The Bible lists many of the signs to indicate the closing out of this age in both the Old and New Testaments. Perhaps the best presentation of them are from Jesus himself. Generally referred to as the Olivet Discourse, they can be found in Matthew 24 & 25, Mark 13, and Luke 21. I’m sure most of you already knew that.
Since I was very young, science has always fascinated me, particularly anything to do with outer space. This was triggered by my mother ordering a map of the solar system from the back of a hot dog wrapper – of all things! It was copyrighted in 1959 by the Rand McNally company, illustrated in rich color and along with various charts and notations. Though much of the information and the artists’ renditions of the views from various planets and moons are outdated today, it provided an early look at what was “out there.” Unfortunately, the original chart has been long gone, but I found an image of it a few years ago on the Internet and made an 8 x 11 ½ copy of it for myself which presently before me as I write this article.
The 1950’s began a space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, each country trying to outdo the other. Part of it was a competition between political systems. It was the totalitarianism of Soviet communism verses the freedom of Americans had and enjoyed in the U.S.
The second was based on a more realistic belief that whoever controlled the skies would ultimately control the planet.
The former really wasn’t an accurate indicator of whose government was “best” as far as it concerned those living under it. It seems no one considered that Hitler’s Germany was very likely the most technologically superior nation on the planet for a time before its defeat in 1945. Truth is, the rocket technologies of the U.S.S.R. and the U.S. were greatly benefited by German rocket scientists who ended up in either country. Does that then mean that the dictatorial and brutal Nazi government was “better” than the freedom of the democratic one in America as far as quality of life for its citizens? I don’t think any clear-thinking person could possibly believe that!
As for the latter, this certainly was a more realistic consideration. Any country which could successfully master the complexities of space travel could certainly use this knowledge to create a means to deliver weapons of mass destruction upon an enemy. The need to be “first and best” provided the major impetus for the push into space. Yet I suggest that the former reason, flawed as it was, was the driving force behind actually sending people up there. After all, weapons can be deployed remotely without humans actually having to launch them from a spaceship or space station.
When the Soviets were the first to send Sputnik up on October 4, 1957, it shocked the free world, the United States in particular. The result from this was a retooling not only of our engineering and industrial capabilities, but of the education system as well. I was fortunate to be a part of that, and am equally saddened to see now it has it degenerated into the political football it has become today.
But, let’s get back on-topic.
The 1950’s and 1960’s saw an explosion of scientific and technological advances that made it possible for the first time in history for humans to live, albeit for limited periods, in a totally hostile environment just a few score of miles over their heads. Before the 1960’s such accomplishments were only achieved in the pages and movies of science fiction. By the end of that decade, American’s had gone to the moon, walked upon it, and returned safely.
As I grew up in those years, the future was wide open, despite the social unrest developing in the 1960’s. Not only was envisioned a huge, rotating space station, but also permanent bases on the moon well on the way to self-sufficiency. The film 2001: A Space Odyssey is a good reflection of this mindset. (Of course, it wasn’t likely we’d encounter a super intelligent ET race out there which gave our allegedly ape-like ancestors a brain-boost and then do the same thing to Dave Bowman after pulling him into hyperspace via a star gate.)
Yet how have things turned out in reality?
Human missions to the moon have been impossible for decades. A big floating wheel in space has been replaced by much more modest International Space Station. China has sent up the first module of its Tianhe space station in May of 2021 and is expected to complete it this year (2022). But neither of these are even close to being self-sufficient. The big dreams of humanity not so long ago if establishing itself within decades of landing on the moon are still only themes of science fiction.
Okay, by this time, I’m sure you’re wondering where all this is leading, so I’ll test your patience no further.
To the best of my knowledge, the Bible indicates that the only people to escape the coming wrath of the Tribulation will be those taken away in the Rapture. This naturally leads to the conclusion that humanity will earthbound. There will be no option of riding out what’s coming off-world.
Could it therefore be that the retreat of our efforts to set up independent habitations beyond Earth is actually an Unmentioned Sign of our times?
What do YOU think?
Terry James Prophecy Line 
I actually was thinking along the same path you were Terry! I distinctly remember reading- hearing something along the lines of “forbidden” territories that mankind was attempting to explore or settle. This was explicitly regarding the moon, although we had already been there-supposedly. The warning was that man was moving too fast with his attempts to colonize the moon-mars yet further in the future. Where I’m going with this is that the ISS, and all the experiments done aboard the space station during the decades since the moon landing became our “next frontier”. Why is it that with the supposed success of Apollo missions, we suddenly stopped exploring further? It’s like all of sudden we’re retreating from exploring! The reason given the public was, as I remember, in order to proceed to the next evolution in space exploration, these experiments were a requirement prior to advancing further into space. Much still needed to be learned before we could proceed to Mars. Now, with the advent of a new generation challenging this very notion I stated here, we’re on the cusp again of going to the moon-soon-and Mars within 15-20 yrs. Was there a real warning given to mankind back in the seventies-eighties regarding certain things being off-limits to human discovery? I don’t know if as you say our “retreat of our efforts to set up independent habitations beyond Earth” is foretold-or not as a “sign for our times”? Its possible there is “forbidden” territory God sees as not in our best interest until the “human condition” is changed through Christ Jesus at His 2nd coming!
