(Note: This article will appear in the May 25 edition of the Linn County News.)
Recently, doomsday prophet Harold Camping predicted that the church would be raptured on May 21, and the end of the world would follow 6 months later. As all who read this know, the events of May 21 failed to transpire and the delusional status of the heretic Harold Camping should be firmly established. The Bible clearly warns against making such predictions, as Jesus said: “as to the hour and the day, no one knows.” (Matthew 24:36)
The sad part of this whole fiasco is the reproach Camping has brought to the name of Christ. Non-believers the world over now think they have a reason to mock Christianity; and some of Camping’s own followers are now skeptical of the Bible. But let it be known…just because Camping is crazy, does not mean that Scripture is wrong. Indeed, Christ is coming again; and indeed this world will one day end.
The question for you is: will you be ready when that day really does come? As sinners, all people are deserving of the eternal wrath of Almighty God. The only hope for such sinners is to repent and place their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. Many who mock today may perish tomorrow. They deserve eternal damnation, but through Christ they could find eternal redemption.
The Apostle Peter wrote: “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation’….But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:3-4; 8-9)
In other words, Christ will return when it’s really time for him to return. This will occur in accordance with God’s (not Harold Camping’s) timetable. If the Lord so chooses to return today, would you be ready? Is Jesus the Lord of your life? Is that evidenced by your daily love and commitment to him?
For all of his lunacy, Harold Camping got one thing right….Jesus is coming back one day. Forget about the delusional ramblings of the heretic; and heed the true warning of Holy Scripture. Just as Christ once ascended into Heaven, one day soon he will come again in like manner to receive his people unto himself and to judge those who have rejected him. Will you be ready, when that day comes?
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