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The "Doomsday" That Matters
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved up its metaphorical prediction for the end of the world by 10 more seconds on Jan. 24. The media organization’s Doomsday Clock now says mankind has only 90 figurative seconds left — the closest to calamity yet.
Scientists invented the clock soon after the United States dropped two atomic bombs on Japan, ending World War II in the Pacific. They see the clock as “a reminder of the perils we must address if we are to survive on the planet.” Those perceived perils initially focused on the technologies of war, but climate change became part of the calculations in 2007.
Scientists have reset the clock periodically since 1947, usually moving it closer toward midnight but sometimes further away. The time has moved forward since 2010.
The whole idea of the clock is an exercise in futility, hubris, ignorance and fear:
Ø The idea is futile because the end of the world is inevitable. God created it (Genesis 1), and He will destroy it (2 Peter 3:5-6). Men can’t prevent that fate by getting rid of nuclear weapons or transitioning the economy from fossil fuels to cleaner sources of energy.
Ø Counting down to doom is arrogant because the clock assumes annihilation is predictable. Not even Jesus or the angels know when the Son of Man will return in judgment; only the Father knows (Matthew 24:36). That day “will come like a thief” (2 Peter 3:10), much as the flood caught the wicked people of Noah’s day off guard (Matthew 24:37-39).
Ø The concept of the clock is ignorant because it doesn’t consider what God actually says about the end of the world — namely that it will come suddenly. Doom won’t come over years or decades. It can’t be delayed or avoided by denying weapons of mass destruction to warmongers or keeping global temperatures down. “The heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be [burned up],” Peter said.
Ø And the thinking behind the clock is fearful because it is focused on preserving a temporary, carnal realm. Clock watchers see this world as man’s only hope, and they are afraid to lose it. They worship the creation, not the Creator.
It makes sense for mortal man to fear destruction, but the kind of fear that has been powering the Doomsday Clock for decades is misdirected. The real doomsday for most of mankind will be on Judgment Day. “For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:14)
The Hebrew writer warned people who know the truth and sin willfully that all they have to look forward to is “a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.” He added, “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (10:26-31)
It will be equally terrifying for those who never knew God in the first place or rejected Him. Neither ignorance nor obstinacy will be excused. “We will all appear before the judgment seat of God,” the apostle Paul wrote. “For it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, to Me every knee will bow, and every tongue will give praise to God.’ So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:10-12)
The good news is that God is extremely patient (2 Peter 3:9). Although He is righteous and ultimately will punish the unfaithful (Acts 17:30-31), God is also gracious, merciful, loving and forgiving. He demands and deserves a respectful fear but doesn’t want Judgment Day to be doom-filled for anyone. He sacrificed His own Son to give everyone a chance at salvation.
For those who are baptized into Christ and arise to walk a new life in Him, the end of this age will be filled with joy. “And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
