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February 21, 2020

End of the World

Anytime a person with an interest in latter-day events makes headlines I can always plan on hearing the phrase “End of the World” at some point in the dialogue. It is always spoken in mysterious overtones that generate emotions of skepticism and doubt in the person or group’s sanity. The cultish music playing subtly in the background also adds a nice touch.

Whether the person is guilty of any crime or accusation made against them or not, there is always a side effect of this public discourse that is very unfortunate – Any truth mentioned of the very scriptural end time events is put in a negative light and completely disregarded, as the masses unknowingly and collectively throw the baby out with the bathwater.

While a few people do become eccentric in their preparation efforts or doctrinal beliefs, unfortunately they end up making the good honest people who are simply trying to be prepared for end time events become known as Doomsday Preppers and look like the ‘Dodo birds’ on the animated film, Ice Age. I wonder if there was an agenda behind that name choice.

End time doctrines are important and are worth researching and understanding. Don’t fall prey to the media’s efforts to intellectually disarm you as these politically charged events come about. Don’t close yourself off to the plain and simple doctrines of end times just because someone or a news agency makes it look crazy.  

One thing that could help in the public understanding on the subject is to learn what is really meant by the word “end” in the phrase end of the world. Speaking of the end times, Isaiah made a reference to a physical change of the earth when he said:

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. – Isaiah 65:17 [i]

That verse and others make it clear that the world will have an end, but that end really depicts a new and better world that replaces the old one. In other words, the earth will become paradisiacal as the Latter-day Saint article of Faith says:

“We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.” – Article # 10

This renewal of the earth appears to be necessary to welcome the second return of Jesus Christ to the earth when He will reign as King of Kings (Revelation 17:14). Put another way, the earth which is now Telestial in its relative cosmic dimness will increase in light and glory as it becomes Terrestrial prior to His return.

End of the world talk is always mentioned in a negative light. Should it be any surprise that American and religious pop culture have it completely backwards, and it is actually a positive event? In its true doctrinal context, none of this end of the world discussion sounds unpleasant at all. So why this tendency to always view it as a negative event? (As a side note, there are many secular groups who know this event as the Ascension, a Solar Flair or period of heightened solar energy, or the Harvest. As far as I can discern its all one and the same.

Have you truly considered your own degree of understanding of the phrase, “end of the world”? In one sense, ‘world’ can be used to describe changes that will occur with the physical earth. Most people probably think of this context and could also be thinking of the scriptural descriptions of fire consuming the earth[ii]. Matthew records the end of the world event linked to fire this way:

“The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just.” – Matthew 13:39-40, 49

This verse refers to the world in the context of humanity. Isaiah made at least five scriptural metaphoric descriptions of the huge decrease of population that will take place in end times[iii]. While the phrase end of the world certainly can refer to both the earth and humanity, it should really be understood that neither case is truly an end. In other words, there will always be a planet, and there will always be people.

I love it when truth comes from unexpected places. I think the American rock band, R.E.M got it right when they sang “It’s the End of the World as We Know it”? Honestly, the additional phrase “as we know it” is very in line with the scriptures provided above, each of which indicate a positive end, and new beginning.

Confusion happens when the media and religious pop-culture link the truly positive “End of the World” event with the events just preceding them known scripturally as The Tribulations[iv]. I have firmly concluded in my years of studying this topic, it is one of the largest taboo topics in our culture. I get it. It’s uncomfortable. But it doesn’t change the fact they are a prophesied event, and they are on our doorstep.

I’ve written[v] and spoken[vi] publicly with Julie Rowe about that turbulent time period at length and won’t go into details here, but should quickly mention that most biblical scholars agree the tribulation time period will last about seven years, and the second Coming of Christ will occur at some unknown time period following it. Thus, “…of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36). And while no one knows the time of His return, we are scripturally justified in knowing the season of that grand event (Luke 21:29-33), which grand indicator is the Tribulations. This is important to note, because people often misapply these verses to the wrong scriptural event!

Incidentally, I know many who think we could possibly be in the Tribulations now, which is possible, but I’m not convinced. I like to think of it like fishing. Sometimes you think there could possibly be a fish on the line, and it ends up being seaweed, but when that fish really is on the line, you know it without a doubt. When we are amid the Tribulations, there will be no mistaking it.

