Could there be a scientific and a biblical explanation for the failed September 23 rapture predictions?
While Christians all over the internet were profoundly determined that the rapture would take place on September 23, it is quite clear that did not happen. The Bible warns us against setting dates and times for these events, telling us that no man knows the hour or the day (Matt. 24:36). It turns out that a scientific study may also show the root problem with this rapture date-setting theory as well.
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As the Daily Mail reported, Cornell University conducted a study which found “people who believe in conspiracy theories are likely to be hugely overconfident,” which they point out hinges on arrogance.
To believe that one could somehow outsmart God and what the Scriptures say lines up with the idea of a secret knowledge, a conspiracy of sorts that leans on human knowledge and understanding instead of submitting to the fact that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours and we should seek out God’s will above our own.
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In the study, Cornell researchers found that those who fall trap to conspiracies goes beyond simply being arrogant about one’s beliefs. Dr. Gordon Pennycook stated, “…our results counteract a prevailing narrative about conspiracy theorists: that they know that they hold fringe beliefs and revel in that fact.”
This is a reveling in our own ways and decisions instead of God’s. Delighting in what we think instead of what God says sounds like the ultimate sign of not only pride, but also deception. Jeremiah 17:9 tells us, “The heart is more deceitful than all things and desperately wicked; who can understand it?”
This reminds us that as Christians, we are not called to rely on our own understanding or human reasoning. Every vision, theory or prediction must be measured against the truth of Scripture. We are to test the spirits, discern carefully and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than leaning on our own insight or intellect.
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True wisdom comes from submitting to God’s Word, acknowledging that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours and trusting His timing above our own interpretations. In every matter, our anchor must be the Bible, not human speculation.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
