Armageddon

Apocalypse- End of days

What do these words mean to you? In the minds of many these words equate with the end of the world and all life on it. Throughout history many cultures have developed a story or prophecy of a great cataclysm that will destroy the world and everything in it. In the predictions of some that time is very near.

The Bible also contains prophecies relating to these events. But very few people have a proper understanding of what the Bible says on this subject. Perhaps the most common mistake is when a literal interpretation of the Bible prophecies is used for things that are meant symbolically. This has lead to many erroneous ideas. When the words are taken in their proper meaning then a much clearer picture is seen.

The word Armageddon is found in the book of Revelation (16:16): “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” As verse 14 tells us this is part of the preparation for “…the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” It is the time when God will judge the world – the social, political, economic, and religious systems.

Isaiah 28:17 tells us of a time when God says “Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet...” Whatever doesn’t measure up to God’s standard will be removed.

But will this mean the end of the world? The answer is yes – and no. Matthew 24 is often referred to as the Lord’s Great Prophecy. In it Jesus explained many of the things that were to transpire from His day down to and including the end of the world – or, more properly, age. In verses 21 and 22 He makes these statements concerning the end time trouble: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened no flesh would be saved.” This does strongly indicate the end of the world, or at least all life on it. But verse 22 concludes “but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” From these texts it appears that the world will come to the brink of some cataclysm or series of events that, if left unchecked, would destroy all life on earth. But this is not God’s plan so He will intervene.

Ecclesiastes 1:4 tells us that the “earth abideth forever.” Isaiah 45:18 tells us” “For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens: God Himself that formed the earth and made it: He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited.” These and other texts tell us that it is God’s plan that the earth (the planet) will survive and thrive – with humanity on it.

So what will be destroyed? In prophecy the word world is often used to represent society, or the order of things. The word earth is also used in a similar way. Likewise the word heaven or heavens is used to represent the ruling powers, be they religious or political. Using this understanding in the proper way shows us that it is God’s intention to establish His righteous rule on earth. It is the essence of the prayer “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”

In 2 Peter 3:13 Peter says: “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens (a new government) and a new earth (social order), wherein dwelleth righteousness.” He was speaking of this kingdom rule that Christians have been praying for.

A Time of Trouble

Make no mistake. The Bible does not say that this transition will be easy. Many scriptures tell of the trouble and turmoil that will accompany the removal of the old systems to make way for the new rule of righteousness. Both Daniel (Daniel 12:1) and Jesus (Matthew 24:21) speak of this time of trouble. All aspects of life – social, political, economic, and religious – will be put to the test. All that does not meet the righteous standard of God will be done away with.

The world has already experienced many of the foretold troubles with the wars, economic disasters, social unrest and natural disasters and conditions that scientists say could bring dire and devastating consequences for all life on earth if not checked soon.

The Bible speaks of these things as increasing until, as Peter says (2 Peter 3:12) “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens (the governments or ruling powers) being on fire (tribulation, unrest, anarchy) shall be dissolved (done away with), and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.”

The Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 likens it to “travail upon a woman with child.” The troubles will grow in intensity until the new social order shall be established.

A Time of Peace

But if the world is not to be destroyed then what is to follow this time of trouble? Many passages in the Bible speak of a time of peace, security, prosperity, health, and everlasting life for all who will prove willing and obedient to God’s righteous rule of love.

In Isaiah chapter 35 we find many beautiful pictures of how it will be when God's righteous rule is established in the earth. Verses 1 and 2 tell us of blessings to come to the earth: “...the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing:”

Verses 5 and 6 tell us of blessing that will come to people: “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame [man] leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing:” These events could be taken literally and symbolically. Not only will there be healing for the bodies of those who are blind and deaf; but for those who are blind and deaf to God's word and plans there will also be instruction and healing of the mind and heart.

Verses 8 to 10 tell us of the provision that God will supply so that all may come to a proper understanding of His righteous law, and be given the helps required to come into full accord with it. “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it [shall be] for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err [therein]. No lion shall be there, nor [any] ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk [there]: And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

God did not make this provision only for those who will survive the time of trouble. These provisions are for all of the human family from Adam and Eve forward. The ransomed of the Lord is the whole human race. All have been ransomed from the penalty of sin and death that came upon us through our first parents. The ransom price is the blood of Christ who willing gave His perfect sinless life so all could have this blessing,

We read in 1 Timothy 2:3-6: “For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”

Yes, God is ultimately our savior because it was His will that formed the plan for our salvation. As He has purposed all of humanity will come to a knowledge of the truth during the time of the kingdom blessings. His honored agent to fulfill these things is Jesus, the one who will mediate between God and mankind. He has earned this right and privilege through His ransom sacrifice which will benefit ALL, “in due time”, during His kingdom rule.

As we are also told in John 5:28 and 29: “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth;” Yes, the promises are to all of mankind, the living and the dead. But this does not mean that there will be an automatic guarantee that any one will prove faithful and obedient and gain the everlasting life promised. Every help and opportunity will be given to those who are willing no matter how weak or degraded they are. Revelation 20:1-3 tells us that even Satan will be bound so that he won't be able to deceive the nations and interfere with the helps that God will provide for the people.

But mankind still has free will. They will need to do all they can to use the helps provided so that they may return to the level of perfection lost by Adam and Eve and prove worthy of everlasting life. Those who will not accept God’s law, who seek to follow their own selfish ways, will be returned to death, never to have life again. The Bible seems to indicate (Isaiah 65:20) that all will be given at least 100 years to repent and reform and at least show that they are willing and are trying to live according to God’s laws. Every help will be given so that all who are willing will be able to return to that perfection lost by Adam and Eve. These will prove worthy of the gift of everlasting life.

So we see from these and other scriptures that the Bible also tells of the end of the world – in the sense of the social order. It does not mean the end of the planet or humanity. God has allowed the human race to go more or less its own way since the fall of Adam and Eve. He has stepped in where necessary to prevent anything that would ultimately interfere with His plans.

But the time has come when God is taking full control of the affairs of earth. Humanity has had enough time to learn that going contrary to God's law and principles, no matter how appealing it may appear in the short term, can only ultimately bring sorrow and loss, even pain and death. First the old order must be done away. Then the “new heavens, and new earth” that Peter spoke of will take control – and humanity will learn true righteousness, they will come to know God, and all the willing and obedient will attain to the perfection of our first parents - and life everlasting.

For a further examination of this topic we would like to offer you the free booklet:

What is this World Coming To?

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