End of the World

The rumor had been rife; it persisted for days.

Many people believed it—to their peril and embarrassment. It occupied huge spaces and frequent mentions in social networking sites and newspapers: The world will end on 21 December 2012.

That was yesterday in our part of the world. That’s today across the seas.

Bible-believing Christians, however, shrugged it off. The Scriptures are clear on when the world will end. “. . . 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.” Mark 13:32 (NLT)

How this doomsday gossip came about is based on ancient belief of the Mayan calendar, which moves in cycles. The last cycle ends in December 2012, which was interpreted by some—keeping cyberspace abuzz—as “the world will end on 21 December 2012 at 11:11, coordinated universal time (UTC).

The last day of the Mayan calendar corresponds with the Winter Solstice or December Solstice, which has played a vital role in many cultures the world over. My research tells me that this calendar was used by most cultures in Central America from around 2000 BC to the 16th century. The Mayan civilization developed the calendar further and it’s still in use today.

“But what if the world will coincidentally end?” asked a friend who keeps abreast of all issues, including those of no consequence.

“What a wonderful day it will be! Hallelujah!” I chirped. “God’s children will rejoice.” And I quoted Romans 14:11 (KJV) ever so slowly—“’For it is written, As I live,’ saith the Lord, ‘every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”

Remembering the verse, she heaved an audible sigh.

Even among believers in the grace of redemption through Christ, it is so easy to be deceived by false prophets these days.

These must be the end times. May those who remain faithful to the Word—and are spiritually ready to meet the Lord face-to-face—influence and inspire others to receive the free gift of forgiveness before it is too late.

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