Is the Coming Eclipse a Sign?
Understanding Eclipses in Biblical Prophecy
As followers of Christ, we are no strangers to the topic of end times and the number of signs that are said to accompany this period. Among these signs are celestial events, such as eclipses, which often stir up speculation and discussions among Christians. Are these mere astronomical occurrences, or are they prophetic? At the time of this writing, the eclipse of April 8, 2024 has given rise to discussion among some Christian leaders that it may have prophetic significance. In this article, we delve into the scriptures and to discern the role, if any, eclipses play in biblical prophecy and the end times.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Understanding Eclipses in Biblical Prophecy
Biblical References to Eclipses and End Times
The Role of Eclipses in Historical Biblical Events
Dangers of Aligning Eclipses with Astrology
Prophetic Insight and Prophetic Literacy
The April 8, 2024 Eclipse: Prophetic Significance?
Spiritual Maturity or Spiritual Immaturity in Discerning Signs
Conclusion: Staying Grounded in Scripture and Spirit
Biblical References to Eclipses and End Times
First, let us look at what the Bible says about eclipses. The Bible mentions the sun being darkened and the moon turning into blood. In Matthew 24:29, Jesus describes the celestial unrest that will accompany the end times, saying, “Immediately after the distress of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light.' Similarly, the book of Joel 2:31 proclaims, “The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord”, These passages may lead some to believe that eclipses are a direct sign for apocalyptic events.
Yet it is important to approach such interpretations with caution and context. In this 'Arrows of Revival' episode, Bishop Reid discusses these scriptures alongside the warnings against seeking signs and wonders for their own sake. Eclipses are natural occurrences within God's creation and their significance, if any, comes not from the event itself but from Biblical prophecies concerning them, and the revelatory power of the Holy Spirit that might use such events as time markers.
Scripture makes it clear that these celestial signs are but a part of a more extensive list of end-time events. We should not seek to assign significance from the eclipse itself but in relation to the other end-time signs that the Bible speaks of. Wars, increases in sin, and perversion are also mentioned in Matthew 24 as components of end-time trends. Other Biblical passages mention the ongoing wars in Israel and the rise of nations like Russia and China on the world scene. We can see these events unfolding today. This serves as a reminder that the focus should remain on the broader prophetic picture rather than on isolated events, no matter how spectacular they may appear in the heavens.
The Role of Eclipses in Historical Biblical Events
Throughout history, eclipses have played a role in momentous occasions. Two particular events come to mind: during the time of Joshua, the sun 'stood still,' and in the reign of King Hezekiah, the sun's shadow went backward, as recorded in Joshua 10:13 and 2 Kings 20:11, respectively. These unique occurrences demonstrate that God can certainly use celestial events like eclipses to signify or even enact His will on the earth.
What is the lesson for believers today, particularly as we anticipate the eclipse on April 8, 2024? While these historical precedents show us that God is sovereign over the cosmos, they are not prescriptions for predicting the future. Instead, they serve as testaments to God's power, reminding us that He can intervene in nature to fulfill His prophetic word. The eclipse on April 8, 2024, is a general reminder from natural cosmetic events that God is real, and his judgment is surely coming.
That said, the actual significance of any modern eclipse remains undefined outside of a revelation from the Spirit. Previous instances were remarkable not because they were eclipses in and of themselves, but because they were accompanied by a prophetic word or command from God. Without this prophetic utterance, as was the case with Joshua and Hezekiah, an eclipse remains a natural phenomenon, extraordinary yet not necessarily spiritually significant.
Dangers of Aligning Eclipses with Astrology
One of the primary dangers about eclipses and their potential prophetic meaning is the temptation to drift towards astrology. This pseudoscience, which seeks to gain information about human affairs and earthly events by interpreting celestial movements, is contrary to Christian doctrine. Jesus himself warned against such practices, as recorded in Matthew 16:1-4 when he rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees for seeking signs from heaven. We must distinguish between biblical signs and astrological speculation.
Some Christian leaders are veering in this direction by finding meaning in the patterns from past eclipses along with the April 2024 eclipse. Some have observed that the path of the eclipse of 2017 forms an ‘X’ with the path of the April 2024 eclipse. Others have noticed that a past eclipse along with the coming April 8, 2024 eclipse marks the first and last letter of the Hebrew alphabet, representing the first and the last. Still, they are also finding meaning in the cities where the eclipse will occur such as some of these having the name, Nineveh, a city that was destined for judgment. Looking at patterns like these can lead to erroneous conclusions. Christian speakers have spoken of other celestial events as having prophetic significance such as the alignment of the planets, passing comets, solar flares, and other celestial events to no avail. Isaiah 47:13 gives us a somber warning about getting involved in stargazing and astrology: “Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.” Essentially, the scripture is saying that observing these celestial events to make predictions will only be overwhelming and unfulfilling.
Therefore, when interpreting natural phenomena like eclipses, there is a fine line between recognizing God's hand in creation and falling into the practices of astrology. To remain on solid spiritual ground, believers should keep their eyes firmly on the teachings of the Bible and the leading of the Holy Spirit, using discernment to understand the times in the light of God's prophetic timeline, not that of the celestial patterns.
