Will the world end with nuclear destruction or some other giant catastrophe? Many are wondering that right now, including a group of scientists who meet annually in Washington to discuss global issues that could impact life on our planet.

Using a “Doomsday Clock” to visually communicate looming disaster, many think of it as a gimmick, but the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) group is very sober about the fate of humanity. It was recently moved one minute closer to midnight, one minute closer to disaster. The warning piece helps raise public awareness of the problem of nuclear weapons and other cataclysmic dangers:

“In moving the clock ahead on Tuesday, the BAS cited the failure of world leaders to achieve significant progress on the reduction of nuclear weapons and in developing a comprehensive response to climate change. Just two years ago, following global talks on climate change in Copenhagen and international pledges to reduce nuclear stockpiles, the BAS moved the clock backward by a minute.

“Faced with clear and present dangers of nuclear proliferation and climate change, and the need to find sustainable and safe sources of energy, world leads are failing to change business as usual,” said Lawrence Krauss, co-chairman of the group’s board of sponsors.

“As we see it,” Krauss said, “the major challenge at the heart of humanity’s survival in the 21st century is how to meet energy needs for economic growth in developing and industrial countries without further damaging the climate ... and without risking further spread of nuclear weapons — and in fact setting the stage for global reductions.” [1]

The Bible tells us a day is coming when the world will come to an end. At the second coming of Christ, our planet will dramatically change:

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10 NKJV).

It almost sounds nuclear-like in its message of destruction. In a parable about the time of His coming, Jesus even uses the word “midnight” (Matthew 25:6).

But mankind does not push the final button. Weapons of warfare will not annihilate our planet. Jesus’ coming will change all things. The righteous will be caught up with the Lord, and the wicked will be destroyed (1 Thessalonians 5:1–10 and Mark 13:32–37). It is a very sobering thought.

There is a clock ticking. It’s not located in Washington, D.C. or London. It’s a timepiece in the heart of God. And at just the right time, Jesus will come. Someday all things on our planet will be destroyed. But, thank God, all things will also be made new (2 Peter 3:13).

Are you ready for that day?

If you would like to learn more about what the Bible says about the coming of Christ and the end of our world, check out one of our upcoming Prophecy Seminars.

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[1] Washington Post (1-10-2012)