EARTHQUAKES, FAMINE, AND PLAGUES: SIGNS OF THE END TIMES
Shortly before God pours out His final wrath upon the earth, Scripture predicts an era of extraordinary and terrifying events. The Bible warns of the rise of false prophets, false teachers, and counterfeit Christians (Matthew 24:11, 24). Yet three major signs will dominate this period: 1) Wars, 2) Plagues, and 3) Famine.
Luke 21:10-11 (ESV) – “Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrifying events and great signs from heaven.’”
Just as illness begins with subtle symptoms, so the end times will begin with signs that may seem minor. A person may feel slight discomfort—nausea, headache, or mild fever—yet initially continue life as normal. Over time, however, the disease intensifies. In the same way, the early signs of the end times are warnings, but the full manifestation of God’s judgment will be far worse.
Matthew 24:6-8 (ESV) – “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.”
Notice the phrase “birth pains”: just as labor pains start small and grow in intensity, so will the signs of the end times.
Jesus explicitly mentioned great earthquakes as a sign of the end times (Luke 21:11). These will not be ordinary tremors but catastrophic events beyond human comprehension. They are symbolic as well, representing God shaking the foundations of human pride and false security (Hebrews 12:26-27).
Jesus also warned that wars would characterize the end times. These are not ordinary conflicts but will culminate in Armageddon, a final battle prophesied in Revelation 16:16. This battle will exceed any prior conflict in scale and devastation, with worldwide consequences.
Revelation 16:14-16 (ESV) – “For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God Almighty… to the place called Armageddon.”
Famine will strike as a direct result of environmental collapse and the rise of destructive pests (Joel 1:4-12). This is reminiscent of the plagues in Pharaoh’s time, but on a global scale. Scripture warns that even basic necessities such as water will be affected (Revelation 16:4-6).
Joel 1:15 (ESV) – “Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes.”
Deadly, fast-spreading diseases will be another hallmark of the end times. Some signs have already appeared in the 21st century (e.g., COVID-19), but the ultimate plagues will be far more severe, incurable, and universal. These plagues will cause painful sores and decay, leaving no hope of natural recovery.
Revelation 16:2 (ESV) – “The first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.”
These plagues symbolize God’s judgment against sin and rebellion. They serve as a warning to all who refuse repentance.
Spiritual preparation is essential. Physical precautions are not sufficient; salvation and protection come only through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
Repentance involves:
Confessing sin and cleansing the heart daily (1 John 1:9).
Rejecting idolatry, sexual immorality, drunkenness, theft, dishonesty, and worldly temptations (Colossians 3:5-6; Ephesians 5:5-6).
Embracing holiness and seeking a close relationship with God (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Psalm 125:1-2 (ESV) – “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.”
True security is spiritual, not physical. Washing hands, social distancing, or medical measures cannot protect your soul from God’s judgment. Only faith in Jesus Christ, the blood of the Lamb, and obedience to His Word provide salvation.
“O God, Father, I come before You, acknowledging that I am a sinner and have committed many sins. I deserve Your judgment, but You are merciful. Your Word says You forgive thousands who love You. Today, I seek Your forgiveness and help. I repent with all my heart. I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of the world. I ask that His blood cleanses all my sins and makes me a new creation, starting today and forever. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for receiving and forgiving me. Amen.”
Praying in faith must be followed by demonstrable repentance: abandoning sinful habits, joining a spiritual church, studying Scripture, and receiving water baptism in Jesus’ name for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
These are the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Worldly security—wealth, education, entertainment—cannot save you. Only surrendering to Christ ensures safety for eternity. The time to prepare is now, while God’s mercy is still extended.
Jeremiah 28:7 (ESV) – “But listen now to the word I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people: The prophets who have been before me and before your days prophesied war, disaster, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms.”
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