Are we nearing the apocalypse?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: I’ve laughed at my grandma, who believed the world was headed for a cataclysmic end, something called the apocalypse. I loved her deeply, but couldn’t understand how an intelligent woman could believe such nonsense. But USA Today recently carried a headline: “Doomsday Clock is closer than ever.” When the world starts believing this stuff, it’s scary; it makes me listen a little closer to what the Bible says about this, since the Bible’s been around a lot longer than our news outlets. – E.N.
A: Many people don’t understand the meaning of the word Apocalypse. Webster’s Dictionary defined the word as a “symbolic depiction of the ultimate destruction of evil and triumph of good; a prophetic disclosure, a sudden and violent end to the world.”
What about this word, Armageddon? There’s a place in Israel by this name, about 60 miles north of Jerusalem in the plains of Megiddo, not too far from Mount Carmel, where Elijah encountered the prophets of Baal, when fire fell from heaven (see 1 Kings 18). This was a great battle between the God of Heaven and the gods of idolaters. Images fill the mind, for this is the place where the last battle between good and evil will be fought (see Revelation 16:16).
In light of this revelation, what should people do to prepare? Get right with Almighty God. The Bible calls out: “Prepare to meet thy God” (Amos 4:12, KJV). For those who know Jesus as Savior, these aren’t scary words, but words of hope and faith, knowing that the times are in His hands.
The Apocalypse, a storm warning that carries a booming jolt of truth – Trouble Ahead; Prepare to Meet thy God! Is followed by the voice of the Gentle Shepherd – Come to Christ. A new world is coming … the paradise that man lost will be regained. For those who belong to Christ, the last page of the Bible tells us that it is going to turn out all right. Are you ready?
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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