As I write, it’s just a little more than 24 hours before the announced end of the world. If you are reading this article, either you were “left behind,” or the “judgment day” that was supposed to happen last Saturday did not occur. The second reason is probably the accurate one.
Proponents of the May 21st judgment day schedule would probably be giving their explanations—actually, more of excuses—why the judgment did not happen. The most likely excuse will be that they made a mistake in their mathematical calculations … again.
Here is a call, once more, to take seriously the plain teachings of Scripture. With regard to the timing of Christ’s return and the end of this world as we know it, there just is no mathematical formula that can revise the clear declaration of Jesus: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24.36 NIV). Also, “it is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority” (Acts 1.7 NIV).
It must be made clear that my primary objection concerning the matter is not whether there will be a judgment day or not. I do believe that Jesus will return. And when he does he will be the Judge over all people. And we must be prepared for that eventuality. But I do object to the claim that the “times or dates” can be known. In fact, Jesus’ words do imply that we’re not even supposed to try calculating and figuring them out. That is not our place. And to insist to do so is to deliberately disregard the Father’s authority. And that is plain disobedience.
The deeper issue is the way we approach Scripture. When God inspired the biblical writers, he intended to reveal himself, his purposes, and his ways. That is, what God has chosen to reveal he intended for people to understand. And the central theme of Scripture is the work of God to restore all things to a right relationship with him. This he is bringing to completion through Jesus the Christ.
There is no “secret code” or “hidden mathematical formula” to be discovered before we can understand the Bible. One must only be willing to take the time to read and to study Scripture—simply to take the text as it stands, to determine what the words mean within their context, to discern what the authors intended to convey, and, ultimately, to understand the significance of the truths learned for the way one lives today. The result is that one will always be ready for judgment day, regardless when it happens.
—Keith Y. Jainga