The End Times Bible Report Quarterly
Fall 2022: Issue Number 102
Climate Change:
Prophecy Indicates
a Course Correction
“The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.” “I WILL make the place of my feet glorious.” — Isaiah 66:1; 60:13
Mankind is currently facing a crisis of its own making. Most scientists agree that human activity is primarily responsible for the global warming which has changed the world’s climate cycles and has brought death and disastrous consequences to every continent.
Since 1883, long before scientists began their research, Bible students had marked through prophecy that global warming would take place. Record setting extremes of droughts, floods, fires and monstrous storms are not only fulfilling prophecy, but are also prompting scientists to conclude that the world’s climate, as we have known it, will never be the same again. But, lest we lose hope, even as man brings the earth to the brink of ruin, God said that He will have the last word!
First — the Cold, Hard Facts
These massive polar shifts in earth’s climate have been described by the news media as “epic,” “historic,” “apocalyptic,” and “of Biblical proportions.” The New York Times reported that “The planet is sending an SOS!” The World Health Organization has warned that climate change is the “single biggest health threat facing humanity.”
Warnings of global warming are nothing new to scientists. By the late 1890s, they were beginning to study the effects of the Industrial Revolution on earth’s atmosphere as more and more fossil fuels were being used to power the world’s economy. In more recent years, tests conducted on samples drilled deep into the polar ice surface have indicated that there is more carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere today than at any point in human history. NASA’s research has confirmed that these gases are the underlying cause for earth’s warmer atmospheric and oceanic temperatures. As a result, the icy surface at the Arctic is beginning its annual melt three weeks earlier than it did 30 years ago, and scientists report that the Arctic is expected to be ice-free as early as 2035. National Geographic, 8/13/20
Further complicating the threat to earth’s atmosphere is the invasive algae bloom plaguing many of earth’s coastal waters. Surface algae thrives in warmer waters, prohibiting light to reach the ocean’s vital kelp beds. Algae can prevent kelp growth by up to 95 percent. The drop in kelp production is already causing a range of dire consequences, not just the obvious effect upon fish and animals that depend upon it for food and shelter, but scientists estimate that kelp beds absorb approximately 10% of the carbon emissions from all the cars around the world. Scientific American, 11/6/21
To add to these ominous effects of global warming, statistics reveal that much hotter air and ocean waters are causing more enormous hurricanes and increased tornadic events than were reported 50 years ago. On some days, more than 30 twisters strike the United States — often in clusters which cover multiple states. Hurricane Ian is cited as one of the deadliest in Florida history, forming over 90° Gulf waters!
Previous Global Shifts in Climate
Throughout the history of this planet, there have been major shifts in earth’s climate. In fact, there is geological evidence that global temperatures were moderate before the great Flood in Noah’s day. (Genesis 6:9-22; 7:11-24) Fossil Butte National Monument in Wyoming verifies this fact. Today, this geological wonder resides within desert-like conditions, with bitter cold winters and bone-dry summers. But, under today’s cactus and sagebrush, pressed between hundreds of layers of sedimentary rock, geologists have unearthed thousands of fossils that reveal a lush, tropical environment. Alligators, palm trees and fresh water sting rays flourished in the warm, moisture-rich environment. Similar areas of great sandstone, clay and shale beds exist in areas around the globe — the aftermath of catastrophic floods. In Siberia the discovery of a huge woolly mammoth was found encased in clear, solid ice — perfectly intact with grasses still in its mouth in process of chewing.
What could have caused such a drastic and rapid change in climate and geology? One scientific explanation has been proposed that agrees with the Genesis account of creation. (Genesis 1:1-31) On day one, as the earth cooled from its molten state, the atmosphere was dense with layers of water vapor and debris, similar to what we see enveloping Jupiter today. Over thousands of years these layers weakened and collapsed back to earth, causing catastrophic global changes — shaping and reshaping earth’s pre-human environment. Then, in preparation for life on earth, God said on day two that He: “…divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament...” By day three, more and more of the water vapor had collapsed to earth and the atmosphere cleared enough to allow light to appear to allow plant life to flourish in a carbon-rich environment. By day four, the earth was still enveloped in a water vapor canopy, but as layers of vapor collapsed to earth, light became brighter in preparation for animal life on the fifth day of creation. By day six, a less dense watery canopy still covered the earth, providing moderate global temperatures — perfect for the creation of man.
At day seven of creation, the sun’s rays acted upon the watery canopy as they do upon the white glass of a greenhouse. This “greenhouse effect” lasted until the most recent water vapor collapse which resulted in Noah’s Flood. God, foreknowing all things, anticipated the need of this deluge, and so timed the features of His Plan to coincide exactly with the flood of Noah. Yes, geology reveals that epic climate changes have taken place on this earth. Genesis 6:9-22; 7:11-24
Where Does the Bible
Indicate This Will Lead?
