End of Mayan Calendar 2012--Might 2012 Mean Something?
Mayan Calendar Date 2012 in Prophecy--What is the Value? Mayan calendar predictions, 2012, end of the world? So far, there have been at least 32 at least partially fulfilled 2012 prophecies/predictions.

By COGwriter

The Mayan 2012 end of the calendar date has hit, and what this article said would and would not happen was correct.

The article remains here for historical interest.

But before going to the article, let me quickly list 32 predictions in the book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect that were at least partially confirmed by items in the news after the book came out in the Summer of 2009 and by December 22, 2012:

1.  2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect teaches that the U.S. dollar will ultimately be worthless with another currency (with European involvement) taking its place in the world (see Chapters 7-8 and Appendix B)—in process.
2.  2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect explains that the Vatican will continue to expand its ecumenical policies and compromise in order to ultimately lure most of the Protestants and Orthodox into unity with the Church of Rome (Chapter 3 & 10)—and it has taken steps to do so.
3. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect clearly warns that a major united European empire power will rise up (Chapter 5)—it officially has now started to.
4. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns that U.S. President Obama will encourage the rise of a European power to the ultimate peril of the U.S.A. (Chapter 8)—he did.
5.  2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect teaches that a temporary peace deal involving the Middle East with seven-year confirmation from a European leader (cf. Daniel 9:26-27) must occur and then be broken (Chapters 5 & 8)—in process.
6. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect explains that, the world in general and the Europeans in particular, will find it useful to greatly increase gold reserves to restore confidence in paper currencies (Appendix B)—in process.
7. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns that the Large Hadron Collider, which was not functional when the book came out, would likely develop technologies to be used militarily by the coming European power (p. 85)—in process.
8. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns that the USA will continue to greatly increase its debt (Chapter 8)—it has.
9. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warned that, “Because of domestic economic concerns and international pressures, Barack Obama is shifting priorities away from defense spending…” This will help lead to the destruction of the United States, when the Europeans are ready and the U.S.A. is not” (Chapter 8, p. 147)—in process.
10. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns that “for the daily sacrifices to stop, they will have had to start” (Appendix B, pp. 302-303)—a sacrificial altar is now ready in Israel.
11.  2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect explains that the leadership of the Orthodox Church will ultimately support a council to lure most Eastern Orthodox into unity with the Church of Rome, as will many Protestants (Chapter 10)—public statements prove this is getting closer.
12. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns that there will likely be gaps in the U.S. G.P.S. system and this may require the U.S. military to rely on the upcoming European Galileo system (essentially an upgraded and European developed version of G.P.S) to meet that gap (Chapter 5, pp. 84-85)—fulfilled.
13. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns that there may be civil unrest in Europe (Chapters 5 & 16)—fulfilled, but still in process.
14. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns that there may be sorrows and “squatter rebellions” in the USA by the end of 2012 (pp. 127-128)—fulfilled, but still in process.
15. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns that apparitions that some people will claim to be Mary of the Bible may be used as part of the ecumenical religion that will arise and call itself Catholic (Chapter 6, pp. 113-117)—in process.
16. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns (through quoting Habakkuk 2:7) that foreign creditors “will rise up” against the USA (Chapter 8, pp. 131-132, 148)—in process.
17. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns that Barack Obama will cause people to err and not discourage, but instead encourage, biblical sin (Chapter 8, pp. 130,148)—fulfilled and in process.
18. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns that Barack Obama will help enable the rise of a multi-national leader of an Islamic confederation that the Bible refers to as the King of the South (Chapter 8, p. 132)—fulfilled and in process.
19. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns that China may end up with at least part of Australia (pp. 323, 367)—in process.
20. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warned that there will be “Odd weather patterns...and natural disasters... It is the beginning of sorrows” (Chapter 16, p. 240)—fulfilled and in process.
21. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns that a multi-national Islamic confederation will form wanting an Imam or similar, consistent with biblical prophecies for the King of the South (see Chapter 8, pp. 131-134)—in process.
22. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns that because some will partially rely on a Shi’ite prophecy that Iran has indicated points to Barack Obama, they should NOT rely on that “Imam Mahdi” and may do so to their parallel  (see Chapter 8, pp. 132-135)—in process.
23. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns about the U.S.A. losing technologically out, because of spending cuts (pp. 86,147).  The U.S.A. is down to only one particle collider—and this is an interesting indicator.
24. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns that during 2012 some would likely declare that a new age of peace is dawning (Chapter 17, pp. 253-254)—fulfilled by Barack Obama and others.
25. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect states that the world will not end in a flood on December 21, 2012 (this is mentioned in numerous places in the book)—this was completely correct.
26. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect states that Jesus would not return on December 21, 2012—this was completely correct.
27. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect states that the world will not be destroyed by a solar storm by December 21, 2012 this was completely correct.
28. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect states that the world will not be destroyed by high heat by December 21, 2012 this was completely correct.
29. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect states that the Great Tribulation could not start as early as December 21, 2012—this was completely correct.
30. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect states that some will interpret the lack of the apocalypse on December 21, 2012 as verification that an era of an age of peace is beginning —and while this truly is not the biblical age of peace this—prediction was completely correct.
31. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect states that related to December 21, 2012 some will scoff and denounce end of the world prophecies, even those in the Bible—this was completely correct.
32. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect states that the December 21, 2012 would not mark the end of civilization—this was completely correct.

For more details, with direct news links, see World Events Line Up With at Least 32 Predictions Made in the Book: 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.

Most of the predictions in the book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect will be fulfilled AFTER December 21, 2012--but for that to have been true, many had to be at least partially confirmed prior to December 22, 2012--and dozens were.

When I was in Kenya in 2014, a leader with us came up to me and pointed out that he felt that there was a 33rd that was fulfilled. He pointed out the book stated, "This rising up of the secret sect may well become apparent to much of the world in 2012." And on December 28, 2012, the Continuing Church of God formed as a separate entity and this was learned by people all around the world.

As far as predictions fulfilled after 2012, on February 11, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI announced his intention to resign, which is consistent with my position in the book that I did not believe he was the final Antichrist (see also the news post Pope Benedict announces resignation! Might he fulfill Catholic prophecies and COGwriter speculation? and the YouTube video Will Pope Benedict's resignation lead to the prophesied Antichrist?).

Now, the historical article End of Mayan Calendar 2012--Might 2012 Mean Something?

December 21, 2012 is when the Maya’s “Long Count” calendar marks the end of a 5,125-5126-year era. 

Here is some information about it:

The date December 21st, 2012 A.D. (13.0.0.0.0 in the Long Count), represents an extremely close conjunction of the Winter Solstice Sun with the crossing point of the Galactic Equator (Equator of the Milky Way) and the Ecliptic (path of the Sun), what that ancient Maya recognized as the Sacred Tree. This is an event that has been coming to resonance very slowly over thousands and thousands of years. It will come to resolution at exactly 11:11 am GMT (All About 2012. http://www.greatdreams.com/2012.htm viewed 01/13/08).

While most people believe nothing other than some astronomical occurrences will happen then (and the Mayans were apparently correct about that according to certain astronomers), some believe that the Mayan 2012 date may mark the end of civilization or perhaps the beginning of a time of great tribulation. It is also getting increasingly popular to refer to the astronomical event as the "galactic alignment" (Nostradamus and 2012. History Channel, original air date 01/04/09)--though most astronomers have difficultly identifying the center of the Milky Way galaxy (and hence many feel that there is no alignment event).

USA Today reported the following in an article titled Does Maya calendar predict 2012 apocalypse?:

Journalist Lawrence Joseph forecasts widespread catastrophe in Apocalypse 2012: A Scientific Investigation Into Civilization's End. Spiritual healer Andrew Smith predicts a restoration of a "true balance between Divine Feminine and Masculine" in The Revolution of 2012: Vol. 1, The Preparation. In 2012, Daniel Pinchbeck anticipates a "change in the nature of consciousness," assisted by indigenous insights and psychedelic drug use...

Part of the 2012 mystique stems from the stars. On the winter solstice in 2012, the sun will be aligned with the center of the Milky Way for the first time in about 26,000 years. This means that "whatever energy typically streams to Earth from the center of the Milky Way will indeed be disrupted on 12/21/12 at 11:11 p.m. Universal Time," Joseph writes (G. Jeffrey MacDonald. Does Maya calendar predict 2012 apocalypse? USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2007-03-27-maya-2012_n.htm viewed 01/14/08).

What the records actually were intended to mean by the ancient (pre-Columbian) Mayans (pronounced "Myans") is unknown and has been subject to a lot of debate. But literally, the destruction of the planet seems to be shown by some.

When the Spaniards came across the Mayans, they considered them to have pagan practices associated with the devil. Because of that, once they conquered them, they began to burn and otherwise destroy most of the writings of their civilization (known as codices), most notably under the direction of Bishop Diego de Landa. One Catholic, however, intervened and prevented three from being destroyed. These Mayan codices are now known as the Madrid, Dresden, and Paris codices. There also is a fourth, the Grolier codex, whose authenticity is sometimes disputed, but may be genuine--only a few pages from it survive. From time to time, other fragments of Mayan drawings of this period have also been found. The Dresden Codex contains the highest amount of astronomical observations and calculations of any of the surviving pre-Columbian texts. There are also nine writings called Chilam Balam (meaning "oracular priest" "jaguar") that seem to combine Mayan and Spanish beliefs that came from the late 15th/early 16th century (some of the beliefs seem to have come from no later than the 12th century, including what many believe to be the fulfilled Mayan prophecy about the arrival of the white man "bearded guests from the east"--thus some believe that there will be many fulfilled Mayan prophecies). The Chilam Balam contains the most explicit 2012 Mayan calendar predictions (and other Mayan calendar cycle predictions).

One writer (probably Robert Bast who has his own "wiki") has stated this about the Mayans and the calendar:

Like the Aztec and Inca who came to power later, the Maya believed in a cyclical nature of time. The rituals and ceremonies were very closely associated with celestial/terrestrial cycles which they observed and inscribed as separate calendars. The Maya priest had the job of interpreting these cycles and giving a prophetic outlook on the future or past based on the number relations of all their calendars. They also had to determine if the "heavens" or celestial matters were appropriate for performing certain religious ceremonies (Mayan Civilization. http://2012wiki.com/index.php?title=Maya_civilization viewed 01/14/08).

The actual Wikipedia states this about a Maya calendar 2012:

The Mesoamerican Long Count calendar forms the basis for a New Age belief, first forecast by José Argüelles, that a cataclysm will take place on or about 21 December 2012 (Maya Calendar. Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_calendar viewed 01/14/08).

On two different programs, The History Channel claimed:

The Mayan calendar seems to say that the world will end in 2012 (Crowley, Phil. 2012, Decoding the Past. Original air date 03/01/07).

The ancient Maya have prophesied that the world will come to the end on 13 Baktun on their current calendar. This date translates to December 21st, 2012...A new age may occur...

Others...see destruction...

The last page of the Dresden codex actually shows the destruction of the world via water...

This graphic illustration depicts the destruction of the earth by flood...

Others see it as a day of rebirth...

Others see it literally, with very severe consequences (Mayan Doomsday Prophecy, Decoding the Past. Original air date 08/03/06).

So we see two interpretations from different sources that indicate that either something terrible or something very good will happen in or near the end of 2012.

At least two Mayan artifacts bearing inscriptions pointing to the December 2012 date have been found (the Tortuguero monument and Comalcalco brick, though the precise date is less clear on the Comalcalco brick) but precisely what they point to happening is not clear (Stevenson M. Mexico adds yet another brick to the 2012 Maya legend.  AP, November 25, 2011.  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45438811/ns/technology_and_science-science/#.TtJVNPKAFrN). Some believe they portend disaster, others that they simply point to the end of the 13th  baktun--but many are intrigued since they do point to 2012.

Perhaps I should add that most 2012 Mayan predictions seem to be based upon Western interpretation of the calendar and Mayan drawings as opposed to what the Mayans themselves have ever publicly taught throughout history.

