‘Waiting for Armageddon’

View of the Dome of the Rock from Dominus Flevit Church. Photo source

A new film accuses evangelicals of “praying for the world to go to hell.”

Waiting for Armageddon claims to expose the “frightening” beliefs of 20 million evangelicals who are yearning for God’s judgment at the battle of Armageddon. It portrays them as trying to bring about the battle by provoking war in the Middle East through a fanatical support of Israel. Read about it here.

The film is the latest example of how the media is villifying evangelicals and misrepresenting their beliefs. Sadly, it was endorsed by a prominent evangelical — Richard Cizik, a former vice president of the National Association of Evangelicals. Watch the film trailer and see Cizik’s endorsement here.

I don’t want to analyze the film or point out its misrepresentations right now. Instead I want to use this opportunity to ask a question. Since we, as evangelicals, do believe that Christ will return to judge the world, what should we be doing — in the meantime? How do we live in light of Armageddon?

Here’s the Apostle Peter’s answer to that question:

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. (2 Peter 3:11-15)

Not waging World War III, but working hard at being holy — that’s what we’re supposed to be doing. And the way we speed up His return is by sharing the gospel.

The reason God hasn’t brought judgment — yet — is because He’s stalling. He wants to give all people an opportunity to repent of their evil actions and receive His free offer of salvation (2 Peter 3:3-9). And the way He’s chosen to share that offer with them is through us — His ambassadors.

It’s so we have time to share His offer. That’s why God is waiting for Armageddon.

— Holly Pivec
01/31/10