There is no doubt now that warmer global temperatures are going to cause further devastation upon planet earth, humanity’s home, but where does the Bible forecast hope? We are assured by the Prophet David that God will not allow the selfishness of man to interfere with His ultimate purposes to bless all the families of the earth. “Surely the wrath of man [by his own negligence] shall praise thee [when God provides His course correction].” Psalm 76:10; Genesis 22:18
Now consider just two of many important factors which God will enlist to eventually make His footstool glorious. (1) Acts 3:19-21 states that there will be “times of refreshing” and “restitution” when Jesus returns. Restitution signifies to restore, to put back again into a proper condition. Prophecies like this indicate that the earth will be restored to a more moderate climate worldwide as it was in the days of Noah. (2) Vast arid regions throughout the world will become habitable and productive. This will be of benefit to humanity, as an increased population is on the horizon.
When Man’s Home was Cursed
To understand what God’s plans are for the future of earth, it is necessary to review the past. Man’s original home in the Garden of Eden was perfectly suitable for living — forever. When father Adam sinned, the curse also extended to the earth. Adam was driven out of his perfect Edenic environment into an unfinished earth where the components of nature were still imperfect and unstable. Outside of the Garden, God had left the planet unfinished, so that man would have to work diligently to survive. God told Adam: “…cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee... In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground...” Genesis 3:17-19
Ever since Adam was expelled from Eden, mankind has been subjected to sporadic upheavals of nature, as yet, unbalanced. It is regrettable that many call these natural disasters, “acts of God.” Before global warming, these alternations of drought and deluge, of blizzards and scorching heat are actually random acts of nature upon our yet to be perfected planet. But, because of the unchecked impact of man’s activities, these climate spasms are having even more immense and devastating consequences.
Such catastrophic global events give rise to fear of the future for man’s home. However, by looking to Scripture, we see that the current changes of severe weather events will be turned around in due time by God to provide the blessing that He has planned for humanity. God created this planet for mankind, and He will not allow it to become desolate and uninhabitable. “The earth abideth for ever.” Ecclesiastes 1:4
Curse Upon the Earth to be Lifted
While the first Book of the Bible began with this curse upon man and his home, the last Book assures us that this same curse will come to an end! “No longer will there be a curse upon anything.” (Revelation 22:3 NLT) He who prepared our planet for habitation is also able and willing to repair it after man’s experience with sin, selfishness and its bitter consequences.
Despite the suffering and sorrow that comes as a result of extreme weather events, the Bible foretells of an everlasting kingdom to come where death and destruction will be no more. “O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven… thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.” (Psalm 119:89, 90) There, mankind will exist in a perfect Garden of Eden condition worldwide, such as Adam experienced before Satan’s deception led him into disobedience. Now, the whole creation groans under this curse upon the earth, but because “God is love,” He intends to remove these cursed conditions upon the earth. (Romans 8:22-25; 1 John 4:16) Yes, when the habitable parts of the earth become a paradise, the extremes of dangerous weather patterns will no longer plague mankind as they do now.
Planet Earth Made Glorious
It seems certain that to transform the earth into a paradise like Eden, such as the prophecies picture, and a fit place for the restored race, some great changes of climate must occur. Alternations of drought and deluge, and of brutal cold and scorching heat are indications of the imperfection of earth made worse through the reckless neglect of nature’s warning signs. God said, “I WILL make the place of my feet glorious.” (Isaiah 60:13) He WILL overrule the warming trend in earth’s atmosphere for mankind’s eventual good in preparation for “the restitution of all things spoken of by the mouth of all God’s holy prophets since the world began.” (Acts 3:21) Yes, God has the ultimate power over the destiny of our earth. “Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the LORD will display his glory...” (Isaiah 35:1, 2 NLT) “Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God... shall bless us.” Psalm 67:6
Jehovah is the great Emperor of His universe, and His wisdom, power, goodness and benevolence are abundantly equal to all of His vast responsibilities. Think of the memory that never fails, of the judgment that never errs, of the wisdom that plans for eternity without the possibility of failure, and of the power and skill which can harness every opposing element and make them all work together for the accomplishment of His grand designs. Think of one whose eye never sleeps, whose ear is ever open, and who is ever aware of all the necessities, and active in all the interests of His broad domains. Well has the Psalmist said, in consideration of the immensity and the minutiae of God’s providence over all His works — “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me: it is high, I cannot attain unto it.” Psalm 139:6
When God’s wonderful plan of the ages is understood, everything in nature will bear testimony to the overruling of His providence. Yes, we have an intelligent, loving Designer, wisely adapting every means to good and benevolent ends, and ministering to the necessities of His intelligent creatures. Truly, even the long permitted wrath of man will, in due time, praise God. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please… ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree....” Isaiah 55:11-13
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