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Question: The whole world is in a mess—wars, conflicts, the killing of innocent peoples. Can we do anything? A major, determined effort is required if humanity is to survive.
Dr. R.P., Geneva, Switzerland
Answer: The Bible says that "the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs" of a new age (Romans 8:22). So contrary to most conventional Christian teaching, God is not trying to "save the world" now, in this age of man—although that is His ultimate future purpose for mankind (John 3:17).
Indeed the Bible speaks of progressively worsening world conditions until a time when humanity stands on the brink of annihilation (Matthew 24:21-22). Then, when humanity is finally ready to listen, Jesus Christ will personally and directly intervene in the affairs of nations and usher in the Kingdom of God (verses 29-31; Revelation 11:15; 17:14). He will then, at long last, bring peace to the world.
In the meantime, what can we do? Previous attempts to enforce "utopia" on others have often resulted in brutal dictatorships and the forfeiting of the most basic human rights. And Jesus Himself pointed out that some common problems, such as poverty, will always be with us in this life (Matthew 26:11).
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