Do all the recent earthquakes mean the end of the world is near? Are major tsunamis, floods, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, hailstorms, blizzards, tornadoes, derechoes, droughts, wild fires, volcanoes & other natural disasters signs of the end times? Are these God's judgment?
14-Mar-11 (updated 26-Oct-2015)
With major earthquakes occurring all over the world such as in Afghanistan, Nepal, California (USA), Haiti, Japan, Myanmar (Burma), Turkey, Chile & many other places (it is hard to keep up with them all), many are wondering if these are signs of the end times. Adding to the intrigue are many other natural disasters such as tsunamis, floods, hurricanes, cyclones, typhoons, tornadoes, derechoes, hail storms, snow storms, drought, wildfires, volcanic eruptions & superstorms. In speaking about the end times (when Jesus Christ will return) Jesus said…
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. – Mark 13.8
Earthquakes have been happening for long time & many are noted in the Bible. In the Old Testament, Elijah the prophet experienced one (1 Ki 19.11-12), the prophets Amos & Zechariah mention a notable one that occurred during King Uzziah’s reign (Am 1.1, Zech 14.5) & the prophets Isaiah & Ezekiel predict a major one that will take place during the end times or last days (Isa 29.6, Eze 38.19). In the New Testament, earthquakes took place at the time of Jesus’ death on the cross (Mt 27.50-54) & His resurrection (Mt 28.2-4). The ground shook when the early church was gathered for prayer (Acts 4.31). And another occurred when Paul & Silas were miraculously freed from prison (Acts 16.25-26). Of course, many have taken place over the past couple hundred years of recently recorded history. But, along with Jesus’ predictions, it is the earthquakes mentioned in Revelation during the tribulation period & are the most noteworthy.
Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake. – Rev 8.5
Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath. Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. From the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible. – Rev 16.18-21
Jesus said there would be “earthquakes in various places” among other calamities. But He also said they would be the “beginnings of birth pains” (Mk 13.8). Elsewhere, the Bible says “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time” (Rom 8.22). If you are familiar with the birthing process, you know that birth pains come from contractions. And while none are comfortable, they increase in intensity & frequency until birth has been achieved. It is generally understood that the “birth pains” of natural disasters will likewise increase in intensity & frequency leading up to the end times when Christ returns. But note that if they decrease at some point, it does not mean that the trend will not reverse & increase with even more intensity at a later time (see graphs below).
Some modern sources indicate the trends of frequency & magnitude have been fairly consistent in recent recorded history. However, records are not totally complete due to lack of detection, measuring systems & communication early in history. It could be that the frequency in recent recorded history actually exceeds that of earlier periods. Certainly today, we can detect & measure earthquakes all over the world & are alerted to their occurrences almost immediately. It’s viable that the Biblical hints of earthquake increases are also alluding to the increase of our awareness of them.
But the physical seismic evaluation of earthquakes may not be the only thing the Bible is referring to. Perhaps, it is referring to increased measures of devastation to mankind, including loss of life, health, safety & various “necessities” of life. As population concentrations increase & mankind becomes more & more dependent on things such as energy (electricity, fuel, etc.) & communication (phones, internet, etc.), we take them for granted. We also take for granted all the things that depend on them like transportation, employment, banking, medical care, groceries and so on. As increasing populations are ever-so reliant on these things, a few carefully placed disasters could wreak havoc on a grand scale in this sense. Such will be the case for the final & most devastating earthquake of all times during the Great Tribulation (Rev 16.18-19).
At a very basic level of interpretation, we know that such geological catastrophes, regardless of intensity or frequency, will simply be happening right up until the big one at the very end & with a pattern similar to that of the birth pains of contractions like the graphs below (both partial sine wave forms). And most theologians believe that even more significant increases are yet to come…
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. – Mark 13.8
Earthquakes have been happening for long time & many are noted in the Bible. In the Old Testament, Elijah the prophet experienced one (1 Ki 19.11-12), the prophets Amos & Zechariah mention a notable one that occurred during King Uzziah’s reign (Am 1.1, Zech 14.5) & the prophets Isaiah & Ezekiel predict a major one that will take place during the end times or last days (Isa 29.6, Eze 38.19). In the New Testament, earthquakes took place at the time of Jesus’ death on the cross (Mt 27.50-54) & His resurrection (Mt 28.2-4). The ground shook when the early church was gathered for prayer (Acts 4.31). And another occurred when Paul & Silas were miraculously freed from prison (Acts 16.25-26). Of course, many have taken place over the past couple hundred years of recently recorded history. But, along with Jesus’ predictions, it is the earthquakes mentioned in Revelation during the tribulation period & are the most noteworthy.
Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake. – Rev 8.5
Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath. Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. From the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible. – Rev 16.18-21
Jesus said there would be “earthquakes in various places” among other calamities. But He also said they would be the “beginnings of birth pains” (Mk 13.8). Elsewhere, the Bible says “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time” (Rom 8.22). If you are familiar with the birthing process, you know that birth pains come from contractions. And while none are comfortable, they increase in intensity & frequency until birth has been achieved. It is generally understood that the “birth pains” of natural disasters will likewise increase in intensity & frequency leading up to the end times when Christ returns. But note that if they decrease at some point, it does not mean that the trend will not reverse & increase with even more intensity at a later time (see graphs below).
