The above prophecy by Daniel has only been fulfilled within recent years. Firstly, by the organisation of domestic and international airlines, thus enabling more and more to “run to and fro” and, secondly, by the liberalising of facilities for higher education and the building of many additional colleges and universities, during the last few decades.
Although knowledge, in our affluent society, has brought improved living standards and all-round better education, there is also widespread discontent and unhappiness. This finds outlet in strikes, lockouts, student rebellions, organised demonstrations and marches against various forms of injustice, or alleged injustice. Many younger people seek oblivion by benumbing their senses with addictive drugs, or alcohol.
Our affluent society, a replica of societies in the western world, is also a Godless one, for man has largely discarded belief in a Creator. Do not scientists say “God is superfluous”?
Because science has made possible modern man’s sleek, shiny car, his TV, radio and telephone: his wife’s washing machine, refrigerator, vacuum cleaner and a host of other household appliances that make life less irksome, there is a tendency to endow science with godlike attributes.
Yet despite all these devices, man remains dissatisfied. “What is life all about?” he asks, and “What does it mean?”. Death, too, is a terrifying thought.
Science cannot supply the answer; and philosophy is but man’s speculations. Because of this gap, considerable interest is being manifested in the occult, which means “beyond the range of ordinary knowledge”.
There is nothing new in the occult. In Deut. 18:10-12 the children of Israel were warned by God against astrologers, enchanters, wizards, mediums, witches and magicians. Deuteronomy dates back 3,500 years. Deut. 18:12 states, “All who do these things are an abomination unto the Lord” and in verse 15, “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee . . . unto him ye shall hearken”.
Man no longer needs prophets, for Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has proclaimed God’s truth, His Gospel, to mankind, through the Bible.
The truth that modern man seeks is revealed in this wonderful and unique Book; for it is the only book in the world inspired by God and therefore infallible. It explains the Creation and tells how man came into being, and why; also how sin and death entered the world.
The Bible tells of God’s love for mankind and His plan for man’s redemption. It relates the sacrifice for sin, made by Jesus Christ; and how, by his resurrection, he overcame man’s last enemy, death. It also announces the kingdom of God, to be established on earth in the fast-approaching end days.
All the information that man requires about himself, his present life and his future state when this life ends, is set out in the Bible; so ignorance is inexcusable.
Our Godless society explains the rapid erosion of moral standards at all levels, viz: the increase in broken marriages, the high rate of crimes of violence, rapes and other criminal assaults, burglaries, frauds and embezzlements, car thefts, shoplifting and teenage vandalism. In many cities it is now unsafe to walk about at night.
In a world that ostensibly lacks any meaning or purpose, anything goes. Evolution teaches that life began by blind chance and has followed that course ever since. Its philosophy is the survival of the fittest, which is reflected in the “I’m all right Jack” syndrome, so that mercy and compassion are really signs of weakness.
If man would comprehend the meaning of life, it is imperative that he understand what God has said about it; for He is the Author of life and the Bible contains His inspired word.
“Natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them for they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Cor. 2:14)
Serenity, contentment and happiness come with a knowledge of God’s word and the desire to walk in the path of Truth. This results from belief in God’s word, repentance, and baptism. It gives man the capacity and interest to help others, also the hope of immortality in the life to come.
Reflections on the Potter and the Clay