This post originally appeared at https://www.vcyamerica.org/from-the-executive-director/2023/02/10/90-seconds-to-midnight/
By Jim Schneider, Executive Director, VCY America
On January 24, 2023 the hands of the “Doomsday Clock” were advanced by the Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists to “90 seconds before midnight.” The board making such determination consists of a select group of globally recognized leaders. According to this group, this is “the closest to global catastrophe it has ever been.”
Founded in 1945 by Albert Einstein and University of Chicago scientists who helped develop the first atomic weapons in the Manhattan Project, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists created the Doomsday Clock two years later, using the imagery of apocalypse (midnight) and the contemporary idiom of nuclear explosion (countdown to zero) to convey threats to humanity and the planet. *
The specific focus of this group considers nuclear risk, climate change, and disruptive technologies to make their determination. They are calling it “a time of unprecedented danger.” Their decision to advance the clock took into consideration Russia’s war with Ukraine and the thinly veiled threats Russia has made to make use of nuclear weapons. And with nations around the world engaging one way or another in this conflict, “the possibility that the conflict could spin out of anyone’s control remains high.” There is also the fear that international protocols will be discarded as the war advances to nuclear reactor sites which could release radioactive materials.
A warning from Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, indicates “the world has entered a time of nuclear danger not seen since the height of the Cold War.”
Concerns also exist regarding the releasing of chemical or biological weapons. Indeed, tensions are heightening. False accusations and disinformation weigh heavily in the growing friction between nations which advance the clock closer to midnight.
Additionally, the “experts” continue to spread scare tactics around the world indicating, “the war’s effects are not limited to an increase in nuclear danger; they also undermine global efforts to combat climate change.” This is not the first time we have been warned of rising sea levels, islands being swallowed up, storm intensity increasing, and the melting of the polar ice caps.
The group indicates, “Finding a path to serious peace negotiations could go a long way toward reducing the risk of escalation. In this time of unprecedented global danger, concerted action is required, and every second counts.”
Many wonder, “Where is this all headed?” “How will this world ever survive?” “Is there any hope?”
There are several important points each needs to consider.
First, we must recognize that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. The Bible says, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” (James 4:14) Job also said, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.” (Job 14:1-2) In this day and age when “sudden death” is a common news story, we must fully embrace the scriptural admonition that “now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (II Corinthians 6:2) Careful observation of all that’s taking place in the world should compel individuals to turn to Jesus Christ.
Second, the fear being bestowed by politicians, extremist environmentalists and global leaders warning of global disaster caused by man-made global climate change is off base and contrary to Scripture. God promised, “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22) Not only is Christ the Creator, but “by him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:17) Indeed, it is Jesus that holds all things together.
Third, one day the earth will burn up, but it will be God’s judgment upon mankind. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (II Peter 3:10) Indeed, we must recognize a time of intense judgment is coming to this world.
Finally, in light of all that is taking place and in light of what is to come, it is imperative for the lost to turn to the Savior, and for believers to walk faithfully before our God. Consider this Scriptural challenge, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God…” (II Peter 3:11-12a)
So while the global “experts” have placed the doomsday clock at 90 seconds before midnight, don’t fool yourself by thinking you have plenty of time to get right with God. One must not gamble with eternity. There is too much at stake! Your next breath you take or your next heartbeat just might be your last. You may not have 90 seconds.
* https://thebulletin.org/doomsday-clock/current-time/