WORLD, END OF THE (Gr. avvr(XEla alvo5v, soon-ter i-ah ah-ee-nohn'). The end of the world is referred to several times by our Lord, as recorded in Matt. xiii:39, 40, 49 ; xxiv:3; xxxiii:2o. The meaning of the words so trans lated is more or less obscure. By many it is claimed that the word ah-ee-no hn' should be trans lated age, instead of world, and that there is ref erence only to the end of that era or of the Jewish dispensation. It is, however, generally acknowl edged that at least a part of the reply of Jesus to the disciples (Matt. xxiv) refers to a later event than the end of Jewish dominion by the destruc tion of Jerusalem, to which his prophecy clearly alludes. This later event can be none other than the second advent of the Lord Jesus Christ and the end of sinful conditions then and now preva lent upon the earth.
End of the world, day of judgment, and second coming of Christ are referred to co-ordinately in the New Testament. Many believe that the sec ond coming of Christ will be immediately followed by the end of the world and the commencement of the last judgment. By the end of the world is meant the termination of earthly conditions as they now obtain, and the fulfillment of the proph ecy of John (Rev. x:1-6) closing with the declara tion of the angel 'that time should be no longer.' The chief importance of this event lies neither in the theological nor philosophical theories concern ing it, nor in the scientific fads affecting the phys ical phenomena which may produce or attend the consummation of human affairs, but rather in the final disposition of individuals and of the race. Still it is a fact which should be unchallenged that the Scriptures foretell a great conflagration which is to destroy or purify the earth. It is called 'the great and dreadful day of the Lord' (Mal. iv). The words of the Apostle (2 Pet. iii:
to-12) are unmistakable, and any attempt to ex plain them figuratively must prove fruitless, for he places the event in distinct antithesis with the literal destruction of the world by water. In the same connection he also foretells the coming of unbelievers who should say, 'Where is the prom ise of his coming?' and then proceed to argue, even as many do now, that the course of nature has been regular from the Creation, and it will ever continue so, dependent upon well-known and unchanging laws. Paul refers to the suddenness with which it shall come (I Thess. v :3), and warns against unpreparedness.
Since the general judgment is the great event related to the end of the world which commands the attention of every one, it demands specific treatment here as follows: (a) God has deter mined a definite time in which this event shall take, place (Acts xvii:31); (b) it will follow the com ing of Christ in the glory of his Father (Matt. xvi :27) ; (c) every man will be rewarded accord ing to his own works (Matt. xvi :27; Rom. ii :6) ; (d) Christ himself will be the Judge (Matt. xxv: 31) ; (e) all men shall stand in the judgment be fore him (Rom. xiv :to; Matt. xxv :32) ; (f) it will be a time of distinct and final separation of the good from the evil (Matt. xxv:32-46). Scrip ture statements concerning the Judgment abound, but some of the most specific have been cited. The person who is justified before God need fear no ill from either the Judgment or the end of the world. To the evil doer the very thought should bring consternation leading to repentance. The exaltation of Christ, who is our Redeemer, by