If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and wondered how long this world will last, you’re not alone. The question “When will the earth end according to the Bible?” has been asked by believers for thousands of years. And in times like ourswith wars, disasters, and cultural chaosit’s a question that feels more real than ever.
As a pastor, I’ve sat with people in living rooms, hospitals, and church pews who’ve asked this very thing. “Pastor James, are we in the last days? Will the earth be destroyed soon?” It’s a heartfelt concern, and Scripture gives us both warnings and promises.
So let’s take this journey together not with fear, but with hope. Because while the Bible speaks honestly about the end of the world, it also shows us God’s faithfulness through it all.
What Does the Bible Say About the Earth’s Future?
The Bible is clear: this earth won’t last forever in its current form. But that doesn’t mean the future is hopeless.
Let’s start with what Jesus said in Matthew 24:35:
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
This verse alone tells us two powerful things:
The earth will pass away someday.
God’s promises will not.
That’s important. It shows us that God is not silent about the fate of the world. He has told us ahead of time so we’re not surprised, but prepared.
Does the Bible Say How Long the Earth Will Last?
This is a common question: Does Scripture give us a timeline?
The simple answer is: No, not exactly.
In Matthew 24:36, Jesus Himself says:
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”
That means no one not pastors, not prophets, not scientistsknows the exact time when the earth as we know it will come to an end. If someone claims they’ve figured it out, that should be a red flag.
But while we don’t know the exact timing, the Bible does give us signs to watch for.
Signs of the Last Days: What Should We Look For?
Paul wrote to Timothy about what people would be like in the last days:
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant…” (2 Timothy 3:1–2)
Jesus also warned of:
Wars and rumors of wars
Natural disasters
False teachers
Persecution of believers
Love growing cold (Matthew 24)
Sound familiar? Many of these things are happening in our world right now. But these signs don’t mean the end has already comethey are like birth pains, as Jesus said in Matthew 24:8.
“All these are the beginning of birth pains.”
They tell us to stay awake, stay faithful, and stay ready.
What Will Happen When the Earth Ends?
Let’s get a bit more specific here. According to the Bible, the end of the earth as we know it comes in stages. It’s not a single moment, but a divine process:
1. Jesus Will Return
This is the blessed hope of all believers.
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command…” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Jesus will return not quietly, but in full glory.
2. The Final Judgment
In Revelation 20, we read about the Great White Throne judgment. Every personpast and presentwill stand before God.
“And the dead were judged according to what they had done…” (Revelation 20:12)
3. The Earth Will Be Renewed
This is where things get beautiful.
In Revelation 21:1, John writes:
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away…”
This isn’t just destructionit’s restoration.
God isn’t planning to throw this world away like garbage. He’s going to make it new.
Is the Earth Destroyed or Made New?
Let’s pause here for a moment. Some people picture the end of the world like a fiery Hollywood disaster. But that’s not the full biblical picture.
Yes, 2 Peter 3:10 tells us:
“The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.”
But just a few verses later, Peter reminds us:
“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13)
So while there is a purging fire, it’s not for total annihilationit’s for renewal. Just as gold is purified by fire, so too the earth will be refined.
What Is the Future of the Earth in the Bible?
The future of the earth is not random or meaningless.
According to Scripture, the earth will:
Be judged for sin and injustice
Be purified and transformed
Become the dwelling place of righteousness and peace
Think about that for a moment: a world with no war, no pain, no deatha place where God Himself walks with us.
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.” (Revelation 21:3)
The future of the earth is not destructionit’s glory.
Why Is God Waiting?
Many people ask, “If God is going to renew the earth, why hasn’t He done it already?”
Peter gives us the answer:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise… He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
God’s delay is not laziness. It’s mercy.
He’s giving more time for people to turn to Him.
Should We Be Afraid of the End?
If you’re a follower of Jesus, there’s no need to fear.
The end of the world isn’t the end of God’s love or goodness. In fact, it’s the beginning of eternity with Him.
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes…” (Revelation 21:4)
But if you don’t know Christ if your heart is far from God then this is your moment. Not out of fear, but because God loves you and wants you to share in His future.
Living in Light of the End
So, how should we live, knowing the earth won’t last forever?
Peter tells us:
“What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives…” (2 Peter 3:11)
Here’s what that looks like:
Walk in love
Be generous and kind
Share the Good News
Stay watchful, not fearful
Trust God with each day
The end is not a reason to panic. It’s a reason to live with purpose.
Final Thoughts from a Pastor’s Heart
The earth will not last foreverbut God’s promises will. He has already written the final chapter. And guess what?
If you’re in Christ, it ends in joy.
No more tears. No more fear. No more waiting.
Just God and His peopleforever.
So next time you hear someone ask, “When will the earth end according to the Bible?”you can say, “Only God knows. But I’m ready, and I’m not afraid.”
Because in the end, it’s not about destruction.
It’s about renewal, hope, and a faithful God who keeps His word.
