Where Is History Headed?

Despite living in an age of advanced technology with an increasing confidence in human ability to solve problems, a growing number of people sense that history is moving toward a climactic and catastrophic conclusion. In a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia, nearly one-third of Americans and Canadians believe that the world will end in their lifetime.

The study may be shocking to many who are not aware of the Bible’s teaching on these things, but for millions of Christians who have studied prophecy it is understood that history as we know it is indeed ending. The Bible clearly describes a creation event, a divine purpose through events and time (we call that history), and an approaching age that will culminate with Christ’s return and intervention.

The Bible describes that final era as one of global turmoil, wars, famines, and moral chaos. Even for those who do not believe the scriptures, it is hard to ignore how both modern headlines and advanced technology consistently affirm the prophetic teaching of the Bible.

Back to the study… The survey found that 28.9 percent of respondents believe that the world will end during their lifetime. And younger survey participants were more likely to hold that position. Those in the study who believe that the end will come at the hands of humans were also more likely to support drastic government measure to prevent it like enacting permanent martial law, devoting extreme amounts of national wealth, and even a willingness to overthrow existing political systems. On the other hand, Christians who live by the Biblical worldview and believe that the end will be the result of God’s divine redemptive plan were far less likely to support such radical responses.

What does all this mean? For Christians, where history is headed is not an apocalypse brought on through technology, environmental issues, or nuclear war—though these things may all play some part. The real culprit as taught by scripture will be what it has always been: the intensifying of human rebellion, spiritual deception, and global conflict until God steps in.

For secular culture, history’s direction is seen as a total catastrophe environmentally, technologically, and nuclear with no hope beyond. Christians, however, view the end as not the end of civilization but rather the culmination of God’s plan for history that ends with return, redemption, restoration and a renewed heaven and earth. Unfortunately, today many pastors avoid talking about prophecy out of personal ignorance or fear of controversy even though it is one of the most prominent subjects in the scripture. Pastors and Christian leaders must reevaluate the significance of teaching and talking about prophetic matters… it is “Watchman” work!

This is especially true since the secular worldview offers little hope. The survey also reminds us that even in our secular age, many people can’t help but feel that history is headed somewhere and that there is an end ahead. This increasing belief offers the Church an important opportunity to bring meaning to the future for those who do not know Christ: helping them see where history is really headed and helping them personally discover God’s plan of redemption.

And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

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