Apocalyptic Cults

Here is some information that I have gathered about Apocalyptic Cults. I hope it is helpful.

John 14:3 reads, “and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also”.

What could be more disturbing than a prophet falsely preaching the end of the age, and Christ’s return.

Our Lord clearly teaches that no one knows the day or hour that He will return. Matthew 24:36 says, “but of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone”.

If no one knows but the Father alone, how is it that so many Christians and others get caught in the trap of Apocalyptic cults?

An Apocalyptic Cult is the result of first a “date-setter”, and then a group of followers blinded by their charismatic leader. A date-setter is someone claiming to carry God’s message of either the end of the world, or the return of God’s only Son. This “prophet” will give a predicted date for such an event to occur.

They pull along a variety of followers towards the anticipated date only to be disappointed by the proof that that date was not God’s.

Beginning with the earliest doomsday date-setter, Montanus, in the middle of the second century up to present day date-setters, the church has been plagued with this problem. Despite the Lord’s clear warnings, “See to it that no one misleads you”, (Matt 24:4), many Christians and other people fall prey to these “prophets”.

In addition to a date-setter, a cult needs a dynamic or charismatic leader. Cults are formed when the so called “prophet” can gather together a following that will remain close-knit and loyal. This produces an environment where false doctrine can be introduced with minimal opposition.

Recently, there have been numerous examples of Apocalyptic cults that have become extremely publicized. For instance are the Hyoo-go Movement, the Branch Davidians, the Order of the Solar Temple, and the Aum Shinrikyo. All these cults prove to be excellent examples of the dangers involved in prophesying the end of the age.

“For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night” (1 Thess. 5:2).

The best defense is to be prepared for, but not preoccupied with Christ’s return.

Another dangerous form of false prophesies is the new method of date-suggesting. This has become very prevalent in not only Apocalyptic Cults but also in Evangelical circles. It involves predicting the end of the age is “near”, “close”, or “just ahead”. These terms avoid one being labeled a false prophet, yet instill the same fears or reactions.

The error that seems most relevant is these date-setters and date-suggesters fall into the trap of predicting these dates based on present events around the world. There are numerous bible verses talking about the “end times” and these verses are often misused to describe the present day worldwide dynamics.

These “signs of the times”, like in Matthew 24, are not new to today. Do not be mislead by people claiming that Christ’s return is here, or it is near because of current events.

There have been “signs” to Christ’s return since the day that Christ left. In fact, John, in 1 John 2:18 writes to his followers in what he calls “the last hour”.

Some important guidelines to follow when dealing with date-setting or suggesting are as follows.

First, the Bible gives no clue as to the date for Jesus to return (Matt 24:36)

Second, a new revelation cannot contradict what the Lord has already said (Gal. 1:6-9).

Thirdly, there has not been an increase in natural disasters and catastrophes in recent years (Matt 24:6-7). These have been a part of history since the time of Christ.

Fourth, we must read prophetic passages in the Bible within their own context. This includes historical, linguistic and cultural contexts.

Fifth, some prophesies are meant to be figurative.

Lastly, no one has the answers about the end times except the Father (Matt 24:36). Not even those involved in Apocalyptic Cults.

Acts 1:7 reads, “it is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority.”

Focus, instead on the fact that Christ WILL return and not when he will return. He will come like a thief in the night (2 Peter 3:10), so spend your time and energy reaching others for Christ just as He has commissioned us to do.

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