Sun Turns To Darkness, Moon Into Blood

Joel 2:31 "The sun will be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes."

This verse has significant meaning to me due to what I experienced in the beginning of my Spiritual Awakening.  Please keep in everything that I write is discerned and fact-checked with God's Spirit, the Holy Spirit.  Being factual is very important to me in my writing.  

Symbolic Interpretations of Joel 2:31

1. Apocalyptic Imagery:

   • The verse is often associated with apocalyptic literature, which uses vivid and dramatic imagery to describe the end times. The transformation of the sun and moon signifies cosmic upheaval and major changes in the natural order, heralding the arrival of the Day of the Lord, a time of divine judgment and renewal.

2. Judgment and Salvation:

   • The "great and dreadful day of the Lord" is understood as a time of judgment for the wicked and salvation for the faithful. The darkening of the sun and the blood moon are signs that precede this day, emphasizing the seriousness and magnitude of God's intervention in human history.

3. Historical Context:

   • Historically, such celestial phenomena were often seen as omens. In the context of Joel, these signs could have been interpreted by the original audience as warnings to repent and turn back to God. They served to underscore the prophet's call for national repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness.

4. Prophetic Fulfillment:

   • Some Christian interpretations see the fulfillment of Joel 2:31 in the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus, where the sky was darkened, and in the signs described in the Book of Revelation concerning the end times.

5. Cosmic Battle:

   • The imagery of a darkened sun and a blood-red moon can also symbolize a cosmic battle between good and evil, with the final victory belonging to God. This interpretation aligns with other biblical passages that depict spiritual warfare and ultimate divine triumph.

Joel 2:31 is a powerful verse that conveys the gravity of the approaching "day of the Lord" through apocalyptic imagery. It serves as a call to repentance and a warning of impending judgment while also offering hope of salvation for those who remain faithful. The transformation of celestial bodies underscores the cosmic significance of God's actions and the profound changes that will accompany His intervention in human affairs.

Last summer, before my Awakening turned into a more intense experience, I noticed a darkened sun, the clouds looked like "creation" across the sky.  They struck me so that I took several pictures to document the experience and as for a blood-red moon, I can think of a blood moon on more than one occasion, but these are literal facts for this verse.  

Do I believe that Judgment Day is imminent and affects everyone on this planet? Absolutely. Just look around you. Notice the increasing number of divorces, parents absorbed in their phones instead of engaging with their children and spouses, and the general disconnection among people. We also see signs in rising taxes, decreasing incomes, and the instability of our climate. These small yet significant indicators point to a larger, underlying issue.

For us to understand this verse in all its complexity, we need to first understand Judgment Day and its effect on every member of our society and the meaning of "end times."

What are the signs of Judgment Day on society?

The signs of Judgment Day, also known as the Day of Judgment, vary across different religious traditions, particularly within the Abrahamic faiths of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. These signs often reflect societal and cosmic events that indicate the nearing of this apocalyptic day. Here are some key signs from these traditions in red bold:

Christianity

1. Moral Decline and Lawlessness: The Bible describes increasing wickedness, lawlessness, and moral decay as signs of the end times (Matthew 24:12).
2. Wars and Rumors of Wars: Escalation of conflicts and wars around the world (Matthew 24:6).
3. Natural Disasters: Increased frequency of earthquakes, famines, and other natural disasters (Matthew 24:7).
4. False Prophets and Messiahs: The rise of false prophets and individuals claiming to be the Messiah (Matthew 24:24).
5. Gospel Preached to All Nations: The gospel will be preached to all nations, then the end will come (Matthew 24:14).

Islam

1. Moral Decay: Like Christianity, there is a prediction of moral decline, dishonesty, and widespread sin (Hadith, Sahih Bukhari).
2. Appearance of the Mahdi: The emergence of Mahdi, a redeemer who will restore justice and faith (Hadith, Sahih Muslim).
3. Dajjal (Antichrist): The coming of the Dajjal, a deceiver who will lead many astray (Hadith, Sahih Bukhari).
4. Natural Disasters and Cosmic Changes: Natural calamities and cosmic disturbances like the sun rising from the west (Hadith, Sahih Muslim).
5. Yajuj and Majuj (Gog and Magog): The release of Yajuj and Majuj who will cause widespread chaos (Quran, Surah Al-Kahf 18:94-99).

Judaism

1. Gathering of the Exiles: The return of Jews to Israel (Isaiah 11:12).
2. Moral Decline: Widespread corruption and moral degradation (Daniel 12:10).
3. Wars and Conflicts: Increased global conflicts and wars (Ezekiel 38-39).
4. Resurrection of the Dead: The dead will be resurrected (Daniel 12:2).
5. Arrival of the Messiah: The coming of the Messiah who will establish God's kingdom on earth (Isaiah 11:1-9). *This is symbology for the spirit of Jesus is here.

Common Themes Across Religions

• Moral and Ethical Decline: All three traditions emphasize a significant moral decline and corruption in society.
• Natural Disasters: Increased natural disasters are a common sign.
• False Leaders: The emergence of false prophets or messiahs.
• Cosmic Events: Unusual cosmic events like changes in the sun and moon.
• Restoration and Judgment: Ultimately, the restoration of justice and divine judgment.

These signs are seen as indicators to believers that the end times are near and are often interpreted through the lens of current events. However, the specific interpretation and emphasis on these signs can vary widely among different denominations and sects within each religion.

What is Judgment Day?  