Other Comments on 2012

On The History Channel, Steve Alten, author of Domain, stated:

The four prior cycles all ended in destruction. So when we talk about the Mayan doomsday prophecy, we're talking about the end of the fifth cycle, the very last day, which equates to December 21, 2012 (Mayan Doomsday Prophecy, Decoding the Past. Original air date 08/03/06).

The History Channel narration after the preceding comment immediately was:

This means the fifth and current cycles, like its predecessors, will also end in destruction (Mayan Doomsday Prophecy, Decoding the Past. Original air date 08/03/06).

While I do not believe that the end will come then, I do believe that we are getting close to the time of the destruction of civilization as we know it.

Perhaps I should mention that some believe that a comet or asteroid will hit the earth in 2012. Notice this headling: Believers in Mysterious Planet Nibiru, Comet Elenin Await Earth's End (FOX News - July 24, 2011). And while something could hit the earth in 2012, I do not believe that it is possible to have any of such major magnitude in 2012 (see also When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2012, 2013, 2014, or 2015?).

Now there is a relic commonly called the "Aztec calendar stone" (some claim it is technically not Aztec) or the Mexica Sun Stone which is currently in a museum in Mexico City is believed by some to point to destruction. The legends regarding it are similar to some of the Mayan ones:

The real name of the Calendar Stone was Cuauhtlixicalli (or literally, the "House of the Eagle," or "Eagle Bowl," or, closest to the real meaning of its name, "The Vessel of Time"). It was not a calendar in a restricted, modern sense, but a complex, sophisticated almanac for divination...the Aztecs believed that the world had been destroyed four times before... According to Aztec astronomer priests, our Fifth Sun, which began 5,106 years ago, is supposed to come to an end between December 21st and Christmas eve, 2012. (Joseph F, Stichin Z, eds. Discovering the mysteries of ancient America: lost history and legends, unearthed and explored. PublisherCareer Press, 2006 pp. 78, 79, 82)

This may be why some have pointed to December 23, 2012 as a possible date of total destruction. But again, that seems a bit too early for total destruction (though it is not too early for a rough period known as "the beginning of sorrows").

Regarding the Book titled The Mayan Prophecies

Some who read the Mayan works also compared those writings to the modern science of astronomy. Many were intrigued by the fact that a major astronomical alignment was believed to occur about the same time as the Mayan calendar indicated that something major was to occur. This, combined with the Drseden codex, is what led to many Mayan calendar interpretative predictions.

Here is some additional information from the website of Adrian Gilbert, co-author of the book The Mayan Prophecies (the other co-author is Maurice Cottrell):

The Mayans had rather similar beliefs to the Aztecs though with some major differences of emphasis. Several of their bark-books have been preserved showing their amazing knowledge and fascination with astronomy.The most important of these was what is now called the "Dresden Codex", named after the town in whose library it was lodged. This strange book, inscribed with unknown hieroglyphs, was written by Maya Indians who once ruled over much of Central America, the ruins of their once grand civilization littering the jungle. In 1880 a brilliant, German scholar, who was working as a librarian in Dresden at the time, turned his attention to this codex. By a process of extraordinary detective work he cracked the code of the Mayan calendar making it possible for other scholars and explorers to translate the many dated inscriptions to be found on buildings, stelae and other ancient Mayan artefacts. He discovered that the Dresden Codex itself was concerned with astronomy providing detailed tables of lunar eclipses and other phenomenon. These were so accurate that they put our own calendar to shame. He also found evidence for a curious "magic number"- 1,366,560 days, which could be factorised in a number of ways and which harmonised the cycles of Venus and Mars with two "yearly" cycles also used by the Maya: the sacred tzolkin of 260 days and the Haab of 365 days. However, he also found that they had another system of counting the days relative to a starting date, called the Birth of Venus and now known to be 13 August 3114 BC. This calendar was divided into "months" or uinals of twenty days, "years" or tuns of 360 days and longer periods of 7200 days, (the katun) and 144,000 days, (the baktun). The number 13 was magically important to the Mayans and they believed that, starting from the Birth of Venus, after 13 of these longest periods, or baktuns, the world would come to an end. This means that working from their start date for the present age of 13 August 3114 BC, this Mayan Prophecy points to a date for the end of the age which is in our own time: 22 December 2012...

In 1986 Maurice Cotterell put forward a revolutionary theory concerning astrology and sun cycles. He had for some years suspected that the sun's variable magnetic field had consequences for life on earth. The sun has a complex field which loops and twists itself into knots. It has long been suspected that these loops give rise to sunspots, which are dark blemishes on the sun's skin. The number, size and location of sunspots are constantly changing and as a former Radio Officer, Cotterell was well aware that they have profound effects upon the earth's magnetic envelope, the magnetosphere. Whilst working as Head of Electrical and Communications Engineering (Estates) at Cranfield Institute of Technology, he devised a program that would compute the relationship between the sun's magnetic field and the Earth. As expected his model predicted that there should be a sunspot cycle of roughly eleven and a half years, closely corresponding to what has been observed over several centuries. However, he also found graphic evidence for longer cycles including a period of 1,366,040 days. His work took a new turn when he read about the Mayan super number from the Dresden Codex: 1,366,560 days. This was exactly two 260 day cycles larger than his theoretical sunspot period. He therefore proposed that the two were related. As his earlier work on what he called Astrogenetics indicated that human fertility was dependent on the presence of sunspots, he now had evidence that the Mayan calendar was not arbitrary but was based on a knowledge of the effects of sunspots (http://www.adriangilbert.co.uk/docus/books/mayan.html).

A critical review of the The Mayan Prophecies book reported the following:

Gilbert appears to have written the 212 pages of main text, even summarizing Cotterell's work in his own voice, while Cotterell provides 100 pages of mathematically complex appendices which the casual reader will find impenetrable. These are supposed to provide the rigorous scientific evidence for Cotterell's end-date cataclysm theory, which is as follows. Sunspot cycles give rise to larger solar aberrations in which the sun's magnetic field periodically reverses, causing the earth's pole to shift and thus resulting in cataclysm. According to Cotterell, the solar reversals come in groups of five, which together make a grand cycle of 18,139 years. The five "ages" are not all of the same length, due to complex solar rhythms which Cotterell modelled on a computer using only three variables. Three of the ages last 3553 years each while two last 3740 years each. These are supposed to correspond to the Mayan or Aztec myth of five (or four) ages. A key number here is the number of days in 3740 years (using 365.25 days per year): 1366035. This number is "close" to a number in the Dresden Codex, written in Long Count notation as 9.9.16.0.0. This corresponds to a date in 627 A.D., which is 1366560 days after the so-called Long Count "zero date" back in 3114 B.C. The closeness of these numbers is supposed to demonstrate that the Maya were aware of sunspot cycles, solar magnetic field reversals, and that is why the Long Count pinpoints 2012 A.D. as a cataclysmic World Age destruction. "From his studies... Cotterell has concluded that the Maya prophecy for the end of the fifth age concerns a reversal of the earth's magnetic field - around 2012 A.D."

...The inner jacket cover reads: "The present world will end on December 22nd, 2012...So prophesied the Maya 5,000 years ago..." (Review-Essay of Mayan Prophecies by Gilbert and Cotterell, Element Books 1995. Book Review. October 18th, 1995. by John Major Jenkins c. Four Ahau Press, http://www.alignment2012.com/mproph.htm viewed 01/13/08).

The History Channel and other television sources have picked up on us, and now many people are concerned that December 21, 2012/December 22, 2012 will mark a time of destruction and the end of civilization. Several have looked into certain of the books premises and alleged facts and have disagreed with them.

A few people seem to believe that on the next day or so (December 22, 2012 or December 23, 2012) that this may mark the beginning of a new and better era for humanity. Personally, I suspect that the one who will become the European King of the North may be more obvious around that time and may claim (even possibly retrospectively) that he is bringing in the positive era that the Mayan calendar may indicate (the Bible indicates that a European Beast power will be aligned with a future changed version of the Roman Catholic Church).

Specifically, some "Catholics" (and others) seem to believe that there will come an "age of peace" before Antichrist (e.g. Birch, DA. Trial, Tribulation & Triumph: Before During and After Antichrist. Queenship Publishing Company, Goleta (CA), 1996, pp. xlii-xliii, 410), hence it would not surprise me if they claim that this new age begins (or more likely will have began) around December 22, 2012 (cf. Ezekiel 13:10-16).

However, the Bible shows that although people in many places will at first prosper because of this King of the North (Daniel 11:39; Revelation 18:3), that God will punish those who follow him (see Russia in Prophecy) or have his mark (666). Thus this is not going to be a biblically acceptable "age of peace"--and some Catholic writers also agree with my assessment.

Netherlands' Worries About a 2012 Flood

There is a Mayan monument that some have believed points to the end of the world in 2012:

“The Nine” are mentioned in an inscription on Monument 6 of the Mayan site of Tortuguero, in the Mexican state of Tabasco. The monument was erected in 669 AD and is one of the very few pre-Conquest sources that mention 2012. Various translations or partial translations of the inscription exist. This is the most common one: “At the next creation, the Bolon Yokte Ku, or Nine Support Gods, will return.” However, the actual word “return”, sometimes translated as “descent”, is not intact on the monument. Still, it is a safe conclusion to make that the missing word is return. Why? Because other Mayan sources reference the return of these deities at the ending of each baktun. Hence, they are expected to emanate on Earth in 2012 too. (Coppins P. 2012: The Return of the Nine. This article appeared in Sagengate Zeiten, Issue 6/2010, Vol. 12 and Frontier Vol 17.4, May-June 2011. http://www.philipcoppens.com/2012c_art1.html viewed 12/4/12)

...a German expert who says his decoding of a Mayan tablet with a reference to a 2012 date denotes a transition to a new era and not a possible end of the world as others have read it...The interpretation of the hieroglyphs by Sven Gronemeyer of La Trobe University in Australia was presented for the first time Wednesday at the archaeological site of Palenque in southern Mexico...He said the inscription describes the return of mysterious Mayan god Bolon Yokte at the end of a 13th period of 400 years, known as Baktuns, on the equivalent of Dec. 21, 2012. Mayans considered 13 a sacred number. There’s nothing apocalyptic in the date, he said. http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/americas/new-decoding-of-mexico-glyphs-rules-out-2012-apocalypse-says-it-is-new-era-in-mayan-calendar/2011/11/30/gIQAqU8gEO_story.html

I have seen other writings that suggest that the world when end when Bolon Yokte Ku (sometimes called Bolon Tzacab) returns. It is possible that after the Mayans came across the Spanish that they changed the name of the god to Jesus (others have noticed similarities between the two: http://www.thejesusalien.com/mayan-god-of-judgement-bolon-yokte-is-also-the-christian-god-jesus-christ/).

Notice that in the Chilam Balam (16th century) there is the following:

But when the law of the katun has run its course, the God will bring about a great deluge again which will be the end of the world. When this is over, then our Lord Jesus Christ will descend over the valley of Jehoshaphat beside the town of Jerusalem where he redeemed us with his holy blood (José Hoíl J, Roys R. The Book of Chilam Balam of Chumayel. Roys Publisher, 1933. Reprint Forgotten Books, 1967, p. 62).

The above is biblically, a false claim. 2012 is not the end of the world. That Mayan prediction is wrong. The Mayan flood prophecy will be proven false, whether it related to 2012 or not (Genesis 9). It may be that however wrote the Chilam Balam substituted the name Jesus Christ for Bolon Yokte/Yoke/Tzacab).

However, the people of the Netherlands have long been concerned about the possibility of a destructive flood killing many as much of that nation is below sea level. And partially because of the Mayan prophecies, some in the Netherlands are concerned that they may be predicting the destruction of their nation and perhaps others, like Belgium.

A "flood 2012" is a concern to some. Notice the following news item:

Many Dutch prepare for 2012 apocalypse

UPI - June 23, 2008 AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (UPI) —

Thousands of people in the Netherlands say they expect the world to end in 2012, and many say they are taking precautions to prepare for the apocalypse. The Dutch-language de Volkskrant newspaper said it spoke to thousands of believers in the impending end of civilization, and while theories on the supposed catastrophe varied, most tied the 2012 date to the end of the Mayan calendar, Radio Netherlands reported Monday.

