We often wonder if an astronomical phenomenon points to the End Times. After all, Revelation does tell us that the moon will turn blood red and the sun will darken. Some theories have recently floated around about the total eclipse that will take place on April 8 of this year, days away from when this article was written.
Some Christians believe this eclipse forms the Hebrew letter aleph—the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet—over America. They’ve been quick to point out that the eclipse will go through several towns named Nineveh, and some have wondered if plagues or disasters will break out in America due to recent abortion laws.
Some have gone as far as to say that what will happen in America is reminiscent of what took place in Egypt after Pharaoh ordered the slaughter of the Hebrew male children—several theories circulate now on TikTok and other social media platforms.
So, will the eclipse on April 8 fulfill Scripture, or should we disregard this? Let’s look further.
What Are the Theories about the April 8 Solar Eclipse?
We’ve mentioned several prevailing theories about the solar eclipse. Let’s break it down below.
Signs and Wonders in Scripture
Many Christians believe we should pay attention to signs and wonders in the heavens. After all, we have witnessed several times when God used those in Scripture (more on this in a moment). Revelation speaks about astronomical events keying us into Christ’s second return.
A Nation Divided
Many Christians have also been quick to point out that the United States is anything but united. Most recently, it has been divided over the rights of the unborn. Many Christians who claim to have the gift of prophecy speak about how God will unleash a reckoning on those who take the lives of others—including infants. They point to several examples in Scripture where God laid waste to nations who regularly participated in child sacrifice.
Nineveh
Many Christians are also quick to point out that the path of the solar eclipse, the Hebrew letter of Aleph forming from the shadows of the sun and moon, will pass through at least two towns named Nineveh. Nineveh, in Scripture, was a pit of sin. They had engaged in every wrong possible. In the Book of Jonah, God threatens to wipe them out unless they repent.
To some, this sounds very plausible.
So, let’s look to Scripture to see what it says about how we should view astronomical events.
What Does the Bible Say about Solar Eclipses?
Several intriguing solar events happen in the Bible.
In Joshua 10, God makes the sun stand still while a battle occurs. He does this until Israel has victory over its enemies.
As mentioned in Luke 23, the sun also went dark during Christ’s crucifixion. Some theologians have theorized whether a total eclipse, like the one that will take place on April 8, happened when Jesus died.
The Book of Revelation does make it clear that when the last days come, the moon will turn blood red (we have had lunar eclipses that turn the moon red), and the sun will turn black like sackcloth.
“There you go!” Some Christians say. “That means this total eclipse signifies that Christ will come again.” Or, at the very least, they believe move supernaturally—perhaps causing America to pay attention to how far it has strayed.
But when people say things like this, they also seem to forget other verses about end Times.
What Does the Bible Tell Us about the End Times?
First, Jesus told us we’d see signs and wonders and hear about many wars (and rumors of wars), but he told us not to pay attention to these things. “The end is still to come,” Matthew 24 tells us.
This means that we can’t base our hope on a singular astronomical sign indicating that Christ will return.
Second, Jesus says we will not know the hour of his return. We’ll be sorely disappointed if we eagerly anticipate an eclipse and hedge our bets on the second coming. Christ says he will return like a thief in the night. In other words, we won’t expect it to happen. We can eagerly await the bridegroom and be careful not to “fall asleep,” but we won’t know when the bridegroom will arrive.
Why Do Christians Want the Solar Eclipse to Signify the End Times?
If the Bible tells us not to hinge our faith on the wars and rumors of wars and many “birthing pains” of the End Times, why do so many believers yearn so much for the Second Coming?
Yes, on this earth, we experience pain. We feel like strangers, and we eagerly await our heavenly home.
But we also have a job to do. Jesus doesn’t tell us to sit around and get all giddy about the second coming, forgetting to spread the Gospel. He tells us to go into every nation and every sub-group of people (if we look at the Greek word used in Matthew 28) and preach the Gospel.
As Christians, we have not finished this mission. Not every people group has heard about Jesus, let alone had a chance to repent.
We can imagine Noah didn’t gloat on the Ark when the rain started falling. He probably felt sorrow for the people who could’ve made it on if they had only listened to him.
In the same way, Christians need to invest in compassion and love for the lost, as Jesus did.
We have not finished our Great Commission. So, although we know that signs and wonders in the heavens will point to a future where such signs will usher in Christ’s reign—we need to stay focused on what he has called us to do. Otherwise, he will be disappointed with us, like the master in the parable of the talents.
What Should I Do about the Solar Eclipse as a Christian?
As Christians, how should we react to the upcoming solar eclipse, especially since the End Times will include astronomical signs?
First, God is not a God of confusion.
We must admit, it’s quite the stretch to say, “See! Two of the towns are called Nineveh. Therefore, God will destroy America like he did Nineveh.” It borders into the conspiracy theory territory.
God will make it clear when he arrives. Certain things need to happen before he returns, including the Gospel being preached to every people group. Although we don’t know the day or hour, we will know when Scripture has been fulfilled. A lot must occur first, and it hasn’t come to pass yet.
Second, stop the fear-mongering.
Christians may think the “turn or burn” messages are effective, but really, they give people a horrible view of God and his love for humanity. Yes, hell exists. Yes, not everyone will go to heaven.
But Jesus told us to spread the “good news” of his salvation—not the “I’m done being on earth, so I’m just going to taunt people by saying Jesus is coming back during an eclipse” news.
We want Jesus to call us good and faithful servants. How do we do that? By spreading his Gospel instead of waiting for him to return.
Finally, enjoy the eclipse.
We can rejoice, knowing God has shown us the here and not-yet-here kingdom through the shadows of things to come. Yes, eventually, the sun will turn to sackcloth when the events of Revelation unfold.
But we must stop viewing everything as an End Times prophecy. God won’t leave us in the dark (if you’ll forgive the joke) about his return. He will make it obvious when he calls his servants home.
For now, we have a job to do. So get out those solar-safe glasses and enjoy the eclipse with me as we admire God’s creation.
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Hope Bolinger is an acquisitions editor at End Game Press, book editor for hire, and the author of almost 30 books. More than 1500 of her works have been featured in various publications. Check out her books at hopebolinger.com for clean books in most genres, great for adults and kids. Check out her editing profile at Reedsy.com to find out about hiring her for your next book project.
This article is part of our Christian Terms catalog, exploring words and phrases of Christian theology and history. Here are some of our most popular articles covering Christian terms to help your journey of knowledge and faith:
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