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Verse:Not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work —which is by faith. —1 Timothy 1:3, 4, NIV
God has entrusted us with a special Christ-centered message to be proclaimed to a sinful world that is nearing its destruction.
Meanwhile, the devil uses all possible means to occupy us with endless peripheral speculations in order to distract us from the core of the gospel message and the fulfillment of our evangelistic mission. Among those distractions are the speculations about who will be the “last” pope. Several individuals built creative prophetic scenarios around Pope John Paul II, who was pope for twenty-six years (1978–2005).
Some suggested that he would eventually resign, another pope would assume the Vatican for a short time, and then John Paul II would reassume his function, becoming the last pope. But these speculative theories proved false.
John Paul II continued as pope until his death on April 2, 2005. Instead of acknowledging their mistake, some of those individuals suggested that Pope Benedict XVI would remain just for a short while, and then Satan himself would simulate a pseudo resurrection of John Paul II and would rule the world as a human pope.
Once again, the speculations failed when Benedict XVI, having been pope for almost eight years (2005–2013), was replaced by Pope Francis.
This is just one example of many fanciful speculations that have been proposed over the years. Gerhard F. Hasel noted, “In regards to unfulfilled prophecy, there is always the danger for the interpreter to speculate or to subtly become a prophet himself.”2 Jesus’ warning against false prophets (Matthew 24:24) refers primarily to self-proclaimed prophets not sent by God. By extension, it can also refer to those who twist the meaning of Bible prophecy, either by imposing on it their own artificial interpretations or by ignoring parts of its content (Revelation 22:18, 19).
No wonder Paul advises us against “controversial speculations” that distract us from advancing God’s work (1 Timothy 1:4, NIV).
Instead of wasting our precious time with such divisive speculations, let’s stick with the well-established prophetic message of the Bible and its enlightening power!