Harold Camping? Camp Out for the Lord

Here we go again.  Another doomsday prediction is about to fail.  Jesus Christ’s Second Advent can come at anytime — but He said it will be when we least expect it, like a thief in the night.  Even so, Harold Camping has pegged May 21st, 2011, as the precise day of Christ’s return.  He ignores the fact that Jesus said no man knows when He will return. 

Paul warned about such men in I Thessalonians 5:2-4 saying, “For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.” 

No one knows when a thief is going to break into their home or they would be prepared.  Camping is no exception. He can not know since this is not revealed in the Bible.  Jesus said that He will come when none expects it.

Harold Camping, an 89 year-old “evangelist” with a 100 million dollar ministry, heard in 61 different languages around the world, is certain (again!) that the end of this age will be Saturday, May 21st, 2011.  Never mind that he has been wrong before.  He said that he didn’t do enough research the time before he predicted this and it failed. Perhaps he should research Matthew 24:36 which says, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” I might add that “nor the Son” are missing from many of the manuscripts so Jesus Himself may have actually known but it was not in mankind’s best interests to know.

The fact is Jesus will come when people do not expect it.  The sad thing is Harold Camping has convinced millions worldwide.  Multiple thousands have quit their jobs, and sold their homes as Camping said that there is no “plan B.”  If anything, this is the sign of the end of the age when many false prophets will come and say such things.  I believe Jesus could appear at any moment, but this has not been and will not be revealed to anyone on the earth.  This is privileged information, and if this day of Christ’s return is not listed in the Bible, then this is God’s prerogative alone; we have no business guessing what is not revealed in the Word of God. If He had wanted us to know, He would have done so in the scriptures. 

So everyone can relax.  I may go camping out this Saturday but it will not be in expectation of the sure arrival of Christ on that day.  I am already prepared.  I don’t need a “plan B.“  Actually, I and a church member will be going door-to-door for our Outreach to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We want to be witnessing to those who don’t know Christ so that they can meet the Lord in the Air that great day. 

If you are born-again and know Jesus Christ, you don’t have to worry about when Jesus is going to return. If you are not saved yet, then today is your day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:1-2).  Tomorrow may be too late because no one knows if they might take their last breath tonight.  I pray you would accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior today, while it is still called today.  Here’s how:

How to Receive and Know You Have Eternal Life

1. Admit that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior (Romans 6:23).
2. Abandon your self-effort and realize you can not be saved by your works or efforts (Acts 16:31).
3. Accept freely Christ’s payment for your sins as required of the Father (John 3:16).
4. Acknowledge Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior (Acts 4:12).

If you have just received Jesus, you have now received God’s inheritance rights since you are now a son or daughter of His, will live forever, and can never be lost again (John 10:28-29).  Now, join a Bible-believing church, or call 1-888-NeedHim (633-3446) for follow-up questions about salvation that is only available through Jesus Christ.

About Jack Wellman

Jack Wellman is a freelance writer and Christian author who writes for several websites and online publications. With a BA in history and degrees in science and education, his primary focus is on theology, apologetics and doxology. Jack is also Senior Pastor of the Mulvane Brethren Church.