A few days ago the entire world watched and waited as the 6:00 o’clock hour drew near.  This was all because of the predictions of one man, Harold Camping, a man who {incorrectly} predicted the end of the world!  Sadly people sold their homes and cashed in their 401k to help fund a humungous marketing campaign that gained the attention of the entire world.  My family and I have made jokes about this, but in all reality, it is no laughing matter!  It’s devastating how Camping and his followers put their trust in the wrong thing.  This type of disappointment is and will always be certain when people place their trust in anyone who has led them to ignore the authority of Scripture.

 

While May 21st wasn’t the judgment day that the Bible speaks of – it was a type of judgment day for Harold Camping!  On May 21st the world judged him for his incorrect predictions, and one day he will stand alone before the Sovereign Judge of the universe who will judge his soul {as we all will}.  The Bible warns us of false teachers who will come in the latter days.

 

2 Peter 2:1-3 says, “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. [2] And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. [3] And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.” (ESV)

 

It should be noted that Harold Camping made a prediction in 1994 that did not come to pass, and now after his failed prediction of May 21st he has is making another bold claim that Jesus will return October 21, 2011.  These predictions violate the truth of Matthew 24:36, and they only lead to confusion.  My heart aches for the many people have followed Harold Camping and his troubled teaching.  It is even more devastating to hear about people who have committed suicide and killed their families and pets to avoid the tribulation.  Even though Camping and many others will cloud the waters with false doctrine there is hope in Christ!

 

As you read this post and understand that no man can predict end of the world please – remember – that one day this life will end and we will all face our Creator and Judge.  It’s so simple to place your trust and hope in Jesus Christ {and in Him alone}.  Don’t believe a preacher or anyone else who directly contradicts the truth of God’s Word.  Any man who claims to speak for God should never have to try to explain away the Word that God has given to us.  We don’t need any new revelation from God – He has given us His inspired Word and it is all sufficient!

 

If you are unsure where you will go when you die take a few minutes to read over these truths about man and God:

• God designed and created the universe and all that is within it, and it is by His power that everything holds together. Colossians 1:16-17
• God is perfect in all areas and completely without sin. Psalm 96:9
• God designed mankind in His own image to reflect His glory. Genesis 1:27
• Mankind chose to disobey their Creator and by doing so brought sin’s curse upon the earth and eternally separated them from the One who created them. Genesis 3, Romans 5:12-13
• Because of sin’s curse, and my sin, I am born separated from God and deserving of His everlasting punishment. Romans 2:12, Romans 3:10-12, Romans 6:23
• God’s Son Jesus Christ came to earth, lived a perfect life, died on the cross to pay sin’s penalty, and rose again on the third day defeating sin and death. Romans 5:6-10, I Corinthians 15:3-4
• By turning to Christ from our sin and trusting in His work on the cross alone to save us from our sin, God imparts Christ’s righteousness on our behalf and we are freely given eternal life with Him. He gives us the power to enjoy fellowship with Him and live a life that is pleasing to Him. Romans 5:1-2, Romans 3:23-24, John 3:16-17

 

If you have questions about God or salvation, please feel free to leave a comment or email me.  I would love to discuss this life changing truth with you!