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By keeping these points in mind, we can help ourselves avoid making the same mistake. People who have seen outward calamities, such as earthquakes, wars, and famines, as signs of Christ's imminent return have not only been repeatedly disappointed but have entirely overlooked the deeper meaning of the Scriptures. If Jesus was truly saying that primarily outward signs were going to herald His Second Advent, especially such signs as earthquakes and famines, the repeated injunction to watch (Matt. 24:42; 2 Pet. 3:12) would be of little concern. In fact, believers could disregard the warning until the ground began to shake under their feet and the end was then upon them. If the final end did not occur, they could cease watching until the next earthquake sounded the alert. Obviously, true faithfulness could not proceed on such a basis. (47:3) Distinguishing Material from Spiritual Catastrophes-- There is no doubt that outward earthquakes and other physical calamities have awakened many from their apathy and served as potent reminders of Jesus' words, but it must be admitted that such events are not uncommon. Earthquakes, for example, have unquestionably been a part of human existence as long as people have lived on this planet. Today it is commonly accepted that earthquakes are caused by continental drift, a theory which suggests that earthquakes will forever remain a simple and irrevocable geological occurrence.
(47:4)
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