End Of The World?

So is the world really going to end tomorrow? You've probably heard about the May 21, 2011 end of the world predictions. For some of you, you laugh, its a joke. For others, you're afraid because that's scary stuff, and frankly, you don't know much about the topic.

Full disclosure: I'm no expert either. I've studied the different views of how the world will end. Some believe in a 1000 year reign of Christ that will begin with the rapture of the church followed by a great tribulation that will lead to the final battle, or Armageddon. Scholars call it the "pre-tribulation millennial view". Other believe in the "post-tribulation millennial view" where the church experiences the last days tribulation and then Christ sets up his millennial kingdom on earth followed by the Judgment Day. My heritage falls into what's called the "a-millennial view". A-millennialists believe there won't be a rapture, won't be a tribulation, won't be a 1000 year reign, but that all things have been made ready for the imminent return of Christ. Thus, one day, any day, tomorrow or in the next millennium Christ will return in the sky with the sound of the trumpet.

Honestly, after some study, I'm not crazy about any of the end times views. They all have holes in their reasoning. So my view over the last 10 years is readiness: I will be ready and right with Christ and whatever happens when its time for the world to end, happens.

But back to our topic: is the world really gonna end tomorrow? One particular Scripture screams loudly in the face of this prediction...which, by the way, is one more prediction in a LONG LINE of predictions that have been DEAD WRONG...is Matthew 24:36. It says, "No one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows." Jesus goes on to say in the proceeding verses that it will happen suddenly like in the days of Noah & the Flood. Then Jesus says, "So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected." (Matthew 24:42-44)

So the real question today is, are you ready? If the world ends tomorrow or sometime in the near or distant future, are you prepared to meet God? For some this whole topic is very scary because you're not ready to meet God and you know it. You know deep down you're not prepared for Judgment. The great news today is that you CAN be ready. By faith you can submit your life to Christ and receive salvation, forgiveness of sins, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Here's how:

1. Put your faith in Jesus as God's Son, and believe in his death, burial and resurrection, and God's power to save you from your sins (Romans 3:23-25)
2. Repent of your sins and turn to God for a new way of life. (Acts 3:19)
3. Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10)
4. Put on Christ in baptism (Acts 2:38)

Don't be afraid. Be ready.