Sir Isaac Newton’s prediction of doomsday was scribbled below a series of mathematical calculations, revealing his multidisciplinary interests.
A signature of Isaac Newton (L), Image of Isaac Newton (R). (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Peter Macdiarmid (L), GeorgiosArt (R))
One of the greatest scientific minds in history, Sir Isaac Newton, is most popularly known for his foundation of gravity. Not to mention his work in science and mathematics, particularly the laws of motion and the basis of calculus. However, recently found 18th-century scribblings were reflective of his ponderings over the end of the world, according to the New York Post. A letter that he wrote in 1704 predicted the world to come to an end in 2060. The predictions were based on extensive biblical texts on the world resetting after plagues, war, and “the ruin of the wicked nations.” It was reflective of Newton being a devoted practitioner of natural philosophy.
Predicting the Armageddon
Newton assessed the Bible with an analytical approach and also believed biblical prophecies to be literal accounts of future events. His theological works were kept hidden for the longest time, but he hoped to calculate the exact dates of the biblical events. Having made vague predictions of dates, it was alarming that an exact date was set for armageddon, according to Sciencing. The math of this prediction was simple arithmetic, but it was based on his rejection of the doctrine of the Trinity. The prophetic period of 1,260 days mentioned in Revelation and the Book of Daniel was used as the years between the beginning of the apostate system and the end of the world.
A Countdown From the Bible
Knewz.com noted that the origin of the apostasy was set at 800 AD, with the founding of the Holy Roman Empire, and after 1,260 years, the world would end in 2060. Newton concluded that this period included the true church being abandoned and the rise of corrupted Trinitarian religions. He wrote his predictions under the alias, ‘Jehovah Sanctus Unus,’ and explained his reasoning for the date in the letter. The battles that were thought to fill the world could be equated to modern struggles of nuclear and industrial turmoil. However, this date would have been a relief to people at the time, who suffered a different kind of destructive battle in their daily lives.
Book of Revelation from the Bible
Basic Calculations of the Event
Newton did not use sophisticated reasoning despite his range of intellectual talents and skills, according to Ancient Origins. His prophecy “did not involve the use of anything as complicated as calculus, which he invented, but rather simple arithmetic that could be performed by a child,” stated Stephen D. Snobelen, a history of science and technology professor at the University of King’s College in Halifax. He mentioned the numbers 1260, 1290, 1335, and 2300 days in his analysis of the past, present, and future events. These dates, found in the Book of Daniel and Revelation, were related to the beginning and end of certain events that marked a period.
In 1704, Sir Isaac Newton predicted that the world would end in 2060.
Ushering in a New Era
Newton believed that in the prophetic battle of Armageddon, God would lead the forces of good against the evil of earthly rulers. This battle would lead to the end of the world, which would bring in the divine era of peace and righteousness. Newton’s predictions were also beyond the end of the world, marking significant religious shifts, according to The Archaeologist. He believed that corrupt religious systems would be torn down before Christ’s second coming, and the true gospel would be preached without any hesitation. He also believed that the Jewish people would return to Israel and that the Temple in Jerusalem would be reconstructed.
Written by Mahalekshmi P and Published by KNEWZ ~ July 23, 2002