From the days of the apostles to just last year, people have been predicting the return of Christ. The problem is though, the Bible clearly tells us in (Matthew 24:36) “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” So then, why do we continue to make the same mistake over and over expecting the different outcome? Was it not Albert Einstein that defined this action the sign of Insanity!
I believe that it is just one more way for Satan to corrupt the hearts of men. If Satan can tempt man’s heart to predict the second coming of Jesus Christ, the less man will focus on the truths. Remember Jesus said it clearly, that no one except the Father knows the day or hour of when Jesus will return.
If someone is predicting the second coming of Jesus, then they are clearly not of God. Jesus told us that not everyone who claims to follow Him is of Him. (Matthew 7:22-23) says “22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ We see that these people work for Satan, but use Jesus`s name to deceive anyone who will listen and yes, at times, they will look like true follower.
The thing is we cannot say we weren’t warned about the false prophets and their lies!
The Lord warned everyone clearly that this would happen. (Matthew 24:24) tells us “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” After reading the above Bible verse, how can any one not understand that these people are not just liars, but they are of Satan? Their role in this great controversy between good and evil, is to lead people away for God’s truth and exalt themselves to God’s level. Now, I know that this may sound like a harsh statement, but they are saying nothing less than “I am equal to the Heavenly Father, because I also know when Christ will return.”
Now, many of them may tell you that we are not setting a date or the hour, we are just saying he is coming within this time frame and that may be a month, year, or even a generation, but make no mistake, this is date setting and (1 John 4:3) warns us not to allow ourselves to be deceived, “but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.” When anyone speaks things that are not in line with the Bible and its teachings, then they are of this spirit.
So, why are there people who claim to be Christians believing in false predictions of the second coming of Jesus? Or even a better question is: Why would you fall for man’s words, when you have God’s word? When we listen to these people and their predictions do not come true; we lose hope, then we just give up and tell ourselves that there is no 2nd coming. We become like the people in (2 Peter 3:4) They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”
So, then why do we continue on the destructive path? That is a good question. What we must do is to stay informed and believe in the word of God only! If you’re a Christian, then, I have no clue why you would allow a false teacher to deceive you by false predictions about the second coming. Read the word of God every day and do what it says. After all, it’s His words that will save you, and not the lies of Satan.
So, my last word of advice for any one that comes across these people, is to look them in the eyes and say that you do not want to listen to their lies. I am sure that Jesus would not mind if you plagiarized from Him and use His statement to Peter in (Matthew 16:23) 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
One would be surprised to know how many times I hear adventists say ” I have heard all my life that Jesus is coming soon, and I’m still here.” We do not know when Jesus is returning for us. Yes we all hope and pray it is soon, but so many need to still hear the message of Jesus’ love and salvation. We are to watch and be ready. We are to look for the signs of His soon return, and we are to live like it could happen today, but we are not to put a date or time on His return. This is where faith comes in.