De Volkskrant said many of those interviewed are stocking up on emergency supplies, including life rafts and other equipment. Some who spoke to the newspaper were optimistic about the end of civilization. “You know, maybe it’s really not that bad that the Netherlands will be destroyed,” Petra Faile said. “I don’t like it here anymore. Take immigration, for example. They keep letting people in. And then we have to build more houses, which makes the Netherlands even heavier. The country will sink even lower, which will make the flooding worse.” http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2008/06/23/Many_Dutch_prepare_for_2012_apocalypse/UPI-40461214263554/

The fact is that although Mayan prophecies do allude to flooding, the Netherlands will not be destroyed by a flood in 2012.

However, it is possible that a few years from then that it could have major flooding problems. Unlike most countries, since much of the Netherlands is below sea level, flooding is truly a national concern. But because I do not believe that massive flooding on that type of scale will likely occur until sometime after “the Day of the Lord” begins (which is 2 1/2 years after the Great Tribulation begins), I believe that the most destructive flooding cannot occur before 2016, and most likely will not be for one or more years after that.

And yes, I know that there has been flooding in the USA and elsewhere (see Midwest Flooding and Myanmar). But the type of deadly destruction that the 2012 prophecies appear to be referring to is not likely to happen until a few years AFTER 2012--but prophesied problems may happen in 2012.

ABC News reported that it is not just the Dutch:

Thousands Worldwide Prepare for the Apocalypse, Expected in 2012

Two years ago, Patrick Geryl, then 51, quit his job as a laboratory worker for a French oil company. He'd saved up just enough money to last him until December 2012. After that, he thought, he wouldn't need it anyway...

“You have to understand, there will be nothing, nothing left,” Geryl told ABC News from his home in Antwerp, Belgium. “We will have to start an entire civilization from scratch.”

That’s because Geryl believes the world as we know it will end in 2012. He points to the ancient Mayan cyclical calendars, the longest of which last renewed itself approximately 5,125 years ago and is set to end again, supposedly with catastrophic consequences, in 2012. He speaks of the ancient Egyptians, who, he claims, saw 2012 as a year of great change too. And he points to science: NASA predicts a sharp increase in the number of sunspots and sun flares for 2012, he said, sure to cause electrical failures and satellite disruptions.

All this adds up, Geryl said, to unprecedented catastrophe. First, a polar reversal will cause the north to become the south and the sun to rise in the west. Shattering earthquakes, massive tidal waves and simultaneous volcanic eruptions will follow. Nuclear reactors will melt, buildings will crumble, and a cloud of volcanic dust will block out the sun for 40 years. Only the prepared will survive, Geryl said, and not even all of them.

These may sound like the ravings of a madman, or perhaps the head of a small apocalyptic sect. But Geryl is not the only one who believes in the apocalypse. Thousands of people worldwide seem to be preparing, in one way or another, for the end of days in 2012. Survival groups exist in Europe, Canada and the United States…

"We had Hurricane Katrina, the recent cyclone in Myanmar," Lehmann said. "We've got major flooding in Iowa. We're always going to have natural disasters. But they are picking up quite frequently now."

Lehmann said he eventually hoped to move away from Cape Girardeau, built on the banks of the Mississippi River, to the higher plains of southwest Missouri to keep safe from the floods sure to follow the earthquakes of 2012.

Geryl and his Belgian and Dutch followers have similar intentions, though their plan will take them much farther from home. They are looking to buy a plot of land high up in African mountains, where they'll be able to withstand the monstrous tidal waves and wait out the cloud of volcanic dust that they said would block out the sun.

Geryl said the group has recently zeroed in on a location, but won't reveal his find for fear of tipping off rival survival groups in the United States and Canada. On that land, Geryl's group, whose core membership consists of 16 people but whose wait list supposedly lists hundreds, will build concrete dwellings or outfit caves for survival...

When asked what would happen if December 2012 were to come and go without the earthquakes and tsunamis of his predictions, Geryl fell silent.

“I don’t really contemplate that possibility,” he said. “[My predictions] are so spectacular, they can’t possibly be wrong.” (Will the World End in 2012? ABC News, July 3, 2008. http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=5301284&page=1)

Since the above mentioned Canada a couple of times, Canadians may find the following article of interest Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada?

2012 Movie Reviews

I reviewed 2012 the Movie (by Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company and was invited by Sony to preview it prior to its official release) and also the trailer for it a few times. It, while consistent with one Mayan prediction, pushes the non-biblical position that the world will be destroyed by a flood (cf. Genesis 9:11-17) in 2012. The trailer also has the following statements:

HOW WOULD THE GOVERNMENTS OF OUR PLANET PREPARE SIX BILLION PEOPLE FOR THE END OF THE WORLD?

THEY WOULDN'T

2012

FIND OUT THE TRUTH

Despite claims, Mayan writings, movie trailers, "documentaries", and movies, the truth is that world will not end in 2012. (Though massive flooding, which Sony's movie implies, is likely to occur several years later.)

It is simply not possible according to the Bible for this to happen in 2012 (please also see Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?). Those who think it will, simply have been misled. And those looking for a place of protection, may wish to consult the Bible and not Patrick Geryl (for biblical information, please see the article There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra) nor Hollywood.

The Bible also teaches:

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Wallace Smith reported the following after seeing a preview for the movie:

As my wife and I walked into the local cinema, before us stood one of the largest movie advertisement displays I’ve ever seen.  It depicted a coastal city being completely ripped apart by unprecedented seismic activity—tossing vast swaths of the city into the sky and dumping entire neighborhoods into a hungry ocean.  It was a scene of utter devastation that clearly would have taken the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.  And it was a fitting advertisement for the movie 2012, the new End-Of-The-World epic written and directed by Roland Emmerich, coming out this November. (Smith W. 2012: The Hype and the Truth. LCG Commentary, July 18, 2009)

Now the end of the world (meaning the end of this age) will come soon--but it will not be until after 2012 for reasons that this article will indicate later.

A poster for Sony Picture's  2012 movie stated the following:

Who Will Be Left Behind?

2012

This is apparently intended to be a twist on Tim LaHaye's and Jim Jenkins' Left Behind series of books.  Sony's approach appears to be that most will be destroyed by a flood and only a few will be "left behind" to live.    The Left Behind series promotes the idea that "Christians" will be gone via a pre-tribulation "rapture" before the Great Tribulation and that those doomed to live under the reign of Antichrist will be "left behind"

Both ideas are in scriptural error (though Sony's implication that some will survive is correct).

But Sony took this a step further.  Notice what Wikipedia has written about one publicity stunt from Sony:

The studio also launched a viral marketing website operated by the fictional Institute for Human Continuity, where filmgoers could register for a lottery number to be part of a small population that would be rescued from the global destruction.

Sony Films' registration, of course, will not save anybody. But it was an unusual way to get attention.

Those truly interested in learning about the rapture hypothesis and who really will be protected during the coming Great Tribulation should study the article Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected?

And, it may be important to realize that the Bible does show that some type of flooding will occur and eliminate most of the islands of the world (please see Islands and Bible Prophecy), but I do not believe that this can occur until some years after December 21, 2012. Nor does the Bible allow for a worldwide destruction of all flesh through a flood:

8 Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying: 9 "And as for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you and with your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you: the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ark, every beast of the earth. 11 Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." (Genesis 9:8-11).

However, since the world cannot and will not be destroyed by a flood, I strongly suspect that many will decide that the Mayan prophecies should properly be interpreted to mean that the longed for age of peace is upon us--even though it will not be (Ezekiel 13:10).

The Bible is clear that there will not be another flood such as Noah experienced (Genesis 9:11-15), and it is good that the movie does not go quite to that degree.  Other scriptures show that the Great Tribulation and the later great earthquake (Revelation 16:18) (Earthquakes Today and Bible Prophecy) will not be that early (see Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? for more details).

Now, of course, there have been earthquakes in 2012. Including two very large ones near Indonesia. And some 2012 followers have suggested that the earthquakes in Mexico in April 2012 were related to the Mayan prophecies (see Signs of Apocalypse in Costa Rica, Ukraine, Mexico/Maya, Syria, Israel, Iran, and Europe?). One earthquake in 2012 was "the most powerful strike-slip quake ever recorded" (see Earthquakes Today and Bible Prophecy). Yet, what many do not realize is that the Bible warns of a time that Jesus called "the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:8 and that "earthquakes in various places" (Matthew 24:7) was one of those signs (more on the "beginning of sorrows" can be found in the article Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013?). While many prophetically-related events are happening in 2012, 2012 will not be the end of the world.

The Dresden Codex

As far as Mayan predictions (or what some assume are Mayan 2012 predictions), here is a picture of the last page of the actual Dresden Codex (from the 1880 Förstermann edition). This is the page that suggests to some that the world will end in a flood (and although massive flooding will occur, it will not be until after 2012, but will occur after the start of the Great Tribulation, please see Islands and Bible Prophecy):

The actual Dresden Codex, with lots of pages (and it is slow to download) is available at http://www.famsi.org/mayawriting/codices/dresden.html. Some have claimed that "Bolon Yokte Ku is portrayed on the last page of the Dresden Codex." (https://haecceities.wordpress.com/2010/12/26/2012-the-investiture-of-bolon-yokte%E2%80%99-k%E2%80%99uh/ or http://www.mexicolore.co.uk/index.php?one=azt&two=cal&id=391&typ=reg)

Now one interpretation is that the water is showing the world ending in a flood (and that is consistent with the Chilam Balam, which was written well after the Dresden Codex). Another interpretation could be that since the figures that the water is near have some black on them, that the water will cleanse the world of evil and a new day will dawn. It is also possible that the picture is not related to the 2012 date at all. Some have other ideas.

A phenomena called the "transit of Venus" occurs in 2012:

NASA - 2012 Transit of Venus

The last Venus transit was in 2004 so the second event of the pair will occur on Wednesday, June 6 (Tuesday, June 5 from the Western Hemisphere). The entire event will be widely visible from the western Pacific, eastern Asia and eastern Australia as shown in Figure 1. Most of North and Central America, and northern South America will witness the beginning of the transit (on June 5) but the Sun will set before the event ends. Similarly, observers in Europe, western and central Asia, eastern Africa and western Australia will see the end of the event since the transit will already be in progress at sunrise from those locations.

Wikipedia reports, "Transits of Venus are among the rarest of predictable astronomical phenomena. They occur in a pattern that repeats every 243 years, with pairs of transits eight years apart separated by long gaps of 121.5 years and 105.5 years."  NASA reports:

Transits of Venus are only possible during early December and early June when Venus's orbital nodes pass across the Sun. If Venus reaches inferior conjunction at this time, a transit will occur. Transits show a clear pattern of recurrence at intervals of 8, 121.5, 8 and 105.5 years. The next pair of Venus transits occur over a century from now on 2117 Dec 11 and 2125 Dec 08.  http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/transit/venus0412.html

Anyway, the as mentioned earlier, the last page of the Mayan Dresden Codex is believed to picture the transit of Venus.  Partially because it is such a rare occurrence and there is a transit of Venus in 2012, some have concluded that the Mayan Dresden Codex is pointing something happening in 2012.

Mark Van Stone at the website of the Foundation for the Advancement of MesoAmerican Studies, Inc. states:

In any case, p. 74 of the Dresden does indeed appear to be a Flood, maybe even the one described in the Popol Vuh...Except there are no people being washed away, nor other indications of destruction, except the black warrior God L, who also presided at the 4 Ajaw 3 Kumk'u Creation (3114 BC) on the Vases of the 7 Gods and of the 11 Gods...

