The New Testament reveals that Jesus, who presently reigns at the right hand of God, will return to receive the faithful (see Eph. 1:20, John 14:1-3). The Scriptures also reveal what will happen after His return, though many reject their revelation. Contrary to the beliefs of some, we do not need to interpret coded messages in the Scriptures to know what will occur after Jesus’ second coming. What comes next is the end of this world and our entry into eternity.
Paul discusses the second coming of Christ in 1 Corinthians 15:20-24, saying the resurrection of the dead accompanies Christ’s return. Immediately following that resurrection comes “the end.” It is the end of this world, the end of time, the end of physical life as we know it. Paul writes about Jesus’ return and the end as back-to-back events.
The end Paul spoke of is not the end of our existence, however. Instead, it is pictured as the moment when we enter eternity. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul writes again concerning Christ’s return, saying that after the resurrection, the faithful “shall always be with the Lord.”
These two passages mirror the message of 2 Peter 3:10-13. The return of Christ is the day of the Lord and is the day of final judgment. It is the end and a kind of beginning. There will be new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. The wicked will not be there. Instead, they will enter eternal torment (see 2 Thess. 1:9).
What happens after Jesus’ return? The Scriptures teach the end is the next event, after which we will all enter eternity. Are you prepared for it?