And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.  Matthew 24:12-14

This world is passing away.  And it’s ok.

We need to remember this when we hear about terror attacks, child pornography, human trafficking, racial injustice, and the list goes on.  “The world around us is under the control of the evil one,” the Bible book of 1 John explained long ago (1 John 5:19). “My Kingdom,” Jesus said while here on earth, “is not an earthly kingdom” (John 18:36).  Satan is a supernatural enemy of all humans, an angel who rejected God’s authority.  He continues to fight against God and those who follow after God, inspiring most of what ends up as the news, streaming 24/7.

But Satan’s battle has already been lost.  “The Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil,” explains I John 3:8. “God disarmed the principalities and powers and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in him” (Colossians 2:15). The decisive blow was struck at Calvary, in Jesus’ death and resurrection.

This world system and our physical world will one day be gone, with a new, eternally perfect earth in its place (Revelation 21:1). But there is great hope, for “The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:17).

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,” the Bible explains, “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

 

Resource reading: 1 Peter 4:7-9