Comet Neowise (NASA photo)

• 2016 Bible Prophecy Timeline; 2017 Bible Prophecy Timeline; 2018 Bible Prophecy Timeline; 2019 Bible Prophecy Timeline; 2020 Bible Prophecy Timeline; 2021 Bible Prophecy Timeline; 3 1/2 people have already been raptured! 4 pillars for understanding near time Bible prophecy; 666 no microchip needed; A Beast is an Empire; A Case for pre.
• Several of the articles I read seemed to suggest some prophetic significance to this upcoming eclipse. When they are suggesting this one either is described in Scripture or is the definite precursor to some other event described in the Bible, I have to say – nonsense. As I mentioned earlier, these are common. Those “Prophetic” Blood Moons.

A LUNAR eclipse this weekend is a prophetic sign of the apocalypse, a prominent Bible expert has bizarrely announced. As pubs and restaurants reopen and fireworks fill the night sky on July 4, stargazers will celebrate a celestial change taking place to the Full Moon.

Scientific America reported the following:

July 20, 2020

Comet NEOWISE has been entertaining space enthusiasts across the Northern Hemisphere. Although its official name is C/2020 F3, the comet has been dubbed NEOWISE after the Near-Earth Object Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) space telescope that first noticed it earlier this year. This “icy snowball” with a gassy tail made its closest approach to the sun on July 3 and is now heading back from whence it came: the far reaches of the outer solar system. Its long, looping orbit around our star ensures that after passing closest to Earth on July 22, Comet NEOWISE will not return for some 6,800 years. …

[The comet] appears [in the evening] in the northwestern sky. But the easiest thing is [to use] the app to help you [find it]. …

[After] July 22, it gets dimmer and dimmer as it gets farther from Earth. And it very quickly becomes something that you cannot see with your naked eye, even on the clearest night. But [with] binoculars or a telescope, we’ll still be good for seeing it for a while. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-best-way-to-watch-comet-neowise-wherever-you-are/

At least one Protestant pastor thinks this comet is part of something prophetically significant as the UK Express reports:

End of the world: NEOWISE, asteroid and Ring of Fire eclipse ‘sign of the APOCALYPSE’

THE END of the world is coming on September 1 – or at least, that’s the belief of one pastor who noted a convergence of signs in the heavens, including that of the arrival of Comet NEOWISE.

Bible Prophecy Solar Eclipse

A trio of signs have appeared in the skies which are a sign of the end of days, according to one controversial pastor. US pastor Paul Begley has sent out a video to his 300,000 YouTube subscribers stating that the end of days is near, highlighting September 1 as the probable date for the end of the world. And Mr Begley highlights three astronomical signs which he believes is proof that the end is nigh.

The first is the arrival of Comet NEOWISE, …

Another sign was the Ring of Fire eclipse, which was witnessed in parts of West Africa, South Asia, southern China, Taiwan and the Arabian Peninsula on June 21.

Finally, these signs will converge when an asteroid known as 2011 ES4 will pass Earth on September 1.

Although NASA has revealed the asteroid will shoot by Earth at a safe distance of 76,000 miles, Mr Belgley is concerned the space rock could hit our planet. 07/15/20 https://www.express.co.uk/news/weird/1309725/end-of-the-world-comet-neowise-asteroid-ring-of-fire-eclipse-apocalypse-september-1

Paul Begley has a history of making false predictions (e.g. see Asteroid 2006QV89, Asteroid Bennu, and Wormwoodand End of the world prophecy: Why Jerusalem Third Temple is NOT a {required} sign of Great Tribulation and ‘Blood Moon prophecy 2019: Is the Super Blood Moon a portent of DOOM?’). I denounced him in the past, and am denouncing him for that September 1 prediction as well.

The end of the world is NOT coming this year. Though with COVID-19, to a degree, we have seen what could be described as The End Of The World As We Know It. But that has nothing really to do with Comet Neowise.

Is there any biblical prophecy related to a comet or asteroid?

There looks to be.

The Bible shows that a couple of years or so after the start of the Great Tribulation, the Earth will be hit hard by something from outer-space called Wormwood.

