What is a Christian response to all the doomsday predictions?
Blood moons, Mayan calendars, the doomsday clock, nuclear war, polar ice caps melting, and myriad other scenarios put some Christians on alert. How should we react to doomsday predictions? By pressing into the Bible, praying for wisdom, caring for others, and sharing the gospel.
The above situations are just the most recent. Since the beginning of Christianity people have wondered if they lived in the end times. Indeed, ever since He ascended to heaven, Jesus' return has been imminent. It's a fact that this world will come to an end (2 Peter 3:10) and Jesus will return (Revelation 19:11–13) when He is appointed to return (1 Corinthians 15:51–52).
Christians should heed Jesus' instruction in Matthew 28:18–20 and elsewhere to tell others about His salvation, to care for the less fortunate (James 1:27), and trust in Him (Matthew 6:25–34). We can see and understand the signs of the times (Matthew 16:3), but even Jesus didn't know when the end times would occur (Matthew 24:36). Our energies should be spent elsewhere rather than cogitating on predictions and doomsday excitement. And certainly, if we are in Christ, we need not be afraid (1 Peter 5:6–11).
The fact is, most people around us face the end of their own lives probably before the end of this world comes to pass. None of us knows what tomorrow holds (James 4:13–15). While the end times may be just moments away or not for centuries or millennia, the human lifespan is limited. The end is near in one sense or another, so we need to make the most of the time. We need to care for our neighbors in physical and spiritual ways. Most importantly, we need to share the good news of salvation available in Jesus.
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:15–17).
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