No doubt we are all curious about what lies ahead for this world — and our own part in it. Around the globe people consult mediums, palm readers and the horoscope, trying to get what they hope is an authentic look. Futurists have always been busy writing books and scaring people about dire days ahead.

Science has its part in all this. How many times do we read about what climate change is going to do, how population increase will change everything and how the polluted earth will punish earth-dwellers? Mostly it seems to be bad news.

Then we all have heard the rash claims of some religious cults who tell us the world will end on a certain date. They live to be proved wrong but they come at it again. It seems like there are many who are simply fascinated by a kind of doomsday mentality.

Can we know?

It would be easy to assert that the future is a totally closed book and that we have no idea what might come up. All our theories may be swept away. The totally unexpected may emerge.

A proven source of prophecy is the Bible. Sure, people have made extreme claims and extracted all sorts of things from this book. But already it has shown its forecasting power. The Old Testament, written over a period of centuries ending around 400 BC, foretold the coming of the Messiah. (Handel’s Messiah deals with many of the passages.) It spoke of His birth (the place, the family, the tribe), His life (how he would be despised and rejected by men), and His death (the betrayal, the trial, the torment, the crucifixion and burial), then showed powerfully His resurrection to eventually reign as king. All came true and is coming true with many details too numerous to mention. Any suggestion of coincidence, or making the facts fit, is quite out of the question.

What of today?

Many Bible scholars see signs all around this world that speak of more prophecy being fulfilled leading up to the return of Christ. There are verses that speak of the troubles in the natural world, the famines, wars, earthquakes, epidemics and fear which seem to be gathering in number and intensity. The nations that show signs of being the key to future peace and war are named in the Bible and concern Bible lands. A look at any newspaper will confirm that the Bible is right on the mark.

This is because God is in charge and is bringing everything to a climax, revealing His eternal plan. Being in a right relationship with Him is of utmost importance. This is why the Messiah came: to die in our place, to offer us forgiveness, to bring us into a close and intimate fellowship with God and the family of God.

“To all who received Him (Jesus), to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (from John chapter 1, verse 12John chapter 1, verse 12).

Are you in it, or out of it? Make sure now.