World Prosperity or Economic Collapse?

"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." (I Thess. 5:1-3 kjv)

Many prophets of the Apocalypse and Parousia of Christ often speak of "the coming economic collapse" as the impetus for the rise of antichrist and the judgments of the Book of Revelation. However, instead of first seeing worldwide economic collapse and civil war, as preludes to antichrist and the apocalypse, we should rather see worldwide economic prosperity, as well as peace and safety, just prior to and during the first part of the career of antichrist, and just prior to the seals, trumpets, and viols of the Apocalypse, or "the great tribulation." In a nutshell, these are the reasons.

1. In the Bible and in history the fall and destruction of the greatest civilizations were always preceded by their having reached their zenith in wealth and luxurious living while at the same time reaching their greatest depth in iniquity. Think of ancient Egypt, Babylon, Tyre, Sidon, Sodom, etc.

2. The "signs" or omens of the impending judgment of God as given in Scripture all show that the world will be greatly prospering and in peace and general safety when the judgment of God begins to fall upon it.

The opening verses certainly teach the fact that the world will be safe and prosperous immediately prior to the commencement of the judgment of God upon it. Other verses indicate the same.

The conclusion of the matter? If we are indeed within years of the commencement of the Apocalypse, then we will see the world continue to prosper and enjoy relative, yet fragile, peace. I believe that the next few years, leading up to "the time of the end," will be prosperous indeed. Technology will be one of the ways and means that it will be brought about.