Earthquake Phenomena

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, Cal. · Nov 23, 1915

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 42, No. 46.

Earthquake Phenomena

SOME writers attempt to account for earthquake phenomena on the hypothesis of the axial wabbling of the earth, the slipping of the deep rock strata of the earth’s foundation, and volcanic or other causes unknown to science.

Close investigation of the definitely proposed phenomena proves them to be altogether untenable. God has spoken, however, upon this subject; and with Him “is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” Every motion of the earth is subject to His omnipotent and unerring supervision. Every seeming irregularity is provided for, and will return to its appointed normal condition with unfailing accuracy.

The sin of man and Satan is responsible for abnormal conditions in the structure of the earth, and God makes use of these phenomena to give expression to His indignation against those who transgress His law.

Before Israel had entered the promised land, He said, “A fire is kindled in Mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell (the grave, or the lowest point in the earth polluted by sin and death), and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.” Deut. 32: 22. God created coal, oil, and gas strata deep in the earth by the work of the Flood, four thousand years ago; and He has set many of them afire; and were it not for the volcanic chimneys He provided to the eternal fire, the whole earth would long ago have been wrecked into utter chaos by earthquake upheavals, as it will yet be in the near future. See Isa. 24: 1-6, 16-22; Jer. 4: 23-27.