TNDL: “THE END TIMES MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE THAT WILL BE SO STRONG THAT MOUNTAINS AND ISLANDS SHALL BE REMOVED, CITIES SHALL SINK AND MANY PEOPLE WILL DIE. THIS IS THE END OF THE AGE JUDGEMENT UPON THOSE WHO DESTROYED THE EARTH AND LIVING THINGS ON IT.” This latest one in Japan certainly classifies as a catastrophe.

This latest one in Japan certainly classifies as a catastrophe.

Earthquakes to signal Christ’s return?

When a disaster affects much of the world as this one has, people ask, “Is this a sign of the return of Jesus Christ and the end of our age?”

When asked about what to look for as a sign of his return, Jesus Christ spoke of “the sea and the waves roaring”(Luke 21:7, 25). He was prophesying that there would be great storms and tumult on the world’s oceans and seas. He was likely referring to hurricanes, typhoons and tsunamis that unleash unusually destructive power on the earth. While there have always been storms and earthquakes, Jesus foretold that they would increase in magnitude and occurrence before the last days.

In response to the same question, Jesus warned that other causes of death and destruction—such as wars, famines and disease—would also increase during the end time.

“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places” (Matthew 24:7, emphasis added throughout).

Disasters to come at the time of the end

Are these the sign that the return of Christ is imminent? The answer is no. Jesus followed by saying, “All these are the beginning of sorrows” (verse 8). Far worse suffering and destruction will take place as the end of this age draws near, but most of the world will not be prepared for it and will be taken by surprise.

Speaking of this same time, the prophet Jeremiah warned, “Behold, a whirlwind [tempest in some translations] of the Lord has gone forth in fury—a violent whirlwind! It will fall violently on the head of the wicked. The anger of the Lord will not turn back until He has executed and performed the thoughts of His heart. In the latter days you will understand it perfectly” (Jeremiah 23:19-20).

He then adds, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Behold, disaster shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the farthest parts of the earth. And in that day the slain of the Lord shall be from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth…’” (Jeremiah 25:32-33). Jeremiah explains throughout his book that the reason for these disasters is that mankind has rejected God and has filled the world with evil and violence. Men will continue to defy their Creator (Revelation 9:21), so God will send additional plagues on the earth in order to convince humanity to listen to Him.