Judgment Day, also known as the Day of Judgment, is a concept found in many religious traditions, referring to a future time when all humans will be judged by a divine authority for their actions during their lifetime. According to the Holy Spirit, everyone will be experiencing Judgment Day on various levels according to how they have lived their life.  Here’s an overview of Judgment Day according to several major religions:

Christianity

In Christian eschatology, Judgment Day is the final judgment by God of all humanity. Key beliefs include:

1. Second Coming of Christ: Jesus returns to Earth to judge the living and the dead.
2. Resurrection of the Dead: All the dead will be raised, and everyone will be judged according to their deeds.
3. Heaven and Hell: The righteous will be rewarded with eternal life in Heaven, while the wicked will be punished in Hell.

Key Scriptures

• Matthew 25:31-46: Jesus describes the final judgment, separating the righteous (sheep) from the wicked (goats).
• Revelation 20:11-15: The Great White Throne Judgment where the dead are judged according to their deeds recorded in books.

Islam

In Islamic eschatology, the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah) is a fundamental belief. Key elements include:

1. Resurrection: All individuals will be resurrected from the dead.
2. Divine Judgment: Each person’s deeds will be weighed. The righteous will enter Paradise (Jannah) and the wicked will be sent to Hell (Jahannam).
3. Signs of the Day: Various minor and major signs will precede the Day of Judgment.

Key Scriptures

• Surah Al-Zalzalah (99:7-8): Describes how everyone will be shown their deeds, no matter how small.
• Surah Al-Qari'ah (101:6-11): Discusses the weighing of deeds and the fate of those whose scales are heavy or light.

Judaism

In Jewish eschatology, the concept of Judgment Day involves a time of divine judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom. Key aspects include:

1. Resurrection: The dead will be resurrected.
2. Messianic Age: A future time of peace and divine rule under the Messiah.
3. Judgment: All people will be judged by God.

Key Scriptures

• Daniel 12:2: Describes the resurrection and judgment of the dead.
• Ecclesiastes 12:14: Emphasizes that God will bring every deed into judgment, including hidden things.

Common Themes

Across these religions, common themes in the concept of Judgment Day include:

• Resurrection of the dead.
• Final judgment by a divine authority.
• Reward for the righteous and punishment for the wicked.
• The ultimate establishment of divine justice and order.

What exactly IS the "end times?"

The term "end times" refers to a future period described in various religious traditions, especially within Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, when significant and often cataclysmic events are prophesied to occur, leading to the end of the current world order and the establishment of a new one. Here's an overview of what the "end times" entails in these religions:

Christianity

In Christian eschatology, the "end times" is a period leading up to the second coming of Jesus Christ. Key events often associated with the end times include:

1. The Great Tribulation: A period of severe hardship and suffering.
2. The Rapture: Believers are taken up to heaven. *I discerned this happened in 2020; the Spirits and Souls while sleeping.  What replaced those bodies were new spirits/souls.
3. The Antichrist: A figure who will appear and deceive many.
4. Armageddon: A final battle between good and evil; taking place now.
5. The Second Coming of Christ: Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead; taking place now.
6. The Millennium: A thousand-year reign of Christ on earth.  The Millennium is not a literal reign but the period in which Christ reigns spiritually in the hearts of believers.
7. Final Judgment: All people are judged, and eternal destinies are assigned; taking place now in the form of Spiritual Awakenings.

Key Scriptures

• Matthew 24: Jesus describes signs of the end times, including wars, famines, earthquakes, and persecution.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: Describes the Rapture.
• Revelation: The entire book details visions of the end times, including the Tribulation, the rise of the Antichrist, and the final judgment.

Islam

In Islamic eschatology, the end times (referred to as "Qiyamah" or the Day of Judgment) involves a series of signs and events leading up to the resurrection and judgment of all souls by Allah. Key components include:

1. Minor and Major Signs: Various events and changes in society and nature.
2. Appearance of the Mahdi: A messianic figure who will restore justice.
3. Second Coming of Isa (Jesus): Jesus returns to defeat the Antichrist (Dajjal) and establish peace.
4. The Dajjal: An evil figure akin to the Antichrist.
5. Yajuj and Majuj (Gog and Magog): Tribes causing great chaos.
6. The Trumpet Blasts: Signaling the end of the world and resurrection.

Key Scriptures

• Surah Al-Qiyamah (75): Describes the Day of Judgment.
• Hadith: Many sayings of the Prophet Muhammad provide details about the end times.

Judaism

Jewish eschatology also speaks of an end times period leading to the Messianic Age and the world to come. Key elements include:

1. The Coming of the Messiah (Mashiach): A future Jewish king from the Davidic line.
2. Resurrection of the Dead: The righteous will be resurrected.
3. World Peace: An era of universal peace and divine knowledge.
4. Rebuilding of the Third Temple: In Jerusalem.
5. Ingathering of the Exiles: The return of Jews to the Land of Israel.

Key Scriptures

• Isaiah 2:2-4: Describes a future era of peace.
• Ezekiel 37:21-28: Prophecies about the reunification of Israel and the coming of a new Davidic king.
• Daniel 12:1-3: Speaks of the resurrection and final judgment.

Common Themes

Despite differences in specifics, many of these traditions share common themes in their descriptions of the end times:

• A period of great tribulation and suffering.
• The appearance of a messianic figure.
• Final judgment and the resurrection of the dead.
• The ultimate triumph of good over evil.

In closing, it's imperative that each person on this planet do the following:  ask for the Holy Spirit to come into your life by saying one of these prayers:  Pray For the Holy Spirit, then pray to Jesus Christ to repent of all your sins asking for forgiveness and then from that point, pray to God and give him your will or rather, that you follow God's will for your life.  

 

Sources

1. Bible - Matthew 24
2. Quran - Surah Al-Qiyamah
3. Jewish Virtual Library - Jewish Eschatology