How should a Christian react to all the doomsday predictions out there?

Answer

In the 1950s, the world feared it was on the brink of a nuclear apocalypse. As the turn of the century approached, there was global speculation about Y2K and the potential end of civilized society. A stir in pop culture emerged regarding the conclusion of the Mayan calendar in 2012. Subsequently, there were discussions in Christian circles about the significance of blood moons, believed to be a sign of catastrophic events. How, then, should a Christian react to predictions of doomsday and related news events?

From a Christian perspective, our initial response should be to take a deep breath and relax. Eventually, this world will come to an end. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10) Christ will return (Revelation 19:11-13) at the appointed time (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). However, every individual on earth is just a moment away from their personal doomsday, right now. “Behold, thou hast made my days as a handbreadth; And mine age is as nothing before thee: Verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity.” (Psalm 39:5) Heart attacks, wars, accidents, and similar events can bring us face-to-face with our Creator more suddenly than a global catastrophe.(James 4:13-15). Whether the end times are imminent or distant, we are urged to be prepared «(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, And in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) », (2 Corinthians 6:2), without being panicked.

The majority of apocalyptic predictions are mere speculation, folklore, or uninformed panic. Even the Mayans did not interpret their calendar cycle as prophesying the end of the world. It was not computer experts who fueled the Y2K scare. And hardly any Christian theologians consider the blood moon phenomenon a significant indicator of any specific event. Like other trends and frenzies, these discussions are fueled by flawed reasoning and inaccurate information.

Born-again Christians can have confidence in their salvation and rely on God to manage everything else, as well (Matthew 6:25-34). We are informed that it is possible to interpret the signs of the times «And in the morning, It will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? », (Matthew 16:3), but also that no one can definitively know when the end times will actually arrive « But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. », (Matthew 24:36). Instead of fixating on dates, controversies, and rumors, we should focus on spreading the gospel to as many people as possible. The ship is sinking, but before we concern ourselves with how and when the end will come, we need to reach more souls.

Evacuate people using lifeboats and life jackets!