Material Abundance In The End Times

The world of the post-Industrial Revolution is one of vast material wealth, where average citizens enjoy a lifestyle that in generations past would have been the envy of kings and queens. Yet, in spite of this great material prosperity, most of the world ignores God, believing Him to be irrelevant in their quest for personal happiness. Unfortunately, this will not change in the near future.

In the coming days, the indulgent opulence of this world will only increase. For the bible reveals that, in the last days, the world will be a place of unprecedented material wealth and abundance.

Ironically, emerging technological developments also augur a world of unrivaled wealth and prosperity. And the catalyst for this great boom will be a technology of tremendous power.

The Coming Era of Molecular Manufacturing

A significant breakthrough is on the near-term horizon for mankind. The development of a revolutionary technology known as molecular manufacturing (MM) promises to usher in a new era of material abundance never experienced in the history of mankind, and it promises to do so in an extremely short timeframe.

Molecular manufacturing is the ability to manufacture products from the bottom up, one molecule at a time, with atomic precision. The central component necessary for the development of molecular manufacturing is a fabricator. A fabricator is a nano-scale device capable of precisely positioning molecules. Once a fabricator has been created, humans can use computer software to direct the fabricator to secure and position compounds at the precise locations where chemical reactions occur. Using this method, a network of fabricators working in tandem (i.e. “a nanofactory”) could construct atomically perfect objects of any size by repeating this process over and over. A simplified way to visualize this concept is to think of a fabricator as an atomic magnet able to attract and repel molecules.

Once achieved, this advancement will result in an almost endless number of relatively cheap products whose flexibility, durability, and power will rival today’s products by several orders of magnitude.

Staggering Wealth Will Be Created

It’s quite difficult to underestimate the implications of such a revolutionary technological breakthrough. The process of molecular manufacturing will eliminate much of the cost built into today’s consumer products, costs such as manual labor, shipping, warehousing, distribution, factory overhead, and raw inputs. In fact, in many cases, common dirt contains most of the molecules necessary for manufacturing the most popular consumer goods. This means that MM will literally make most products “dirt cheap.”

As Mike Treder and Chris Phoenix point out in their paper “Challenges and Pitfalls of Exponential Manufacturing”:

”Exponential general-purpose molecular manufacturing obviously would be worth at least hundreds of billions of dollars, and perhaps hundreds of trillions. It is only a matter of time before the technology arrives, and when it does, the consequences could be staggering.”

Human Creativity Will Be Unleashed

Molecular manufacturing will unleash an explosion of human creativity as information becomes more valuable than most of the world’s physical objects. The need for most of today’s workers will disappear, and with most of their necessities provided in abundance, people will be able to spend their leisure time engaged in creative pursuits.

As Mike Treder and Chris Phoenix further explain in “Challenges and Pitfalls of Exponential Manufacturing,” this creative explosion will markedly increase the productivity, size, and reach of the global economy:

”Given a portable, self-contained, self-building factory system that can make a wide range of products directly from blueprints in essentially unlimited quantities, it should not be difficult to design and rapidly construct new products, whenever and wherever desired. An explosion of creativity similar to the World Wide Web could develop quickly. The good news is that general-purpose exponential manufacturing could create a level of low-cost abundance far beyond the capabilities of any present-day economy.”

This low-cost availability will be enabled by the combined power of desktop manufacturing, computer software, and the Internet. Just as today’s software, music, and book downloads are sold at a fraction of the cost of their retail counterparts, tomorrow’s physical goods will be downloadable as well.

In the same article, Treder and Phoenix further elaborate on the effects of molecular manufacturing:

”If personal nanofactories were ubiquitous, then their products would be readily available. The only limits would be raw materials – which would be completely renewable – and licensing fees for the products. If a product design were created and given away, as Linux is given away, anyone who wanted or needed one could have it. Any product that could alleviate poverty or suffering might be instantly available to everyone. As soon as a need was recognized, designers and programmers would be motivated by the desire to gain reputation through filling the need and by the knowledge that their work could improve the lives of millions of people.”

In What Timeframe Will This Occur?

