2012—a year many people have slated to be the "end of all things." This thinking is based on an assumption that the ancient Mayan calendar predicts massive upheaval and world destruction near the end of this year. Movies have been made about it, and Internet message board arguments rage about what, if anything, will happen by year's end.

On the flip side, others think that the world as we know it will never end—at least not for eons to come. Things are going pretty well, they reason, so why should anything happen to ruin it?

Either way, we sure hear a lot of noise and a lot of confusion about what 2012 means and whether there will ever be an "end of the world."

As we face the issue, let's forget about Mayan prophecies and Hollywood blockbusters. Let's ignore the hype and hysteria and focus on what's most important. The world is not going to end in 2012. In fact, the popular concept of massive destruction ending in the complete annihilation of the human race and life on earth is never going to happen!

A cataclysmic end is coming

When we think of the "end of the world," we get mental images of huge tidal waves demolishing coastal megacities, a giant meteor impact devastating the planet or perhaps man-made calamity such as all-out nuclear war. And yes, the Bible does mention events like this taking place in the future.

Jesus' disciples were concerned about the future conditions of the world during the time before His return to the earth. But note that they referred to this as "the end of the age" (Matthew 24:3), not "the end of the world," as some have incorrectly translated this. They were asking about the end of "this present evil age" (see Galatians 1:4). So Jesus told them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:7-8).

Elsewhere the Bible details those other "sorrows." The book of Revelation describes many worldwide events that are going to happen in the future, including cosmic disturbances such as the darkening of the sun and moon and the plummeting of meteors from out of the sky (Revelation 6:12-13), colossal environmental disasters impacting vegetation (Revelation 8:7), sea life (verse 8) and the atmosphere (verse 12), and the most powerful, destructive earthquake in the history of mankind (Revelation 16:18). We're talking about a pretty big deal here!

So far, it looks like the end-of-the-world folks are pretty close to the mark. Will mankind survive all this upheaval? Humanly, we can't!

It's not the end of the world—it's the beginning of a better one!

The Bible reveals that mankind would be entirely wiped off the face of the earth but for the sudden and universe-changing rescue by Jesus Christ! No doubt sensing His disciples' rising fear of what He was telling them, Jesus gave them and us hope and assurance: "And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved [alive]; but for the elect's sake [the sake of those God is working with today] those days will be shortened" (Matthew 24:22).

We know that God can't lie (Titus 1:2). And we know that He will keep His promise to never again destroy all life on the earth like He did during the worldwide flood in Noah's day when He said, "I will never again curse the ground for man's sake, although the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done" (Genesis 8:21).

God's true and honest Word gives us confidence to know that the world won't end in the way the 2012 theorists say it will! Of course, scoffers who see no end in sight (2 Peter 3:3-4) are also wrong. With the upheaval surrounding Christ's return and the changes He will then bring, the world as we know it will come to an end at that future time—though the earth itself and humankind will survive.

So what happens after Jesus intervenes to set things straight and prevent life on earth from being destroyed? The planet will be in rough shape. But God has a plan for everything, and His plan for what happens after Christ's return is amazing and beautiful.

World peace will at last be realized. Ancient enemies will make peace with one another! According to one of the most profound prophecies the prophet Isaiah recorded: "In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians. In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria" (Isaiah 19:23-24). These three nations were historical enemies, fighting many wars and subjugating one another. But even the most bitter of hatreds will cease once God begins to work with all mankind after the calamities of the end time.

What can you do to get ready?

Even though the world won't end in 2012, the Bible shows that there are some very difficult and dangerous times ahead. Thankfully, we also know that in His goodness and mercy God won't let mankind be destroyed, but will send Jesus Christ back to earth to intervene. Knowing what to expect from the future, then, what should we do about it?

• Don't be afraid—even in the face of terrible circumstances. When the Israelites were trapped between the vicious Egyptian army and the width and depth of the Red Sea, Moses gave them these words of courage: "Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today" (Exodus 14:13).

• Stay close to God. Monitor your spiritual identity: "Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves" (2 Corinthians 13:5, New Living Translation). Two of the best ways to build your relationship with God are active daily prayer and Bible study. Occasional fasting (setting aside a day for study and prayer while not eating or drinking) helps our spiritual progress as well.

• Pay attention to the world around you. This was Jesus' directive to His followers: "So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming" (Matthew 24:42, New Living Translation). Comparing prophetic Bible passages like Matthew 24 and others with conditions in the world today serves as a "spiritual barometer" to track trends leading to Christ's return.

When the summer is past and December comes up on you fast, don't be afraid. We know the world isn't going to end in 2012! And what we know will happen in the future doesn't have to scare us or make us worried either. The ultimate safety and security is in your personal relationship with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

So don't worry about the end of the world. Look forward to the better world to come!