The modern pop culture scene is full of references to the “end of time” as they understand it. From movies like Armageddon to TV documentaries about “preppers,” people are fascinated with the idea of the earth and humanity as we know it coming to an end.

Is there anything to this notion? And if there is, what should we do about it?

The clock is ticking

In 1945 Albert Einstein and other scientists who had worked on the Manhattan Project (which developed the first atomic bombs) founded the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. After seeing the power and destruction atomic bombs were capable of, Einstein and others quickly realized what a danger to man’s existence these weapons were. The goal of the Bulletin was to warn the world of this newly created danger and hopefully influence political and military leaders to reduce or eliminate the use of such deadly technology.

To illustrate the danger, they created the Doomsday Clock. The symbology is that at midnight, the world will come crashing to a violent end. The closer it is to midnight, the greater danger. Although first established due to concerns over nuclear threats, many other factors such as bioweapons, climate change, etc., go into factoring the time scientists believe we have left.

When first revealed in 1947, the clock was set at seven minutes to midnight. The clock has been updated several times since then, and time has increased occasionally, indicating that the world was in a relative state of peace and calm. However, in the past 10 years or so, the clock has steadily gotten closer to midnight, or Doomsday. In 2012, it was set to five minutes. In 2015, it was reduced to three minutes. In 2018, it was estimated at two minutes. And as of January 24, 2023, it was set to 90 seconds—the shortest time in its 76-year history.

Certainly, there is cause to be concerned about the state of our world. We have the capability to destroy ourselves from the planet many times over and in a variety of ways. Nuclear, biological and other weapons of mass destruction have been proliferated across the globe since the end of World War II. While many world leaders are very hesitant at even the thought of releasing such devastation on the world, not all are so reserved. It seems inevitable that someone, somewhere will unleash one of these deadly terrors on our world, either by intent or accident.

Time to panic?

Needless to say, this all sounds pretty frightening. While many view this ominous clock as the world’s leading indicator of the end of humanity, is it really?

The Bible does indicate there are perilous times ahead. In the book of Revelation, we’re told of an oppressive, world-ruling regime, an army with hundreds of millions of soldiers, tremendous fighting, war and death. A figure labeled as the Beast will be accompanied by a religious leader known as the False Prophet, and together, they will have a lethal grip on the entire world. So much so, that no one will be able to buy or sell anything, including food, without pledging their allegiance to this unholy leadership. Because of this empire’s wicked ways and the sins of those loyal to it, God will release a series of plagues that will kill one third of mankind (Revelation 9:15-16, 13:1-17, 16:13, 19:19-20. For further study, check out our publication The Book of Revelation Unveiled).

We should do everything we can to avoid being caught up in this coming time of tribulation. Primarily, we should be drawing closer to God while praying for His mercy and protection. By doing this, we can keep ourselves free from the evil ways of Satan that the Beast and False Prophet promote.

End of evil, not of life

Bad times definitely lie ahead for mankind, but what about the question of the Earth’s total destruction? As we have seen, terrible times are coming, but will humanity be destroyed completely? Notice Christ’s words in Matthew 24:21-22, “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” Christ says plainly that time will not be permitted to carry on long enough for man to wipe himself out.

Just before the proverbial Doomsday clock strikes midnight, your Savior, Jesus Christ, will return to put an end to the evil forces on the Earth and establish the Kingdom of God. “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God” (Revelation 19:11-13).

The first order of business at Christ’s return will be to defeat the Beast, the False Prophet and their army. “And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh” (Revelation 19:19-21). With this evil empire soundly defeated, Jesus Christ will usher in a 1,000-year period of peace and prosperity on Earth. This is quite the opposite of the notion of total destruction of all life.

What to do in the meantime

Difficult times are coming. Some may do what they can to ”stop the clock” by warning the world of the danger of nuclear weapons. Others might prepare for disruptions in the supply chain by stocking up on food, guns and ammo. And while it may be wise to have some food and medical supplies on hand in case of an emergency, those things will only last so long.

The good news is we have something better available to us that will be of far more value when dealing with the inevitable trouble that is coming. We read about it in Psalm 9:7-10 “But the Lord shall endure forever; He has prepared His throne for judgment. He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness. The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.”

Put your trust and hope in the Lord. Concentrate on really getting to know Him. Understand how you can seek Him better each day. When we do this, we will have the surest protection against any and all trials that may come our way!  CC

Here are a few questions for discussion with your parents about the idea of “Doomsday”:

Did you worry about the end of the world when you were a teen? What helped put your mind at ease?

Do you think God blesses the efforts of those like Einstein who tried to draw attention to the peril of nuclear war and other dangers?

What advice can you give me about building a relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ?

We’d love to hear your feedback about your discussions! Please feel free to share with us at compasscheck@ucg.org.