The Day After Tomorrow movie: How Does
It Compare With What the Bible Says?
A commentary by
Edmond Macaraeg
United Church of God pastor, Philippines
Currently being shown in theatres across the United States and in many
other parts of the world is a movie titled The Day After Tomorrow. Directed
and co-produced by Roland Emmerich, this film depicts in graphic detail
and drama the quest for survival amidst the adverse effects of a cataclysmic
climatic change.
In the story, as a result of man's disregard for his environment,
the Arctic polar icecap melts (and to some extent, also Antarctica),
which in turn affects the ocean currents. This in turn creates multiple
tornadoes in California, massive flooding in New York and other unusual
weather disturbances in other parts of the world. This initial warming
is followed by sudden and severe cooling of the earth's northern
hemisphere, resulting in catastrophic death and destruction.
Of course, some have commented on the lack of scientific credibility
for the supposed sudden cause-and-effect relationship leading
to the chain of events depicted in the movie. But to many moviegoers
it is just another form of semi-real entertainment.
Lest we develop an attitude of skepticism, or come to believe erroneous
ideas about the future or perhaps adopt an "I don't care" attitude,
it is important that we sincerely look into the true facts concerning
the future (and our future) on these very important issues.
But how can we know? Is there a way to be sure about what will
actually and eventually happen? Where can we find the answers to these
questions? And more importantly, if or when it happens, is there a way
to escape such cataclysmic and horrible things?
First of all, let us recognize the existence of the universal law of
cause and effect. This simply means that when events happen, there is
a cause that creates the effect—the event. This is demonstrable
and observable. This law has always had, and will continue to have, a
significant impact and effect on our future and that of our planet earth.
Secondly, there is that unseen Creator of all called God. He established
all laws and set them in motion to automatically function as they have
been designed. Breaking His laws will break us. Evil deeds will reap
evil results. Punishment awaits the disobedient. Regardless of whether
we believe in Him or not, the laws He set in motion nonetheless affect
us (so perhaps it's time we personally proved His existence once
and for all!).
Thirdly, though generally disbelieved because of its invisible and deceptively
crafty nature, there is also an unseen evil power presently
in control of earth—including our atmosphere (compare Ephesians
2:2; Job 1:12, 18-19). The very fact that most do not even believe that
such evil power and forces exist simply demonstrates Satan's and
the demons' great success in that deception! Here, too, it's
time we stop assuming or ignoring the facts.
Beyond the depiction in the movie, the interplay of these factors and
forces at the close of this age (referred to in biblical language as "the
great tribulation" or the final three-and-a-half years), will produce
unbelievably horrifying events on a scale never seen before!
Rather than hail the size of grapefruit as shown in the movie, Revelation
16:21 foretells that the world will see hail crashing down that will
weigh about 30 to 80 kilograms (66-176 lbs.) – which is the weight
of a biblical "talent" according to scholars. Can you imagine
the destructive effects of such objects falling from the sky?
Rather than bitter cold, biblical prophecy shows that humanity will,
in addition, suffer famine, possibly caused by drought (Matthew 24:7),
and intense heat from the sun (Revelation 16:8-9).
Will this not obviously generate fires and great firestorms in a manner
never been witnessed by humanity? (Revelation 8:7).
Rather than a tidal wave as in the movie, which preserved the basic
structure of buildings in New York, prophecy instead foretells an earthquake
so great that mountains will be leveled and islands will disappear (Revelation
16:18-20). How will people survive this?
Many more unimaginable cataclysmic and terrifying events will occur
universally–not just to the northern hemisphere. Unlike in the
movie, there may be no place to hide—unless God protects us. But
as a loving, almighty Father, He can do anything in heaven and on earth
to supernaturally protect His obedient and humble chosen ones.
This should lead us to ask some sobering questions: Where will you be
when those events unfold? How can you and your loved ones survive? What
can you do now to avoid and prepare for those calamitous events?
 To
understand more and to be prepared for those horrible times ahead, request
or download The Book of Revelation Unveiled. Learn the
truth about what the Bible reveals regarding this coming time.
And remember
that your "day after tomorrow" will depend on
what you do today!
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