More Natural Disasters?

Indonesian Earthquake 9/02/09

Coming: More Natural Disasters? International scientists meeting in London suggest that more earthquakes, volcanic activity, landslides, and even tsunamis as far north as the UK will occur as global temperatures rise. Climate models measuring the impact of shrinking ice sheets on erosion, as well as tectonic plate activity, are sobering. One scientist noted, “Global warming is not just a matter of warmer weather, more floods or stronger hurricanes. It is a wake-up call to Terra Firma” (Mail & Guardian online [South Africa], September 6, 2009). Although some scientists disagree with aspects of the global warming hypothesis, the results of the London conference should give us pause in light of Bible prophecy. God warns that, at the time of the end, there will be powerful earthquakes all over the globe (Isaiah 24:17-20; Matthew 24:7). During the great tribulation, a “great” earthquake (perhaps combined with a massive volcanic eruption) will blacken out the sun and cause the moon to become like blood (Revelation 6:12). Ultimately, every mountain and island will be moved out of its place, resulting in people hiding themselves in caves (vv. 14-15). However, if these prophetic events can be linked to global warming, humans may dismiss warnings from those preaching in the name of the Lord.

Jesus warned of various disasters as part of the “beginning of sorrows” that would precede the great tribulation:

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

11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven (Luke 21:11).

These events seem to be in their beginning stages.

An article of related interest may be:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?