When the Earth Responds to Redemption #

Scripture is not silent about creation’s response to spiritual realities. The heavens and the earth tremble when God moves (Psalm 18:7; Haggai 2:6). So when Christ—Lord of all creation—died and rose again, it’s no surprise that the earth itself quaked twice.

At first glance, Matthew 27:51 and Matthew 28:2 seem similar—both speak of an earthquake. But when we look closer, we see that they are two different events, occurring at two different moments, with two different meanings.

These two earthquakes are not merely natural reactions; they are prophetic signs, loaded with covenantal significance. One marks the end of the old creation in Adam, and the other the beginning of the new creation in Christ.

Let’s explore each in turn, examine the Greek, and uncover their theological weight.

The Earthquake at Christ’s Death — Matthew 27:50–51 #

“And Jesus cried out again with a loud [agonised] voice, and gave up His spirit. And [at once] the veil [of the Holy of Holies] of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split.”
— Matthew 27:50–51 (AMP)

Greek Word Study #

• “Earth shook” — Greek: seismos (σεισμός), meaning a violent shaking or quake, often used of storms and divine movements.
• This is the same word used for natural disasters, but here, it is spiritually orchestrated.

What Happened? #

• Timing: Occurs at the very moment Jesus breathes His last on the Cross.
• The veil of the temple—the thick curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the people—was torn from top to bottom, indicating it was not man’s doing but God’s.
• Rocks split, and tombs were opened (though no one came out until later).

This earthquake wasn’t random. It was the shaking of the Old Covenant order.

Theological Meaning #

• The temple system—priests, sacrifices, veils—was now obsolete. The true High Priest had offered Himself.

“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood…”
— Hebrews 9:12 (NIV)

• The veil-tearing signified that access to God was no longer restricted to high priests or temple rituals, but open through Christ.

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence…”
— Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

• The opening of tombs was a prelude to resurrection, hinting that Christ’s death had begun to break the hold of death itself.

This earthquake was God dismantling the shadow system—the Adamic world and its legalistic religion. It was a funeral quake, shaking down the old in preparation for the new.

The Earthquake at Christ’s Resurrection — Matthew 28:1–2 #

“Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the tomb. And a great earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat on it.”
— Matthew 28:1–2 (AMP)

Greek Word Study #

• Again, the word seismos (σεισμός) is used.
• But this time, the quake is linked directly to the descent of the angel and the rolling away of the stone.

What Happened? #

• Timing: This occurs on the third day, after the Sabbath, as the women approach the tomb.
• A great earthquake accompanies the descent of the angel.
• The stone sealing the tomb is rolled away—not to let Jesus out, but to let witnesses in.

Theological Meaning #

• This earthquake is not a quake of judgment, but of vindication.
• Heaven announces: the New Creation has begun.

“He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.”
— Matthew 28:6 (AMP)

• It is the reversal of death, the undoing of corruption. Death could not hold the sinless One.
• The angel sits on the stone, symbolising complete authority over the grave.

This is not a funeral quake—it is a birthquake. The new world in Christ is now inaugurated.

Comparison: Two Quakes, Two Messages #

From Veil to Victory #

• Hebrews 12:26–28 says that God is shaking not just the earth, but also heaven, so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
• These two earthquakes were part of that transition of ages.
• The old order was removed (Hebrews 8:13); the kingdom that cannot be shaken was revealed (Hebrews 12:28).

“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude…”
— Hebrews 12:28 (AMP)

Why This Matters #

• These two events frame the death of Adamic man and the birth of the New Man (Ephesians 2:15).
• The first quake ended the need for sacrifices, veils, and priestly intermediaries.
• The second quake began the resurrection age, opening the tomb and declaring the eternal gospel.
• Together, they testify: “Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
  — 2 Corinthians 5:17

Christ in You… and the Coming Glory #

We live in the time between the quakes—the already and not yet.

• We’ve experienced the Cross—our sins paid, the veil torn.
• We’ve experienced the resurrection life—Christ in us, the hope of glory.
• Yet we await the manifestation of that glory, the redemption of our bodies, and the consummation of all things (Romans 8:23, Colossians 3:4).

These quakes are not just past events—they are present realities and future promises.

In Christ,
Shaliach.