ABSTRACT
The chapter explains the Bible's visions of the future, especially those which envision some form of cosmic catastrophe as the necessary prelude to the arrival of the new creation. It is clear on an initial reading, that some biblical texts, like the examples people have briefly surveyed above, present a vision of cosmic catastrophe and cataclysm as part of the final day of judgement and prelude to the arrival of the new age of righteousness and peace. One possible ethical implication that might follow from such a reading is indeed that there is no point in any Christian vocation to care for and preserve the earth. Finally, the author appeals to this pattern of future events as a reason for his readers to live holy and godly lives, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire.
