Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Astrological Predictions


Let’s look at the Astrological Predictions for the
New Year. Aren’t they Predictably Unpredictable?

Is astrology harmless? First glimpse at the human level. Psychologist Dr. Shrank explained, "astrology . . . produces serious, psychic disturbances, a fear of life, despair, and other disorders . . . paralyzes initiative and powers of judgment. It stupefies and encourages shallowness." So yes, it is harmful.

Can we trust in psychics and prophets to foresee the future?
With each New Year, we see the renewed interest in this. All we have to do is review the records to see whether they are credible. Who dares to print a list of last year’s predictions? For example, the famed psychic, Jeane Dixon, said Jacqueline Kennedy would stay unmarried. And according to her, California should have fallen into the ocean. You see the same problem with the more radical TV evangelists or any of the latter day prophets. They all fail. The role of a prophet is vitally important to guide people right so God requires 100% accuracy. One false word is like one strike and they’re out; the Lord will not claim him. God’s prophets are zealous against error (Deut. 13:1-5; 18:20-22; Jere. 14:14; 23:16-32; 27:15; Zech. 13:2-5; and Matt. 7:21-23). “God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2a). God is clear. When did He speak through prophets? Time past. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1) So where can I look for true prophecy? God promises of "a more sure word of prophecy" which is in the Bible (2 Peter 1:19). This alone accurately predicts history in advance. Hundreds of detailed and observable fulfillments are given with precise accuracy.

What about astrology?
Astrology rests on illusion. In what ways?

1) To embrace this system you have to believe the planets revolve around the earth.

2) Most astrological charts are based on only seven planets in the solar system including the sun and moon.

3) According to astrologists, twins should have like destinies, considering timing and their place of birth. Educated people know heredity is determined at conception not birth.

4) Astrological theories developed near the equator miss places like Alaska and Norway where no planet may be observable for weeks.

5) The constellations have shifted about 30 degrees in the last 2,000 years, so Virgo has slipped into the sign of Libra. But when a Virgo sign is applied, the sun is in the constellation Leo etc.

6) Some astrological systems use 8, 14, or 24 signs while others use 12. What is the plumb line since they oppose each other?

7) And why do western astrologers differ from the Chinese if both could be true?

You see why 186 American scientists and 18 Nobel Prize winners said in September of 1975, there is no scientific basis whatsoever for astrology being effective in foretelling events or influencing lives. The true critical affect is when a person is gullible enough to make foolish decisions based upon it. Yet you hear people trust their horoscopes from a newspaper while another paper sold from the same stand opposes it.

What about some accurate predictions?
Most predictions are purposefully ambiguous. "There are so many variables and options to play with that the astrologer is always right. Break a leg when your astrologer told you the signs were good, and he can congratulate you on escaping what might have happened had the signs been bad" (Time Magazine, Mar. 21, 1969, p.56). Anytime someone has a predisposition to believe something, as with a horoscope, it leads to autosuggestion or aiding in the fulfillment. And at other times we suspect a true supernatural power gets involved with the fulfillment, but since God condemns astrology and hit-and-miss prophets, it could never be initiated from Heaven. God is much greater than any spirit down here. That is why God says, “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

What about destiny?
God grants you the responsibly to prepare for your future, depending on whom you trust. “Born under a lucky star” is fatalism. Any occult spirit-guide invites God's judgment (Deut. 18:9-14). Reasonably, we all care about our wellbeing for tomorrow, so isn’t it even more vital to consider ones eternal destiny? That is why we invite you to examine the evidence, even if your goal might be to refute it. You deserve to know, so then you can prepare. The Bible even tells about the end of the earth and describes where you will be forever. Jesus said no one knows the exact day for the end of the age, but we should know His signs for when it is near.

Whom can I trust?
Don't entrust your future to the pseudo-sciences, organized religion, or false teachers. God is greater than any kind of power active in this world. Your future is not determined by religion or the stars but by the "Son" of the Living God! The same Bible that reveals history in advance says you can KNOW your eternity is secure by trusting Jesus Christ (1 John 5:11-13). Destiny matters! Read the Book of John in the Bible, focus on who Jesus is and what He says to believe. Then respond to His invitation and settle it forever!

Would you like to read more evidence?
To see Bible accuracy, maybe read Evidence that Demands a Verdict, by Josh McDowell. For more on psychic deception, astrology, and the occult, his book Understanding the Occult is helpful.


Submitted by Bro. "C.B."


No comments: