Learning From Failed End-Time Predictions

By J. D. King Sep 17, 2015

Does anyone remember the prediction that the rapture would happen in 1988? Here's a reminder of other end-time predictions that didn't unfold.

What Do We Make Of This?

Failed end-time predictions were undoubtedly widespread over the last century. As these prognostications didn’t pan out, the proponents simply made readjustments and looked for new historical developments. Ongoing catastrophes and civil unrest were exploited to distract from previous errors in calculations. Just as soon as one termination date passed, another conveniently came into view.

I believe those who have made failed end-time predictions must be accountable to the body of Christ for their mistakes. They should be held responsible for their wrong interpretations and the disruptions caused. Yet this is rather difficult to do.

In early 1977, when Hal Lindsey was asked by a journalist from Christianity Today what he would do if he was wrong about his end-time predictions, he responded with the following:

“There is a split second’s difference between a hero and a bum. I didn’t ask to be a hero, but I guess I have become one in the Christian community. So I accept it. But if I am wrong about this, I guess I’ll become a bum.”⁸

Though undeniably wrong about his end-time predictions over the last 46 years, Lindsey still hasn’t referred to himself as a “bum.” It’s not necessary for this to happen, yet a simple apology might be nice. So in light of all this, what should be the response? Some would say the only problem was the setting of a particular day and time. After all, Jesus affirmed, “Concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Matt. 24:36). Yet is it possible that Lindsey and his fellow Dispensationalists have been wrong in more than just “date-setting?” Could the Bible actually be affirming something different than what has been promulgated through evangelical radio and newsprint over the last 100 years? Could a fresh reading of Scripture affirm that God is up to something more than just darkness and catastrophe? I sincerely think so.

I honestly don’t know if North American Christians will ever change our darkened outlook. In the meantime we must be extremely careful. Whether it be blood moons, the Shemitah, or widespread social duress, we need to be cautious about what we’re proclaiming. Like many others, I’d hate to see additional failed predictions. The apostle Paul said it the following way: “not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who reject the truth” (Titus 1:14).

Fear, sensationalism, and esoteric readings of Scripture aren’t going to propel global missions or the expansion of the Church.I hope that we can finally learn the unpleasant lesson of previous generations. A fresh understanding of the “good news” could change everything.Subscribe and receive this blog through email

[1]. Editor. Weekly Evangel 10 (April 1917): 3.
[2]. S.D. Gordon. Quiet Talks on the Deeper Meaning of War and Its Relation to the Lord’s Return. (New York: Revell, 1919): 69.
[3]. Oral Roberts. “Why I Believe Jesus Is Coming Soon and What His Coming Will Mean to You and Me,” The Oral Roberts Reader (Rockville Center, New York: Zenith Books, 1958): 76-79.
[4]. Hal Lindsey. The Late Great Planet Earth. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1970): 53-54.
[5]. Edgar C. Whisenant quoted in Ralph Lyman. A Critique on the 1988 Rapture Theory. (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Southwest Radio Church, 1988): 2. isitso.org/guide/whise.html
[6]. Edgar C. Whisenant quoted in Jason Boyett “The apocalypse of my youth.” Washington Post (May 12, 2011).
[7]. Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. Are We Living In the End-Times? Chapter 5, 1999.
[8]. Hal Lindsey quoted in “Future Fact? Future Fiction?” Christianity Today (April 1977): 40.

J.D. King an author, speaker and director of the World Revival Network.