I squirm anytime I hear someone say the Lord is returning at a particular date, but especially when that date is within the next seven years. I do not think the Tribulations have begun yet, but I do feel they are either just beginning or will very soon. Therefore, we won’t see the great return of the Savior for at least another seven years, and very likely much longer – although there is evidence to show that He will show Himself to some small groups and individuals before that time.

I restate this point for emphasis, and ask my reader to please come to this understanding on their own, perhaps by reviewing some of the materials cited here, that the End of the World, and The Tribulations are two separate events, and the seven years of tribulations absolutely come first.

Next time you hear someone refer to the End of the World, you can do one of three things: 1) Call them an ignoramus and punch them in the face [while this could possibly provide temporary satisfaction, it is not advised] 2) Bust out the scriptures and teach them the true doctrines of the end times or 3) refer them to this essay and save yourself from confrontation. A fourth possibility could be to hold your thumb microphone to your mouth and sing a little R.E.M.


[i] See also Revelation 21:1-27

[ii] 2 Peter 3:10; Luke 12:49;

[iii] See Isaiah 7:20-22, Isaiah 10: 18-19; Isaiah 13: 12-13; Isaiah 24: 6; Isaiah 24:13-14

[iv] “The Days of Tribulation” (Matthew 24:29; Doctrine and Covenants 29:8); “Days of Sorrow” (Doctrine and Covenants 136:35); “Abomination of Desolation”(Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:31; Daniel 12:11; Mark 13:14; Doctrine and Covenants 84:117), “Great and Terrible Day of the Lord” (Joel 2:31; Malachi 4:5), “Day of the Lord”(Zephaniah 1:14; Amos 5:18; Jeremiah 46:10; Doctrine and Covenants 87:8; Joel 1:15); “The Time of the Heathen” (Ezekiel 30:3); “Day of the Lord’s Anger”(Zephaniah 2:3)

[v] https://doctrinalessays.com/face-the-days-of-tribulation-with-confidence

[vi] The Julie Rowe Show, YouTube. Episodes “32 – Tribulations 101” and “33 – Tribulations 102”. Accessed here: https://youtu.be/Wo2JeiTHxzM

27 thoughts on “End of the World”

  1. Kendall says:
    February 21, 2020 at 2:51 pm

    As always Eric, I think you are spot on. Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Eric J Smith says:
      February 21, 2020 at 3:35 pm

      Thank you Kendall.

      Reply
    2. Juanita says:
      February 21, 2020 at 4:06 pm

      Thank you I always love reading you doctrinalessays. They keep me grounded and wanting to learn more.

      Reply
  2. Traci says:
    February 21, 2020 at 2:51 pm

    Could not agree more. As far as the options go, I’d probably do them in that exact order… haha

    Reply
    1. Eric J Smith says:
      February 21, 2020 at 3:34 pm

      Hahaha! Thanks Traci. If you do punch someone, I’m not liable for any damages. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Kathy Longhurst says:
    February 21, 2020 at 2:58 pm

    Love all your stuff Eric! Thank you for writing these and for creating this website!!

    Reply
    1. Eric J Smith says:
      February 21, 2020 at 3:34 pm

      Thank you Kathy!

      Reply
  4. Erin Smith says:
    February 21, 2020 at 3:19 pm

    This is awesome!! Thanks Eric.
    Love your suggestions in that last paragraph! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Eric J Smith says:
      February 21, 2020 at 3:35 pm

      Thanks Erin! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Ronald Mihu says:
    February 21, 2020 at 3:39 pm

    Spot on again. Thanks Eric.

    Reply
  6. Brian Swehosky says:
    February 21, 2020 at 3:58 pm

    Thank you Eric for the great writings and the work you do. Your a great LIGHT in this world.

    Reply
  7. LeAnn says:
    February 21, 2020 at 4:25 pm

    Eric,
    Thank you for your explanations that are given in a way that is always so clear and well thought based on the scriptures. I have been feeling a little concerned about a certain issue for the past couple of days, and something you said hit me with a “take note and learn from this” kind of way, and felt like an answer to this prayer I have had. (And on another topic – I just finished your and Greg’s “Multiple Probations“ for the second time, this time reading it aloud to my husband. It is an amazing and inspired book and I am anxious to start it again, this time with colored pencils. I appreciate your ability to explain challenging things in a way that I can understand, and the analogies you used were perfect. This doctrine has been trickling down into my soul for the past couple of months and is bringing me a great deal of peace and joy .). Thank you again.

    Reply
    1. Eric J Smith says:
      February 21, 2020 at 4:55 pm

      Thank you LeAnn. I appreciate your hard work to understand and seek light. I wish you the best in your course!

