What signifies the end of the world, according to the teaching?

The teaching in the Westminster Shorter Catechism emphasizes that the end of the world is signified by the second coming of Christ for judgment. This view aligns with scriptural references that depict Christ’s return as the pivotal event in God's redemptive plan, culminating in the final judgment of humanity. The expectation of Christ's return is central to Christian doctrine, portraying it as the moment when all will be held accountable for their actions, and the faithful will be rewarded, while the unfaithful will face judgment.

In this context, the second coming is not just a historical event but a theological cornerstone that represents the fulfillment of God’s promises and the resolution of human history. By focusing on the second coming, the teaching highlights the hope and urgency inherent in the Christian faith, as believers are called to live in anticipation of this significant event.

The other options, while they may involve significant occurrences, do not align with the foundational teaching regarding how the end of the world is framed. Natural disasters and space events, a global pandemic, and the completion of all outstanding prophecies may be interpreted in various ways in different theological contexts, but they do not hold the same definitive promise of judgment and restoration as the second coming of Christ does in the established teaching