The Dresden does contain some astronomical tables –:notably Venus cycle and Eclipse Tables, for example–: and some mysterious tables such as the Serpent-Numbers (those dealing with 37,000 BCE), but most of them are auguries, based on cycles of the Tzolk'in divided by 5, or 6, or 7, or 18, or other numbers of days. (Questions and answers http://www.famsi.org/research/vanstone/2012/comments.html viewed 12/27/11)

Also notice something from John Major Jenkins, an author and researcher on the Mayans since the late 1980s:

Ahau Sequence: The sequence of five day-signs related in the Dresden Codex which are used to predict the morningstar risings of Venus: Ahau, Kan, Lamat, Eb and Cib. This sequence also occurs in the same context in the Popol Vuh. (Jenkins JM. What is the Galactic Alignment? http://alignment2012.com/fap7.html viewed 12/27/11)

Some have indicated that one or more of the small astronomical tables (which are very difficult to read on the last page of the Dresden Codex) point to some type of "galactic alignment," perhaps involving Venus (others say not possible--they will be separated by over six months, but others feel that the Dresden Codex is only showing a sequence) and/or the Milky Way (others dispute that). But again, these are mainly modern Western interpretations of the Dresden Codex.

Back in 1906, notice some of what was written by Ernst Wilhelm Förstemann concerning the Dresden Codex:

COMMENTARY ON THE DRESDEN CODEX... This page can denote nothing but the end of the world, for which the serpent numbers have prepared the way. Perhaps what looks like a zero above the sign Eb in the stream of water may likewise point to this calamity. (Förstemann EW. Commentary on the Maya manuscript in the Royal public library of Dresden Papers of the Peabody Museum of American Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University. Translated by Selma Wesselhoeft, Alberta M. Parker. Publisher The Museum, 1906 Original from Harvard University Digitized Dec 14, 2005, p. 266)

Of course, different researchers have different opinions about what this means, but the world will not end in a flood according to Bible prophecy and nor can the world end on 12/21/2012.

The Start Dates of the Mayan Baktuns: The Mayan Calendar 2012 Cycle

The Mayan long-count calendar consists of cycles of time periods with different names.

The Mayan name for a day was k'in. Twenty of these k'ins are known as a winal (or uinal). Eighteen winals or 360 k'in make one tun. Twenty tuns are known as a k'atun. Twenty k'atuns make a b'ak'tun. There are also four rarely-used higher-order periods: piktun, kalabtun, k'inchiltun, and alautun (Mesoamerican Long Count calendar. Wikipedia viewed 4/20/08).

In the Chilam Balam there is the following:

You shall not call the katun which is to come a hostile one, when Jesus, the guardian of our souls shall come...

The katun is established at Chichen Itzá.  The settlement of the Itzá shall take place <there>.  The quetzal shall come, the green bird shall come.  Ah Kantenal  shall come.  Blood-vomit shall come.  Kukulcan  shall come with them for the second time.  <It is> the word of God. (José Hoíl J, Roys R. The Book of Chilam Balam of Chumayel. Roys Publisher, 1933. Reprint Forgotten Books, 1967, pp. 78, 111)

The katuns in these writings do not seem to be the same precise time periods, yet some feel that they are related to 2012.

These writings do document that there was some type of belief that some type of disaster ("blood-vomit") would come.  Blood-vomit may signify liquid (like a flood) or perhaps disaster.  And, perhaps because they were influenced by the Spanish missionaries, they suggest that Jesus would return (the Bible calls Jesus the "Word" and God).

It should probably be noted that Kulkulcan can mean "serpent" (ibid, p. 228) or "feathered serpent" (ibid, p. 261) and hence instead of Jesus returning, the second section above may be referring to a Satanic power rising up at a time of turmoil who claims his word is that of God. (Perhaps it should also be noted that the Chilam Balam hints that the church will be near or in a cave, and apparently those in Central America should head for the forest, for more details, please see There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra).

The History Channel declared:

The ancient Maya have prophesied that the world will come to the end on 13 Baktun on their current calendar. This date translates to December 21st, 2012...(Mayan Doomsday Prophecy, Decoding the Past. Original air date 08/03/06).

The following is the list of the start dates for 13 Baktuns:

Thus, the end of the 13th Baktun is coming fairly soon (some have pointed to August 13, 3113 as the start).

What About the Calendar Found in Guatemala Disproving the Mayan Doomsday?

In May 2012, it was announced that an older Mayan calendar was found that showed the world continuing for billions of years after December 21, 2012.

Well, the world as we know it will not do that, but it is true that the world will not end on December 21, 2o12. But the reality is that the later Mayan writing of the Chilam Balam does clearly teach that by the 1500s, Mayan priests believed that the world would end and be destroyed. And, as others have indicated, the Dresden Codex may be doing that as well. Just because some Mayans did not believe the world would end, does not mean that later Mayans all held the same position. For more on this, please check out the article Guatemala Mayan Calendar Does Not Show the World Ending in 2012.

I remain convinced that after the world does not end in a flood on December 21, 2012, some will point to the Mayan calendar as proof that a new age was predicted as opposed to doom. But the reality is that doom, like the Great Tribulation, will come, just not this early.

The End (the Great Tribulation) Cannot Begin Before 2015

The Bible shows that one is coming called "the King of the North." However, prior to being referred to as "the King of the North" he initially appears to be referred to as a "prince" (or rising leader) in Daniel 9:26-27 (one is normally a "prince" before one becomes a "king"). As this deal has still not been made, this would suggest that contrary to claims of various false prophets (Ronald Weinland of CGPFK comes to mind) the great tribulation will not begin prior to 2015--and at this instant, probably not prior to 2016.

The Great Tribulation will also not start before there is an actual King of the South and an actual King of the North)--and while the "prince" will apparently help make a deal with Israel (probably somewhat including the United States as part of the "many" in Daniel 9:27), Daniel 11:27 requires two kings, which suggests that the "prince" will gain more and more importance after the deal in Daniel 9:27 (for more information on the sequence of Daniel 11, please see the article the King of the North).

In the book of Daniel there is a prophecy related to the end times that states:

And the people of the prince who is to come
Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.
The end of it shall be with a flood,
And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate (Daniel 9:26-27).

While there have been various understandings of the above passage in Daniel 9 (and many falsely believe it requires a third temple to be built, please see Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?), the fact is that the Great Tribulation cannot start prior to 2015.

Why?

Simply because this agreement between the King of the North and Israel has apparently not yet occurred, thus the great tribulation cannot occur until about 3 1/2 years after it does. This means that unless this agreement occurred secretly and prior to April 2012, that the intense 3/12 year period of the great tribulation cannot occur before 2015!

If one adds 3 1/2 years to any current or future date, then a date of 2015 or later is the only period possible (and I believe it may be several years later than 2015). Thus, the Great Tribulation CANNOT occur in 2012 nor prior to 2014! (For more biblical analysis and commentary regarding Daniel 9:26-27, please see the article Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014?) Thus, there are several ways (including lack of a worldwide flood then) that show 2012 false.

(Perhaps it should be mentioned here that contrary to the claims of various self-appointed ones, a while ago I wrote that the Great Tribulation COULD NOT begin in 2008. A news item explaining more of the reasons why would be At Least Two Wrongly Claim Great Tribulation Will Begin in 2008).

However, we could be in a time of uncertainty known as "the beginning of sorrows" in 2012--and possibly it began prior to it.

Many "Independent" Sources Point to Something in 2012 or Shortly Thereafter

There are writings, legends, and calculations from a variety of sources (including the Bible) that indicate that the end will occur in the 21st century.

Notice an observation by Dr. R.C. Meredith:

Meanwhile, remember, my friends the speculation about “2012.” Millions have been deluded into believing that the “end of the world” will occur then. Or that the “Age of Aquarius” will begin then. Yet, the Bible does indicate that the rebellious wicked spirits who followed Satan do know certain things beyond what we humans sometimes know. And this is certainly indicating that next year, 2012, may be a very exciting year! Even apart from that, as a minister of Jesus Christ in His true Work for over 58 years, I clearly perceive that within the next three to six years truly awesome events will begin to take place! (Meredith, Roderick C. Tomorrow's World co-worker letter, May 9, 2011)

And while Dr. Meredith and I believe that 2012 is too early for the absolute end, we both have understood that several seem to point to that year for some type of major change--and changes have been experienced in 2012 already.

Perhaps one of the more fascinating non-biblical ideas is related to the Chinese I Ching. Although it slightly reminds me of the so-called Bible Code, there have been some calculations made apparently based upon looking at all the 64 possible combinations one can obtain by throwing the three discs and plotting the associated full and broken lines from using the I Ching:

Fractal time and the I Ching...

Various fringe scientists have tried to calculate this point of infinity, giving us calculated dates ranging from 2010 to 2050. Dates that many of us will live to see. Perhaps the date is Dec 22, 2012. Ethnobotanists and fractal time experts Terrence and Dennis McKenna believe so, and they present their ideas in Invisible Landscape: Mind Hallucinogens and the I Ching (1993).

Their studies began with the I Ching, which is composed of 64 hexagrams, or six-line figures. It struck them that 6 x 64 = 384, which is exceptionally close to the number of days in 13 lunar months (29.5306 x 13 = 383.8978), and that maybe the I Ching was originally an ancient Chinese calendar. Further multiples had astronomical significance...

The McKenna brothers arrived at the 2012 end date by using fractals. Starting from a table of differences between one hexagram and the next, they developed a Mandelbrot fractal in which each level is 64 times greater then the one below it. They then laid this fractal pattern on top of a time scale. The peaks and troughs of the pattern relate to the level of connectedness or novelty in any span of time, whether it covers a day, millennia or even since the beginning of time. By matching the levels of the pattern with key periods in history, they determined it would fit best if the end of the time scale was December 22, 2012. This is the only point in which the level of novelty reaches its maximum, and everything that happens is new (Bast R. Survive 2012. http://survive2012.com/why_2012_fractal.php viewed 04/12/08).

So, some believe that December 22, 2012 was long known as the date for the world as we know it to end. I should add that some believe that the McKenna brothers originally came to the date of 11/17/12 from their I Ching interpretation--they wrote that the cosmos would dissolve or perhaps humanity would become perfected on that date, which they later seemed to suggest was 12/22/12. The cosmos was not dissolved in November 2012 of course nor will it in December 2012 either.

There is a tradition from the Buddhists in Tibet:

The Tibetans Kalachakra contains a prophecy that 860 years after its introduction into Tibet, which happened in 1127, the conditions would be fulfilled for a twenty-five year period that would culminate in the appearance of the Tibetan version of New Jerusalem, the hidden city of Shamballa. Eight hundred and sixty years after 1127 is 1987, and 25 years after that is 2012 (Weidner J, Bridges V. Harrington M. A Monument to the End of Time: Alchemy, Fulcanelli and the Great Cross.  Aethyrea Books LLC, 2000, p. 173).

So, some Buddhists seem to be looking for an age of peace to come in or after 2012. But the Bible shows that New Jerusalem does not occur until AFTER the Great Tribulation and AFTER the 1,000 year millennial reign of Christ on this earth, hence this is a false time of peace that some seem to be looking forward to.

There is also a tradition from India:

It is interesting that this prediction of the emergence of a new world is prophesied to appear about the same time that the Mayans predicted it to come! The Mayan calendar began with the Fifth Great Cycle in 3114 BC and will end on 21 December 2012 AD. The Hindu Kali Yuga calendar began on 18 February 3102 B.C. There is only a difference of 12 years between the Hindu's beginning of the Kali Yuga and the Mayan's beginning of the Fifth Great Cycle. It is amazing that both calendars began at about the same time over 5,000 years ago and both calendars predict a totally new world and/or golden age after about 5,000 years into their calendars! We are definitely on to something with these Mayan and Hindu 2012 predictions. Historically, this is an amazing fact since these two ancient cultures did not have any contact...Lord Krishna's Golden Age could easily begin in 2012! (Hindu Calendar. http://2012wiki.com/index.php?title=Hindu_Calendar viewed 01/14/08).

A source, related to the above India/Hindu comments, also stated:

The Hopi prophecy is an oral tradition of stories that Hopis say predicted the coming of the white man, the world wars and nuclear weapons. And it predicts that time will end when humanity emerges into the "fifth world." The Mayan calendar predicts a similar end in 2012; some Hopis have said their prophecy roughly coincides with that time. The tradition says the years after 2012 could be a golden age with humans at peace. It also says the world will go through a time of trial, suffering and purification before a time of "one-heartedness" (Hopi Civilization. http://2012wiki.com/index.php?title=Hopi_Civilization viewed 01/14/08).

