Is the Eclipse a Sign?

Millions of people across North America, from Mexico’s Pacific coast all the way to Canada’s Newfoundland and Labrador province, are set to witness the big event—a total solar eclipse. During this event, our Moon will perfectly block the Sun and cast its shadow on the ground, changing conditions in the middle of the day to almost match the appearance of night. Rockets, planes, balloons, and masses of people on the ground will all be studying and observing the North American total solar eclipse on the 8th of April in unprecedented detail. Our area of Texas is perfectly situated in the “path of totality,” making for excellent viewing conditions (so long as the weather cooperates). This exciting occurrence is expected to bring astronomy enthusiasts from across the globe to our immediate area.

However, there is another kind of excitement surrounding the eclipse. Religious people, of various backgrounds, are calling the event a sign from God. Headlines, blog articles, and videos carry titles such as, “Countdown to Cataclysm: The April 8 Eclipse,” “Prophecy Watch 2024, The Solar Eclipse is Coming: Signs of The End,” and even catchy clickbait such as “Everyone Was Excited About the Eclipse, Until They Heard This Prophecy...” There are plenty of self-proclaimed prophets pointing to the eclipse as announcing divine punishment, apocalyptic events, and even the return of Christ. Could they be right? Let’s examine some facts.

First, eclipses are not as rare as many believe. Every 18 months, a total solar eclipse occurs somewhere on the planet. Partial solar eclipses occur several times per year. When you stop and consider how the Sun's diameter is about 400 times larger than that of the Moon – and the Sun is also about 400 times farther from Earth, it’s not that hard to imagine. The Moon is between the Earth and Sun a lot and gets into perfect “eclipse alignment” fairly often. So why does this April’s eclipse get so much more attention? My guess is because it will pass over a large portion of America.

Second, God has revealed truth through His Son. Attempting to calculate the timing of the judgment based on the movement of celestial bodies is not something the Bible calls us to do. “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son…” (Heb. 1:1-2) Although it’s clear that God has used eclipse-like events to get mankind’s attention in the past (Mt. 27:45; Lk.23:44-45; Acts 2:19-21), the ultimate purpose was always to turn us toward Christ and His doctrine.

Third, Jesus spoke against the idea of signs indicating His return or the end of the world. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night—unannounced and unexpected (Mt. 24:42-44; 1 Thess. 5:1-2; 2 Pet. 3:10). No one, not even the angels of heaven, know the day and hour (Mt. 24:36). Instead, our Lord has emphasized the need for preparedness. It is the Lord’s will that mankind would repent and obtain salvation through Him rather than perish (1 Thess. 5:9-10; 2 Pet. 3:9). This is why He came and shed His blood, so that we might unite with His blood, putting Him on in baptism (Mt. 26:28; Rom. 6:3-5; Gal. 3:27). The message of Jesus is to be saved “today” and be faithful “to the end” (2 Cor. 6:2; Heb. 3:12-14).

Enjoy the interesting astronomical event, marvel at the design and beauty of creation, but don’t think the eclipse is a sign of the end.