Why Predictions Of The Apocalypse Are Biblically Unsound Paper

Why Predictions of the Apocalypse Are Biblically Unsound

Introduction

One common characteristic among cults is the practice of claiming to know the date of an (often impending) apocalypse. People do not consider many of these groups that predict these dates cults because of their size, while others clearly fit into the category. In this paper, I will discuss the dangers of predicting the end times and explain why the practice of making precise predictions is dangerous and heretical. I will refer to four sources. I will comment on Deuteronomy 18:21–22 and use Rashbam’s Commentary on Deuteronomy to further explain my position. Additionally, I will discuss Ezekiel 13:6 and Matthew 24:36 and use Commentaries on the First Twenty Chapters of the Book of Ezekiel by John Calvin and translated by Thomas Myers, M.A., and Let’s Study Matthew by Mark E. Ross, respectively. Furthermore, I will discuss Galatians 5:19–22 to explain other red flags in religious groups besides claiming to know the date of the Apocalypse.

False Prophets in Deuteronomy 18:21–22

Deuteronomy 18:21–22 brings up the issue of false prophets and the need for caution and critical thinking. Moses (the author of Deuteronomy)

Deuteronomy and Ezekiel both emphasize the need for people to watch and observe to see if a prophet’s predictions are correct. Galatians explains certain red flags that a group that does not serve the Lord might display and green flags that a group that God does favor might display. Matthew, however, explicitly states that "no one knows." In this passage, Jesus explicitly states what false prophecies will be given before His return and that God the Father is the only one who knows when this will