ON CHRISTIANITY

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I’ve heard a lot lately about the possibility that some day the earth (or at least human life) will be destroyed by a large meteor or asteroid. This worries me, because apparently it has happened before and we don’t have any way to prevent it. Is this how the world is going to end, according to the Bible?

  • J.J.

DEAR J.J.: The Bible does tell us that someday this world will come to an end, but it won’t happen because of a stray meteor or asteroid.

This doesn’t mean a large meteor never could cause serious damage; after all, small ones (and occasionally larger ones) strike the earth every day, and are usually burned up in the atmosphere. Incidentally, where would we be if God hadn’t provided the earth with its atmosphere as a protective shield?

But the Bible tells us that at the end of the present age, God won’t only destroy the earth, but the whole universe will also be destroyed - and then re-created and made perfect. This present world is imperfect and riddled with sin and corruption and injustice, but some day God will change all that, and everything will be made new. The Bible says, “That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with His promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:12-13).

Don’t live in fear of disasters that may or may not happen during your lifetime. Instead, put your faith and trust in God, for He holds the world and its future in His hands. Most of all, commit your life to Christ and learn to walk with Him every day.Jesus’ promise is for you: “My peace I give you” (John 14:27).

Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at billygraham.org

HomeStyle, Pages 36 on 04/20/2013

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