Will the World End in 2012?

Recently there have been a variety of movies, books and websites dedicated to proving that the world as we know it will come to an end in the year 2012. Apparently this idea is based largely on information gathered from ancient Mayan celestial calculations, and some other esoteric writings of long ago. Can we believe that these predictions and calculations truly mark the end of the world?

The truth is, no one knows when the world will end, not the ancient Mayans, and not scientists in 2010. I don't just say that because it's my opinion, either. That would make it a no more valuable statement than any of the aforementioned sources of information. My opinion is, however, based on the owner's manual for the planet. We call it The Bible, and it contains complete information on how the world was formed, who shaped it, why we are here, and how it will end.

Scattered throughout the Bible are references to something called, "The Day of the Lord,""the end" and "the last days." Many of the references come from the Old Testament through a variety of God's prophets. My favorite passages on the topic, though, come from the lips of God himself in the form of Jesus the Christ.

From Him we learn that no one knows when the end will come (Matthew 24:36 & 44), but the most sure sign the time has arrived will be His own return to the earth. He warns us to continually watch because he's coming when we least expect him (Matthew 25:13).

Other New Testament verses repeat this message. Acts 1:36-51 tells us no one knows the time when the end will occur. Even the angels don't know all that will happen in the future or when it will happen. In fact, the actual time earth will be destroyed is meant to stay a secret. In the last book of the Bible, Revelation, the writer (John) is told by an angel to seal some things until the end and not reveal them.

But we are not left completely in the dark about these end times. There are several verses which speak to this topic: 2 Peter 3:10 tells us the last day will come as a thief in the night (unexpected and scary). Jesus told us these end times will be like the time of Noah. What was that like? People were going about their normal daily business, worrying about earning a living and getting ahead. They weren't expecting anything remarkable, and they certainly didn't believe the warning of God that the end was very near. Only a handful of people were listening to God and doing what He told them to do. The Bible also tells us that Jesus' message will be reach across the entire world, and then comes the end.

In the New Testament we are given some specific events which will act like "birth pangs" or signals to anyone paying attention that the end is close. Birth pains are the onset of labor, which results in birth. They hurt, but they are necessary. So it is with these events. When they happen, it is the signal that the end times are about to begin. Some end times "birth pangs" include:

1) Knowledge will "fill the earth" (Daniel 12:4)

2) There will be wars and rumors of wars (Luke 21:9; Matt. 24:6)

3) There will be famines, pestilence and earthquakes (Matt 24:7; Luke 21:10, 11)

4) The love of many will grow cold (Matt 24:12/ 2 Timothy 3:3)

5) There will be a focus on the Holy Land and the enemies of Israel (Luke 21:20)

6) False prophets will deceive many (Matt 24:11)

7) Evil will abound (Matt 24:12)

8) People will be lovers of themselves (2 Timothy 3:2)

9) People will be lovers of money (2 Timothy 3:2)

10) People will be without self-control (2 Timothy 3:3)

11) People will need a "mark"to buy and sell (Revelation 13:16-17)

The re-alignment of Europe into a union of nations is another fulfillment of long-term prophecy ( as predicted, they are united and share a common currency and constitution). Daniel foretold this revival of old Roman Empire would happen in the last days.

Do you see these things happening around us? No? Have you read the headlines lately? Luke 21:28 tells us that when we see these last days begin we should "look up," that is, look to God, trust that His word is true and that He is in control. All these events are preparing the way for the end of time and the beginning of eternity. The end is near, but has not arrived yet.

So why is it taking so long?

The Bible makes it sound like the end of the world would be within a few years of Jesus' life and death, yet we are still here. One possible explanation is that God exists outside of time, so years are the same as days to him. Another possible explanation is found in 2 Peter 3:9, which explains that God often withholds His judgement to give people as much time as possible to see the truth of the Bible and trust Him.

Using the illustration of Noah Jesus tells us that, when these times come, things will be going on as usual. People will be working, playing, marrying, dying, living busy lives and not thinking much about God's warning. Then, suddenly, the end will arrive, and the majority of the world will be lost.

So, are we in the "last days"? As I said at the beginning of this article, no one really knows when the end will actually arrive, but the signs of it's coming are there for all to see. Signs that warn us to "look up" and see that God has been trying to get a message through to people for all of time. He is here, He has an eternal plan, and He wants us to be part of it. The end isn't here yet...you still have time to get ready.