If You Are Disillusioned With False Prophets

"When September 6, 1994, arrives, no one else can be saved. The end has come." Do those words by a radio Bible teacher in his book 1994? (p.533) sound familiar?

Perhaps you are reminded of the previous date for Christ's return set for October 28, 1992.

You may even recall when the Jehovah's witnesses (so-called) put their lives on hold twenty years ago after their leaders in Brooklyn, N.Y., directed them to prepare themselves because "6,000 years of human history is ending in 1975" (Awake! magazine October 8, 1968.) You have become cynical, possibly antagonistic, toward the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a result of these false predictions

Why do they keep coming--these false predictions and strange teachings? Is there a reason for this rash of date-setting in this century? How should we respond to the next person or movement that sets a date for Christ's return.

Before Jesus went back to heaven, He warned His followers that toward the end of history, as we know it, false prophets would deceive many. "Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them." (Luke 21:8).

The false prophets claim to be Christians and put great emphasis on Bible prophecy teachings; hence-- "The time draweth near."

We are warned not to follow them because there will be features surrounding their teachings that will mark them as different from the Bible teachings. One outstanding anomaly in the teachings of these false prophets is the practice of date-setting itself.

Jesus once said, "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father" (Mark 13:32). How on earth can we then know when Jesus is coming back when the angels in heaven do not know? Not even Christ in His earthly state knew!

We should immediately question anyone who comes to us with a date for Christ's return. "Go ye not therefore after them!"

Jesus, in that same sermon on Mount Olivet, in which He warns of these things, said that prior to His coming, "there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations . . . mens hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke 21:25, 26).

Jesus did not leave us a date for His return, but He foretold what would transpire in space and on earth before His coming. False prophets love to take advantage of peoples fears to win followers for themselves. Many flock to them in fear for their lives.

Earth to give birth

Do not be cynical of the true Gospel of God because of the many false prophets and teachers in the world. Rather, rejoice! Planet earth is about to give birth to a new age that will be established by the might and rod of King Jesus, the Messiah!

It is not the "new age" of the eastern religion devotees, but the "kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever" (Revelation 11:15).

As the day of Christ's return draws nearer, the birth pains of this travailing planet increase with greater frequency. If you are a follower of Christ, you need not fear. Jesus tells us, "when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21:28).

If you are disappointed

If you are currently and adherent of a false prophet, or have decided to quit Christ all together, remember what Jesus said: "Behold, I have told you before" (Matthew 24:25)

Instead of walking away from Christ's message of love, walk away from devotion to that prophet of deception. To continue in the steps of a false prophet, especially when he has been proven wrong, is a sign of rebellion against Jesus who commands us not to follow them.

The Holy Spirit says in Hebrews 3:12-15, "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called to day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end . Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Let us not fail, friends, like those ancient Israelites, to enter into God's rest. "For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry." (Hebrews 10:37).

IF YOU HAVE NOT COME TO CHRIST . . .

COME AS A SINNER

"There is none righteous, no, not one" (Rom. 3:10).

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23).

COME BELIEVING

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life" (John 5:24).

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Rom. 10:9)

"Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37).

COME NOW

"To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts" (Hebrews 3:15).

"Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth" (Proverbs 27:1).

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come!
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come!
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come!
--Charlotte Elliott

Truth Applied Wrongly Becomes Error

You may request printed copies of this tract from Christian Light Publications.

Just For You Index