      I shared your comments with Greg. We are both humbled to be able to help bring this forgotten concept to light. Thanks for taking the time to comment, it means a lot!

      Reply
  8. RayDean says:
    February 21, 2020 at 5:10 pm

    I’m in a singing mood! So Eric, take my “thumb mic” as a big “thumbs up” to you for another awesome post. 🙂

    “… and I feel fine!” (…because I know in Whom I trust.)

    Reply
    1. Eric J Smith says:
      February 21, 2020 at 5:14 pm

      RayDean,
      You just put a really big smile on my face!
      Sing on sister!

      Reply
  9. Eric Erickson says:
    February 21, 2020 at 5:57 pm

    Thank you for sharing those thoughts. We can certainly recognize the season and pray for His second coming

    Reply
  10. Lorna says:
    February 21, 2020 at 7:55 pm

    Thank you Eric! I love your style of writing and appreciate your knowledge and understanding you share with the rest of us!

    Reply
  11. Kevin says:
    February 22, 2020 at 2:59 am

    Who knows? Maybe all 3 suggestions might need to be utilized. 😂
    Always look forward to your essays..

    Reply
  12. Kathy Pace says:
    February 22, 2020 at 3:11 pm

    Eric, I also appreciate your writings.
    Thank you for taking the time 🙌
    What a powerful thought seed you have planted in my head with the song verse. When ever someone mentions “the end of the world” I will besure to add “as we know it” I envision by doing so will open up the door for further gospel discussion.
    End of the world….sounds so frightful.
    Eric , what description (of the same event) would you suggest we consider using when addressing this topic that would not create fear in the hearts of others?

    Reply
    1. Geri Sera says:
      February 22, 2020 at 4:14 pm

      Dear Eric,
      While some of us may have understood these two topics for a season, YOUR CLEAR AND WELL- WORDED essay, as ever puts the entire subject in a “nutshell”.

      Thank you for not only “feed(ing) MY/God’s sheep” but also his lambs.

      Reply
    2. Eric Smith says:
      February 22, 2020 at 10:05 pm

      Kathy, thanks for reading and commenting. I agree with you. I like the phrase from the article of faith – when “the earth will be renewed”.

      Reply
  13. Diana Ludwig says:
    February 22, 2020 at 5:17 pm

    Perfect, Eric. I am all for #4, since i am often like the Disney movies when the characters suddenly break out in song. I love a little humor to soften life’s challenges. I guess it keeps us from wailing uncontrollably 🙂 Thanks for your insight.

    Reply
  14. Noni Davies says:
    February 22, 2020 at 6:59 pm

    Thank you Eric for so generously sharing your time, talents and insights to bless and inspire. You are a gift to help our eyes and hearts be opened, to help us cast out our fears, and to help us in our preparations. I am grateful for all your writings and spoken words. I am also studying the Mentinah Archives. I am finding them enlightening, empowering, and inspiring. Perhaps sometime you might feel to share them or insights from them here. I feel they are a gift for our day to help us prepare to create Zion and help us thrive through the challenging days of tribulation as we eagerly anticipate and prepare for the Savior’s return. Their invitation to seek the Lord’s face now is very sweet to me and it seems to me that if we are worthy of His presence, though our trials be fierce, we will be able to put them at our feet with the assistance of our beloved Savior. I am grateful for your humor! We need that so!

    Reply
  15. Rebecca Loftus says:
    February 22, 2020 at 10:16 pm

    I’m definitely a singer not a fighter. Thank-you for this wonderful idea!

    Reply
  16. Rockey Stubbs says:
    February 24, 2020 at 3:51 am

    I’ve always told people look up Joseph Smith Mathew 1:4
    When the disciples come and ask him about the end of the world, which is the end of the wicked.
    So the end of the world is the end of the wicked 👍

    Reply
  17. Diane Floyd-Miller says:
    February 24, 2020 at 4:57 am

    Hey Eric this is great work! I agree and have had many confirmations on the topics you and Julie have shared. I do have a question off topic…I was hoping you could share some additional information on Mary Magdalene and where I can find Apocryphal writings on her and her true identity and history. I just hate that she is slandered in scripture and want to share with others her true and sacred nature and some actual writings. Thank you and for all your hard and diligent work of light! and truth!

    Reply
  18. Staci says:
    February 24, 2020 at 6:37 am

    Thank you!! (…🎶and Ifeel fine…)

    Reply

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