An interesting thought occurred as I read your comment, Dave.
Maybe pushing for a permanent human presence in space is somewhat akin to building a modern Tower of Babel.
If time permitted, I have no doubt we might actually have succeeded in the coming decades, but I truly believe the Rapture will happen much sooner than that. It may even happen before humans walk on the moon again and long before we could have something like an independent “Moonbase Alpha” ala the old Space:1999 series.
Of course, what happens during the Millennium is anyone’s guess and perhaps humanity will venture out there.
What I am sure of is that God will be doing great things during those 1000 years for the mortals who make it through the Tribulation and their offspring – and all of us taken in the Rapture will be part of his plan.
Great article Ed, I think your conclusion is logical. Escaping the tribulation by any means other than the rapture is highly unlikely. Besides, even a colony on Mars or the Moon would still need the support of supplies and communication to Earth – both of which will likely be severely disrupted during the tumultuous upheaval of the Tribulation. At best, the poor souls would be stranded and left to subsist on whatever supplies they have on hand – supplies that won’t likely last a full 7 years. I also think that our capability to go anywhere other than the moon has been extremely exaggerated. We may dream of a manned mission to Mars by 2030 – but I don’t believe we are anywhere close to that. In fact – NASA admitted a few years ago that we didn’t even have the technology to get to the Moon anymore. How that is possible astonishes me. So more than likely – by the time of the rapture, we will still be quite earthbound. And that, in itself, tells us that our time is pretty short.
I agree that time really is short.
I see two immediate and alternate destinies for humanity, JP:
1) The Rapture
2) The Tribulation
It’ll be one or the other. Escaping either one by being off-world just doesn’t seem like a third alternative.
We don’t have the technology presently, nor do I think we’ll have time to develop it before the Rapture. And after that, those left down here will have a lot more immediate problems than space exploration.
Only caveat to that is if Satan pulls some kind of fake UFO tricks, with demons masquerading as ET’s. Even so, I figure human space exploration will be effectively terminated during those seven years. There will be no escaping of humans into space anyway to “ride out the storm” for the very reasons you mentioned.
I think that is a very interesting point. It makes sense that the Lord will have everyone in one place when His wrath begins.
Exactly, Sharon.
It’ll either be the Rapture or the Tribulation for those left behind, as I see it.
There won’t be a third option of finding refuge out in space.
I too have thought about this. And it occurred to me that the end times has to happen soon in order that all men that are not Christians are still on this planet in order to receive their “reward”.
However, if there are people living off Earth at the time of the end (which I doubt) they will still
need supplies from Earth. What a horrible fate theirs would be. Left on a distant planet with no
chance of rescue……sounds like those that receive the “mark”.
Exactly, Sharon.
It’ll either be the Rapture or the Tribulation for those left behind, as I see it.
There won’t be a third option of finding refuge out in space.
Hi, Mark.
My rely to Sharon got duplicated and landed after your comment. The mystery of cyberspace, I’m afraid.
Yes, I think the Rapture must be very close for all sorts of reasons – so close that there won’t be time to develop the capability of living independent of being supplied by Earth.
Had we maintained the momentum of the 1960’s in the manned space program, I think we might have achieved it, but the cutbacks stopped it.
I do think it quite possible that it was God’s intent.
Is that the Ed Wood I think it is, if so I have emailed you! What you have posited is something JD Farag was discussing on his Prophecy Update on Sunday – the fact that certain matters have not developed further and even the possibility of everything God is and will be doing has a ‘shelf-life! Well done you, far better than anything I could have ‘envisioned’!
Yep, it’s me!
And thank you for the email and its kind words!
Regarding the abrupt turnaround from the human space exploration momentum, I do believe this was God’s intent.
I don’t know Ed. Its and interesting speculation but I think that the space program along with many other human technology based initiatives such as AI and transhumanism are more in line with the prophecy in Daniel regarding the increase in knowledge. Knowledge is not the same as understanding and wisdom.