And although a Robert Bast is the source of many of those written quotes (and his Hindu ones are all over the internet), a program (2012 episode of Decoding the Past) that The History Channel originally aired March 1, 2007, had a variety of sources that basically stated the same things that Robert Bast has written, but less so on the Hindus. But one of those that was similar was that the end of "the fourth world" in Hopi prophecy is about upon us.

A Hindu from India named Vijay Kumar (who refers to himself as "The Man who Realized God In 1993") makes the following claims about 2012 at his website:

Yes! 2012... shall be the year of reckoning. 2012 shall be remembered in history of mankind forever. Why?

From the position of planetary movements and astrological calculations... the significance of number three for present civilization is immense. The 12th year of 21st century totals number three.

Talking of 2012 means... we have already stepped into the 21st century which numerically totals three. The 12th year also totals to three. A significant upheaval on the whole shall be the order of the day.

Adharma (lawlessness) would be rooted out for ever. 2012 and beyond is the period of spiritual elevation. 2012 rings start of golden era. Beyond 2012 it shall be harmony and peace all over.

The society would have learnt its lessons. Unethical practices and wanton desires would take a back seat. The lure of money and position would cease to exist. A pot of gold found lying in the backyard would not have a claimant!

The glitter of gold and diamonds would be passé. The spiritual wisdom would become the order of the day. 2012 is the year of sacrifice. Both... the sinner (committer of crime) and the innocent will be sacrificed. One who has committed crime shall face the gallows. Those who uphold and cherish values in the society would sacrifice their lives for the sake of humanity...

The sacrifice by the eminent would be by will. To cleanse the society of its ills in 2012... many would come forward and sacrifice self on the altar of God. Unless that happens... the upheaval in the society is not possible. The blood of the innocent would be spilled. There is no other remedy...

For the society to climb back to its pristine glory of the golden era... even the meek would handle metal (pick arms). Whatever the poor and the downtrodden lay their hands upon would become their weapon. In the last phase of the Kali Yuga we are passing through... the complete society has been taken to ransom by about 6% corrupt population comprising of politicians, bureaucrats, judiciary and police force.

In every nook and corner of the world situation would be same...

2012 is the year of the Avatar of the era (god almighty manifest in human form)... people await with abated breath the coming of Bhagwan Kalki... one who delivers the mankind from the existing ills of today. Bhagwan Kalki would be a spiritual master of the highest order with the deadly combination of a wise dictator (Chanakya of the modern era)...

Prayers world-wide have delayed the coming of Bhagavan Kalki. The World War Three that was destined to start in 1998~1999 got delayed. It is the theory of mass karma that governs the destiny of every living being. WTC affair was just a preamble to the main show. Let us all prepare ourselves and wait for 2012.

Be it enlightenment 2012, mayan prophecy prediction year 2012, nostradamus 2012 predicciones armageddon doomsday happen, horrible polar shift... everything bogs down to... what is going to happen in 2012!

(Kumar, Vijay. End of the World 2012. http://www.godrealized.com/2012.html viewed 01/18/09).

Also notice that Vijay Kumar's writing are supporting a warring power--something that the Bible warns against in Revelation 13.

If views like Vijay Kumar's become predominant, it may be that they will help lead to Hindus at least temporarily accepting the religion of the false prophet and the authority of the coming dictator known as Beast that the Bible warns will rise up at the end. Hence, in that way, 2012 may have biblically prophetic significance. Perhaps I should add that "God in human form" will return (Jesus) and bring in a time of peace, but it will not and cannot be in 2012 as the Great Tribulation must start 3 1/2 years before Christ returns.

It also probably should be mentioned that unlike Vijay Kumar's assertions, most Hindu "prophecies" I have seen tend seem to be point to dates later than 2012.

Here is an astrological one related to a Hindu deity (it also calls the time "an age of transition"):

Thereafter Saturn will govern for 19 years when it will spread Sahaja Yoga in the Whole world. Saturn means the masses, the Virata and Shri Mataji will witness Kalki (Mercury) Power manifesting over the whole World. 21 – 02 - 2013 (Horoscope of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi – by Lalit Bhandari (given during Tour of Australia – 22 October 1991; http://www.adishakti.org/mayan_end_times_12-21-2012/shri_mataji's_horoscope_the_tribulation_and_satya_yuga.htm viewed 8/20/08).

So, apparently a time of change is being predicted that may be clearer by February 21, 2013 (a frequent Hindu festival called "Ekadashi" is also to take place then). Other Hindus, however, seem to be looking a little later, while recognizing certain astronomical aspects of 2012:

As far as Hindus are concerned the important date is 2014 & 2013.

In 2012 the plane of our Solar System will line up exactly with the plane of our Galaxy,

On the winter solstice in 2012, the sun will be aligned with the center of the Milky Way for the first time in about 26,000 years.

According to Srimad Bhagavatam - Kalki is destined to appear when the Sun, Moon and Jupiter together enters Pushya nakshatra ...it then goes to give the description of his birth etc. This astrological phenomenon happens on 26/27th. July 2014 A.D. at 3:10 P. M. on a Sunday.

(Raju Apr 22 2007, 01:06 AM. India Discussion Forum. http://www.india-forum.com/forums/index.php?act=Print&client=printer&f=10&t=1843 viewed 8/20/08).

Thus, it is clear that not all Hindus are looking towards 2012, but some do seem to be looking to the next decade. And although I do not condone astrology, astrology is part of the Hindu faith, thus they can be highly influenced by movements in the sky. So much so, that perhaps this will temporarily get them to accept some of what the European Beast power is teaching (see Asia in Prophecy).

Now regarding the Hopi prophecies, notice the following from the popular book 2012 The Return of Quetzalcoatl:

According to the Hopi, we are currently completing the cycle of the Fourth World--Tuwaqachi, "World Complete" --on the verge of the transitioning, or emerging, into the Fifth World, with several more worlds to follow. In each of the three previous conditions, humanity eventually went berserk, bringing ruin upon themselves through destructive practices, wars, misused technologies, and the loss of the connection to the sacred (Pinchbeck, Daniel. 2012 The Return of Quetzalcoatl. Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin, NY, 2007, p. 381).

Hence, the Hopi prophecies tend towards doom, though NOT the destruction of all life.

A couple of thousand years ago the so-called Sibylline prophecies (or Sybilline oracles) predicted what seem to be the end. These writings consist of many books, but the fourth is the most explicit:

Book iv. is far more unified. In the name of the true God the sibyl predicts the events that will take place from the first to the tenth generation of man (Sibyl. JewishEncyclopedia.com viewed 04/12/08).

This last generation is supposed to have started around the year 2000 (Crowley, Phil. 2012, Decoding the Past. Original air date 03/01/07).

So there are many different indications that something may happen in the 21st century, and perhaps in the next decade.

Here is even a secular, financial one:

Handwriting on the Wall! On July 4, the United States, currently the most powerful nation in the world, celebrated 234 years of independence. The following day, on Monday, July 5, British-born Harvard professor and economic historian Niall Ferguson opened the 2010 Aspen Ideas Festival with a stark warning that the American “empire” could suddenly collapse—possibly within the next two years—due to the country’s rising debt! (Winnail W. LCG World Ahead Weekly Update, July 8, 2010).

The debt of the USA is a problem and may cause problems in 2012. There may also be problems in the Middle East (see The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy).

There are other astronomically-related events that may occur:

Holes in Earth's magnetic cloak let the sun in

Reuters - Dec 16, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The Earth's protective magnetosphere has two large holes that are letting in disruptive solar winds, scientists said on Tuesday.

Understanding how these holes form will help them better predict the electrical storms that cause power grid blackouts and the aurora, activity that will peak in 2012 as sunspots hit their maximum level...

"The opening was huge -- four times wider than Earth itself," said Raeder. "This kind of influx is an order of magnitude greater than what we thought was possible."

Most of the particles are deflected back into space, but some circulate in the magnetosphere, get energized, and cause electrical storms that trigger power grid outages, cause problems for aircraft flying over the poles, and can damage satellites in geosynchronous orbit.

"There's a bigger risk because we have more stuff in space now," said Raeder.

Scientists said that the majority of solar storms take place midway through and on the tail end of the solar cycle. This 11-year cycle of activity is at its minimum now and electrical storms will be at their peak in 2012. http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSTRE4BF79220081216

Hence, there will likely be at least minor electrical disturbances in 2012. And they could be significant.

Furthermore, notice the following:

Space storm alert: 90 seconds from catastrophe

IT IS midnight on 22 September 2012 and the skies above Manhattan are filled with a flickering curtain of colourful light...Within 90 seconds, the entire eastern half of the US is without power.

A year later and millions of Americans are dead and the nation’s infrastructure lies in tatters. The World Bank declares America a developing nation. Europe, Scandinavia, China and Japan are also struggling to recover from the same fateful event - a violent storm, 150 million kilometres away on the surface of the sun…

According to the NAS report, a severe space weather event in the US could induce ground currents that would knock out 300 key transformers within about 90 seconds, cutting off the power for more than 130 million people… 

First to go - immediately for some people - is drinkable water…With no electricity to pump water from reservoirs, there is no more…
There is simply no electrically powered transport: no trains, underground or overground...For hospitals, that would mean about 72 hours of running a bare-bones, essential care only, service. After that, no more modern healthcare.

The truly shocking finding is that this whole situation would not improve for months, maybe years...

(Brooks, Michael. Space storm alert: 90 seconds from catastrophe. New Scientist Monday, March 23, 2009. http://www.prisonplanet.com/space-storm-alert-90-seconds-from-catastrophe.html viewed 03/23/09)

Notice the following:

Russian geophysicists believe that the Solar System has entered an interstellar energy cloud…Their predictions for catastrophe resulting from the Earth’s encounter with this energy cloud range from 2010 to 2020 (Joseph LE. Apocalypse 2012: An Investigation into Civilization's End. Broadway, 2008, p. 16).

There also seems to be 1-2 Mayan writings that suggests some type of solar flare-up to affect the earth:

Chliam Balam (Mayan priest): It is Katun 13...Heaven and earth shall burn...It is the holy judgment, the holy judgment...Great cities shall enter into Christianity (José Hoíl J, Roys R. The Book of Chilam Balam of Chumayel. Roys Publisher, 1933. Reprint Forgotten Books, 1967, p. 112).

Napuctun (Mayan priest): It shall burn on earth; there shall be a circle in the sky (ibid p. 115).

The Bible itself warns of a time of scorching heat (Revelation 16:9)--but it does not seem to associate mass conversions to Christiantiy with it.

While the Bible also warns of earthquakes, absolute biggest one probably cannot come until 2017 at the earliest (for details, see Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013?). By the way, to see a cool up-to-date listing of the latest earthquakes, please check out Earthquakes Today and Bible Prophecy.

Catholic "Prophecies" and 2012

Perhaps I first should mention that there are a variety of private "Catholic prophecies" indicate that the end will not come BEFORE the 20th century, but that the "beginning of the end" comes then. Some then indicate that the end may come in the early 21st century.

Notice what a Catholic saint named Nilus allegedly stated in 430 A.D. (there are reasons to doubt the early date):

After the year 1900, toward the middle of the 20th century, the people of that time will become unrecognisable. When the time for the Advent of the Antichrist approaches, peoples minds will grow cloudy from carnal passions, and dishonour and lawlessness will grow stronger. Then the world will become unrecognisable. Peoples appearances will change, and it will be impossible to distinguish men from women due to there shamelessness in dress and style of hair. These people will be cruel and will be like wild animals because of the temptations of the Antichrist. There will be no respect for parents or elders, love will disappear, and Christian pastors, bishops, and priests will become vain men, completely failing to distinguish the right hand way from the left. At that time the morals and traditions of Christians and the Church will change. People will abandon modesty, and dissipation will reign. Falsehood and greed will attain great proportions, and woe to those who pile up treasures. Lust, adultery, homosexuality, secret deeds and murder will rule in society (CATHOLIC PROPHECIES - PART I http://www.freehomepages.com/nostradamus/catholic_prophecies_PartOne.htm 01/30/07).

