For those inclined to chuckle or otherwise enjoy the “failings” of yet another so-called Christian prophecy about the end of the world (which did not occur on 5/21/11), I will caution you to read what the Christ actually does say about His promised return: Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. “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. “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. (Matthew 24:35-39 NLT)
The incorrect prediction by Harold Camping of Family Radio is simply the latest in a long list of “false prophecies” as pointed out by the Lord in the Bible: “But you may wonder, ‘How will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the Lord?’ If the 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. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared. (Deuteronomy 18:21-22 NLT)
Mr. Camping’s gross error notwithstanding, the Bible is clear from the scripture in Matthew that the Lord will return someday. For those inclined to “enjoy” Mr. Camping’s error and in doing so to cast ridicule on all the “lunatic” Christians, I will submit to them to remember the old story of the boy who cried wolf. I will guarantee you that when the Lord does return for His own, there will not be laughing and ridicule but sheer terror and intense remorse…but yet still good news for some, in that they may still be given a a final chance to turn to God before the complete end.