Signs and Symptoms of End Times: My Diagnosis

But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased 

(Daniel 12:4-9) 

We see this scenario now in the modern era of fast travel with jet planes carrying millions of passengers extremely fast everyday across vast continents and across vast stretches of oceans, unlike in olden times where not many people travel here and there, and the mode of travel were on horsebacks, donkeys, carts and slow sailing boats unlike fast modern jet planes and modern passenger ships these day, together with information and knowledge vastly increased due to research and unprecedented discoveries, together with vastly increased numbers of schools, colleges, universities and other institutions of higher learning accessible to a lot of people these days resulting in a vast increase in the literacy rate throughout the world, not to say easy access to information across the world with Internet, smart phones, and information technologies like Google, Wikipedia and through the help of robotics, and AI 

Isn’t not all these current events and scenarios we clearly can see today point to us the time of the end for humanity and this world is nigh as foretold in the Bible?

These current day scenarios raised a deeply reflective and thought-provoking question, centred around a biblical prophecy from the Book of Daniel and its connection to modern-day technological advances and the rapid increase in knowledge. The verse highlighted in Daniel 12:4, has often been interpreted as a foreshadowing of the exponential rise in travel and knowledge that we now witness, and many believe it signals the approaching end times, as described in the Bible.

Indeed, humanity has seen unprecedented advancements in transportation, communication, and access to information. The speed at which people now travel globally, the proliferation of educational institutions, and the vast network of knowledge available through the internet and AI are astonishing developments that were unimaginable just a century ago. These rapid changes support closely with what the verse describes: "many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."

Signs and Events That Could Be Interpreted as Indications of the End Times as I see them:

1. Moral and Societal Decay: Many biblical passages, including those in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, speak of a moral and spiritual decline in the last days, characterized by selfishness, greed, violence, and a lack of love for others. There are arguments that we are witnessing such societal breakdowns, with increasing divisions, political unrest, ethical corruption, and global conflicts, which may align with this prophecy. 

2. Environmental Degradation: In the Bible, there are references to natural disasters and environmental upheavals, such as in Matthew 24:7-8. Today, many see the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, climate change, pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity as signs that humanity is on a destructive path. The degradation of ecosystems and the strain on natural resources are alarming indicators of the fragility of life on Earth.

3. Globalization and Centralization of Power: The Bible also speaks of the rise of a global power or a one-world government in the end times (Revelation 13). The increasing interconnectedness of nations through trade, economics, and technology could be seen as steps towards such a globalized system. Advances in technology, surveillance, and AI could make it possible to implement this type of centralized control in ways that were impossible in the past. 

4. Technological Control and the Mark of the Beast: Some interpret Revelation 13:16-17, which speaks of a "mark" without which people cannot buy or sell, as a prophetic warning of technological advancements in finance and control systems. With the rise of digital currencies, AI surveillance, and the potential for biometric data or implants to track individuals, some believe these technologies could be precursors to the "mark of the beast."

4. Wars, Conflicts, and Political Instability: Jesus warned in Matthew 24:6-7 that wars and rumours of wars, along with nation rising against nation, would be signs of the end times. Today, political instability, civil unrest, global terrorism, and ongoing regional conflicts have created a world that often feels on the brink of greater disaster. The tension between major powers, such as the US, China, and Russia, raises concerns about the potential for larger-scale conflict. 

5. Pestilences and Plagues: The world has experienced widespread pandemics, such as COVID-19, and outbreaks of diseases. Luke 21:11 mentions "pestilences" as part of the signs of the end times. The increasing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, new viruses, and the speed at which diseases can spread globally through modern travel are all causes for concern.

6. Rise of Deception and False Prophets: Another notable sign, mentioned in Matthew 24:24, is the rise of false prophets and deception. In today's world, misinformation, conspiracy theories, and religious and political leaders claiming false authority are more prevalent than ever, thanks to the internet and social media. This environment of confusion and manipulation could lead to greater chaos and division. 

7. Apostasy and Religious Persecution: Many biblical prophecies speak of a falling away from faith (2 Thessalonians 2:3) and increased persecution of believers. In various parts of the world, religious persecution is rising, and in some areas, Christianity in some countries faces cultural and political opposition. The declining role of religion in many parts of society, particularly in the West, is seen by some as part of this predicted apostasy.

Possible Outcomes for Humanity:

Given these signs, I believe that humanity is indeed approaching the end of this age, as foretold in the Bible. While many of these events appear ominous, it’s important to note that they also serve as reminders of biblical hope and the ultimate fulfilment of God's plan. Christians believe that the "end times" are not just a period of destruction, but also a time of renewal, where God's kingdom will be established, and peace and justice will prevail (Revelation 21).

A Word of Caution:

While these signs may support the biblical prophecy, it’s important to approach them with humility. Throughout history, various generations have interpreted world events as signs of the end times, yet life has continued. The Bible itself says that no one knows the exact day or hour (Matthew 24:36), so while these developments may seem to point towards an end, it is crucial to remain open to the possibility that God's timeline operates on a scale beyond human understanding.

Final Thoughts:

It is clear that we are living in extraordinary times, with rapid changes in technology, knowledge, and society that many believe could signal the "time of the end." Whether this marks the conclusion of humanity as we know it, or simply a transition into a new era, the Bible encourages vigilance, faith, and preparedness. As technology and knowledge continue to grow, we are also reminded of the need for wisdom, compassion, and a deep connection to spiritual truths that transcend the material world.

I have also written a few articles in my blog towards the same end times.  To quote just three (3) of them here, they are:

1.      Our Dilemma of Over Population

https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/2022/08/our-dilemma-of-over-population.html

         2. The Dangers and Consequences of Human Overpopulation (Part II) https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-dangers-and-consequences-of-human.html

         3. A Lesson in Bacteriology and Cancer Biology:

https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/search?q=A+Lesson+in+Bacteriology+and+Cancer+Biology

The comparison between human overpopulation and bacterial growth on a Petri dish is persuasive. The phases of growth, stability, and eventual collapse due to limited resources, congestion, pollution, and toxic buildup create a strong analogy for humanity’s trajectory. The rapid acceleration of human activities parallels the "accelerated growth" phase, which could eventually lead to environmental collapse and depletion of resources—something we connect to the biblical concept of end times. This idea highlights how unchecked growth could trigger global consequences, including societal and ecological breakdowns.

The comparison between human overpopulation and bacterial growth leads to a thought-provoking correlation with the predicted end times in both religious and scientific contexts. In biblical prophecy, the end times often describe events marked by widespread chaos, resource shortages, and moral decay—similar to the collapse of an ecosystem due to overpopulation. In scientific terms, exceeding Earth's carrying capacity could result in environmental devastation: climate change, famine, and mass extinction.

Both perspectives suggest that unchecked growth leads to destruction. In the Bible, these events are described as signs of the end, such as in Revelation with famines, plagues, and wars (Revelation 6:5-8). The scientific analogy of overpopulation as a bacterial culture exhausting its nutrients similarly points toward collapse due to environmental degradation, overconsumption of resources, pollution, and the spread of diseases.

For other life forms, overpopulation impacts ecosystems globally. The destruction of habitats through human expansion leads to biodiversity loss, driving species to extinction at an accelerated rate. Just as bacterial colonies become toxic when they overwhelm their environment, human overpopulation threatens not only our survival but that of all life on Earth.

Consider these events as early signs of symptoms of the disease humanity is suffering before our inevitable death.

This is my diagnosis of the diseases we are facing