Keni Arts on October 25, 2011 - UrToast Online

False prophecies

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but we at Family Radio have been directed to not talk to the media or the press.” This was the statement issued by the daughter of the false prophet, Harold Camping after another end-of-the-world false prediction.

What’s there to be disappointed about? Blind Bartimaeus could have seen through Camping’s delusion even before Jesus came along to give him sight.

Christian Responses

While the secular media has reported widely on Camping’s erratic behavior, the Christian press has either been too quiet or too reserved in their commentary. I was surprised when I read this headline in CharismaNews. ‘Should Harold Camping Be Jailed for False Prophecy?’ Marty Angelo, founder of a prison ministry, posed this question. As I researched Angelo, I discovered that he holds views about the scriptures not held in mainline evangelistic circles. For example, Angelo writes this in his ‘Statement of Faith’. ‘We believe the events normally associated with Christ’s second coming were accomplished with the events culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.’ While that’s not necessarily a deal-breaker for salvation, it’s a reminder that no one group or person has a full revelation of God’s Word.

I’ll let Angelo and others decide if Camping should be jailed. I’m more concerned about his long-time followers. According to reports from CBS News, there have been 12 failed doomsday predictions by Camping dating back to 1978. If Camping were jailed, maybe his faithful followers should also be institutionalized, but not behind bars.

A Right to Speak Out

It might seem to some Christians improper to criticize Camping or others who claim to speak on God’s behalf. Yet it was the corrupt religious establishment that Jesus leveled the harshest condemnation. Jesus could also be tough on His own followers as we see when. He rebuked Jesus by opposing the statement Jesus made about his death and resurrection.

The scriptures must be the final authority for those who claim Christ as their Lord and Savior. It’s your choice to follow God.

Have you chosen to follow Christ?