Harold Camping and the end of the world

I've been prepared for many years. During that time I've changed the locks on the house in which we live a time or two. I'm satisfied they're working properly, and we keep the doors locked. I can't help but wonder, though - will today be the day that a thief tries to break in? I hope not, but if so I feel we've done all we can within reason to keep him out.

 

Honestly, I don't think about thieves breaking into my house very often. But today is a good day to bring up the subject. Why? Because Harold Camping has predicted that today is when Jesus will return to earth a second time. Prepare for that event, he warns. I'll agree with that latter message.

 

But wait - Isn't Harold Camping the same fellow who predicted Christ's return back in May? That's true; the 90-year-old former civil engineer had said that the world would witness Jesus' return on May 21. That prediction caused quite a reaction with some. Some invested all or large chunks of their savings to purchase billboard space warning neighbors to get ready. Many put their full faith in this man's ability to see in Scripture the exact date of the Second Coming.

 

You and I know that Jesus didn't return on May 21. Camping admitted an error in his calculations, but announced October 21 as the corrected date. Not as much excitement has been aroused over this new date, though. No billboards have been rented in my town to publicize this date.

 

Let me be clear on this matter: I cannot tell you that Jesus will not return today. But I would be going against what the Bible teaches if I were to say that I know that He will come back today. What I'll admit is that I simply don't know. Nor do I think that any other person knows.

 

Jesus Himself taught this truth. "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (Matthew 24:36). What "day" did Jesus have in mind when He said that? The next verse makes it clear: "But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be" (Matthew 24:37). How could Jesus have made His point more clearly?

 

A few verses later Jesus used the image we used above: "But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Matthew 24:43,44).

 

Thieves generally do not inform their targeted victims ahead of time of the day they plan to strike. Why did Jesus choose this image? Because just as it's wise to always be ready for the thief, so it's even wiser to always be ready for the Lord's return.

 

Let there be no doubt: "But the day of the Lord will come ..." (2 Peter 3:10). Also be sure of this: "... as a thief in the night" (2 Peter 3:10).

 

No, I cannot tell you that Jesus will not return to earth today. But I have no basis on which to claim that He will. The best advice I can offer is to live as if this really is the day. Living by this philosophy, we'll be ready - whenever He comes.

 

Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you'd like to discuss these ideas further.

 

Timothy D. Hall.