Also notice the following :

SISTER BERTINA BOUQUILLON (d. 1850)...The beginning of the end will not come in the nineteenth century BUT CERTAINLY IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY." (Culligan E. The Last World War and the End of Time. The book was blessed by Pope Paul VI, 1966. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), Pp. 130-131)

The following, which did not come to pass quite as indicated below, does demonstrate that some Roman Catholic sources suggest that the end is fairly near to now:

St. John of the Cleft Rock (14th century). "It is said that 20 centuries after the incarnation of the Word, the Beast in its turn will become man. About the year 2000 A.D., Antichrist will reveal himself to the world.' (Dupont, Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p. 23)

The author feels that there is convincing evidence for him to accept that the Antichrist was born on February 5, 1962...The Antichrist will be a Jew by race and religion (Culligan, pp. 100-101).

There are also other old Roman Catholic prophecies that indicates that the end cannot occur before the 20th century:

Ven. Sor Marianne de Jesus Torres (17th Century)...

Our Lady told Sister Marianne: "...But this knowledge will only become known to the general public in the 20th Century.

"During this epoch the Church will find herself attacked by waves of the secret sect...

"Know, beloved daughter, that when your name is made known in the 20th Century, there will be many who do not believe, claiming this devotion is not pleasing to God..." (Birch, DA. Trial, Tribulation & Triumph: Before During and After Antichrist. Queenship Publishing Company, Goleta (CA), 1996, pp. 317,326) .

Nun Anne Catherine Emmerich (about 1820): "I heard that Lucifer (if I don't mistake) will be freed again for awhile fifty or sixty years before the year 2000 A.D. I have forgotten many of the other dates were told (Emmerich AC. The Life of Lord Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations. Schmöger edition, Vol. IV. Nihil Obstat: D. Jaegher, 14 Februari 1914. Imprimatur: A.C. De Schrevel, Brugis, 14 Februari 1914. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 2004: pp. 353-354).

Anyway, while some of their dates seem a little premature, these Catholic "prophets" seemed to believe that while events to get ready for the end would not begin until the 20th century, that the end would apparently come shortly thereafter.

Mother Shipton (16th century). "The great chastisement will come when carriages go without horses..." (Dupont, 113)

Automobiles, of course, used to be called horse-less carriages and they did not start to become used to any extent before the 20th century. Now while some say that "Mother Shipton" was basically a myth and the predictions composed by others, a book containing them came out in the 17th century. And according to Yves Dupont, she was a Catholic prophetess.

"Mother Shipton" was born Ursula Sontheil in 1488 in a cave beside the river Nidd in North Yorkshire, England...

When pictures seem alive with movements free When boats like fishes swim beneath the sea, When men like birds shall scour the sky Then half the world, deep drenched in blood shall die.

For those who live the century through In fear and trembling this shall do. Flee to the mountains and the dens To bog and forest and wild fens.

For storms will rage and oceans roar When Gabriel stands on sea and shore And as he blows his wondrous horn Old worlds die and new be born.

A fiery dragon will cross the sky Six times before this earth shall die Mankind will tremble and frightened be for the sixth heralds in this prophecy.

For seven days and seven nights Man will watch this awesome sight. The tides will rise beyond their ken To bite away the shores and then The mountains will begin to roar And earthquakes split the plain to shore.

And flooding waters, rushing in Will flood the lands with such a din That mankind cowers in muddy fen And snarls about his fellow men.

He bares his teeth and fights and kills And secrets food in secret hills And ugly in his fear, he lies To kill marauders, thieves and spies.

Man flees in terror from the floods And kills, and rapes and lies in blood And spilling blood by mankinds hands Will stain and bitter many lands (Mother Shipton's Prophecies. http://www.crystalinks.com/shipton.html 08/26/08).

Now if by century, the 20th century itself is indicated, then the above prophecy was partially false. However, if the century began once television became available ("When pictures seem alive with movements free"), then the century would not have begun until sometime in the 1920s, hence, this may indicate that flood and other prophecies are expected before the end of 2030.

I should also add here that from the 12th century, in the so-called Malachy prophecies of the list of popes there is only has one pope left (Bander, Peter. The Prophecies of St. Malachy. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973).

And if there is only one more pope remaining, then some type of end is clearly predicted by some of the Catholics to occur in the 21st century--though 2012 is not specified in any accepted ones that I have seen. (For more information on Catholic prophesies, please see the article Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies?)

Satan Knows When the Great Tribulation Needs to Begin

But why might there be a variety of predictions seemingly pointing to the second decade of the 21st century?

Consistent with the beliefs of the early professors of Christ, those of us in the genuine Church of God believe that God has a 6,000 year plan for humanity to rule itself, and that this will be followed by a 1,000 year millennial reign of Jesus Christ on the earth. And this 6,000 years will be up sometime in the 21st century--probably in less then ten years.

(Information on this from the Bible, early writers, and more recent writers can be found in the article Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6000 Years End?)

We also believe that the Great Tribulation will begin 3 1/2 years prior to the return of Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:20-21; Revelation 12:14; Daniel 12:7-12).

Because Satan the devil clearly knows when God created Adam and Eve, it is clear that he knows when the Great Tribulation needs to start by. I suspect that because of this, and the fact that Satan understands astronomy, that he had those particular Mayan/Hopi/Hindu/Buddhist/New Age/I Ching prophecies recorded and saved in an effort to discredit the true Church of God. People should try not to be deceived by Satanically-inspired false prophecies

Satan will encourage the world to hype up this event as he knows the world will not end then. And while I have nothing against the concept of movies on this subject, this combined with the perilous times we seem to be living in, will mean that many will be concerned that the negative interpretations of the Mayan December 21, 2012 date may be correct.

But how would this discredit God's church?

Well, since many believe that a major astronomical event is to occur in December 2012, this has given the Mayan/Hopi/I Ching prophecies a certain credibility. Massive amounts of people will at least consider that the world might end then. However, when the end does not happen then (and it is now impossible that December 21, 2012 is the date of the start of the Great Tribulation), many people will probably have an increased skepticism regarding negative end-time prophecies.

Notice what the Apostle Peter was inspired to warn about that type of matter:

1 Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (2 Peter 3:1-13)

Because of false claims about Mayan and other "prophecies," including from some who profess Christ, more and more people are becoming prophetic skeptics (Harold Camping had a role in that, especially in 2011). And increased prophetic skepticism is a likely "fruit" of those who claim that the world can end in 2012.

Furthermore, official representatives of the Roman Catholic Church are not teaching that the end will come on December 21, 2012 (the current pope essentially hinted about this in early 2009). This may also increase the reputation of that church as a "credible source" on matters prophetic. And instead, it may eventually teach that its hope for age of peace will have started near then--which seems close to what some Hindus, New Agers, and Buddhists teach.

If the Great Tribulation is to begin not too many years after the December 21, 2012 date (and it is highly likely that it will) and the genuie Church of God teaches that it is about to begin (which the true Church will), it is highly likely that certain Roman Catholics will teach that this is not true.

New Age of Peace?

2012 was first popularized by José Argüelles as a date when he indicated could mark the beginning of a new age of peace. Dr. Argüelles was one of the original founders of “Earth Day” in 1970 and is considered a leader with New Age beliefs.

According to Argüelles, the 5125 years (5200 tun) of the "Long Count from 3113 BC to 2012 AD, measures the entire span of what we call history, from its beginning to its end--from the building of Stonehenge to the Pyramids, the creation of the solar clock and written language (all around 3000 BC), to the "end of history" in our planetary birth into higher consciousness (Pinchbeck, Daniel. 2012 The Return of Quetzalcoatl. Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin, NY, 2007, p. 197).

Here is some of what José Argüelles has written:

When we look at the calendar…the thirteenth subcycle of this beam, began in 1618 and runs to 2012…There are actually many points of convergence among the Mayan galactic code, I Ching, the Book of Revelations, and many other systems…

you have the mathematical code of the Book of Revelations, which is based on 7 and 13, and 144 and 144,000; it’s the same number of the Mayan Code. The Mayan Code is the master code. It’s the galactic code. It’s the master program. (In Braden G. The Mystery of 2012: Predictions, Prophecies and Possibilities.  Sounds True, Incorporated, 2009, pp. 74,78)

Of course, the Mayan Code is NOT the master program.  But many wonder if it might be.

In his book, Peace is the Way, Deepak Chopra wrote that we are on the verge of a global shift in consciousness that will lead the world toward an age of peace because many in the West are becoming more accepting of New Age values—which he stated included a shift away from what he calls “religious fundamentalism”—which apparently would include the accepting of some future ecumenical religion (Schneider L. A New Age of Peace.  http://www.beliefnet.com/News/Peace/A-New-Age-Of-Peace.aspx viewed 03/14/09).

Basically most who are part of the New Age Movement look forward to what some refer to as the "Aquarian Age".   According to those adherents, this new age is dawning. It is expected soon and it believed to bring in peace and enlightenment and reunite humans with God.  People within this movement tend to believe that humans are separated from God because of lack of understanding and knowledge concerning the true nature of God and reality.

Here is some of what Religious Tolerance has reported about the New Age Movement:

New Age beliefs:
A number of fundamental beliefs are held by many New Age followers…
Universal Religion: Since all is God, then only one reality exists, and all religions are simply different paths to that ultimate reality. The universal religion can be visualized as a mountain, with many sadhanas (spiritual paths) to the summit. Some are hard; others easy. There is no one correct path. All paths eventually reach the top. They anticipate that a new universal religion which contains elements of all current faiths will evolve and become generally accepted worldwide.

New World Order As the Age of Aquarius unfolds, a New Age will develop. This will be a utopia in which there is world government, and end to wars, disease, hunger, pollution, and poverty. Gender, racial, religious and other forms of discrimination will cease. People's allegiance to their tribe or nation will be replaced by a concern for the entire world and its people.

And some in that movement are looking towards 2012 as the start of its ecumenical new age.

Because of its limited structure and apparent beliefs, I am concerned that many New Agers are likely to be influenced by one who proclaims peace accompanied by signs and wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9) and establishes a religion that people all around the world will worship (Revelation 13:3-4).

I am concerned, that like some of the Hindus, when a leader rises up proclaiming a new ecumenical religion that he will likely claim will lead to an “age of peace” that many within this movement will decide that this leader is the one that their movement needs in order for the world to have peace.

But it is not just those that are New Agers, Hindus, Buddhists, or other such faiths that are looking for a time of peace.

As mentioned earlier, even many Catholic writers have longed for a time prior to the return of Christ for an age of peace.

Here are some who have done so:

D. Birch (20th century): This would be a Minor Chastisement preceding an Age of Peace. It is not the Tribulation… The Great King will establish Peace and justice in civil matters on a worldwide basis, and protect the primacy of the Church in spiritual matters (Birch, pp. xlii-xliii, 555).

H. Kramer (20th century): Verses 20 and 21 presage a time of peace between the first reign of terror in the second woe and the reign of Antichrist ( Kramer, H.B. L. The Book of Destiny.  Nihil Obstat: J.S. Considine, O.P., Censor Deputatus.  Imprimatur: +Joseph M. Mueller, Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa, January 26, 1956.  Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 228).

Y. Dupont: (20th century): a period of peace...In short, virtually the whole world will be Catholic (Dupont, p. 90).

Telesphorus of Cozensa (16th century). "A powerful French Monarch and French Pope will regain the Holy Land after terrible wars in Europe. They will convert the world and bring universal peace (Dupont, p. 31).

Mother Alphonse Eppinger (1867): After God has purified the world faith and peace will return. Whole nations will adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church (Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p. 25).

Werdin d' Otrante (13th century): "The Great Monarch and the Great Pope will precede Antichrist...All the sects will vanish. The capital of the world will fall...The Great Monarch will come and restore peace and the Pope will share in the victory (Connor, p. 33).

John of the Cleft Rock (1340): The White Eagle (Great Monarch), by order of the Archangel Michael, will drive crescent from Europe where none but Christians will remain--he himself will rule from Constantinople. An era of peace and prosperity will begin for the world (Connor, pp. 33-34).

