The phrase “the end of all things is at hand” comes from 1 Peter 4:7, which states: “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” This verse points to the imminent return of Jesus Christ and the final judgment that will take place. But what exactly does it mean that the end is near, and what implications does this have for believers?
The Timing of the End
When Peter wrote this letter, it had been approximately 30 years since Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. The early Christians expected Jesus to return very soon, potentially even in their lifetime. However, 2000 years later, we are still waiting for Jesus’ second coming. This leads us to wonder if Peter was mistaken in his belief that the end was so close.
The truth is that God exists outside of time, so His perspective on timing is much different than ours (2 Peter 3:8). From an earthly viewpoint, it may seem that Jesus’ return is delayed. But from God’s eternal perspective, the end could come at any moment. Just as Peter exhorted the believers of his day to be ready, this verse reminds us that we too should live in constant expectation of Jesus’ imminent return. No one knows the day or hour, so we must be alert and spiritually prepared (Matthew 24:36).
The Certainty of the End
Peter emphasizes that the end of all things is a definite reality. God has appointed a day of final reckoning when Christ will return to judge the living and the dead (Acts 17:31). All of earthly history is moving toward this culmination, the winding up of human affairs as we know them.
For believers, this means that the trials and griefs of this life are only temporary. A glorious future awaits when God will usher in the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1). Our eternal citizenship is in this heavenly kingdom, and it will surpass anything we have known before (Philippians 3:20). The end is not something to dread, but to anticipate with hopeful expectation.
For unbelievers who reject Christ, however, the end means accountability before the throne of God. Hebrews 9:27 reminds us that each person will face judgment. There are eternal consequences for those who do not accept God’s offer of salvation through Jesus. While God is patient and delays judgment (2 Peter 3:9), the end is inescapable. No one can avoid death and the judgment to follow.
How Then Should We Live?
Since the end is imminent, Peter exhorts believers to live in several specific ways:
1. Be self-controlled and sober-minded. We should exercise discipline over our minds and bodies rather than indulging in excess. Clarity of thinking and restraint of appetites should characterize our lifestyles (1 Peter 1:13, 4:3).
2. Be watchful in prayer. We demonstrate that we are ready for Christ’s return by staying alert in body and spirit. Prayer helps keep our focus heavenly instead of earthly (Luke 21:36).
3. Maintain earnest love for one another. Recognizing that time is short, we should forgive freely and demonstrate Christ’s love through service and generosity (1 Peter 4:8-9).
4. Use gifts to serve others. God intends for us to use our spiritual gifts to build up the church. We steward God’s grace in whatever ways He has equipped us (1 Peter 4:10).
5. Rejoice in sharing Christ’s sufferings. Trials test and purify our faith. We can rejoice that suffering for His namesake proves our loyalty to Him (1 Peter 4:13).
6. Do not be surprised by fiery trials. Difficult times remind us that this world is not our home. We are citizens of heaven, so we can entrust ourselves to God amidst grief and persecution (1 Peter 4:12).
7. Continue to do good. The temptation may be to stagnate in times of hardship, but we honor God by persisting in love and good works (Galatians 6:9-10).
By living in these ways, we demonstrate that our hope and security is in eternal realities rather than fleeting earthly comforts. Since this age is passing away, we must focus on that which lasts forever. Our values, choices, and lifestyles should reflect that our true home is in heaven.
A Warning Against Worldliness
This nearness of the end is also a reason for believers to avoid worldliness and ungodly living. If judgment looms, indulging in sin is utter foolishness. Peter exhorts:
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:7-11).
He lists ways we can live for God’s glory as the end draws near. Then he proceeds to warn believers not to squander their lives on fleshly desires:
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:11-12).
This instruction indicates that the end does not excuse moral laxity. Rather, it necessitates walking in holiness, rejecting ungodly passions, and keeping our behavior honorable – especially in the eyes of a watching world. Since the timeline is compressed, we must zealously guard our hearts and live above reproach.
Paul likewise pairs the expectation of Christ’s imminent return with the command to sanctified living. He says the Lord is coming soon, therefore:
“…what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God…” (2 Peter 3:11-12).
He repeats this same juxtaposition in other letters – coupling the hope of the end with the duty to live uprightly in the present (see 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:8, Titus 2:11-14).
A Motivation to Evangelism and Mission
The imminent end of all things is not just a call to personal holiness, however. It also serves as a motivation for evangelism and making God’s salvation known among the nations. Peter says judgement will begin with God’s household, but also extend to those outside the community of faith (1 Peter 4:17). The endpoint of history will hold all of humanity accountable before Christ. Those who do not know Him will face eternal destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
Therefore, the nearness of the end should instill in believers an urgency to preach the gospel while there is still time. Paul reminds us “…the day of salvation” will not last forever (2 Corinthians 6:2). Peter likewise calls believers to give a defense for the hope within them to everyone who asks (1 Peter 3:15). Even Jesus himself points to the shortened time available as a reason to labor diligently in seeking the lost (John 9:4).
While the end ushers in the fullness of redemption for those in Christ, it leaves no further opportunity for the lost after the final judgment. Recognizing this, believers are compelled to warn others of the cosmic deadline and extend God’s offer of grace. We heed the Spirit and the Bride’s plea, “Come!” (Revelation 22:17), praying for many to come to repentance before it is too late (2 Peter 3:9).
Anticipating the End with Hope
Christians awaiting the consummation of all things are described as those “…who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5). God keeps and protects His people as we wait. Though we have not seen Christ, we love Him and long for the glorious future He has promised (1 Peter 1:8).
Titling his book “Comfort for Christians,” John Owen writes, “The strongest foundation of comfort…is the exaltation of our minds and affections to future things.” Contemplating the magnificent hope before us fortifies endurance and persistence through present trials. Our citizenship is in the heavens, and we eagerly await our Savior who will transform us into His likeness (Philippians 3:20-21).
The imminent end means that the pains of today give way to an eternity of triumph and reward with Christ. Therefore, we can say with Paul:
“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).
This exceedingly great hope is near to those who are in Christ. The end of this age dawns the beginning of a glorious age to come. We anticipate the descent of the new Jerusalem when God makes His dwelling with man and creation is renewed. Christ’s redemption ushers in everlasting joy in His presence. May this future grace move us to live wholly for Him as we await the climax of the ages!
“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20-21).