a world destroyed
Observing the World Around Us
Look at the world around you—its bustling cities, rich cultures, scientific advancements, and billions of inhabitants. It’s easy to be awed by its seeming permanence, isn’t it? But have you ever considered that this world could one day vanish entirely? Such a thought may seem unimaginable. Yet, did you know that, according to a trustworthy source, an entire world existed before ours—one that was completely destroyed?
A Lost Civilisation
We’re not talking about primitive society here; no, the world that perished was advanced, with cities, artistic achievements, and scientific knowledge. Yet, the Bible tells us that suddenly, on the 17th day of the 2nd month—352 years before the patriarch Abraham was born—a catastrophic global flood wiped out an entire civilisation.
Is this account accurate? Did such an event truly occur? Was there really an ancient world that thrived before ours, only to meet a sudden end? If so, what led to its downfall? And what lessons can we learn from its destruction?
Evidence of a Global Catastrophe
If such a monumental disaster truly happened, it would not have been forgotten entirely. Traces of this destruction remain in the traditions of many nations. Consider the precise date recorded in Scripture—the second month of the ancient calendar (mid-October to mid-November), with the 17th day falling around November 1st. Interestingly, many cultures hold festivals for the dead around this time—a possible echo of that ancient catastrophe.
Flood Legends Across Cultures
Flood myths persist across the globe. Nearly every ancient culture has a story of ancestors surviving a worldwide deluge. From African Pygmies and European Celts to South American Incas, and from Alaska to Australia, China to India, Lithuania to Mexico, and Micronesia to New Zealand—flood legends abound.
While these tales have been embellished over time, they share striking similarities-
- Divine judgement—A deity, angered by human wickedness, sent a great flood.
- Universal destruction—nearly all of humanity perished.
- A righteous remnant—A few were spared by building a vessel to save themselves and the animals.
- Birds as scouts—messengers were sent to find dry land.
- A mountain landing—The vessel eventually rested on high ground.
- A sacrifice offered—Survivors gave thanks upon exiting.
These parallels are too consistent to be mere coincidence. Together, they support the Bible’s testimony that all people today descend from flood survivors.
The Bible’s Reliable Record
We don’t need to rely on myths—we have the meticulously preserved account in the Hebrew Scriptures (Genesis, chapters 6-8). The Bible provides an inspired historical record stretching back to life’s beginnings. Yet, it is more than a history book—its fulfilled prophecies and profound wisdom confirm its divine origin. Unlike legends, the Bible includes precise names, dates, genealogies, and geographic details. It paints a vivid picture of pre-flood life and reveals why that world met its abrupt end.
A Warning for Today
What went wrong with that ancient society? The following article explores this question—one that holds great significance for anyone pondering the future of our own civilisation.
