Is an eclipse a sign of the end times?

Response

Numerous biblical passages connect end-time events with astronomical phenomena. The sun, the moon, the stars, meteors, and possibly even eclipses are mentioned in relation to end-time Bible prophecies. For instance, when questioned about the timing of the end times, Jesus states, “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars” « And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; », (Luke 21:25). It is natural that whenever unusual or rare astronomical events take place, many ponder if the end times are drawing near.

Eclipses and “blood moons” appear to particularly fuel end-time concerns. Some individuals refer to Matthew 24:29 as linking a solar eclipse with the end times: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light” (ESV;see also Isaiah 13:10). During a solar eclipse, the sun is notably darkened, and the light typically reflected by the moon disappears. Similarly, during a lunar eclipse, the usual moonlight significantly diminishes. Therefore, there does appear to be a potential link between an eclipse and the end times.

However, it is impossible to associate a specific eclipse with the fulfillment of end-time prophecy. Eclipses are actually quite frequent, with a total solar eclipse occurring somewhere on Earth about once every 18 months. Partial solar eclipses happen several times a year. Total lunar eclipses take place virtually every year in most regions of the world. Since the time Jesus uttered the words recorded in Matthew 24, there have been thousands of total and partial solar and lunar eclipses. None of them seem to have had any significant impact on fulfilling end-time prophecy.

Significance to end-times Bible prophecy. Therefore, there is no way to determine if a specific eclipse in the future will be linked to the end times.

Additionally, it is crucial to consider the entirety of what Jesus states in Matthew 24, known as the Olivet Discourse. The potential eclipse is merely one of numerous signs that Jesus references. Here is the complete verse 29: “Immediately after the distress of those days, ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’” While people focus on the darkening of the sun and moon, they often overlook the falling stars and shaking planets. Furthermore, Jesus specifies that this sign will occur “immediately after the distress,” referring to the abomination of desolation in verse 15. It will be a period of “great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again” (verse 21). In fact, the time will be so dreadful that “if those days had not been cut short, no one would survive” (verse 22). This is not an ordinary eclipse that Jesus describes but one that takes place in the midst of the tribulation amidst a multitude of other signs. It will be the most severe period of trouble the world has ever experienced.

It is crucial to recall that Jesus stated no one knows the day or hour of His return « But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. », (Matthew 24:36). As eclipses can be precisely predicted down to the second, it appears that an eclipse cannot mark the exact moment of Christ’s return. Our curiosity regarding the timing of the rapture, the identity of the Antichrist, the commencement of the tribulation, and the nature of the abomination of desolation must remain unanswered for now.

The apostle Peter offers us practical guidance in light of the end times: “You ought to live holy and godly lives as you anticipate the day of GGod and speed His coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat” (2 Peter 3:11-12). We know that we will then see the new creation, “where righteousness dwells” (verse 13). Living our lives in light of Christ’s return means living in holiness and anticipation. Trying to calculate the timing of end-times events based on astronomical phenomena is not something the Bible calls us to do.