St. Methodius (4th century). But a Great King will arise to fight the enemies of God. He will defeat them, and peace will be given to the world, and the Church will be freed from her anxieties (Dupont, p. 13).

Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser (died 1658): He will root out false doctrines and destroy the rule of the Moslemism. His dominion will extend from the East to the West. All nations will adore God their Lord according to Catholic teaching… The reign of the Great Ruler may be compared with that of Caesar Augustus, who became Emperor after his victory over his enemies, thereby giving peace to the world... The Fifth Epoch of time dates from the reign of Charles V until the reign of the Great Monarch (Connor, pp. 35-36).

But notice that this "age of peace" happens when a dictator (like the one the Hindu Vijay Kumar mentioned) rises up and crushes all opposition. This is NOT God's age of peace. Hopefully, Catholics wanting to be faithful to scripture will realize this.

Also notice that although they were not pointing to 2012, some Catholic writers seem to know and have warned of a false age of peace:

The Ecstatic of Tours: When everyone believes that peace is assured, when everyone least expects it, the great happenings will begin…(Dupont, p.37).

Robert Conte, Jr. (21st century): They will obtain a kind of false peace, which is an exterior-only peace brought about by severities in law enforcement, by excessively harsh punishments, and by a sinful permissiveness that does not count as a crime many acts that are certainly crimes against humanity and against God. There will also be little or no war, except between the kingdom of the North (Europe) and the kingdom of the South (Israel, Middle East, northern Africa)...The Antichrist then decides to try to destroy the Church from within, by making it legal for these apostates and heretics to openly practice their perverse version of Catholicism. He give them control of church buildings and he alters laws, customs, and culture in order to support their ideas (Conte Jr., Ronald L. The Great Apostasy and the Abomination of Desolation. December 23, 2005. http://www.catholicplanet.com/future/great-apostasy.htm viewed 12/13/08).

It should be mentioned that the Bible specifically warns that a time is coming were false visionaries will claim a time of peace that will end in sudden destruction:

6 They have envisioned futility and false divination, saying, 'Thus says the LORD!' But the LORD has not sent them; yet they hope that the word may be confirmed. 7 Have you not seen a futile vision, and have you not spoken false divination? You say, 'The LORD says,' but I have not spoken."

8 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Because you have spoken nonsense and envisioned lies, therefore I am indeed against you," says the Lord GOD. 9 My hand will be against the prophets who envision futility and who divine lies; they shall not be in the assembly of My people, nor be written in the record of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord GOD. 10 Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, 'Peace!' when there is no peace (Ezekiel 13:6-10).

Might the end of 2012 be the called the start of this golden age of peace that many in many lands have longed for?

It may be, but it will not be real and lasting peace. Actually, according to the Bible, things will get so bad that unless God intervened (and He will), all flesh would be destroyed (Matthew 24:22). So, the real age of peace WILL NOT begin in 2012.

Perhaps it should also be noted that an old Mayan writing suggests trouble which is then followed by the time of Antichrist:

Prepare yourselves to endure the burden of misery which comes to your villages. This katun which has been established is, a katun of misery, a katun of opportunity of the devil when it is established in Katun 11 Ahua...Antichrist, on that day which is to come, on that day which confronts you, alas, in much misery <my> sons. This is the word of our Lord: "It shall burn on earth, there shall be a white circle in the sky, in that katun in time to come"...that katun will be established in Christianity (José Hoíl J, Roys R. The Book of Chilam Balam of Chumayel. Roys Publisher, 1933. Reprint Forgotten Books, 1967, pp. 100-101)

And since the Mayan calendar ends on December 21, 2012, this predictions would seem to be outside of it, so a troubled age would still seem to be due afterwards (if it is to come to pass).

Barack Obama, Julia Gillard, and 2012 Predictions?

Are there Barack Obama or Julia Gillard (Australia's prime minister) prophecies related to 2012?

First, Julia Gillard is the first female to become prime minister of Australia. There is a biblical prophecy that states:

As for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths…(Isaiah 3:12)

Of course, women are influential in the English-speaking nations and it was not absolutely required that Australia would have a woman prime minister.  But since this has happened it is be a partial, but significant, fulfillment of that prophecy.

There have been a lot of concerns about US president Barack Obama as there are some non-biblical prophecies, and even one biblical prophecy, some have claimed are related to him.

For example, there is claimed to be an early 20th century prophecy by Johanwa Owalo, the founder of Kenya’s Nomiya Luo Church, in 1912 made this prophecy about the United States:

“So far have they [the United States] strayed into wickedness in those [future] times that their destruction has been sealed by my [father]. Their great cities will burn, their crops and cattle will suffer disease and death, their children will perish from diseases never seen upon this Earth, and I reveal to you the greatest [mystery] of all as I have been allowed to see that their [the United States] destruction will come about through the vengeful hands of one of our very own sons.” (for more details, please see Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States).

Since Barack Obama's father is ethnically a Luo of Kenya (see Kenya Rejoices as Obama Wins), Barack Obama seems to meet the criteria above as being "one of our our very sons".

Irrespective of possible Kenyan prophecies, Bible prophecy itself warns that if the descendants of Israel sinned and did not repent, the following would happen:

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower (Deuteronomy 28:43).

12 As for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths.” (Isaiah 3:12)

16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed (Isaiah 9:16).

Since multiple millions of the physical descendants of reside in the United States (see Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel), the above prophecies are likely to be fulfilled, to a degree, during Barack Obama's presidency.

While I believe that Barack Obama is basically a sincere and well-meaning individual, I believe that since he may be the last (and certainly one of the last) USA presidents, he will somewhat fulfill the last two prophecies (and I also felt that John McCain would help fulfill the last two biblical prophecies above if he was elected, see the older news item US Election Tomorrow: Pray & Fast).

Now (despite birth certificate issues) I do not doubt that Barack Obama is an American citizen (see Obama’s Citizenship?) and I do not believe that he is a private Muslim. However, because Barack Obama's father is Luo Kenyan, his mother is at least part Native American, AND because he was partially raised in Indonesia, in those ways he could be perceived as an alien. Hence, the biblical prophecy in Deuteronomy 28:43 MIGHT apply to Barack Obama (and it may also have multiple applications).

Additionally, there is an amazing old Shiite prophecy that seems to fit Barack Hussein Obama personally. Notice what Forbes' writer Amir Taheri reported:

Is Barack Obama the “promised warrior” coming to help the Hidden Imam of Shiite Muslims conquer the world?

…a pro-government Web site published a Hadith (or tradition) from a Shiite text of the 17th century. The tradition comes from Bahar al-Anvar (meaning Oceans of Light) by Mullah Majlisi, a magnum opus in 132 volumes and the basis of modern Shiite Islam.

According to the tradition, Imam Ali Ibn Abi-Talib (the prophet’s cousin and son-in-law) prophesied that at the End of Times and just before the return of the Mahdi, the Ultimate Saviour, a “tall black man will assume the reins of government in the West.” Commanding “the strongest army on earth,” the new ruler in the West will carry “a clear sign” from the third imam, whose name was Hussein Ibn Ali. The tradition concludes: “Shiites should have no doubt that he is with us.”

In a curious coincidence Obama’s first and second names–Barack Hussein–mean “the blessing of Hussein” in Arabic and Persian. His family name, Obama, written in the Persian alphabet, reads O Ba Ma, which means “he is with us,” the magic formula in Majlisi’s tradition (for more details, please see Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy?).

Since Barack Hussein Obama is considered to be black and he leads the most powerful army in the world, it makes sense that a lot of Shiite Muslims believe that he may fit the Islamic prophecy. (Perhaps I should add that while I have seen wild speculation how 2012 can be found in Islamic prophecies, that date itself does not seem to be there--the Mahdi, being expected during an even year, does support late 2012 (the Islamic calendar differs from the Roman one). Thus, there are several Islamic prophecies that many may find of interest, please see The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy for details.)

His first name is of Hebrew origin. Interestingly, there is a timid warrior in the Hebrew scriptures named Barak who needed women to help in battle in Judges 4:6-9. Here is the related meaning of that name:

OT:1300
baraq (baw-rawk'); from OT:1299; lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword:
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

His middle name is Arabic for handsome.

While Obama is a Luo Kenyan word, if it originally came from Hebrew, it most likely would have come from the word "Bama" (I have read, but not verified, that the Latin "O" is sometimes used in Hebrew as a conjunction such as meaning "and"):

The meaning of the name Bama is: Son of prophecy (http://www.babyhold.com/list/Hebrew_Baby_Names/Bama/details/ viewed 11/16/08).

So, combining the definitions above, the name Baraq Hussein Bama would essentially mean the Handsome Timid Gleam and Son of Prophecy.

But what does anything about Barack Obama have to do with 2012?

First of all, presuming he remains in office, Barack Obama will be the president of the United States on December 21, 2012. The next USA presidential election is also scheduled for 2012. Also, Julia Gillard may still be prime minister at that time.

Secondly, according to the Malachy prophecies, there is only one pope left--the one who could be the antipope, the final Antichrist--and he may be around near 2012 (see Prophecies of Barack Obama?).

Thirdly, according to a prediction by the Catholic mystic Nostradamus, there is a prophecy that might involve Barack Obama and the Antichrist (see Prophecies of Barack Obama?), and events around 2012 may impact this.

Fourthly, while I believe that according to Bible prophecy that the end of the 6000 years for humanity to rule itself cutoff from God is almost over (Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?), that presuming that Barack Obama is re-elected and the Great Tribulation will begin within a few years after 2012, that Barack Obama will likely be the final leader of the United States of America. Julia Gillard may possibly be the last leader of Australia.

And even if he is not the last president (a Republican could get elected that could chill US/EU relations), it is likely that his presidency will set the stage for the rising of the prophesied King of the South (which Muslims seem to feel will be their Mahdi) as well as for the rising of the prophesied King of the North, and the ultimate bankrupting and finally utter destruction of the United States of America and its Anglo-allies (please see Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).

Additionally, notice what I wrote in my 2009 book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect:

...the Bible predicts that at the appointed time, a King of the North and a King of the South with rise. Various statements that Barack Obama has made suggest that he will implement policies that will likely help lead to the multi-national formations that will ultimately have these kings.

With the American support of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egpyt, Syria, and Libya, plus the endorsement of Ennahda in Tunisia in 2011, Barack Obama has already done that. Many predictions about Barack Obama in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect have come to pass (at least ten so far; see also 2012 - Ten Fulfilled Barack Obama Prophecies) and more will as well.

Notice what I posted related to Australia's Prime Minister in 2010:

Certain biblical, Chinese, and other prophecies, mentioned in the Arroyo Grande, California published book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, discuss that how Australia itself may become taken over.

By virtue of her timing, Julia Gillard may inadvertently pursue policies that will lead to the fulfillment of various end time prophecies.  Her role as Australia’s new prime minister will have prophetic ramifications. (Australia Now Has a Female Prime Minister: Prophetic Ramifications? June 24, 2010)

Furthermore, since she is now in office, Julia Gillard may inadvertantly put into place policies that will insure that Australia is also destroyed and taken over. (End of Mayan Calendar 2012. Summer 2010)

Notice what she and Barack Obama did on November 16, 2011 as I posted:

The USA and Australia officially expanded military ties today by agreeing to have US Marines “permanently” stationed in northern Australia:

US and Australia Seal Expanded Military Ties

By JACKIE CALMES Published: November 16, 2011

CANBERRA, Australia — President Obama and Prime Minister Julia Gillard of Australia made it official on Wednesday: The United States will have an increased and constant military presence on the continent’s north side, symbolizing America’s renewed security interests in the Pacific Rim…

The presence of US troops in {Australia by} China may be used as part of its possible future justification for taking the land of Australia. The Chinese may claim something to the effect that Australia is really a military pawn/representative of the USA and thus, since the USA owes them money, taking over Australia will help settle that debt.

