One Global Warning!

The other day while I was in the shower, I mused about climate change. I asked myself what I believe and if I even need to have an opinion about the matter. I asked myself these questions as I considered the core issue. On the surface, it seems liberals are emphatic that the atmospheric temperature is increasing due to mankind’s activity upon the land, while conservatives insist global warming is bunk science. There probably is a more nuanced explanation, but that, I think, is the essence of the debate. And unsurprisingly, the real reasons for the rift eluded me despite my effort to understand why there is such sharp division regarding the issue. Nevertheless, I kept thinking about what I should believe and why should this matter. I decided to see what, if anything, Scripture says about climate change. Well, God tells us He is going to destroy the earth by fire. The Complete Jewish Bible says:

Dear friends, I am writing you now this second letter; and in both letters I am trying to arouse you to wholesome thinking by means of reminders; so that you will keep in mind the predictions of the holy prophets and the command given by the Lord and Deliverer through your emissaries. First, understand this: during the Last Days, scoffers will come, following their own desires and asking, “Where is this promised ‘coming’ of his? For our fathers have died, and everything goes on just as it has since the beginning of creation.” But, wanting so much to be right about this, they overlook the fact that it was by God’s Word that long ago there were heavens, and there was land which arose out of water and existed between the waters, and that by means of these things the world of that time was flooded with water and destroyed. It is by that same Word that the present heavens and earth, having been preserved, are being kept for fire until the Day of Judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed. Moreover, dear friends, do not ignore this: with the Lord, one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some people think of slowness; on the contrary, he is patient with you; for it is not his purpose that anyone should be destroyed, but that everyone should turn from his sins. However, the Day of the Lord will come “like a thief.” On that Day the heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will melt and disintegrate, and the earth and everything in it will be burned up. (2 Peter 3:1-10)

It is evident from this passage that the Lord of hosts will destroy this earth by fire, but Scripture does not detail how He will accomplish this. What is also true is that God’s ways are higher than our ways. (For, who knows the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? The Spirit speaks.) He can accomplish His purpose using whatever means He chooses. It is unprofitable, therefore, to expend energy wrestling with how this phenomenon is to occur and beneficial to accept that certain happenings are merely prophecy being fulfilled.

As for the underpinnings of climate change, one is more plausible to me than the others – it seems reasonable to accept that the air temperature is getting warmer, however incrementally. And I need not summarily reject data supporting this. Why? Well, because when I want to know the weather forecast for the next several days, I accept the data compiled by secular meteorologists and weather centers without hesitation. I carry an umbrella if the prediction is rain and leave it at home when the forecast calls for blue skies with abundant sunshine. So, while the entirety of the liberal view gives me pause, I am somewhat inclined to accept data relating to earth’s recorded temperatures.

Now, why do the numbers matter? Of what import is this information? Well, when I recall 2 Peter 3 and see the weather data, I believe the Lord is at work. Could it be that the Lord is heating the earth’s core, which then is causing a general increase in the atmospheric temperature? Possibly. But in any event, I am certain that if the earth is warming it is of God’s hand and cannot be halted. So, while I am inclined to reject a position that is automatically antagonistic towards or skeptical of data relating to an increase in air temperature, I know this is not a call to action to champion politics fashioned by vain people. God forbid!

Rather, let us be as wise as serpents yet as harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16) as we prepare for the Lord’s return. The Lord instructs His disciples in Matthew 24 to watch for signs that will precede His return. The entire chapter is what believers need to consider seriously because it provides context for His second coming. The last days are nigh. One generation and a span before the Lord comes says the Lord of hosts. Grace be to you all who happen upon this way. Amen.