Some modern sources indicate the trends of frequency & magnitude have been fairly consistent in recent recorded history. However, records are not totally complete due to lack of detection, measuring systems & communication early in history. It could be that the frequency in recent recorded history actually exceeds that of earlier periods. Certainly today, we can detect & measure earthquakes all over the world & are alerted to their occurrences almost immediately. It’s viable that the Biblical hints of earthquake increases are also alluding to the increase of our awareness of them.
But the physical seismic evaluation of earthquakes may not be the only thing the Bible is referring to. Perhaps, it is referring to increased measures of devastation to mankind, including loss of life, health, safety & various “necessities” of life. As population concentrations increase & mankind becomes more & more dependent on things such as energy (electricity, fuel, etc.) & communication (phones, internet, etc.), we take them for granted. We also take for granted all the things that depend on them like transportation, employment, banking, medical care, groceries and so on. As increasing populations are ever-so reliant on these things, a few carefully placed disasters could wreak havoc on a grand scale in this sense. Such will be the case for the final & most devastating earthquake of all times during the Great Tribulation (Rev 16.18-19).
At a very basic level of interpretation, we know that such geological catastrophes, regardless of intensity or frequency, will simply be happening right up until the big one at the very end & with a pattern similar to that of the birth pains of contractions like the graphs below (both partial sine wave forms). And most theologians believe that even more significant increases are yet to come…
The Bible says that the last one will be unparalleled causing mountains to collapse & islands to disappear possibly indicating major tsunami’s (Rev 16.18, 20, Eze 38.20). In addition to tsunamis, the “roaring and tossing of the sea” (Lk 21.25) could refer to hurricanes, typhoons & cyclones or it could be an event that modern man has never experienced. It could be akin to oceanic activity that took place during the cataclysmic global flood of Noah’s day where “all the fountains of the great deep burst open” (Gen 7.11 NASB). Though, we know it will not be of the same magnitude, as the earth will ultimately be destroyed by fire, not water (Gen 9.11, 2 Pt 3.4-6).
There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man (Jesus) coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. – Lk 21.25-28
But why does God allow or send such horrible disasters? Is God judging the people experiencing these disasters? I’ll let Jesus answer…
Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” – Lk 13.1-5
God allows such things to remind us that mankind is much smaller than we think. We are not as unstoppable as we imagine. Disasters are to remind us that we are mortal & will have to face the Immortal God some day (Eccl 12.14) – and we never know when that may be. We must repent – turn from our sin (violation of His commands) & turn to Him. The Bible tells that we are all guilty of sin & that even if we sin just once, we have completely failed & are subject to God’s judgment in an eternal hell (Rom 3.23, Jas 2.10). While there may be much suffering, natural disasters are a merciful wake-up call & force people to contemplate their mortality & eternity.
The Lord...is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. - 2 Pet 3.9
When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other.
- Eccl 7.14
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. - Eccl 3.11
The good news is that Jesus came – God in the flesh – to live perfectly & He never sinned. But He died through a horrible crucifixion to take God’s judgment for the sins of all who trust Him to do so. He not only took our punishment, but also qualifies us for heaven because He is sinless. And while we will still experience trouble in this life, it won’t be without God’s help or purpose. However, for those of us who have believed, we will most certainly be spared from the hell we deserve & also taken up to heaven before the terrible events of the tribulation period (1 Thes 5.9, 1.10, Heb 9.27-28, 1 Jn 5.13).
While no one knows exactly when Jesus will return & kick off the end times, we do know this: Jesus can come back at any moment & the end times are coming. They are closer today than they were yesterday. We are all going to have to face God. Have you repented of your sins? Are you trusting in Jesus to save you? Are you ready?
Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, (Christian) brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief… For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. – 1 Thes 5.1-4, 9-10
There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man (Jesus) coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. – Lk 21.25-28
But why does God allow or send such horrible disasters? Is God judging the people experiencing these disasters? I’ll let Jesus answer…
Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” – Lk 13.1-5
God allows such things to remind us that mankind is much smaller than we think. We are not as unstoppable as we imagine. Disasters are to remind us that we are mortal & will have to face the Immortal God some day (Eccl 12.14) – and we never know when that may be. We must repent – turn from our sin (violation of His commands) & turn to Him. The Bible tells that we are all guilty of sin & that even if we sin just once, we have completely failed & are subject to God’s judgment in an eternal hell (Rom 3.23, Jas 2.10). While there may be much suffering, natural disasters are a merciful wake-up call & force people to contemplate their mortality & eternity.
The Lord...is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. - 2 Pet 3.9
When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other.
- Eccl 7.14
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. - Eccl 3.11
The good news is that Jesus came – God in the flesh – to live perfectly & He never sinned. But He died through a horrible crucifixion to take God’s judgment for the sins of all who trust Him to do so. He not only took our punishment, but also qualifies us for heaven because He is sinless. And while we will still experience trouble in this life, it won’t be without God’s help or purpose. However, for those of us who have believed, we will most certainly be spared from the hell we deserve & also taken up to heaven before the terrible events of the tribulation period (1 Thes 5.9, 1.10, Heb 9.27-28, 1 Jn 5.13).
While no one knows exactly when Jesus will return & kick off the end times, we do know this: Jesus can come back at any moment & the end times are coming. They are closer today than they were yesterday. We are all going to have to face God. Have you repented of your sins? Are you trusting in Jesus to save you? Are you ready?
Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, (Christian) brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief… For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. – 1 Thes 5.1-4, 9-10
Related Pages
|