Armageddon 2012?

According to popular culture December 21st, 2012 is the date predicted by the ancient Mayan people for the end of the world.  In actual fact, rather than December 21st heralding the end of the world, to the Mayan people that date simply reflected the end of one cycle, called a 'baktun', of the Mayan 'Long Count' calendar and the beginning of another.  The idea that the Mayans predicted the world's end on the 21st of December is based on a misconception of the Mayan calendar and their understanding and method of recording time.  The Mayans viewed time very differently to the way we do.  Instead of the progressive linear system we are used to the Mayans actually used multiple calendars to mark the progress of time.  Furthermore the concept of an approaching final end to the world or Armageddon was not a part of the Mayan religion, coming instead from the three great  monotheistic religions of Islam, Judaism and Christianity.

The ancient Mayans had an extremely sophisticated degree of skill in marking the movements of the stars and planets.  Each baktun of their 'Long Count' calendar corresponded to different specific conjugations of the stars.  This method of time-keeping by the stars not only allowed the Mayan calendars to be extremely accurate but also laid the framework for their prophetic aspect.  The Mayans believed that each cycle, or baktun, would be marked by certain distinct characteristics and it is these characteristics that form the basis of what has become known as Mayan prophecy.  The characteristics of the coming baktun, beginning the 22nd of December, 2012, are an era of hope, peace and prosperity.  Thus rather than December 21st signalling the end of the world to the Mayans it simply marks the beginning of a new period or era, which will be far better than our current situation.

Yet the question remains as to why so many people are willing to believe in a coming Armageddon.  The current 2012 phenomena is, in reality, little different from the fear and, in some cases, hysteria, surrounding the advent of the new millennium and Y2K.  Nor was the year 2000 the first recorded date that people believed would herald the end of the world.  In fact the concept of a cataclysmic Armageddon is an extremely old belief.  Although firmly founded in the traditions of the three great monotheistic religions the Armageddon scenario has nevertheless taken a powerful hold on the wider public consciousness.  There are countless numbers of books, television shows, as well as blockbuster Hollywood movies that all have a basis in the Armageddon belief.  It is tempting to dismiss this growing phenomenon as an unfounded coincidence, but it would also be wrong.

If we accept as our starting point that God exists and that the Bible is His holy inspired word then the widespread, yet almost unconscious belief in an Armageddon becomes easily explained.  As the pinnacle of God's creation we are aware, even if only on a deeply unconscious level, of our true role in the universe and the basic outline of God's plan for mankind.  It is for this reason that so many people are able to readily accept a doomsday scenario.  Coupled with this unconscious psychic understanding of the plan of God is the reality of the current world situation, which is undeniably and increasingly degenerate.  We live in a world of increasing political instability, rising crime and violence, of war and injustice, of famine and poverty, rising inflation and financial uncertainty.  It is hardly surprising, under these conditions, that people are so willing to believe in Armageddon.

The Bible does teach that an end will come to this world with the return of Jesus Christ, but nowhere in its pages will you find a date for Armageddon.  Christ himself said that “no one knows about that day or hour... only the Father”, Matt 24:36*.  This being the case we will never find a tidy date, such as December 21st, for when the present age will end.  What we can find, which I intend to explore through this site, are clues and signs to watch for, something that Jesus told us we must do.  Neither God nor Jesus wants any of their people to be unprepared; their goal is that all of humanity, past, present and future, should be saved.  It is for this reason that God's inspired Word contains these clues.

Much of biblical prophecy is misunderstood or misinterpreted and even more is sometimes deliberately misquoted or misused.  It is important to remember that you do not have to be a scholar to understand the Bible.  With an open heart and open mind anyone is capable of correctly interpreting biblical prophecy for themselves.  In fact the Bible actually interprets itself.  God did not inspire those words to be written to obscure or conceal the facts – He wants you to know the truth.  It is with that in mind that I will be exploring biblical prophecy, allowing the Bible to speak plainly for itself.

Remember the words of Christ – 'Seek and you shall find'.