Yes, there certainly is reason to believe that the world is getting worse and that evil is on the increase — in spite of our many scientific and technological advances.

Take the record of the last century, for example: two world wars and other conflicts that killed more people than all previous wars combined; 6 million Jews mercilessly killed in the Holocaust; millions more innocent civilians slaughtered by evil atheistic despots; more Christians martyred for their faith than at any other time in history. Or think of the violence and death we have seen in the last few years through senseless acts of terrorism and devastating natural disasters.

This has led many Bible scholars to conclude that we could be living in the last days before Christ’s return. The Apostle Paul wrote, “There will be terrible times in the last days. … Evil men and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:1, 13). Jesus declared that we “will hear of wars and rumors of wars. … Nation will rise against nation” (Matthew 24:6-7).

Why will it be like this? The reason, the Bible says, is because just before Christ returns Satan will lash out in one final burst of fury, seeking with all his might to block Christ’s victory. Does this alarm you? Don’t let it — because Christ, not Satan, will be victorious. In the meantime, put your faith in Christ, and “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12).