I think its is interesting that the US space program missions have all been named honoring pagan deities such as Apollo, Gemini, Mercury, and now Artemis. Remember Artemis of the Ephesians? Well, now she is back – the goddess of childbirth and childcare. How ironic given the focus on abortion rights these days. Its also interesting to note the numerous UFO sightings by pilots and astronauts, even from the ISS. This is the realm of the prince of the power of the air.
The space program seems entirely pagan – I do not know of any biblical Christians involved in it any more. I don’t know that the Lord is confining humans to the earth as we approach the Tribulation but anyone left in space is not exempt from the judgements. Ans imagine those in space as the chaos of the rapture happens – they may be forced to return to the earth if they even survive at all.
NASA is testing the Artemis vehicle as we speak. Their goal for another manned moon shot is interestingly scheduled for 2025 timeframe. So if the rapture happens, at or about that timeframe, then their likely will be other priorities that ensue and it will be cancelled.
Never thought of the significance of the names of pagan gods associated with our space programs, especially the human missions. That is VERY interesting. Perhaps there is indeed a big message there – hidden in plain sight!
My opinion is that it’ll either be the Rapture or the Tribulation for humanity. We just don’t have the capability, nor, do I think we have the time to develop it to escape either of these.
I also agree that after the Rapture, those left behind will have their hands full – and space exploration will abruptly come to an end.
Regarding UFO activity we know of only these beings in our reality with intelligence:
1) God
2) Angels (good and bad)
3) Humans
Let’s take each one.
1) God is the ultimate truth, so that rules him out as making fake UFO sightings or encounters.
2) Humans could and certainly have created UFO hoaxes, but they are generally found to be fake in time.
3) That leaves fallen angels who have both the motive (deception) and power create convincing UFO phenomena.
If so, we can expect this only to increase and continue, probably becoming epidemic through the Tribulation when Satan’s power is unchecked.
I agree.
Thanks, Bonnie.
Welcome, Mr. ED.
Thanks, Bonnie!
Maybe I’m wrong but I don’t think so – but if God wanted us to be traversing between planets, I believe He would have set it up from the very beginning to happen. He placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden – not outerspace. The Bible says that He gave us everything we need to live on this earth. So that seems to mean that He wasn’t setting up humanity to travel back and forth between planets or for possibly living there. He gave us a purpose for being here on earth and that is to tell humanity about Him and the lost can be saved through the death of Jesus Christ (redemption). When He returns will He find us faithful in doing just that? What will we say when He asks what we have done spread the Gospel. I believe Christians need to be redeeming the time they have left here on earth until He comes for us (rapture). I believe that the convergence of the things discussed in prophecy brings us to the time of His return and very soon. I also believe nothing else has to happen for the rapture to occur.
It certainly looks like Earth is supposed to be “it” for the human race. The garden of Eden have everything humans needed until we let Satan in to ruin it. Death, sickness, unhappiness, conflict was not God’s intent for us.
Establishing a permanent and independent colony in space also does not appear to be his intent, either. The way things look down here now makes me believe this age is about to wrap up and it’ll be way too soon for us to establish such colonies.
Everything the Bible tells us focuses on Earth and it exclusively in regard to our activities, as far as I know. As you correctly said, our focus should be getting out the message and growing the remnant that will soon be meeting Jesus in the clouds.
Dear Ed
Another interesting point is the way that those who are living on earth during the Tribulation are referred to as ‘earth dwellers’.
I will doff my cap to you when we meet, dear friend. However, it is very interesting to note that, in the light of your last email, there is a deafening silence! You know what I mean?
That “earth dweller’s” reference is a very good observation I hadn’t considered before. One of the great things about this site is that we can all keep learning new things.
I, too, am greatly looking forward to meeting you and your loved ones in person in the air. I think it will not be a long wait.
In reference to that email, I, too, am surprised that a reaction from that particular person you mentioned hasn’t been forthcoming. Perhaps it still will be.
Here is another thought, Ed. From what I can remember, Obama killed the shuttle program during his time in the WH. I believe him to be one of the most evil of people. Keeping folks here on Earth could be the work of Satan. I do not know why, but it could be possible Satan wanted no one to escape during the trib. Just a thought…
That’s a really interesting thought, Chris.
I agree with your take on Obama. Even before he took office and began to show his cards, I just had a bad feeling about the man. There was something particularly unnerving in the quality of his eyes, as if “something else” sinister was looking out through them. His actions in office continued to confirm my misgivings. So, you might be onto something here in regard to him scuttling the shuttle.
Since Satan is the father of all lies, that makes him the ultimate pathological liar. When a human is such, he or she actually comes to believe their own lies. Could be the devil believes he can still win down here with his goal of wiping out the human race – and he’d want them all down here to do that.
If he did pull that off, that would also mean the Scriptures about God finally gaining total victory over the devil and evil was wrong. That would also mean God is fallible and that might make a case for the devil taking God’s place, which has been his ultimate goal all along.
