In Part 1 of this look at where technology and eschatology intersect, we contrasted the good from the bad when it comes to today’s technological marvels. In Part 2, we speculated how the biblical authors may have described modern technologies. Now, in this final part, we will explore the prophetic shadows of our brave new world.
Prophetic Foreshadows of Our Brave New World
So, where does Bible Prophecy tie into this explosion of technology? It is not only in the ability of the world to look upon the two witnesses lying in the streets of Jerusalem. Several other prophecies can be fully realized through modern technology:
- A 200-million man army (if human, this requires modern high-tech food production, medicines, and logistics)
- An unprecedented explosion of information (albeit lacking the wisdom of former generations)
- Transportation that allows quick and far-reaching interconnectivity between nations and peoples
- A system of identification whereby individuals can be authorized to — or cut off from — buying and selling in the global market
- The ability to create an “image” of the Antichrist that can move and speak (already possible through holography and AI visual and audio effects)
- Weapons so catastrophic that they can cause the sky to split apart like a scroll, move mountains and islands, and instill terror in every person on the earth (already present in the form of thousands upon thousands of nuclear weapons)
These anecdotal examples feed into the convergence of technology that will allow the Antichrist to rise to power and reign for a time on the earth.
Satan has always been ready and waiting to propel his Man of Lawlessness into power. He has had candidates prepped and primed to rise to that role. However, he has been waiting for just the right moment. When will that moment be? We believe it will occur when Jesus removes the Church from the earth at the Rapture. Without the restraining influence of Christians indwelled by the Holy Spirit, all hell will break loose.
Since the Rapture could occur at any time — an imminent promise that has also been valid throughout the past 2,000 years — it has always been Satan’s strategy to utilize whatever tools are at his disposal.
Well into the 21st Century, we can see how the Lord’s tarrying has allowed advances in human technical prowess that will play right into Satan’s plans. I would imagine that our infernal enemy is absolutely giddy with anticipation. Are you?
Technology as a Tool
In our modern culture, some people see various objects as benign blessings or abhorrent curses. So, smartphones are given to children and guns are vilified. Both inanimate objects are merely tools and can be utilized as instruments of good or a pathways to destruction.
Isn’t that true of so much human knowledge? Knowledge, like technology, is not inherently good or bad; rather, the person using it determines its effect. A hammer can be used to build or destroy a home. A computer can be used to share the Gospel or access unspeakably vile pornography. The same is true with virtually all technology.
In the end, the question is what we will do with the knowledge we have.
Our Eternal Low-Tech Problem
Speaking with Jesus, Pilate rightly discerned that He was a king. But his skepticism kept his understanding from blossoming into faith. Scoffing at Jesus’ assertion about truth, Pilate answered, “What is truth?” (John 18:33-38). In the end, every person — from the most technologically advanced person to the most ignorant — must grapple with the eternal question Pilate asked that weighs in upon every heart: “What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” (Matthew 27:22).
No artificial intelligence can illuminate the human heart with the correct answer to that question. As Jesus testified when affirming Peter’s confession of faith (Matthew 16:17 and 1 Corinthians 2:10-16), only God the Father revealing Truth through the Holy Spirit will do so.
Man’s eternal problem is decidedly low-tech. It is Sin that separates us from God. He has provided the Eternal Solution to solve that real and devastating problem — the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Will you embrace that knowledge?
A short sentence you wrote struck my heart like a mental arrow: “Man’s eternal problem is decidedly low-tech.” I will never forget it, and plan to use it when necessary and when the Lord reminds me of it when I speak to anyone. (I will, of course, attribute it to you.) On business calls, I am usually asked, “Are there any more questions?” I always then ask if the one to whom I am speaking has a personal relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ. So far, many have said yes immediately and often a discussion occurs that has nothing to do with the problem I called about.