So.... what is going to happen on the morning of May,22 2011? I can only assume that there will be many disappointed people. Literally, the only thing that can be said to Harold Camping's followers is; I'm sorry for your pain. However, experience is a very good teacher, and if you can use this new knowledge to help others and help you avoid making the same mistakes in the future then it's worth it.
I believe that there are three steps to use when determining whether or not a prophet or teacher is legitimate. I can guarantee that no false prophet can slip through these steps. If an organization or person fails in just one step,then I'm encouraging everyone to go against Granny's advice and "throw out the baby with the bath water."
The easiest way to spot a false teacher is to consider their history. If the person has made a false prediction in the past, then they are likely do it again. We do not allow false prophets a three strikes and your out courtesy. They are either hearing from God or they are not. "But any false prophet who falsely claims to speak in my name or who speaks in the name of another god must die. If a prophet speaks in the LORD's name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the LORD did not give that message. Deuteronomy 18: 20,22a. According to Jehovah, there are no second chances for false prophets.
After Harold Camping made the claim that the end was coming in 1994, when his prediction didn't take place then that should have been it. I don't know where he is getting his information, but he isn't getting it from God.
Another sure way to find out if a prophet is legitimate is to compare what they have said up against the word of God. Just because someone appears to be holy and seems to have an interesting argument does not mean that they are a teacher sent by God. Even the scriptures indicate that the devil poses as an angel of light and that he has the ability to deceive and mislead many. See 2 Corinthians 4:4. So then what's a person to do?
Jesus said, "If the blind lead the blind they both fall into a ditch." So, how can we avoid falling into a ditch? By developing the same attitude as the Bureans. "They listened eagerly to Paul's messages, and they searched the scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth." Acts 17:1. When a messenger's words do not measure up with the word of God they need to be discarded..
The final step when evaluating teachers is to take God's words over that of a man. The Bible warns us that in the last days we would have a problem with false prophets. Jesus said, "And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people." Matthew 24: 11. Jesus could not have been more direct with His warning to us.
"Paul warned, "That in the last days there will be very difficult times. For men will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God." 2 Timothy 3:1,2. A boastful person says, "I know something that your incapable of knowing." A proud person says, "I don't care what you say, I'm right." I propose that Herold Campings has done both. In fact, he has went so far as to elevate his own words against the words of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "However, no one knows the day or the hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven, or the son himself. Only the father knows." Matthew 24:36. Jesus did not say that when we get close to the end someone would be given the actual date. He said, "No one knows." Harold Camping has placed his own thoughts and opinions above Jesus Christ. He has called Jesus Christ a liar.
But Jesus Christ is not a liar. So.... on the morning of May 22, 2011, just remember that God will always be found true, even when every other person is proven a liar.
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