Given the current state of the world, it is apparent that we are witnessing a time of unprecedented challenges. Natural disasters, escalating crime rates, wars, and rumors of wars are becoming more frequent, while moral values continue to decline. However, as Christians, we are not to be troubled, for the Bible has already foretold that these events must occur before the return of our Lord and Savior.
As we await His glorious return, we must remain vigilant against the rise of false prophets who are spreading misinformation. Just last month, a South African pastor publicly claimed that Jesus had revealed to him that His return would occur on September 23 or 24 of this year. As believers, we know, as God’s remnant, that Jesus Himself said, “… no man knows the day or the hour…” (Matthew 24:36). Today, October 7, I recently found this same pastor has revised his prediction to October 7–8. My brothers and sisters, we must firmly reject this claim, as it does not align with biblical truth.
While there have always been individuals who attempt to predict the exact time of Christ’s return, what concerns me is the growing influence of such false prophets and the impact they have on the lives of Christians worldwide. I have no objection to individuals speculating about the season or general timeframe of Christ’s return, but date-setting and misleading others with unfounded predictions is harmful and unbiblical.
I urge my brothers and sisters across the globe to avoid listening to these self-proclaimed prophets. Instead, dedicate yourselves to studying the Scriptures daily, immersing yourselves in its profound, inspiring, and life-changing truths. Above all, live in obedience to God’s Word. Do not rely solely on the teachings of a priest, pastor, or elder to guide you to the truth—take the responsibility to discover it for yourself. In the day of judgment, each individual will stand before God alone, not as part of a church or family.
As 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) warns us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” We must remain watchful, for the devil is cunning and deceptive. However, we must take comfort in the fact that Satan and his forces are powerless against our Lord Jesus Christ.
As Jesus said in Luke 10:18 (KJV), “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” The enemy knows his time is short, and he seeks to drag as many of God’s children as possible into hell. Yet, we must remember that hell was created for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41), not for us. We were made in the image of God, designed to live in eternal communion with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Let us remain steadfast in our faith, diligently study the Scriptures daily, and not be swayed by false prophets. Only the truth of God’s Word, “Thus saith the LORD,” can overcome the schemes of the devil and his angels.