Naturally, I’m engaging in pure speculation about this, but I am certain about this – the way the Bible tells us history will go and Satan’s fate in the lake of fire forever, along with that of his minions, both human and demonic, is absolutely accurate because its author is indeed omniscient and infallible.
I agree Ed, there really is something about his eyes. That is what indicated his evilness. I am amazed that you saw it also.
From John 1 we have: {4:1} Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
I have a hunch a lot of people who read the Bible regularly gain in their ability to do exactly this. Now, that’s not to say we are “better” than those who don’t, but I think doing so conveys an added amount of discernment when it comes to knowing when something is good or evil.
When it comes to Obama, I get a bad feeling about him even now, even though many people found him appealing – enough of them to get him elected twice!
Love your articles, sir.
Perhaps our slack-off of pursuing outer space is because time is running short and Father God doesn’t want us out “there” at this time.
Thanks for ALL your excellent articles!!
Judy Moore
Terry James is the one who writes 99% of the great articles that appear on this site and I’m sure he appreciates your kind words. I certainly do about this present article that I had written.
I just had an idea and wrote this one about space, though I often submit comments here. I had written other articles several years ago but, for some reason, my well just dried up. This was the first time in quite a while something came to mind. I’m hoping I’ll be able to come up with some more.
I totally agree with your assessment of our foundering manned space efforts. God wants us all here on Earth as the last of the End Times prophecies are fulfilled. I imagine that post-Rapture, all human missions will immediately stop and anyone who might be in space when the Rapture does occur (and who is not taken in it) will be returned to Earth because of the ensuing chaos that will follow.
In my view it would take decades to develop independent bases out in space. The Bible indicates that only God knows when events will happen which means that anyone trying to set a specific date is unwise, but I think we can certainly tell from the signs that the wrap up of this age must be near. In my personal opinion, we don’t have anywhere near that kind of time left.
I was also thinking that when we go up we meet the Lord in the air. So the Lord invades the realm of the prince of the power of the air. Is this where the dark powers in the air are forced to retreat to the only place left… the earth?
Jesus recounted seeing Satan fall from heaven “like lightning” (Luke 10:18).
From Revelation we also have:
Rev. {12:9} And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
From this, I think that at the present time, Satan has limited access to heaven – sort of like an accused criminal being out on bail until his or her trial. He does have major access to the Earth, probably this entire universe. God gave Adam and Eve dominion over the Earth and they ended up subleasing it to the devil.
As we see above, he, and it looks like his demonic followers as well, will end up being restricted to Earth – kind of a house arrest situation and then he will do his worst to make hell on Earth for anyone who was not taken in the Rapture.
Revelation {12:12} Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great
wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
So, the Rapture might, as you suggest, indeed be the triggering event for this “house arrest” to begin.
Another point I’d like to make is my confusion for some time in that Jesus spoke of this fall of the devil as already having happened while these other passages indicate it has yet to occur. Then, when I considered that God’s reference of time is totally different than our own, it made sense. For God, the future is just as certain as the past, so Jesus was quite right to refer to Satan’s casting out as an accomplished event when he spoke those words – because, from God’s perspective, it already had happened, though it has yet to occur on our human timescale.
Just wanted to add that to the discussion and see what you and some others might think about that.
Wow, you have some excellent observations, Emidio. I think you probably got it right on every one of them. You made some great connections I had never considered. I learned a lot from your comments – thank you for that – and I’m sure everyone else who comes here will appreciate them as well.
Though America’s technology advanced past the 1960’s in leaps and bound, I think 1963 was when it crossed the line. This is when the Supreme Court kicked God out of our public schools. Within a few months, JFK was assassinated and the rest of that decade was characterized by a great deal of civil unrest. It was a time God began to step back, sadly, at our insistence.
Now here in are in the 2020’s which are making the 1960’s look like the good old days, disrespecting God and his standards at an unprecedented level, and receiving the consequences as a result.
I agree with you on the technology level, too. I think that nothing radically new need be invented Just a little tweaking is all that will be needed for the Antichrist to totally dominate the human race after the Rapture.
I also have thought that during the Millennium, there will be space travel beyond anything we ever know now. Consider this:
After Jesus’ resurrection, he could appear and disappear at will. Paul says that we will be like him in our resurrected bodies, so I think it’ll be possible for us as well – and it is likely the range we can transport ourselves will not limited to Earth. Perhaps the mortals who survive the Tribulation and their descendants will also play a role in this as well.
There has to be a reason for that magnificent universe out there that for there to be just one planet like Earth and maybe we’ll have the answer once Jesus returns to rule.
Your concluding line is very appropriate.
Thanks for sharing all of this.