We often hear predictions of an impending major earthquake along the New Madrid Fault not far from here. These predictions generally produce great concern from Memphis to St. Louis. While experts have generally refuted the possibility of accurately predicting such things, the public, nonetheless, remains quite concerned.
Religious prognosticators seem to delight in warning us that any upsurge of seismic activity is a forerunner of the return of Christ, as indicated in Matthew 24:7,8. Are their conclusions accurate?
Interestingly, scientific data concerning earthquake activity indicates that, contrary to popular opinion, the number and intensity of earthquakes has remained steady or slightly declined in recent years. The illusion of greater frequency and intensity has been produced by better detection (more seismographs with greater sensitivity) and increased news coverage.
Does earthquake activity provide a means to predict the imminent return of Christ? NO! In Matthew 24, Jesus had prophesied about the destruction of Jerusalem (vs. 1,2). The disciples asked, “When shall these things be?” (vs. 3). Jesus proceeded to mention certain “signs” that would signal the event, including earthquakes (vs. 7,8). Concerning these signs, he said: “This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled” (vs. 34).
Therefore, even if there would be an uptick in earthquake activity, it would have nothing to do with the Lord’s return or final judgment. The timing of those events cannot be predicted.
– by Greg Gwin