Over 1900 years ago, the Apostle John was inspired to write about Wormwood and more in the Book of Revelation. If you look at the sequence of events that proceed Wormwood, it is obvious that other events will happen first. Notice that the first nine verses happen prior to Wormwood falling from heaven:

1 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. 3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.

6 So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

7 The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

8 Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9 And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. (Revelation 8:1-9)

So after the above, notice that something from outer-space is to hit:

10 Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter. (Revelation 8:10-11)

Notice that Wormwood does not fall until after the third trumpet associated with the seventh seal of Revelation is blown. Well, this would mean that the fifth and sixth seal would also have already been opened–which are mentioned in Revelation 6:7-17, and the 144,000 numbered as shown in Revelation 7. And I should add that the fifth seal of Revelation cannot possibly be opened for at least 3 1/2 years from now (see When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?), with almost 4 1/2 years the likely minimum. Hence, September 1, 2020 is not a risk for that.

But also notice that somehow Wormwood makes water bitter.

This could be because it is a comet as opposed to an asteroid. Comets tend to come with cyanogen gas–when that mixes with water to form hydrogen cyanide, it has an almond odor and bitter taste.

However, that does not mean that Wormwood could not be an asteroid. Some asteroids are bound to have substances that would be bitter in water.

If Wormwood is a type of asteroid, then massive devastation via an asteroid will come to pass. But not this year as Paul Begley had suggested.

So, why mention any of this?

Well, properly understood biblical prophecies are coming to pass. But because of false predictions throughout history, many have grown weary and will likely discount the fulfillment of various prophecies until it is too late.

Many Protestants have also recently been wrongly influenced by false prophecies from a pastor Dana Coverstone. While his predictions sound less radical than Paul Begley, many of them also will be proven wrong (see‘THREE Prophetic WARNING DREAMS!!! “BRACE YOURSELVES” [Pastor Dana Coverstone]’).

Sadly, being misled (mostly by discounting as well as misunderstanding prophecy) will impact the bulk of true Christians in the end times. Most have already been misled (for some details, see also Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?).

By denouncing false and heretical prophetic teachers BEFORE their predictions are shown to be in error, we in the Continuing Church of God continue to establish a reliable track record of proper prophetic interpretation.

Current Events And Bible Prophecy

Hopefully, you are among those who see the biblical wisdom in our doctrinal and prophetic positions.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Blood Moons, Eclipses, and Prophecy There were four ‘blood moons’ expected in 2014 and 2015. Some claimed that they signaled the Day of the Lord or the return of Jesus Christ. I denounced that view in advance. Some claimed an eclipse in 2017 signaled the end, a “super blue blood moon” in 2018 was a divine warning, as was a ‘super wolf blood moon in 2019: Is that true? Two related videos are available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015. and Solar Eclipse and the Apocalypse.
NASA predicts irreversible collapse of civilization; ‘perfect storm’ within 15 years? How has NASA predicted the end? Here is a link to a related video: BibleNewsProphecy: NASA ‘Irreversible Collapse’ of Industrial Civilization by 2030? Another video of interest may be Is the Universe Expanding or about to Catastrophically Collapse?
Comets, Wormwood, and Planet Nibiru Will the Earth be devastated by Planet X or Comet Encke? What about Planet Nine? Could it happen in 2017? Here is a link to two related YouTube videos Planet Nibiru to Destroy Earth by 2017? and Could Comet ISON be Wormwood of Bible Prophecy?
Aliens from Outer Space Are there aliens from outer space? Have any visited the earth? Are they dangerous? Does the Bible teach that an alien army will come to the earth and take over? Here is a link to a related sermon: Alien Beliefs and the Return of Jesus.
COVID 19 is NOT the End, but could it be TEOTWAWKI? The novel coronavirus called COVID-19 is wreaking havoc around the world. Many states of the USA as well as countries in Europe are on lockdown with shelter in place /shelter in residence requirements. In France, a form is required when you are not at your house. In Spain, drones are being used to warn people who are outside to got back to their homes–does that bring up feelings of ‘Big Brother’? Italy, France, and other areas are using police and/or military force to encourage people to stay inside. According to the Bible could this be the end? If not, what has to happen first? Have the second and third of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse started their ride? Could COVID-19 be the fourth horseman? Why or why not? Could we be seeing The End of the World as We Know It (TEOTWAWKI) like the R.E.M.’s 1987 single song discussed? Do Christians need to fear? What did Jesus teach? What did the Psalmist teach? This is a video. Here is a link to a version in the Spanish language: Corona 19 no es el final PERO es el TEOTWAWKI.
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them. Here is a related article in the Spanish language ¿Por qué estar preocupado acerca de falsos y heréticos líderes?
Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18? Does any church have the confirmed dream and prophetic signs of Acts 2:17-18? Should one? Here is a link in the Spanish language: ¿Tiene la CCOG confirmadas las señales de Hechos 2: 17-18? Here is a link in the French language: Est-ce que l’Église Continue de Dieu confirme les signes d’Actes 2:17-18? A related sermon in the English language is also available: 17 Last Days’ Signs of the Holy Spirit.
Church of God Leaders on Prophets Have there been prophets throughout the church age? Are any supposed to be around in the last days? What have COG leaders stated or written about prophets? Here is a link to a related sermon: Church of God Leaders on Prophets.
How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? There is also a sermon-length video titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Cómo determinar si alguien es un verdadero profeta de Dios?
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences. These sermons also cover materials not in the book.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent. One video of related interest is 17 Laodicean Errors in Prophecy. See also Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?

