End of the World By William J. Stewart Predictions of the end of the world are not new. In fact, in the 1st century, some boldly affirmed that the Lord had already returned (2 Timothy 2:17-18). Some in today’s religious world still hold to this doctrine (Preterism), teaching that everything the Bible says about the end has already happened. So, is this heaven or is it hell? The Bible reveals that the end could come at any time; there are no Bible prophecies which remain undone, save the return of Christ for the judgment of all souls, then comes eternity. Writing to the Thessalonians, Paul armed them with the mind that the Lord could return at any time (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 5:1-6). Paul did not teach them (nor did any other Bible writer) about a rapture, tribulation and millennial reign as is commonly taught today. The Bible says the Lord will return, but we do not and cannot know when He will return. There are no signs (Matthew 24:43-44; 25:13; 2 Peter 3:10). There have been a number of predictions made through the years. You can find a list of over 200 failed dates at bible.ca/pre-date-setters.htm The Jehovah’s Witnesses are repeat offenders at setting a date which has come and gone without the prophesied end happening; 1914, 1918, 1920, 1925, 1941, 1975, 1994. What explanation do they give for these failed prophecies? Simply that new light has come, things are becoming clearer, etc.. Looks like pretty muddy waters from where I sit. How does a line of false prophecies show a move toward truth? They could (and likely will) be wrong every time they set a date. Remember, Jesus said that no one knows, not even the Son (Mark 13:32). Harold Camping is another repeat offender. In his book “Are You Ready?”, Camping predicted the Lord’s return in 1994. He said the Lord would come on September 15, or no later than September 27 of 1994. Just in case he was wrong, he provided an alternate date, May 2011. Since his first date failed, there are some who are looking with anticipation at May 21, 2011. “The Bible says the Lord will return, but we do not and cannot know when He will return.” According to Camping, a 23 year tribulation period (of which the Bible says nothing about) commenced on May 21, 1988, which will end with the rapture (which the Bible says nothing about) on May 21, 2011. Then the earth will be destroyed five months later, on October 21, 2011. His explanation for the date is filled with more misinformation and rhetoric than a political campaign. He manufactures dates for the creation (11,023 BC), flood (4,990 BC), and Jesus’ birth, (7 BC) and then extrapolates his conclusions by pulling together a set of verses that have no connection to one another except in Camping’s mind. I’ve searched his site for evidence supporting his timeline; there is none. I sent an e-mail to him, asking for details which would support his dates, but received no reply. Maybe he’s too busy sitting on his rooftop to answer his e-mail. His basic premise is this: Genesis 7:4 has a twofold meaning (which the Bible does not say). Not only was God telling Noah that seven days remained before the earth would be destroyed by the flood, but he was also saying that the earth would continue for 7,000 more years. To establish this, he draws from 2 Peter 3:8 (a day is as a thousand years to the Lord). So, 7,000 years after the arbitrary date for the flood, apparently the Lord’s return (in the context of 2 Peter 3) would come. In the same context, Peter, writing to his contemporaries, urged them to look for the coming of the Lord (2 Peter 3:12). In his first epistle, again to his contemporaries, Paul wrote, “the end of all things is at hand” (1 Peter 4:7). Peter expected the Lord’s return, not some 1900 years in the future, but possibly in his own time. He did not know when the Lord would return (no Bible writer knew, nor does the Lord Jesus know). Does Mr. Camping claim to know something that was kept from Jesus and His apostles? Is 2 Peter 3:8 given as a warning about the coming of Christ right to the very day? Remember, Jesus said no one knows. It will come as a thief in the night. Peter simply revealed that God is not governed by time as we are. It is not a calendar to be spliced together with Genesis 7:4, it is an encouragement for faithful service at all times, for we do not know when the Lord will return. Have no fear, if Camping is wrong, more dates have been set already. Maybe someday folks will learn.
Posted on: Sun, 10 Aug 2014 05:03:00 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015