Orthodox Christians believe that the end of the world, or the end times, will mark the completion of God’s plan for the salvation of humanity. According to Orthodox teachings, the end times will be marked by the return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgement of all people, and the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth.
One of the key beliefs of Orthodox Christians is that Jesus will return to earth in a second coming, just as he promised his followers before his death and resurrection. In the Book of Revelation, Jesus says, “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” (Revelation 22:12) Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus will come in great power and glory, accompanied by angels and the souls of the righteous, to judge the living and the dead and to establish his Kingdom on earth.
The resurrection of the dead is another central belief of Orthodox Christianity. According to the Apostle Paul, “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20–22) Orthodox Christians believe that at the end of the world, all people who have ever lived will be resurrected and given new, immortal bodies. The righteous will be resurrected to eternal life, while the unrighteous will be resurrected to judgement and eternal separation from God.
The final judgement, also known as the Last Judgement, is a key belief of Orthodox Christianity. According to the Bible, “For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10) Orthodox Christians believe that at the end of the world, Jesus will sit on a great white throne and judge every person who has ever lived, based on their deeds and their relationship with God. The righteous will be rewarded with eternal life in the Kingdom of God, while the unrighteous will be condemned to eternal separation from God.
Finally, Orthodox Christians believe that the end of the world will mark the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth. According to the Apostle John, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.’” (Revelation 21:1–3) Orthodox Christians believe that the Kingdom of God will be a place of perfect peace, love, and joy, where God will dwell with his people and all will be reconciled to him.
In summary, Orthodox Christians believe that the end of the world will be marked by the return of Jesus, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgement of all people, and the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth. These beliefs are based on the teachings of the Bible and the traditions of the Orthodox Church, and they offer hope and encouragement to believers as they navigate the challenges and struggles of this world.
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