Most people have heard by now – there will be a total eclipse of the sun visible in the United States on August 21. Where I live it will not quite be a total eclipse; about 90% of the sun will be covered around 2:30 in the afternoon. I’ve secured some of those special ISO 12312-2 compliant filter glasses and I plan to watch.

Some articles I’ve read refer to this as a “once-in-a-lifetime event.” Actually, it isn’t. According to space.com, about once every 18 months a total solar eclipse is visible somewhere on the earth. In fact, another one will be visible in the United States on April 8, 2024, and for this one my home – if I am still here – is in the center of the path for 100% coverage. So I guess after the one this month I should put my special filter glasses back so that I can use them again in a little less than seven years.

Several of the articles I read seemed to suggest some prophetic significance to this upcoming eclipse. When they are suggesting this one either is described in Scripture or is the definite precursor to some other event described in the Bible, I have to say – nonsense. As I mentioned earlier, these are common.

Those “Prophetic” Blood Moons

Remember all the talk of “Blood Moons” a few years ago? The blood moon, or total eclipse of the moon, is also a very common occurrence. These were special, though – a “tetrad,” or four total eclipses in a row without any partial eclipses in between. And of course all four were displayed in the heavens at the beginning of Biblical festivals. But here’s the thing, blood moon “tetrads” have happened throughout history, and when they do, they are always exactly six months apart. A lunar eclipse also only happens at the full moon. So, if one of them happens to fall at the beginning of either the Feast of Unleavened Bread or Feast of Tabernacles, which always starts at the full moon, then all four of them will. It just happens naturally.

These aren’t supernatural signs. They are natural, expected and predictable. A supernatural sign might be four “Blood Moons” in four consecutive months – something unnatural, unexpected and not predictable. Or better yet, four “Blood Moons” on four consecutive Sabbaths. That is something naturally impossible – something “supernatural,” like the sun standing still in the sky for a full day (Joshua 10:12-13), or a shadow going backwards ten steps (2 Kings 20:9-11).

So am I suggesting we don’t concern ourselves with these things or that there is no spiritual significance? Certainly not. The Torah tells us these heavenly bodies are “for signs and for seasons and for days and years” (Genesis 1:14).

