Question: Dear Sir, Is the increase of immorality and violence in the world a sign that the end of the world is near?

Answer: Although it may seem that immorality and violence are more prevalent now than ever before, people have had similar impressions before. Increasing immorality and violence may be signs that political upheavals are soon to occur (Matthew 24:1-35, especially verse 12, in the case of the Jewish revolt resulting in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70). However, the second coming of Christ is unpredictable (Matthew 24:36-51), and the very thing that Jesus highlighted about it was that it would take people by surprise (like a thief in the night). Many today appear to know more that Jesus. Since people generally think that immorality and violence will precipitate the second coming of Christ, it would make more sense to expect it when there is a decline of immorality and violence. This is precisely Paul’s point in 1 Thessalonians 5:3: "When they say, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them..." The second coming of Christ is unpredictable! Let us be ready always!