End of the World?
In an article on the Live Science web site (see link) the assertion is made that the world is not ending. Whew! That’s a load off my mind!
The article was written as a response to a comment by Pat Robertson in which he said that the signs are all pointing to the End Times. The earthquakes, war and pestilence (I love that word – nobody ever uses it any more but it’s still a good word) are indicators that the events leading up to the end are at hand. In the article the scientists refute the statements saying that the earth is in a cycle and that “these things happen.” Alright, we have a theological comment with a secular response. It’s sort of like answering a question with a question – “Why are all these bad things happening” – “Why do you worry?”
A fresh approach: suppose that Pat’s right. Suppose that the signs are correct and that the threatened pandemic of bird flu opens another seal and we’re all soon to be eradicated. Or are we? There are two theological points of view on the end of times – a pre-tribulation rapture (those that are true disciples are caught up to be with God before it gets really bad. It makes for great stories and book series) and the post tribulation gathering (we all get to share in the misery of those terrible days through which the wheat and chaff are separated. Wheat gets gathered, chaff gets burned). It really doesn’t matter. From a scriptural perspective the result is the same. The good guys in the white hats are in the good place and the bad people in the other place (let’s not go there – literally).
So why argue who’s right? Everyone wants to think that they have the “key” to this whole faith thing. Both are positions that hold Jesus as the messiah, that His death and resurrection hold the answer to salvation, and that His words hold the promise of tomorrow. What is the promise of tomorrow? That we will be with Him after passing through death. Well, both positions hold to the same thing! Amazing! And if I know what’s to come and it is the end what’s the response? It should be no different than it is everyday – that we love one another as He first loved us – that we share His word to the World around us – and that we live in Peace as much as is possible.
So the answer isn’t in whether the world is ending or not – nor is it the question. The question is whether or not those who claim to have faith in Jesus as the Christ are living in the manner in which He said “until the day of His coming.” And, should the scientists be right and the end isn’t happening in the next few weeks (darn it) will those who are “called by His name” continue to act as the light to the world? The answer? Well, that’s personal isn’t it. But I guess you know my answer already.
The article was written as a response to a comment by Pat Robertson in which he said that the signs are all pointing to the End Times. The earthquakes, war and pestilence (I love that word – nobody ever uses it any more but it’s still a good word) are indicators that the events leading up to the end are at hand. In the article the scientists refute the statements saying that the earth is in a cycle and that “these things happen.” Alright, we have a theological comment with a secular response. It’s sort of like answering a question with a question – “Why are all these bad things happening” – “Why do you worry?”
A fresh approach: suppose that Pat’s right. Suppose that the signs are correct and that the threatened pandemic of bird flu opens another seal and we’re all soon to be eradicated. Or are we? There are two theological points of view on the end of times – a pre-tribulation rapture (those that are true disciples are caught up to be with God before it gets really bad. It makes for great stories and book series) and the post tribulation gathering (we all get to share in the misery of those terrible days through which the wheat and chaff are separated. Wheat gets gathered, chaff gets burned). It really doesn’t matter. From a scriptural perspective the result is the same. The good guys in the white hats are in the good place and the bad people in the other place (let’s not go there – literally).
So why argue who’s right? Everyone wants to think that they have the “key” to this whole faith thing. Both are positions that hold Jesus as the messiah, that His death and resurrection hold the answer to salvation, and that His words hold the promise of tomorrow. What is the promise of tomorrow? That we will be with Him after passing through death. Well, both positions hold to the same thing! Amazing! And if I know what’s to come and it is the end what’s the response? It should be no different than it is everyday – that we love one another as He first loved us – that we share His word to the World around us – and that we live in Peace as much as is possible.
So the answer isn’t in whether the world is ending or not – nor is it the question. The question is whether or not those who claim to have faith in Jesus as the Christ are living in the manner in which He said “until the day of His coming.” And, should the scientists be right and the end isn’t happening in the next few weeks (darn it) will those who are “called by His name” continue to act as the light to the world? The answer? Well, that’s personal isn’t it. But I guess you know my answer already.
posted by genebko at
10:59 AM
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