The Center for Responsible Nanotechnology estimates that it won’t be long before molecular manufacturing is developed. In “Estimating a Timeline for Molecular Manufacturing,” they state:

”Assuming all this theory works – and no one has established a problem with it yet – exponential general-purpose molecular manufacturing appears to be inevitable. It might become a reality by 2010 (assuming the possibility, which we can’t rule out, that a large, well-funded, secret development program has been in operation somewhere for several years), likely will by 2015, and almost certainly will by 2020. When it arrives, it will come quickly. MM can be built into a self-contained, personal factory (PN) that makes cheap products efficiently at molecular scale. The time from the first fabricator to a flood of powerful and complex products may be less than a year.”

Essentially what this means is that sometime between tomorrow and the year 2020, molecular manufacturing will become reality. And when it arrives, the world will be turned upside down.

What Does All This Mean?

What this means is that sometime very soon the world will experience great social tribulation and economic upheaval as the revolutionary changes of molecular manufacturing are thrust upon an unsuspecting global population. However, assuming a small group of people doesn’t monopolize the technology for themselves, the benefits of molecular manufacturing will quickly lead to an unprecedented degree of material abundance throughout the world.

And for those who are patiently awaiting the earthly return of Jesus Christ, the development of molecular manufacturing will bring with it many of the signs associated with the time period just prior to His return. For the bible states that, in the end times, the world will experience great social, political, and economic upheaval. And the bible also tells us that, in the end times, the world will become hypnotized by the creation of never-before-seen physical beauty, wealth, and prosperity.

John’s Amazement

The unparalleled material prosperity of the end times generation is clearly illustrated in Chapters 17 and 18 of the Book of Revelation, where the apostle John is allowed to view the City of Babylon, the world center of commerce in the last days. The following verse summarizes his reaction:

”I stared at her in complete amazement.” Revelation 17:6 (NLT)

Many commentators believe John is left speechless because of the utter debauchery he witnesses in this vision, yet up to this point in time, John has been blessed with many extraordinary visions of the future. And none of them left him speechless and “staring in complete amazement.” Could it be that he was simply mesmerized by the worldly temptations available to those who inhabit this world of endless material abundance? Let’s examine what the bible says.

A Place of Extravagant Luxury

According to the bible, the earth – and particularly the city of Babylon – will be home to extravagant luxury in the last days:

”merchants throughout the world have grown rich as a result of her luxurious living.” Revelation 18:3 (NLT)

In fact, the desires of an overwhelmingly materialistic society will lead to great arrogance and pomposity on the part of the human race:

”She glorified herself and lived in luxury, so match it now with torment and sorrow. She boasted in her heart, ‘I am queen on my throne. I am no helpless widow, and I have no reason to mourn.’” Revelation 18:7 (NLT)

The following passages continue to point out the unparalleled luxury of the City of Babylon in the last days, citing her wealth as the source of worldwide weeping in the aftermath of her destruction:

”And the kings of the world who committed adultery with her and enjoyed her great luxury will mourn for her as they see the smoke rising from her charred remains.” Revelation 18:9 (NLT)

As the bible makes clear, the end times will be a period of great material abundance. From the materialistic viewpoint of the world’s inhabitants, life on earth will resemble heaven. But due to their excesses, arrogance, and rampant sin – from a spiritual standpoint – the world will resemble hell.

The Church in the Last Days

In His message to the seven churches, Jesus issued a grave warning concerning the evils of materialism and arrogance. And although this warning is relevant to every Christian throughout the ages, it is thought by many to be a message specifically tailored to those living in the last days:

”Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen – the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation: ‘I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me – gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.’” Revelation 3:14-19 (NLT)

The Christian churches of this generation bear a striking resemblance to the one Jesus describes in the passage above. Today’s church is one of passive indifference toward Jesus. Self-reliance, or reliance upon personal development mantras and gurus, has replaced reliance upon God. The prosperity gospel of “ask and ye shall receive” has replaced the salvation gospel of Christ and the cross. In many instances, contentment with one’s career, social, or economic status has replaced the need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In effect, the pagan god of materialism has become the object of our worship, and this is a road that leads to utter ruin.

