What will happen on December 21, 2012? Will the world come to a cataclysmic end in 2012 or will the world see the end of just another year? Regardless of what God has planned for December 2012, one thing is certain: You should not fear the future.

Predictions surrounding December 2012 have been drawn from materials as early as the 1960s; since then, theorists have argued an event of historical importance will occur on either the 21st or 23rd day of December, which marks the completion of “a great cycle” of 13 b’ak’tuns (or a period of 144,000 days) on the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar.

Used by the Mayans, the calendar will then repeat its date of creation for the first time in over 5,125 solar years, according to theorists.

Since first publishing these findings, alleged prophets have suggested the Mayan calendar presents an ominous warning of the end of the world.

Why You Shouldn’t Fear 2012

Are we living in the end times? Will December 2012 predictions come true and end all civilization as we know it? Unfortunately, with many predictions come just as many opinions, from the 2012 comet to other 2012-related prophecies.

Mark 13:32 says “no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself.”

Despite the ease in which people might be stirred to fear over thoughts of the end times, we should remember God has already written these days with one unwavering ending: Eternal life for those who follow Christ.

Better put in 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT), “No eye has seen, no ear has heard and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

What Will Happen in the End

Whether it happens in December 2012 or at some other point in the future, the Bible tells us in Matthew 24:21-22 (NLT) the world will enter a time of great tribulation, “[f]or there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again. In fact, unless that time of calamity Is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones.”

The Bible also says the end times will mark a period of great war and deception. But, Jesus said, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will mislead many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic…this will be your opportunity to tell them about me,” (Mark 13:5-9 NLT).

Jesus Christ, the living son of God, will return to take his Father’s chosen people to Heaven. John 14:19-21 (NLT) describes how Christians will find everlasting life based on their faith in God:

“Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them.”

All mankind will also be “judged according to what they have done, as recorded in the books” of life and death (Revelation 21:12 NLT). Those who have placed their trust in God will be saved; however, those who have not been obedient to the word of God will be given a lifetime sentence in Hell.

How To Prepare for the End Times

How can you ensure your own life is spared at the time of Christ’s judgment, whether it happens in 2012 or tomorrow?

First, know God has left his word in the Bible as a means of warning you and should, therefore, cause you to change your present. Regardless of what you’ve done in your past, you can effect your present and future for the better by repenting of your sins, following Christ’s example and having faith in God’s goodness.

Second, Mark 13:33-34 warns us to be on guard and stay alert! “The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip,” Mark wrote. “When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return.” This instruction includes you!

Remain faithful to God’s will for your life, pray for wisdom, follow God’s instruction for living through his living word--The Bible--and be prepared “[f]or you don’t know when the master of the household will return--in the evening, at midnight, before dawn or at daybreak,” (Mark 13:35).

Finally, avoid listening to man-made prophecy which might cause you to fear. As illustrated before, no man knows when Jesus will return or when the end times will come. Mark 13:21-23 forewarns of the coming of the Antichrist and false prophets, who will “rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.“

God warns us not to turn to the occult or other sources for guidance about the future, as He “will turn against those who commit spiritual prostitution by putting their trust in mediums,” (Leviticus 20:6). Deuteronomy 18:10-13 says these people give a distorted view of the future, which cannot be predicted by any man as stated in scripture.

Rely on the report of the Lord, and remember Isaiah 2:22 (NIV) when you are tempted to fear over 2012 or other doomsday prophecy: “Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?”

While predictions like the 2012 prophecies and others relish in dark times ahead, for Christians the end times will bring about rejoicing and an end to fear, division and tears.

Use your time wisely, practice your faith daily, pray continuously and about everything, and share the good news of Jesus Christ with friends and family.

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