Another False Prediction from the False Prophet Harold Camping

Posted on by June 2, 2011
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My two previous blogs have dealt with Harold Camping’s false predictions about the Rapture allegedly occurring on May 21, 2011. The first outlined how the Bible tells us that no one can know the day or the hour of this event (Matthew 24:36). The second article explained how Christians should respond to Camping’s false predictions.

Well, Harold Camping is at it again. Just two days after his May 21st prediction failed, he defended his claims. He stands by the May 21st date and claims that Christ came and put the world under judgment. So there was a spiritual or invisible judgment on May 21st. This sounds an awful lot like what the Jehovah’s Witnesses did when their predictions of 1914 failed to come true.

Camping also stands by his October 21st prediction (the date the world will allegedly end). Camping had claimed the Rapture would occur on May 21st and the world would end on October 21st.

The man is absolutely a false prophet. I don’t know if he truly believes what he claims, but he should apologize for misleading so many people. Instead, Camping continues to pridefully claim that he knows what Jesus said no man can know. Camping does not speak for Christ and he does not represent the vast majority of Christians.

Camping’s listeners have the responsibility and obligation to compare his teachings with Scripture. They need to be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11 who searched the Scriptures daily to make sure that what Paul taught was in accord with God’s Word. The author of Acts (Luke) commended the Bereans for doing this.

Camping’s followers would do well to read Deuteronomy 18:20–22 which shows that God’s standards for those who claim to speak for Him is 100% accuracy.

And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him. But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’— when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.

Harold Camping should be thankful he didn’t live in ancient Israel since he would have been put to death for his false prophecies. He predicted Jesus would return in 1994 and then again on May 21, 2011. Neither of these came to pass. He is a false prophet and his followers have no excuse for not being aware of this truth. His false predictions have misled and hurt people, made Christians look foolish, and dishonored the name of Christ. He should repent, apologize, and stop making more false prophecies.

Christians must continue to live godly lives and share the love of Christ with the world. We should pray for those who have been deceived. Pray that they will have their eyes opened to the truth and that they would compare Camping’s teachings against the clear words of Scripture. If you have the opportunity to minister to those who have been deceived, remember that just as Christ has been gracious, loving, and merciful with us, so must we be to others. We also need guard against pride and arrogance which comes so easily.

Jesus will return someday, and Harold Camping does not know the date. That is certain.

How Should We Respond to Harold Camping’s Failed Prediction?

Posted on by May 21, 2011
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I have previously blogged about Harold Camping’s failed predictions concerning the day of Christ’s return. The Bible is extremely clear that no one can know the day or the hour of the Lord’s return (Matthew 24:36), and it also reveals that He will return like a “thief” in the night (Revelation 3:3)—meaning that His return will be a surprise in terms of timing.

Many people have denounced Camping’s claims and his bizarre interpretive scheme. Thankfully, many Christian leaders have also spoken out against these predictions. This has not stopped the atheists from mocking Bible-believing Christians. So-called “Rapture Parties” are being hosted around the country this evening. Just as 2 Peter 3 predicts, these scoffers will always mock the notion of the Second Coming, so let them mock. They are simply fulfilling Peter’s words written nearly 2000 years ago.

My main concern is how Christians respond to Harold Camping’s predictions. Do you feel like mocking him or those who have been duped by him? Are you concerned about the spiritual state of those who will be devastated when Jesus does not return today? Is there anything in your own life that gives skeptics reason to mock Jesus Christ?

I know I have plenty of my own problems that I need to work on. I call myself a Christian because I have repented of my sins and trusted in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. I know I am a sinner and could not save myself. I needed the Lord to save me. I am supposed to be like Him and by my actions I am supposed to show the world what He is like. Oh, how often have I fallen so short of this mark!

Although it is trendy to make fun of Camping’s predictions and those who have fallen for them, Christians have a higher calling. We are supposed to model Christ-like behavior at all times. This means that we correct those who are in error (e.g., we point out the errors in Camping’s predictions), but we also gently restore those who are in error (Galatians 6:1) rather than poking fun of them.

Today is another opportunity to show and tell an unbelieving world who Jesus is. How are you spending this day that He has given you? Are you wasting it or making fun of those who have fallen for a fanciful and misguided interpretation of the Bible?

Camping and his followers have shown that they truly believe Jesus will return today and many have made life-changing decisions based upon that belief. As Christians, we claim to believe in the risen Lord who will return someday (perhaps soon). What are you doing to make sure the good news of Jesus Christ is both seen in your life and heard by those you meet? Even though Jesus will probably not return today, we still need to live each day as though it may be our last.

Remember, 2 Peter 3 also tells us we should be holy and godly as we look forward to the day of the Lord:

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (2 Peter 3:10–13, NKJV)