Prophetic Insight and Prophetic Literacy
To understand prophecy, we need prophetic insight and prophetic literacy. Prophetic insight is the ability to hear from God and understand His will for specific times and circumstances, often through a direct revelation from the Holy Spirit. Prophetic literacy is rooted in a deep and sound knowledge of scripture, especially the general prophecies and prophetic language of scripture.
Basing one's interpretations of end-time events solely on observing signs in the skies without grounding them in scripture can lead to a false prophecy. The Bible, filled with examples of prophecy and the proper interpretation thereof, provides a framework within which prophetic insight can safely operate. Staying committed to the Bible guards against deception and misplaced fervor over signs and wonders.
The book, The Prophetic Revolution, gives further understanding of prophetic literacy and prophetic insight. It underscores how crucial it is for every believer to possess prophetic literacy. Through the combined use of scriptural knowledge and openness to the Holy Spirit, believers can navigate the complexities of end-time prophecy, avoiding the pitfalls of empty astrological assertions and observations of celestial patterns.
The April 8, 2024 Eclipse: Prophetic Significance?
The upcoming eclipse on April 8, 2024, may have caught the eye of many end-time prophecy enthusiasts, who are left wondering about its significance. However, the significance of this event will depend on whether God has provided prophetic insight regarding it. Without such revelation, an eclipse, though awe-inspiring, should not be assumed to hold any inherent prophetic meaning. It is definitely not an indication of the rapture of the church or the Lord's return.
Analyzing biblical prophecies such as those found in Isaiah 13:9-11, Matthew 24:29-30, Joel 2:31, and 2 Thessalonians 2 reveals that a major eclipse will coincide with the 'day of the Lord'—a time of judgment and restoration. Yet, the eclipse itself is not presented as a singular sign heralding these events. To ascribe immediate apocalyptic importance to the April 8th eclipse would be premature and not supported by the scriptural narrative which places these events after the tribulation and the appearance of the Antichrist. In Matthew 24:29, Jesus said that immediately after the tribulation, the sun would be darkened, and then he will return. The tribulation is still in the future, where the antichrist, the man of sin, will rule the world according to 2 Thessalonians 2. Before Jesus returns, the antichrist will be a one-world ruler on the earth. Therefore, the April 2024 eclipse is not the major eclipse Jesus speaks of, since we are not in the great tribulation, and the Antichrist has not yet appeared.
Furthermore, this 'Arrows of Revival' episode cautions against marking calendars for the rapture based on natural phenomena, citing instances where such predictions have led to widespread disappointment and disillusionment. Our focus should remain steadfast on the great commission—preaching the gospel worldwide and tending to the world revival that scripture indicates is the true harbinger of the end times (Matthew 24:14). The April 8, 2024, eclipse, if significant, will be made clear by the Spirit to those attuned to His voice, rather than by the astronomical charts and celestial conjecture.
Spiritual Maturity or Spiritual Immaturity in Discerning Signs
The ability to discern the signs of the times is a demonstration of spiritual maturity, emphasizing a discernment that stems from faithful adherence to scripture and an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. As highlighted in the 'Arrows of Revival' podcast, reliance on celestial events and their interpretations can sometimes be indicative of spiritual immaturity. A mature believer understands that while God can use natural phenomena to communicate His purposes, not all such events are divinely orchestrated messages.
Jesus warned of the inclination to seek after signs, illustrating this when He addressed the Pharisees and Sadducees in Matthew 16. They sought a sign from heaven to test Him, but He rebuked them for not understanding the signs of the times. In like manner, modern believers are called to exercise discernment, recognizing that the desire for signs in the skies can be a distraction from the Biblical prophecies and signs.
Instead, as followers of Christ, we should develop prophetic literacy that enables us to recognize true prophecies and distinguish them from false predictions and earthly superstitions. This literacy, together with the leading of the Holy Spirit, forms the bedrock for genuine prophetic insight and discernment. It is through this understanding that believers can identify significant events that align with God's prophetic calendar, without veering into the realm of speculation or astrology.
Conclusion: Staying Grounded in Scripture and Spirit
In conclusion, the discussion around eclipses and their potential role in biblical prophecy should be grounded in scripture and spirit-led discernment. As explored throughout this post, the 'Arrows of Revival' podcast has shed light on the topic, revealing that eclipses, while remarkable, are not themselves iron-clad indicators of a prophetic message. What remains paramount is prophetic revelation through the Holy Spirit and adherence to God’s word.
The truths of the Bible provide a firm foundation against which all signs, wonders, and prophecies can be measured. Fostering prophetic literacy alongside an openness to Spirit-led insight will equip believers to discern the times authentically without falling into error. We recommend the book, 'The Prophetic Revolution,' which reiterates the essence of looking to scripture for answers and expecting the Holy Spirit to provide clarity and context where needed.
Ultimately, the significance of any celestial event, including the April 8, 2024 eclipse, lies within God’s sovereign plan. As the 'Arrows of Revival' encourages, let us continue to focus on preaching the gospel, pursuing world revival, and walking in tune with the Holy Spirit's voice as we await the fulfillment of God's prophetic promises. Our preparedness for the end times is not measured by our ability to interpret the stars but by our faithfulness to the mission entrusted to us by the Lord Jesus Christ.
