Want a Nuclear-Free World?
President Barack Obama is on a mad scramble to purge the planet of nuclear weapons. Mankind’s dismal history with disarmament is proof enough of the inadequacies of this ambition. For those interested in further proof, the “more sure word” of Bible prophecy also reveals that Mr. Obama’s dreams of nuclear disarmament are just that—dreams.
As Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry came to a close, His disciples asked, “[W]hat shall be the sign of thy [second] coming, and of the end of the world?” Jesus answered that question in what is today commonly referred to as the Olivet prophecy, found in Matthew 24. (If you’re interested in Christ’s entire explanation, and in proving that He was discussing the times we live in today, request a free copy of our Matthew 24 reprint article.)
Notice what Jesus said in verses 21-22: “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, there should no flesh be saved ….” Christ tells the disciples that His Second Coming will occur at a time when mankind has the ability to destroy all living creatures. It will be a time of tribulation exceedingly worse than any other in history.
Consider more deeply that last statement: “[E]xcept those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved ….” This time of tribulation will be so terrible that, without intervention from a higher power, no flesh would escape death! Mankind has never experienced such a time. Wars have killed tens of millions, famines have wiped out regions, disease epidemics like the Black Death have inflicted catastrophic destruction. But this scripture is speaking of a global catastrophe that threatens all flesh, both animal and human!
As Herbert Armstrong explained, the only explanation of how mankind could and will reach this point is through the widespread detonation of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction!
“The scale of war Christ prophesied in Matthew 24 and Revelation 6 simply could not have been fulfilled at any other time in man’s history!” our booklet The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse states. “Humanity has never built or designed weapons that it did not eventually use. Man will find a use for the deadly nuclear weapons and other destructive devices created since World War II” (emphasis mine). Many other accounts in the Bible also tell us that a future nuclear holocaust is coming.
President Obama’s goal of global nuclear disarmament may be noble, but Jesus Christ says it will fail, and nuclear war will erupt.
If this sounds discouraging, step back and ponder the awe-inspiring event being discussed in these scriptures. Think on the ramifications and hope embedded in the last half of verse 22: “but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Notice that: Jesus Christ promised He will return and intervene to prevent mankind becoming extinct by nuclear war!
President Obama cannot prevent nuclear destruction. But Jesus Christ can, and He tells us explicitly that the world will not end this way!
Ultimately, this prophecy in Matthew 24 is about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Nothing is more promising, more exciting, more filled with hope!
Particularly given the rush of current events on the nuclear front, we cannot afford to take these prophecies lightly. Study Christ’s message in Matthew 24. It is stunning how events described in that prophecy, written nearly 2,000 years ago, match events unfolding in the chaotic world around us. The study of world events together with biblical prophecy is one of the most moving studies you could undertake!
But remember, as you read about the horrific events surrounding Christ’s return: This event is more of a beginning than an end. While Christ’s return will bring an end to the age of human government and self-rule, it marks the beginning of the Kingdom of God being opened to all of mankind.
At this time, after saving mankind from extinction, Christ will implement on Earth a comprehensive strategy that will eradicate human nature—thereby guaranteeing global nuclear disarmament forever!
It is imperative that you learn about this new world as you study the end of the one we know today. For the best description of this coming new world, request a free copy of The Wonderful World Tomorrow—What It Will Be Like.
