Most of us are aware of the current discussions about AI and the fear that, at the breakneck speed it is reportedly progressing, the intelligence that is artificial may soon usurp control of the human race, with the capacity to wipe out our civilization completely. Reasonable people who hold responsible positions in the AI industry have lent credence to these alarming possibilities. So, is this how the world is going to end?
NEWSFLASH: The world, the universe, the human race—none of these will end because of AI! But, yes, the world as we know it now will one day end and be destroyed by fire before a “new heaven and new earth” will come down from God out of the heavens. (Rev. 21:1ff) Everyone ought to be aware of what God has revealed will happen when time as we know it shall be no more—and, of course, every wise person will want to be prepared for the worldwide cataclysmic events about which the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles warned in God’s holy writ.
In this brief post, I will only mention the most salient points. Take note. Take heed.
- In answer to the disciples’ question about signs concerning the end of the world, Jesus revealed several general signs that would precede His world-changing second coming. (Matt. 24) He said that after these signs there would be great tribulation, followed by some dreadful signs and wonders in the heavens, just before He would return to earth in power and great glory to judge the nations. Jesus repeatedly exhorted, “Watch and be ready.” (Matt. 24, 25) Thus, AI will not have destroyed the world that Jesus will come again to reign over for a thousand years. (Rev. 20:1ff.)
- Jesus, in this same passage, made two crucial predictions: (1) The gospel would be preached to all nations before the end would come. (Matt. 24:14) Again, AI will not have destroyed the world because there would be some who were alive still (“But he that endures to the end shall be saved,” Matt. 24:13) at the end of what Jesus referred to as “Great Tribulation,” just before His second coming.
- The New Testament church in Thessalonica thought that the Lord had already come and that they had missed His return. (II Thess.2:1ff.) No doubt they had read the multitudinous passages in the Old Testament depicting the “Day of the Lord,” a time of deep darkness, unspeakable tribulation and world-wide catastrophes—a period that Jesus would identify as the “Great Tribulation,” just before His second coming. Evidently, what Paul and John described as the last time (I John 2:18) and perilous times (II Tim. 3:1) the Thessalonian church concluded were what they were living in. It was indeed a world that had not been destroyed by AI.
- Paul corrected the eschatology of the Thessalonicans by positing that before the great and terrible “Day of the Lord” would come, there had to be a “falling away” first—a great apostacy. How does that fit with the AI fears of a worldwide extinction?
- Paul also said that a “man of sin” would first be revealed before Jesus would return (II Thess. 2:3) This man of sin is generally identified as “the Antichrist.” (see Rev. 13:1ff.) None of these things could happen if AI had, at some point, wiped out the human race.
- Then, He instructs that “He who now letteth will, let”—a reference to the presence and ministry of the Holy Spirit in the world today—a ministry that will continue until Jesus returns for His Bride, the Church, at which time the Holy Spirit’s indwelling ministry will conclude. (I Thess. 2:6,7) AI will not have destroyed the world and all that is therein, for the Holy Spirit will remain active in the world until Christ comes back for His Bride, the church.
- Paul also states that God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation. (I Thess. 5:9; II Th.2:13) Having been wiped out by some artificial intelligence does not square with the promises of God’s deliverance from the machinations of the wicked one, the Antichrist.
- After seven years of world-wide tribulation (the last half of the period Jesus called “Great Tribulation”—Matt. 24) Jesus will return in power and great glory to establish His millennial kingdom of 1,000 years, followed by the “Great White Throne Judgment” when unbelievers of all ages will be judged and, because their names will not be found in the “Lamb’s book of Life,” will be cast into the Lake of Fire, their eternal abode. (Rev. 20:11-15)
So, there is a brief outline of history that is still yet future; but all of this is from God’s Revelation, His holy Word—our only rule for faith and practice—and the sum and substance of it mandates—with no “wiggle room”—that AI will not destroy humankind. Rather, God will destroy the heavens and the earth by fire at His second coming (II Pet. 3:10ff.) before He ushers in eternity with a “new heaven” and a “new earth.” (Rev 21:1ff.)
Class dismissed. But, as you leave, ponder with your whole mind and spirit the words of Jesus: “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” (Matt. 25:42)
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matt. 24:35)