God’s Work

The people of the end times will be lovers of self – greedy, arrogant, and self-centered. But those who believe in Christ should ignore selfish desires and concentrate of the work of God, an endeavor which will provide everlasting dividends:

”Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of real life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NLT)

Material abundance should never be used to fulfill our own selfish desires. Instead, it should provide a position of strength from which we can serve others. Jesus used the stories of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16:19-31) and the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21) in order to illustrate the folly of abusing one’s position of material abundance. Whether poor or wealthy in this world, the ultimate goal of each and every person should be a rich and rewarding relationship with Jesus Christ.

Deception In The End Times

According to bible, the end times will be marked by widespread deception, counterfeit miracles, and the appearance of false prophets. Each of these evils will contribute to an atmosphere that will deceive an untold number of people throughout the world.

Almost 2,000 years ago, Jesus warned us about this time period:

”For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.” Matthew 24:24 (NLT)

What’s most interesting about this passage is not that false messiahs and false prophets will appear in the end times. We’ve witnessed such people firsthand in every generation since Christ first spoke these words. What stands out concerning these false prophets and false messiahs is that their great signs and wonders will be so amazing they will be capable of deceiving God’s chosen ones (if such were possible). These aren’t everyday signs and wonders. They must truly be astounding to have such an affect!

These signs and wonders will deceive people who believe they are supernatural acts of God. Instead, they will be of satanic origin. Paul revealed the reason for this deception in his letter to Timothy:

”For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NLT)

In the last days, people will be fooled because they want to be. Although this seems counterintuitive, it’s true. People will believe in the signs and wonders they witness because they want to believe the lies and false promises that accompany them.

Ultimately, a lot of people will be hoodwinked by a master of deception who will feed their itching ears with exactly what they want to hear. In the years leading up to Christ’s return, the world will be misled by the greatest false prophet in human history, the Antichrist.

Deception By The Antichrist

Spiritual deception will be rampant during the seven year rule of the Antichrist. According to the prophet Daniel, the Antichrist will be a master of deception:

”He will be a master of deception and will become arrogant; he will destroy many without warning.” Daniel 8:25 (NLT)

Like every false messiah before him, the Antichrist will convince his followers he is the answer to the world’s problems. Paul tells us that those who become caught in the Antichrist’s web of deceit will be guilty because they freely choose to enjoy evil while denying the truth:

”He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 (NLT)

Those who will be deceived are not innocent victims. They will not be condemned simply for being tricked. Instead, they will be condemned because, knowing the truth, they chose evil instead. To this end, the miracles of the Antichrist will play a pivotal role in the demonic deception that will cause the world to gather for battle against the Lord. In the Book of Revelation, John describes these evil forces as able to perform “miracles”:

”He did astounding miracles, even making fire flash down to earth from the sky while everyone was watching.” Revelation 13:14 (NLT)

”And I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs leap from the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. They are demonic spirits who work miracles and go out to all the rulers of the world to gather them for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty.” Revelation 16:13-14 (NLT)

These passages make it clear that demonic forces will perform astounding miracles in the last days. But what will these miracles be? And if “even the elect of God” could be fooled by them, how can average people protect themselves from being deceived?

The Deceptive Potential of Molecular Manufacturing

In earlier writings, we’ve examined the enormous power of molecular manufacturing (MM). This technology will effectively provide humanity with total control over all matter in the physical world. Able to break and create chemical bonds with atomic precision, molecular manufacturing will provide humanity with unprecedented power.

If the Antichrist were to administer the world’s molecular manufacturing capability, he could easily rule the entire world. And the abilities of this revolutionary technology would provide him with a powerful means for deceiving its people.

Perceived Peace On Earth

As stated in a previous article, the development of molecular manufacturing will inevitably lead to a global government given the severe consequences of competing nation states having simultaneous possession of this powerful technology. With a single unified government, and the inability of conventional arms to counter the immense power of MM, it will appear to most people that war is forever a part of humanity’s past.

