Pastor: Eclipse signifies last days of 'mockers'

Blood moon seen through church steeple

The "mockers" are coming out of the woodwork, but one pastor says their time is coming.

The total solar eclipse that will traverse the continental United States on Aug. 21 is fascinating much of the world. But it's also drawing scoffing and snark from those for whom astronomical events of this kind have no significance.

A sheriff in Oconee County, Georgia, posted a joking message on his Facebook page, saying he expected "each of you to begin panicking today." Humorously predicting "vast hordes" descending on grocery stores, he further sarcastically advised "pregnant woman should smoke and drink liquor during the eclipse."

On the other hand, one conspiracy theorist, David Meade, is claiming the eclipse heralds the arrival of "Nibiru," or "Planet X." The planet, he predicts, will crash into the Earth on Sept. 23, 2017, leading to massive death and destruction. His prophecy is partially based on what Meade calls the "33 Convergence," a string of coincidences surrounding the event that all include the number 33.

Mark Biltz, the man who discovered the "Blood Moons" phenomenon, shies away from specific predictions of this kind. But he argues it is similarly misguided to simply laugh off extraordinary signs in the heavens as having no meaning.

"As far as how I respond to those who are 'laughing' at the idea the eclipse could mean something, it depends on who is doing the laughing or mocking," Biltz told WND.

"I expect people who do not believe in the God of Israel to mock. Look where that got them in Noah's day. To those who do believe and still mock, look at Lot's family with the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. His was a completely different situation than Abraham's family."

The pastor contends it isn't remarkable to say the developments in the sky are a sign from God to believers. The Bible, claims Biltz, says the same thing.

"God said He created the sun, the moon and the stars for 'signs' at creation," explained Biltz. "Yeshua [Jesus Christ] said in Luke 21 that there would be signs in the sun, moon and stars at His return. So I see this as a sign we should pay attention to of trouble ahead if we don't repent as a nation."

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Biltz also quoted 2 Peter 3 3-4, which speaks of "scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."

The same chapter states in verse 10, "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent hear, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up."

Biltz believes he has identified the patterns God uses to determine when He intervenes in human history. He describes these keys to prophecy in his new book "God's Day Timer."

Biltz further claims he can identify on what day Jesus Christ will return. According to Biltz, the first coming of Jesus Christ fulfilled the meaning of the biblical feast days in the spring – Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits and Pentecost. Now Biltz argues Jesus Christ's second coming will fulfill the fall feasts listed in the Bible – Rosh Hashanah (Trumpets), Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) and Sukkot (Tabernacles). Biltz believes the Resurrection of the Dead will take place on the Feast of Trumpets and Jesus's return will take place on Yom Kippur.

Biltz acknowledges he does not know the year. However, he believes history, contemporary events and the words of Scripture indicate the time is coming very soon.

"I do not predict the future as much as I like to analyze the past," he told WND. "But based on past patterns and biblical truths from both Judaism and Christianity we realize that we are definitely in the times of the Messiah. Even in Islam they believe the Mahdi is ready to appear as well. I would believe we are in the times of the Messiah even if there were no eclipse happening. The eclipse is just confirming this. God always warns before He brings judgment and these signs really are for the unbelievers and mockers so they will be without excuse."

Indeed, Biltz argues contemporary geopolitical developments are providing plenty of signs the day of the Lord is approaching.

"God declared in the last days Jerusalem would become a cup of trembling for all nations, which is exactly what is happening," the pastor intoned. "Israel becoming a nation in a day was a fulfillment of end-times prophecy. Jerusalem being restored to Jewish hands in 1967 was a fulfillment of end-times prophecy. The Balfour declaration in 1917 and the first Zionist congress in 1897 are all signs the end times are closing in.

"The total lunar eclipses in 2014/2015 on Passover and Sukkot were signs Messiah is at the door. The solar eclipse this August is a sign as well as the sign in the stars at the end of September. So yes, we have been in the last of the last days since 1897. Where does that put us now? Well, I would say it is about time to look up, for our redemption is drawing nigh."

Biltz suggests Americans should "enjoy" the eclipse, "as it has been 100 years since the last one."

In his view, it is not a cause for panic or worry. But he does say God is communicating with the faithful, warning them to repent. They ignore this warning, Pastor Biltz said, at their peril.

"Remember the Scriptures, as it says in Psalms 89, that the moon is God's faithful witness in heaven," Biltz told WND. "As the moon darkens the sun know that dark times are ahead if we as a nation do not turn back to God and again keep covenant. There is plenty of mockery. Well, the mockers might as well enjoy the time while they can as their day is coming."