1. The essence of the Christian faith … Creation and Apocalypse
What is Faith? Each one may have a different answer and idea. You believe in God the creator. Then one thing is clear: this world created by God is not eternal. It changes over time. You have to know that this world is set for an end. It is already announced.
Creation and apocalypse! Those are the essential concept of Christian faith. Those cannot be considered apart from each other. If we accept the creation of this world, it is inevitable for us to recognize that there will be the end of the world someday. Whenever we think of creation and apocalypse, we acknowledge the finiteness of ‘I’ and ‘this world’
After all, the world of creation is not completed yet. God planned an eternal world that would continue after this world. Under God’s providence, we are the unfinished beings that need to move into a new world. So, the apocalypse does not mean the end, but the beginning of the eternal life.
【2Pet. 3:12-13】 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
It was written that Christians should look forward the end to come eagerly. An apocalyptic faith does not mean that we give up our life on this earth, but that we have hope and joy for a new world. Just as the earthenware is trained in the fire to be a beautiful vessel, the life on this earth is a process of podium to be reborn as an eternal being.
Even if Christians are overly interested in the apocalypse, no one can blame them. Because such a thought is very natural in the Christian faith. Then, when will the end of the world come? Can we see any signal for the last day? How should we prepare for that day! Fortunately, we can find various teachings about the day in the Bible. Let’s look into the teachings from now on.