The Global Warming Gospel

Five years ago while I was walking through a business district in Bethesda, Maryland, a man from Greenpeace asked me to sign a petition to protest global warming. This man claimed the whole planet is getting warmer because of increasing carbon dioxide emissions. I responded by saying the global warming issue is a hoax and made reference to Genesis 8:22, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” The Greenpeace activist (who I found out knew the Lord) admitted he couldn’t contest that Scripture.

Still, there are activists trying to pressure people into preaching a global warming gospel. Last year the state of Maryland passed what became known as the “Rain Tax.” One Maryland county went so far as to offer churches an exemption if they preach on global warming. Over 30 churches have applied for this exemption, which could save them an average of $744 per year. Some pastors have even agreed to begin “green ministries.” Fortunately, Maryland Governor-elect Larry Hogan has promised to repeal this ridiculous law.

Now there will be a time during the Great Tribulation when the world experiences increased heat as a form of judgment. Revelation 16:9 says, “And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.” 2 Peter 3:10 also points out that when the Lord returns,  “…the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” As I heard one preacher say, “I don’t believe in global warming but I believe in global melting.”

On the other hand, Isaiah 49:10 says, “They shall neither hunger nor thirst, neither heat nor sun shall strike them; For He who has mercy on them will lead them, even by the springs of water He will guide them.” Regardless of the present state of the world, God always protects His people.

I agree man should be a good steward of this earth’s resources. Nevertheless, I advise Christian environmentalists concerned about “saving the planet” to focus on a cause far more important from an eternal perspective: saving the souls of men. Or as one friend of mine suggested: “How about signing a petition against global sinning?”

“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” - 2 Peter 3:13

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