Harold Camping was in the news recently, but this time it wasn’t to predict the end of the world.  It was to apologize for doing so.  Here are a few excerpts from his letter and audio apology:

From his letter: “Family Radio has no interest in even considering another date,” his letter said. “We have learned the very painful lesson that all of creation is in God’s hands and he will end time in his time, not ours! We humbly recognize that God may not tell his people the date when Christ will return, any more than he tells anyone the date they will die physically.”

From his audio apology: “Incidentally, I have been told that I said back in May that people who did not believe that May 21 should be the rapture date, probably had not been saved. I should not have said that, and I apologize for that. One thing we know for certain, is that God is merciful, merciful beyond anything that we would ever expect.“

He seems sincere and repentive.  This is from his audio apology on the website: “Why didn’t Christ return on Oct. 21? It seems embarrassing for Family Radio. But God was in charge of everything. We came to that conclusion after quite careful study of the Bible. He allowed everything to happen the way it did without correction. He could have stopped everything if He had wanted to.”

First, I’d like to point out two things for us all to think about:

1. If he had actually done a careful study of the Bible, he’d have known that no one knows the hour. Even Jesus doesn’t know.  Only God knows. 

2. God allowed this to happen?  Why?  I think it’s two fold. God gives man free will and that means men will choose to be too free with their words. Sometimes we don’t think before we speak. Sometimes we don’t check things out well enough before we pass things along. And sometimes we don’t see the obvious.   Additionally, I believe God allows these things because it provides the perfect opportunity to talk to unblievers about the truth of the Gospel.

Secondly, I’d like to share that false doctrine may be damaging to an individual’s faith, but God always uses things for good. This was and still is an opportunity to discuss the Bible with unbelievers. I said it when Harold Camping’s most recent predictions hit the news. It’s a great opportunity to have a discussion with unbelievers about the Bible because THEY are talking about it.  They are asking questions.

Yes, it is important to make sure we don’t stumble believers and that we don’t cause an unbeliever to shut the door on what they think is rididculous.  However, if someone else does, it’s a fabulous opportunity to use.  God uses everything for good, we should to!

So the next time a Harold Camping makes a mockery of Christianity, instead of getting upset, use it!  If you aren’t comfortable or don’t know how, check out Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith…and don’t forget to download your sample lesson at the bottom of the product page.

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