The Last Things

The Return of Christ and the Final Judgment

Confessional Text

The end of the world is approaching¹⁶⁹; on the last day¹⁷⁰, Christ will descend from heaven¹⁷¹, and the dead will be raised from the grave to final judgement¹⁷².

Scriptural References

[169]

Hebrews 1:1-2

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.

Acts 2:15-17

For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams."

[170]

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night

[171]

Matthew 26:64

Jesus said to him, 'It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven'

[172]

Matthew 25:46

And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life

All scripture quotations are from the ESV (English Standard Version).

Historical & Theological Background

The doctrine of Christ's second coming and final judgment has been central to Christian faith from the beginning. The Apostles' Creed affirms: "He will come again to judge the living and the dead." Historic Christianity teaches that history is moving toward a definite end—Christ's return, the resurrection of the dead, and final judgment. This is certain, though the timing is unknown.

African Contextual Commentary

Many African Christians are confused about the end times, influenced by sensationalistic prophecy, date-setting, or prosperity theology that downplays judgment. This statement affirms biblical eschatology: Christ will return bodily and visibly. The dead will be raised. There will be a final judgment where all humanity stands before God. This is sobering and glorious. African believers should live with urgency, knowing Christ could return at any time. We should not be distracted by speculative prophecies or focus on material prosperity while neglecting eternal realities. The end is coming; Christ will judge; we must be ready.