Earth quakes and other natural disasters
Earth quakes, floods, tornadoes, and other natural disasters are called acts of God. It's safe to say, that the more we study and understand these phenomena the more we know we have no real solutions for them.
Scientists say, "there is a 62% probability of at least one magnitude 6.7 or greater quake, capable of causing widespread damage, striking the San Francisco Bay region before 2032." - USGS
What causes earthquakes?
Seismologists were studying the cause of earth quakes by directing high voltage pulses into the ground at earthquake sites. They later discovered that the pulses themselves spawned after-shocks.
The most we can do is help preserve the environment and take protective measures when these events happen. Nature is angry. The Bible describes the situation this way:
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. - Romans 8:22 (NIV)
All natural disasters are the result of sin - the earth has been cursed since the first pair disobeyed. Natural disasters are just that - natural disasters... the natural results of sin.
Scientific explanations are just that - explanations. In fact, theories change from time to time, but the phenomenon will continue to affect life on earth to the extent we understand enough to protect lives and property.
Commenting on Romans 8:22, Matthew Henry says, "Sin is a burden to the whole creation." - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible.
Are earth quakes acts of God?
Your insurance documents call earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, and landslides "acts of God".
Have you ever wondered why these are not called "acts of the devil?" The devil is called
- the prince of this world [John 12:31, John 14:31, John 16:11], and
- the prince of the power of the air [Ephesians 2:2], among other things.
He is a powerful being. If you remember the experience of Job, you will see that the devil inflicts sickness [Job 2:7]. The devil even whipped up a storm that killed Job's children [Job 1:19].
The devil cannot create life, but he can certainly inflict suffering and even cause death. In fact, that is his nature. Why does God, in His eternal wisdom and patience, allow the devil to inflict suffering. And does God Himself cause these natural disasters to occur?
Sure, God can do anything He wants - including restricting the devil. This arch-enemy has been on a rampage for a long time. [Read about the war that started in heaven!] However, in the fullness of time, sin and its source will be totally and eternally obliterated. See Nahum 1:9.
God promises to create a new earth where there won't even be any memory of the old problematic earth we now know. See Isaiah 65:17 and 2 Peter 3:13.
Are Earthquakes a sign of the end times?
The total number of earth quakes occurring globally is increasing. Look at the graph below created from data obtained from United States Geological Survey web site.
Some people have argued that there have always been earth quakes. That is true. They say we may note an increase in the number of earthquakes now only because technology is advanced enough now for us to detect them better. That is true, too.
The same Richter scale used by seismologists is the most popular earthquake scale. The magnitudes of earth quakes have been significant to create large scale damage even though building technology has improved.
Notice that while the period 1990 to 2002 is a relatively short time there is very noticeable increase in the total number of earthquakes, globally.
Jesus said earthquakes will be a sign of His soon second coming. This is what the Bible says:
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. - Matthew 24:7
and again...
And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. - Luke 21:11
Are Natural Disasters Acts or Signs?
So are natural disasters such earthquakes acts of God or, in a deeper sense, signs of an old sin-ridden earth that is groaning? Note that the spiritual sense does not go against the scientific explanations we might or might not have for natural occurrences.
It doesn't matter how many explanations science has for these phenomena. The fact is that God has attached significance to these events. He knew they would happen, and He predicted it so that we can know (by faith) that His word is sure.
It may be foolishness to the agnostic, but to the faithful, trusting child of God it is testimony of God's faithfulness to His promise to come again.
Also see The Tsunami Disaster - A Look at Tsunamis From a Biblical Perspective by Dr. Samuelle Bacchiocchi.