And on November 17, 2011, I posted:

China getting upset enough about the USA troops to be stationed in Australia that it is dropping militaristic hints:

A Marine Base for Australia Irritates China

DARWIN, Australia — Fresh from announcing an expanded American military presence in Australia, a plan that has angered China, President Obama came to this remote northern town that will be the base of operations…

The Global Times, a state-run news organization known for its nationalist and bellicose commentaries, issued a stronger reaction in an editorial, saying that Australia should be cautious about allowing the United States to use bases there to “harm China” and that it risked getting “caught in the cross-fire.”  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/18/world/asia/obama-addresses-troops-at-final-stop-in-australia.html

Well, so it only took about a week from when I first reported that I thought that China would not like the US Marines in Australia for them to come up and start to complain, as well as to indicate that I am correct that China may use this as justification to attack Australia (see Obama Putting ‘Permanent’ Troops in Australia Because of China, But…).  Notice what I posted on November 10, 2011:

The presence of US troops in China may be used as part of its possible future justification for taking the land of Australia.  The Chinese may claim something to the effect that Australia is really a military pawn/representative of the USA…The implication for Australia is more than profound–the implications are disastrous.

The hint by the Chinese that Australia risked getting “caught in the cross-fire” seems to be the first concrete step in that direction.

Thus, it appears that Julia Gillard has taken steps that could result in China invading Australia as I warned years ago.

(Australia is also discussed in Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).

For more information about the United States and its future, consider the following:

Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

The above recent book has been a #1 best seller for its category on Kindle a few times since it came out,

Weather Problems

Back in 2009, my book, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect mentioned the following was about to happen:

Odd weather patterns result in food shortages and natural disasters.

Matthew 24:7

The world is actually in a berserk transition, as the real age of peace is not yet here. It may be a period of chaos. It is the beginning of sorrows

Matthew 24:8

Severe weather extremes set records in the USA and other lands in 2011 (NRDC: All US States Had Extreme Weather; Confirms 2012 Book Prediction and ‘Biblical weather’) and 2012 (Earthquakes, South African Snow, Heat Record, Drought, and Food Prices, Flooding in North Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, and China, TW: Drought USA and Flooding UK; Russia Having Both, Quarter Million Affected by Flooding in Japan, Severely Cold Weather in South Africa and Australia, Drought in Mid-USA Affecting Grain, 2012 Drought Declared USA’s Largest Ever Natural Disaster, and Weather Extremes in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK). And food production is being affected (see USDA Slashes Corn and Soy Production Estimates Due to Drought, Drought Affecting India and Its Food Supply; Europe too, and Drought Reducing Wheat Yields in US, Australia, Russia, and Ukraine).

Droughts, floods, earthquakes, and odd weather problems should serve as a wake-up call. Weather-related troubles with their related food issues, of course, have been biblically expected:

7…And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:7-8).

8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

Troubles and sorrows that Jesus predicted are happening. Superstorm Sandy was only one weather-issue, worse storms are coming after 2012.

Ten 'End of the World' Predictions That Will Be Proven False by December 22, 2012

Here is a list of 'ten predictions’ related to the world ending this month and the truth why they are all wrong.

1. PREDICTION: The Chilam Balim (the 16th century Mayan ‘book of the Jaguar priest’) actually states God will destroy the world with a flood at the end of one of a Mayan calendar katuns AND that Jesus will then return.
   TRUTH: Yet, the main source of information about Jesus comes from the Bible.  And the Bible says that God will not destroy the world with a flood (Genesis 9:11,15).  While December 21, 2012 is the end of the current Mayan cycle of 13 ‘baktuns’ (roughly 5,125 years), the reference to the ‘katun’ (a shorter time period, less than 20 years) may be for another time.  There will be no massive worldwide flood on December 21/22, 2012. 
2. PREDICTION: A Hindu in India, Vijay Kumar claims that Hindu writings show that a bloody disaster has to come in 2012 related to a warring figure known as the Bhagwan Kalki.
   TRUTH: Yet, other Hindu writers have correctly concluded that this type of event must come later than 2012. For additional details, please see Hindu in India Wrong: The ‘Reckoning’ is Not in 2012.
3. PREDICTION: A Western interpretation of the I Ching claims that the cosmos may dissolve on December 21/22, 2012.
   TRUTH: The I Ching, or Book of Changes, is a common source for both Confucianist and Taoist philosophy in parts of Asia and the way Westerners have tried to use it is different than how it is normally used by believers in those Asian-based faiths. The cosmos is not truly being predicted as dissolving by the I Ching.  For additional details, please see I Ching: By Now or 31 Days for Doom?
4. PREDICTION: The last page of the Mayan Dresden Codex show two figures getting water poured on them from a serpent. This was interpreted by a Western researcher, over a century ago, to mean that the world would end in a flood when the Mayan long-count calendar ended on 12/21/12.
   TRUTH: Although there is a flood coming from a serpent in scripture, the Book of Revelation (12:15-16) shows that the group targeted by the flood will be protected.  Even if the Dresden Codex is referring to December 21, 2012, a worldwide destructive flood will not happen (cf. Genesis 9:11,15). 
5. PREDICTION: Some have claimed that a massive solar storm could happen in 2012 and essentially end Western civilization as we know it.
   TRUTH: According to NASA scientists, while a solar flare could cause massive problems, such a flare will not happen in December 2012.  For some additional details, please see NASA Says Peak Solar Flare to be After 2012.
6. PREDICTION: Some claim that the galaxy will be in perfect alignment and cause massive disruptions on December 21/22, 2012 or that planet Nibiru will hit.
   TRUTH: Yet astronomers do not believe that the alignment (which is not galaxy-wide nor perfect) could possibly generate enough gravitational flow to cause massive disruption nor do they believe in destruction via an invented planet called Nibiru.  For more details, see also CG7 Reports CGOM’s J. McBride’s Take on 2012 ‘Day of Doom’.
7. PREDICTION: Some believe that Nostradamus saw that a type of galactic alignment would cause destruction and that he drew paintings related to this.
   TRUTH: Yet the book that this is based upon is not likely to have even been written by him, as it is a series of pictures, not quatrains, like he normally wrote.  But even if Nostradamus did paint this, the world will not end in December 2012. 
8. PREDICTION: Muslim’s have a prophecy that an Islamic leader called the Imam Mahdi is supposed to rise up in an even numbered year. The latest Islamic year 1434 began on November 15, 2012 and runs until November 3, 2013. Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a Shi’ite Muslim, has claimed that this leader will arise before he leaves office (which is supposed to be during this Islamic year 1434) and suggested that is do arise after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad first takes over Jerusalem. Shi’Ite Muslims believe that he will be Muḥammad ibn al-Ḥasan al-Mahdī, a relative of Muhammad, who was born on July 29, 869.
   TRUTH: Sunni Muslims, while accepting the view that there will be an Imam Mahdi, do not believe that he can be the leader that the Shi’ites expect–and they are correct–the one born on July 29, 869 will not truly rise up and unite all the Muslims.  Hence we are not going to see the taking over of Jerusalem in year 1434–the events needed for Jerusalem to be surrounded by armies in Matthew 24, etc. have not yet happend.  For additional details, please check out Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013? and  The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy.
9. PREDICTION: The Hopi Indians have prophecies of gloom that some believe point to the world ending in 2012–which some have interpreted as the world ending in 2012.
   TRUTH: However, as some have noticed, the Hopi prophecies tend to be discussing that the world will be in a “berserk transition,” not that the world will actually end then.  And although we seem to be in a time of sorrows and transition (cf. Matthew 24:4-8), the world will not end in 2012.  Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013?
10. PREDICTION: Bruce McKerras claims that the sixth seal of the Book of Revelation will be opened on December 2012.  In a book/article that he posted online titled ALETHOS TELOS: The Truth About the End Times he states the following: “2012 December The great and terrible day of the Lord’s vengeance and wrath, a CME sunstrike. Isaiah 30:26. It is the Sixth seal. Worldwide devastation and the Middle East is completely cleared, Psalm 83, a small Jewish remnant survive in Jerusalem. Isaiah 4:3 Many will die elsewhere, such as America: Isaiah 17:4-10, but most will survive…”
    TRUTH: Biblically that is not possible.  The sixth seal follows the fifth seal and the fifth seal will not be opened prior to 2017.  There will not be devastation to the degree that the sixth seal calls for in December 2012.  For more biblical details, please check out Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013?

I should add that the Bible does not allow for the possibility that the world will end in December 2012.  However, that does not mean that there could not be problems.  There very well could be storms, earthquakes, floods, solar problems, regional conflicts, violence, etc. in December 2012, it is just that it will not possibly be the end of the world as we know it.

Oddly, I ran across another prediction, this one at least partially based upon the "Great Seal of the United States" that at least one person suggests points to the apocalypse in 2012 (‘Great Seal’ Does Not Predict 2012). But this too, is in error.

So What Does the Mayan 2012 Date Mean?

Some, like Quetzil Castañeda, have called 2012 "a gringo invention" (Miller L. 2012: A Y2K for the New Age. Newsweek, Published May 2, 2009, from the magazine issue dated May 18, 2009. http://www.newsweek.com/id/195688 viewed 06/27/09). Part of the reason for that is that the ancient pre-Columbian Mayans were not clear as to what, if any, interpretation their drawings or end of their long-count calendar signified. But the reality is that many cultures seem to be looking for something to happen in this decade.

The Mayan 2012 calendar date, itself, correctly seems to predict a type of an astronomical event. That is part of its value.

There are basically four possibilities that most have concluded about December 21, 2012:

1. 2012 is an insignificant semi-astronomical event and nothing else and means nothing--a real possibility.
2. 2012 marks the end of civilization and the destruction of the world by flood--not a possibility. The world will not end in 2012.
3. 2012 marks the beginning of a new age of peace--not a real possibility--though many hope for it.
4. 2012 marks, not an age of true peace, but it could mark the time when the following prophecy is fulfilled:
   "Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, 'Peace!' when there is no peace" (Ezekiel 13:10)--a real possibility.
   

But, there is a also fifth possibility as this paper has covered--while an astronomical event may occur (as well as apparently an increase in sunspot activity) and some may claim it is a time of peace dawning, the 2012 prophecies may simply be part of a Satanic deception. And although many sorrows will likely take place that year, the absolute end will not be then.

This particular set of Mayan prophecies may have been retained because Satan wants to add further confusion to end-time prophecies just prior to the Great Tribulation. And this coincides with prophecies from others like the Hopis and the Hindus. And even the Catholic Malachy (who, while being mainly accurate, has errors in his prophecies).

While those in the genuine Church of God should be aware of these prophecies, we have nothing to fear from them specifically (though the Bible does warn about persecutions that will come just before the end). But since it appears that the Bible does have a 6,000 year plan, the end will apparently come in the first quarter of the 21st century (Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).

Regarding massive future catastrophe, the Bible specifically shows that Jesus promises to protect the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God "from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world" (Revelation 3:7,10). Those who submit to God and are called to part of that portion of the church will be protected in a place in the wilderness.

However, since the Great Tribulation is coming AND it is likely to come not too many years after 2012 (When Can the Great Tribulation Begin?), I believe that the Mayan calendar date should serve as a warning that although the end is prophesied to come in the Bible, that many will misunderstand when it is to come and who they should believe about the time of the time.

The end is coming, but not until several years after December 22, 2012.

For more information:

Introducing... 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Finally a book that not only looks at 2012, but looks at what ancient writings from many sources predict will happen in the next several years. Since the book was released, world events have lined up with at least 21 predictions in it. Disaster is coming, but ultimately a glorious age of peace is coming to. Are you interested in learning more than you can from a website article? Do you know what prophecies by the world's major religions expect will happen next decade? Find out from the book, below.

This book is also available in the Spanish (2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta), Portuguese 2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta, and German languages (2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte and 2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Kindle Edition)). World events, aligning with at least 24 predictions in 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, have already come to pass since that book came out in September 2009. If you are interested in real prophecy, the book truly will help you learn what else will come to pass. Order 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect now. The book sells for $19.98 plus shipping and handling from Amazon.com and $19.98 plus shipping and handling ($4.98 USA addresses, $14.00 for all others) at www.thesecretsect.com website. 

Thiel B. End of Mayan Calendar 2012. www.cogwriter.com (c) First edition: January 13, 2008 (Updated 2009/2011/2012/2013/2015/2019 0902)