The Doomsday Clock: A Ticking Warning or a Divine Reminder?

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.”

Just last month, a group of scientists announced that the famous Doomsday Clock had moved to 89 seconds to midnight—the closest it has ever been to signaling a human-made apocalypse. The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, a science-oriented advocacy group, explained that humanity is on the brink of self-destruction due to its own advancements.

Daniel Holz, chair of the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board, justified the change: “We set the clock closer to midnight because we do not see positive progress on the global challenges we face, including nuclear risk, climate change, biological threats, and advances in disruptive technologies.”

For decades, this symbolic clock has been reset in response to global turmoil. However, while scientists and world leaders scramble to reset the hands of time, they fail to recognize the deeper reality—one that has already been foretold in Scripture.

The Self-Destruction of Sin

Upon reading about the Doomsday Clock, it is interesting to note that scientists have essentially theorized their own version of the end times, shaped by humanity’s self-destruction. While their concerns are rooted in global threats, they are missing the greatest crisis of all: sin.

Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Humanity’s demise is not simply a result of climate change, warfare, or artificial intelligence—it is the consequence of rejecting God’s authority. Every conflict, every disaster, and every destructive force finds its root in sin. And while scientists believe they can delay the inevitable, they fail to acknowledge that God alone holds time in His hands.

God’s Doomsday Clock, Not Ours

Since its inception, the Doomsday Clock has been reset more than 20 times. In 1991, following the end of the Cold War, the clock was set back to 17 minutes before midnight. However, in recent years, it has crept closer as global instability grows. In 2023, it was set at 90 seconds to midnight due to the nuclear threat posed by the war between Russia and Ukraine. The situation in Gaza, artificial intelligence advancements, and continued climate fears have pushed it even further.

From a biblical perspective, we know that Jesus Himself provided a list of signs that would indicate the last days. In Matthew 24:6-8, He declared:

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.”

He also warned of false Messiahs, persecution, the falling away from faith, and the spread of wickedness (Matthew 24:5-12). However, He was clear: No man can predict the exact hour of His return. Matthew 24:36 states, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.”

This is why the Doomsday Clock, though fascinating, is ultimately flawed. It is humanity’s attempt to play God—to predict what only He knows. No matter how closely scientists scrutinize the world, they cannot dictate when the final hour will strike.

No Turning Back

The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists believes that with the right actions, the Doomsday Clock can be pushed back. “There is hope,” Daniel Holz reassured, emphasizing that humanity can take steps to prevent catastrophe.

However, Scripture tells a different story. While human efforts can temporarily delay certain disasters, the return of Christ and the coming judgment cannot be avoided. The Apostle Peter warns, “By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly” (2 Peter 3:7).

Just as God once flooded the earth in the days of Noah, judgment will come again—this time, by fire. The only way to escape the wrath to come is through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Repentance, God’s Mercy, & The Gospel

Despite the certainty of judgment, God extends His mercy. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

While the world scrambles for solutions, the true answer has always been available: salvation through Jesus Christ. He alone can save. Through His death, He paid the price for our sins. Through His resurrection, He secured our victory over death.

In the end, the Doomsday Clock may tick closer to midnight, but the hands of God’s clock are the only ones that matter. For those who trust in Christ, time is not running out—it is leading toward an eternity in His presence.

The question is not whether the clock will strike midnight, but whether we are prepared when it does.