Category: Bible

Kingdom Truths: False Predictions of Christ’s Return

Today’s Topic: Don’t Be Deceived!

You’ve heard it on the radio or seen it on TV as individuals, scientists and even preachers have tried to predict the date that Jesus Christ will return for his people a/k/a The Rapture. One Chinese man even built his version of Noah’s Ark out of fear of survival for him and his family (picture above). But I’m sure many are wondering why someone would put themselves on national television warning the masses to “get ready”. I wholeheartedly believe in sharing the “Good News of Jesus Christ”, however, you have to wonder how these men were deceived yet were so fervent in their claims. To make matters worse, they damaged the credibility and cause of Christ. Don’t be “deceived”! Scripture says,

However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.”

Mark 13:32

Predicting the date of Jesus Christ’s return has been going on for centuries. Today’s society, however, seems even more jaded about religion and doesn’t believe there is a God, just like the days of Noah. Let’s take a look at some of the historical predictions noted below.

  • Johannes Stöffler, a well respected German mathematician and astrologer, predicted that a great flood would cover the world on February 25, 1524. Hundreds of pamphlets were distributed causing general panic. Count von Iggleheim, a German nobleman, went so far as to build a three-story ark.
  • Edgar Whisenant, a Former NASA engineer, wrote a book in the late 80’s called “88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988” and he sold millions of copies.
  • Hal Lindsey who wrote the bestselling book “The Late Great Planet Earth”, predicting Jesus would come in 1988.
  • Michael Drosnin, author of “The Bible Code”, claimed scripture word search revealed a date for World War III in the year 2000.
  • Harold Camping, radio evangelist, publicly predicted the end of the world 12 times. Most notable was his book pronouncing September 4th or 6th, 1994 as the end of the world. Then he predicted May 21, 2011, which was exactly 7,000 years after the Biblical flood. Later he claimed October 21, 2011 claiming that his math was off.
  • Mayan Calendar doomsday predictions that marked the end of civilization on December 21, 2012 with giant solar flares, massive tidal catastrophes, earth colliding with an imaginary planet and a realignment of the Earth’s axis.
  • Lu Zheng , a Chinese man built a modern-day Noah’s ark to prepare for the 2012 end of the world flood. His preparations began in 2010 out of fear for the survival of him and his family. (picture above)

These events remind me of other scripture verses which tells us of false prophets performing great signs and wonders to deceive many.

Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it.   24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it.”

Matthew 24:23-26 (NKJV)

In many churches today, it is unfortunate that believers are hearing “good stories” of things that have happened in someone’s life or a “paraphrased” version of scripture which is the author’s interpretation of the message versus reading the Biblical Word of God.

Don’t Let Yourself Be Deceived. As Christians, we need to stop relying on what the preacher or men say and actually open our Bibles and read it daily. Take the time to search the scriptures every day like the Bereans. See if what is being taught in your church is the true Word of God! (Acts 17:11) Do their words line up with the infallible Word of God? If not, find a Bible believing church who does.

Paulas, Rick (2014) on Vice.com. “What Happened to Doomsday Prophet Harold Camping.”

Cole, Rachael on Britannica.com. “10 Failed Doomsday Predictions.”

BibleBrisket.com. “Notable Failed Predictions for the End of the World.”

Huffington Post (2012). “Lu Zhenghai, Chinese Man, Builds ‘Noah’s Ark’ In Preparation For 2012 Mayan Apocalypse” and picture.