However, only Jesus Christ can bring a lasting world peace. Without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, man’s fallen nature consumes him with a desire to acquire what he does not have. This is the root cause of all human conflict:

”What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn’t it the whole army of evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can’t possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don’t have what you want is that you don’t ask God for it. And even when you do ask, you don’t get it because your whole motive is wrong – you only want what will give you pleasure.” James 4:1 (NLT)

Despite the continuation of this wickedness in the heart of humanity, the world could appear to be at peace due to the extraordinary power of a global government in possession of molecular manufacturing. Such circumstances could lull the population of the world into believing this false peace is eternal and deceive most of the world into worshiping the Antichrist:

”They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they worshiped the beast.” Revelation 13:4 (NLT)

Can you begin to see how the world could be deceived?

Counterfeiting the Miracles of Christ

It’s easy to see how a Christ-rejecting world could fall prey to the deceptions of the Antichrist. With the aid of molecular manufacturing, the Antichrist could replicate many of the miracles of Christ.

Molecular manufacturing will enable the construction of nanoscale devices capable of repairing, rebuilding, and restoring almost every aspect of a human’s physical body. These devices could be used to regenerate cells, tissues, organs, and even entire systems within the human body. As a result, nearly every healing miracle performed by Christ will be available during the era of molecular manufacturing. Just a few of the capabilities of MM are listed below:

1) Restoration of vocal abilities for the mute.
2) Reversal of paralysis for those with spinal cord injuries.
3) Restoration of sight for the blind.
4) Restoration of auditory abilities for the deaf.
and
5) The curing of just about any physical disease now afflicting humans.

In effect, molecular manufacturing will herald an era in which “the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will walk, the mute will speak, and the sick will be healed.”

This is reminiscent of one of Isaiah’s most famous messianic prophecies:

”Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.’ And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!” Isaiah 35:4-6 (NLT)

According to Isaiah, all this will happen when “God comes.”

Can you begin to see how the world could be deceived?

Turning Water Into Wine

Even the ability to turn water into wine will be possible with molecular manufacturing. Remember, naturally occurring chemical processes create both water and wine. With molecular manufacturing, humans will have the ability to break and create chemical bonds at the precise location where chemical reactions occur. With the proper software application, a special purpose nanofactory, and the availability of all the elements necessary to form the chemical compounds most commonly found in wine, MM could easily transform water into wine.

Is it any wonder the world could be deceived?

Feeding 5,000 With 5 Loaves of Bread and Two Fish

Essentially every element necessary to create a loaf of bread or a fish is present in dirt. With the molecular blueprint for a fish or a loaf of bread, a nanofactory could rearrange the molecules found in a small pail of dirt (discarding those molecules which are unnecessary) and create a fish or a loaf of bread. With enough dirt, a person in possession of a nanofactory could feed five thousand people. In fact, the number of fish or loaves of bread that could be created is only limited by the amount of dirt available for use.

Now can you begin to see how the world could be deceived?

Conclusion

The end times will be a time of great spiritual darkness, cultivated by the demonic deceptions of the Antichrist. Molecular manufacturing could be one of the tools at his disposal, with its perceived ability to end war, cure physical ailments, and literally turn dirt into an abundance of material objects.

In such a world, it’s easy to see how people could be mesmerized by such power. But placing one’s faith in technology or human beings – or anything other than God Himself – leads only to destruction.

Unfortunately, this will be the choice of the end times generation. Human beings will become drunk with their own power, believing themselves to be superior to God Himself. This arrogant mindset combined with unimaginably powerful technology will eventually lead to a physical confrontation between fallen mankind and the King of kings, Jesus Christ. The prophet Isaiah foresaw this day, as well as the futility of those who would place their faith in that which is merely human:

”Don’t put your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. What good are they?” Isaiah 2:22 (NLT)

This is a brilliant observation, instructive to any generation. Instead of placing your faith in fallen mankind and the material things of this world, put your faith in Jesus Christ. If you do, God promises you will not be disappointed:

”And anyone who believes in Him will never be disappointed.” 1 Peter 2:6 (NLT)

Is this the foundation upon which you’ve built your life? Or do you trust in the things of this world? If so, you’re only setting yourself up to be deceived.