Scientists, Asteroids, and Revelation 8

Comet Lulin

Scientists are becoming concerned about the ramifications of a medium-size asteroid striking the earth:

New Scientist – Oct 13, 2010

If a medium-sized asteroid lands in the ocean, tsunamis won’t be the only worry. A new computer simulation suggests that the water vapour and sea salt thrown up by the impact could damage the Earth’s protective ozone layer, leading to record levels of ultraviolet radiation that could threaten human civilisation. “This suggests new issues you could have with ocean impacts that people hadn’t thought of before,” says Brian Toon of the University of Colorado at Boulder, who was not involved in the work…The resulting ultraviolet-radiation levels would be higher than anywhere on Earth today, the team writes, presenting a new hazard for human civilisation. http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19579-ocean-asteroid-hits-will-create-huge-ozone-holes.html

A large comet hitting the earth would also seem to have similar effects to that of a medium-sized asteroid. And it also could cause tsunamis.

Over 1900 years ago, notice what the Apostle John was inspired to write in the Book of Revelation 8:10-11:

Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter.

And while Wormwood does not have to be a comet, it sounds more like one than an asteroid.

Why?

In addition to looking like a star falling from the heavens looking like a torch (and an asteroid could possibly do that), comets normally appear with cyanogen. Astronomers state hydrogen cyanide on comets may be their source of cyanogen gas.

Interestingly, the cyanogen gas mixes with water to form hydrogen cyanide, which has an almond odor and bitter taste, and reportedly causes death at concentrations over 5 parts per million.

And thus for Bible skeptics, the fact that before humans had any idea that comets could produce a poisonous bitter water, it is recorded in the Bible. This should be additional proof to those willing to see that the Bible has been inspired by God.

Sometime after the earth is hit by “Wormwood”, notice what else the Bible predicts:

8 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory. (Revelation 16:8-9)

So, if the report in New Scientist is somewhat accurate (and especially if it is also has applicability to larger comets), it may be that the crash will contribute to the depletion of ozone which will cause higher radiation, and possibly higher heat, to be on the earth. What the angel may pour out of his bowl (which is unspecified), may reduce the protection from high heat even further.

Thus, it may be that some scientists are getting a glimpse into what the Book of Revelation predicts, even though most of them will still ignore the warnings in that book. Here is some of what John was inspired to write in it:

12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. (Revelation 14:12)

7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Revelation 22:7)

12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. (Revelation 22:12-15)

Despite what many non-COGr’s teach, Jesus expects that His faithful will keep the Ten Commandments and not practice the lie that they are done away (see also Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants). But you who accept the truth that God is love and His commandments show love (The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil), can be amongst those that Revelation calls “Blessed”.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood? What do the writings of the Bible, Origen, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Augustine show?
Bible and Historical Resources on the Internet Electronic bibles, Two Babylons, early Christian literature, photos, and even links to old Herbert W. Armstrong materials.
Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know?
Are the Ten Commandment Still in Effect? The commandments are shown at Mount Sinai, before Mount Sinai, in the teachings of Jesus, after the crucifixion, and in the teachings of Paul.This article addresses the most common “traditions of men” regarding them as well.
Were the Pharisees Condemned for Keeping the Law or Reasoning Around it? Many believe that the Pharisees were condemned for keeping the law, but what does your Bible say? If they were not condemned for that, what were they condemned for?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.