Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. (2 Peter 3:11-13)
As Christians we are often criticized for being too pessimistic about the prospects for world peace and for not investing more of our time, money and energy into helping to bring about peace on earth. Actually, we really are not pessimistic, just realistic and even optimistic about the future, understanding that peace on earth is indeed coming. But not until the King of kings, Jesus Christ, establishes His final earthly Kingdom.
In 1969, the late Dr. Lehman Strauss wrote the following in his commentary on the book of Daniel;
"The Christian is often charged with being pessimistic about the future plans of man in the earth. But how can he be otherwise in light of such plain facts in the Bible? The Bible predicts no peace-loving world ruler for the last days. We can expect nothing more than greedy commercialism and political imperialism under the most beastly and barbaric type of warfare. Daniel saw the world governments as beasts under the thin veneer of a boasting civilization. It is important that we see this, because most people gullibly swallow the wishful thinking of progressive evolution and social refinement. We thank God for every semblance of success announced by organizations formed to improve humane relations; but it is all temporary."
Almost a half century later, Dr. Strauss' words still ring true. Things certainly haven't gotten any better and peace on earth isn't any closer. I believe that we Christians do have a responsibility to be good, patriotic citizens while we are here on earth. But our ultimate citizenship is in heaven; For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20).
However, our primary responsibility as Christians today is the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Real and lasting peace on earth will only happen when Christ establishes His Kingdom on earth following the rapture of His Church and the seven years of tribulation that Daniel prophesied. Things are going to get a lot worse on earth before His second coming. I guess that makes us optimistic pessimists. Maranatha!