This eclipse of the sun is a natural event, occurring when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, causing the moon to fully or partially block the sun. Thus, it can only happen during the conjunction or astronomical new moon. The astronomical new moon occurs about every 29-1/2 days (29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, 2.9 seconds) though the only time we “see” it is during a solar eclipse. A day or two after the astronomical new moon, we can see the first sliver of the visible new moon. About a week later, we can see a half moon, known as the “first quarter” because the moon is 1/4 of the way through its cycle. In another week, we can see the full moon, then about a week later another half-moon known as the third quarter. Finally, the moon disappears from the sky.

Biblical Reckoning of Time

What I have just described is the Biblical month (חדשׁ, chodesh, Strong’s Hebrew word #2320 – the new moon, month, the lunar month). A month is one complete cycle of the moon, and does not have any relationship at all to the months of our modern Gregorian calendar. In fact, almost nothing on our modern calendar corresponds to the Biblical calendar – the exception is the seven day weekly cycle ending on the Biblical Sabbath. From a Biblical perspective, the year does not begin on January 1 and there are not twelve months of 30 or 31 days that begin and end at midnight. Although there is some debate on the fine points, our Creator’s Biblical calendar is pretty simple: The day is determined by the rising and setting of the sun (Genesis 1:1-31). The month is determined by the cycle of the moon (Isaiah 66:23). And the year is determined by the seasons beginning in the spring when the new grain appears (Exodus 12:2).

We, as followers of the Messiah, need to set our minds on God’s calendar. Do you know where we are on the Biblical calendar? Certainly we must be aware of Gregorian dates, as in our modern society our school and business schedules, financial transactions, and a host of other things rely on that date reckoning.

But what month is it, and what day is it within that month? What significant days are approaching, and how far away are they? If you answered (at the time I am writing this) that it is the 13th day of August, that the Feast of Trumpets is coming up on September 21, the Day of Atonement is on September 30 and the Feast of Tabernacles will begin on October 4, you are not thinking Biblically.

Today (I am writing this on August 13, 2017) is the 20th (or 21st) day of the Biblical month, and we are about to end the third week – if you look at the moon the next few evenings, you will see a half-moon indicating the third quarter. We are in the fifth month of the year that began in the Spring. Yom Teruah (commonly called the Feast of Trumpets, or Rosh Hashanah) is the first day of the Seventh month, a little over a month and a week away. Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) is on the 10th of the seventh month, and Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles) begins on the 15th of that month. And remember, these days begin with the night before the daylight portion.

So How Do I Keep Track?

You can find these dates on a “Jewish” calendar, which is usually superimposed over a regular Gregorian calendar. So you will see the month of “August” along with the month names “Av-Elul,” traditional names of the fifth and sixth Biblical months. The printed page probably starts with August 1/9 Av and ends with August 31/9 Elul. This does not really help much for changing our thinking to the Biblical calendar. We need a calendar page that starts with the first day of the Biblical month and ends with the last day of the Biblical month, regardless of the Gregorian date. Those are hard to find.

Bible Prophecy About Solar Eclipse

Some time back, my wife bought for me one of those perpetual wall calendars where you use sliding wooden blocks to reflect the correct days. At the beginning of each Biblical month, I put them in order for that particular month. Then I put a little paper marker in the tray in front of the blocks and count off each day as it passes. You could easily do something similar with a dry-erase calendar.

However you choose to do it, I want to encourage you to begin to think about time using God’s calendar. When you observe the solar eclipse later this month, realize this conjunction is the astronomical new moon, and prepare to look for the first sliver of the new moon over the next few evenings. This will be the beginning of the sixth Biblical month, traditionally called Elul. It is a very special time of preparation. In one month, it will be the beginning of the Fall Feasts, starting with Yom Teruah. Ten days later, or about 40 days from this new moon, it will be Yom Kippur. These 40 days are traditionally a time of introspection and repentance ending on Yom Kippur. Then we will rejoice at Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, under the light of the full moon. When we think in terms of the Biblical months, these commanded celebrations become even more alive.

*The exact dates I have mentioned are sometimes a matter of disagreement, and my descriptions reflect that the moon orbits the earth, which orbits the sun. It is OK if you do not agree, and this should not cause division. The concept of the revolution of years, months, and days is Biblically founded, as is the continual 7-day weekly cycle ending on the Sabbath.