Tag: second coming

Categories
News Commentary

More on Camping’s failed May 21 Prediction

Harold Camping is the latest in a long line of would-be prophets who by virtue of cleverness or supposed special knowledge have thought themselves an exception to Jesus’ words in Matt. 24:36; only to be embarrassed and exposed as false prophets when the predicted day arrived.

Sadly, such predictions do not seem to have the desired effect either.  I think the preacher supposes that his date-setting will precipitate an immediate revival of religion.   But instead of causing secular people to flock to faith, it seems to give occasion for unbelievers to ridicule the whole idea of Jesus’ return.   They certainly are not led to repent and prepare for the day when Jesus will return.

But in spite of the adverse climate created by a preacher such as Camping, it is very important for believers to continue to affirm the Bible’s words regarding the central truth that Jesus will return.   Our job is to replace errant teaching that leads to confusion with clear teaching.  To that end, I am including a link to a sermon visual I wrote that gives a more orthodox exposition of Jesus’ second coming and how we should respond to that firm expectation.    As Paul put it, “We wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13 NIV).  We do not know the date, but we are expecting his return.

I believe one of the key lessons in Scripture from the teaching about Jesus’ second coming is this.  Since He is returning, we are ultimately accountable to him for how we live.  So as we remind ourselves of the truth of his coming and watch for it, living in expectation of it, we desire more and more to live out our faith with diligence from day to day so that we do not need to be ashamed at his coming.

 

In view of Jesus’ Second Coming

Categories
Journal News Commentary

Response to May 21 Second Coming Prediction

My wife has written a great response to the hullabaloo this week created by an elderly radio preacher who has predicted the coming of Christ this Saturday.  Personally, I’m always surprised at how much traction these types of predictions seem to get.  I think it reflects humankind’s inner fears of eventual accountability to God.  But as JoAnne points out, it also gives us opportunity to help others hear from us a more Biblical perspective.  I’m including the majority of her e-mail.

Hi Friends,

    So did ya hear? According to an 89-yr.-old preacher, the rapture is supposed to happen Sat. May 21, around 6 p.m. My first reaction was, “Well, I guess that’s one day we know He’s NOT coming back.”

    As you know, the Bible says, “No one knows about that day or hour… So you must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him: (Matt. 24:36-44). It also tells us to make the most of what time we have left, being good stewards of our opportunities (Luke 19:13, Phil. 4:5).

    Guess what I just read in my devotional for May 18?! “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” (Col.4:5)  Talk about God’s timing – WE HAVE A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TODAY!

    People are talking about this all over the Internet, Facebook, News, etc. We don’t want to be lumped in with those “Christian fanatics” who will look stupid on May 22. Therefore we must speak out – today thru Saturday – before the event.

    1. The fact that people are already talking about it opens a wide door of opportunity. We don’t need to bring up “religion” – just the daily news. They have questions – we have answers. How do they feel about the end of the world? Do they know where they’re going? Now’s our chance to talk about our certainty of going to heaven and how they can be sure as well. Talk about your own peace – they can’t argue with that.

    2. The point is, life is uncertain. Any one of us may leave this earth BEFORE May 21. We could drive out our driveway today and be involved in a fatal crash. We all need to be ready, and so do our neighbors who are “far from God” (as Bill Hybels would say). 

    Today is an opportunity to take a “Walk Across the Room” to Facebook friends, co-workers, the clerk at Wal-Mart.

    Our doomsday friends are focused on Christ’s return, as we all should be. They’ve also done us a favor by opening the minds of America to listen to the real truth of the Gospel. And we get a chance to plant some seeds and harvest some fruit.