Harold Camping, 89, says May 21 will be the end!

Such are the reports being heard. He is the head of the Christian radio network Family Stations Inc. His Family Radio has 66 stations across the country.

Should We Believe Camping?

First, He predicted Jesus Christ would return in 1994. Jesus did not make it. Camping has seen many events in his lifetime. He has lived through the Depression, and World War 2. He has seen the major prophecy of Israel becoming a nation in 1948. He is seeing the rise of computer technology, and instant media networking across the globe. All of these are part of the setting for Christ's return.

Now how about May 21, 2011?

Let me make clear my personal stance. I believe the Bible to be the Word of God and as such that it is 100% true in all it says. (I don't always like what it says, because I don't always live up to it, but I continue to seek to be obedient to and God and His revealed Word). That being said this is what the Bible says.

Christ has much to say about His return. The most important statement is: "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matthew 24:36). This is very plain. No one knows! It might be May 21, but I think God would be stubborn enough to wait until May 22 jsut to prove no one knows when Christ's return will be.

Jesus describes many events that will show he is coming back. At the beginning of Matthew 24 he declares several of them: the destruction of the Temple, people claiming to be Christ, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution of believers, and the rise of false prophets.

However, he specifies one event, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14). How close are we to this event concluding? Even as I type these words, people from many nations are able to read these words and the truth of the gospel is spread through the internet, TV, radio, and in person.

When will the last nation hear the gospel presented to them? "Then the end will come."

What Should We Do About It?

This is the real question. If Christ came back on May 21, would you be ready?

The person who already believes in Christ needs to be ready. This is Jesus' conclusion in Matthew 24: 45-47. We are to be working actively for Christ until his return whenever it may be. We are to be living lives of purity, living uniquely different from the culture around us.

You may even question whether Christ will ever return as he promised. It has been over 2000 years and still no return. Could God possibly still remember his plan? Is he really going to have Christ return?

Peter, one of Jesus' close followers wrote to this question. People will say, "Where is this coming he promised? ... The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. " (2 Peter 3:4, 9).

If you are uncertain if you are ready to meet God on May 21 or any day He may come back, you can learn how to be prepared. You can respond to this article or there is an organization that will be will to talk with you called Need Him.