A Man-Made End Of The World?


Eric Dougherty


  Recently, a news article reported that some scientists are afraid that due to the experiments involving an atomic particle accelerator of another scientist, black holes will form within the earth and eventually destroy our planet. This is just another example of doomsday criers: that man, through nuclear, biological, technical, or chemical means, is going to engage in some activity that will destroy all life as we know it, if not the entire earth itself.


Christians should never fear a man-made end of the world scenario. Why? Simply put, it is never going to happen. God has indicated that He will determine when the last day occurs. It is described as a day in which “the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10. Notice the word given: heavens. The Bible tells us there are three heavens. Paul reveals this in 2 Corinthians 12:2 where he mentions being caught up to the third heaven. The first two heavens are part of our natural world, the local atmosphere, and then, of course, what we often call outer space. The destruction that will take place on the Day of the Lord is one in which the natural heavens (plural) are going to be destroyed. The last day will be one in which all creation, the entire natural universe, is wiped out.


Also, note that according to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” This indicates that there will be people still alive to hear the sound, see the sight, and then rise above the ground to meet the Lord.


Christians should take comfort in the promises of God. God has given us enough description of the end of time that we can confidently believe humans will still be alive on the earth on the last day. This does not mean that a local or national disaster will never occur, but it will not be a man-made global catastrophe that destroys everyone.


Our obligation is to continue to live right lives, waiting for and anticipating the return of our Lord. As Christians, we can put our trust in Him that, whether our life ends in a disaster or we pass of natural causes, our soul is secure and will one day be with the Lord forever.


“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28 -1634 New Bern St., Newport, NC 28570.


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