev. 21.1 doesn't necessarily mean destroyed, but can also connote "change to a different form." God makes all things "as new." The fundamental cosmic structure of the universe will be changed, but it will still be material. (Jesus' material resurrection signals God's commitment to a material eternal world.) What is forecast is not annihilation and new creation, but radical transformation. See also Isa.65.17.

Romans 8.21 says the same thing.

> Also, what happens to humans that are on other planets during the apocalypse?

Um, there is no evidence of humans on other planets.

[Space Ghost]

Is there reason to assume the apocalypse will happen before we start colonizing other planets? Let's assume for the sake of argument that the Chinese succeed in their moon shot. If there are humans on the moon when the apocalypse begins, how will it effect them? What if one or more of the astronauts are Christians when the Rapture comes?

[jimwalton]

Great question. Thanks for asking it. There is absolutely no reason to assume the apocalypse will happen before we start colonizing other planets. In my humble opinion, there is also absolutely no reason to assume we will start colonizing other planets before the apocalypse.

While the apocalypse is written from a geocentric viewpoint (as is creation), it is also written in language that is clearly universal and not confined to one planet. If there are humans on the moon when the apocalypse begins, they will be affected the same as people on earth. The apocalypse affects all of creation.