Before Monday’s full solar eclipse, there was predictably a multitude of sources claiming that it was a sign of the end times. Ann Graham Lotz cited unbelieving religious Jews (Who notably reject the divinity of Jesus) in order to claim,
Jewish rabbis have historically viewed solar eclipses as warnings from God to Gentile nations. Therefore, my perspective on the upcoming phenomenon is not celebratory. While no one can know for sure if judgment is coming on America, it does seem that God is signaling us about something. Time will tell what that something is.” (Source).
This was put out and seemingly supported by Charisma News. Michael Rood, a notable Judaizer who runs “A Rood Awakening”, has also practiced similar Astrology on the eclipse, claiming, “A great sign is happening in the heavens on August 21st when the solar eclipse takes place.” (Source) Just like Lotz, CBN also quoted a Jewish Rabbi in order to set up these omen interpretations. (Source) Paul Begley, an associate of the infamous William Tapley, has also contributed to this discussion. (Source)
For full clarification, this article was written by a Historic Pre-Millinnial, who does believe that there will be signs in the sky (Luke 21:25). However, those will not be natural phenomenon preformed by natural means. These signs will be unmistakable and unmissable to those within God’s Church. They will not be so vague as to need so-called prophets and teachers to proclaim that they are signs of the times. Do you really think God would cloud His sign in mystery so that only the “intellectually elite” could understand it?
Furthermore, these aren’t uncommon enough to stand out. There will be another total Solar Eclipse as soon as July 2nd, 2019. They have happened as recently as July 22nd, 2009. (Source). There have been many, many full solar eclipses that have happened since Jesus ascended to Heaven. Two happen every three years (One every 18 months). I would venture to say that these are common enough occurrences to not actually be unique signs in the sun, moon, and stars – especially when they are visible in places that display no unique end times significance (Like North America).
Just like with Hagee’s Blood Moons and whatever other nonsense astrology is being promoted to try to date-set what only God knows, this is just sinful and ridiculous deception. Don’t listen to those charlatans who try to say, “This is a sign!” or “That is a sign!” when there is no sign. When you look at the Eclipse, don’t look for a sign of the eschaton. Instead, take the time to think of God’s power. As Wrath & Grace’s Luke Walker puts it, “The sun will burn your eyes out from a distance of 92 million miles and do you expect to casually stroll into the presence of its Maker?” Let it remind you of the miraculous time in which was sun was supernaturally blotted out for three hours at the death of Christ. Don’t use it to try and point to something it was never intended to point to.
[Contributed by Brandon C. Hines]
