THE SELF-APPOINTED "DATE SETTING POLICE"

A Biblical Look at Unauthorized Authority

Across the global Church, a disturbing phenomenon has emerged: self-appointed "Date Setting Police" who claim the authority to condemn, mock, and silence believers who study biblical prophecy and watch for Christ's return (Harpazo or "rapture").

These self-proclaimed enforcers operate without biblical warrant, without divine commission, and without any legitimate court of appeal—wielding only the weapons of public shame, ridicule, and mass manipulation to control those who dare to obey Scripture's clear commands to watch and be alert.

But by whose authority do they operate?

Matthew 23:8-10 declares: "But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ."

James 4:12 asks the piercing question: "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?"

The "Date Setting Police" have no biblical credentials. They produce no divine warrant. They cite no apostolic authority. They have received no commission from Christ. Yet they presume to arrest, prosecute, and convict believers whose only "crime" is obeying the repeated biblical commands to watch, study, and anticipate the Lord's return.

Their court? Public opinion.
Their evidence? A single misapplied verse.
Their verdict? Predetermined condemnation.
Their sentence? Shame, ridicule, and silence.

This is not biblical church discipline—it is spiritual tyranny masquerading as discernment.

When these unauthorized enforcers "make an arrest," they drag the accused before the court of social media mockery, denominational disapproval, and peer pressure. They have no biblical grounds for prosecution. They reference no divine law that has been violated. Instead, they wield Matthew 24:36—"But of that day and hour no one knows"—as if it were a legal statute prohibiting all prophetic study, when in reality it is a Jewish idiom referring to the Feast of Trumpets that actually commands watchfulness, not ignorance.

Romans 14:4 confronts these unauthorized judges directly: "Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand."

The "Date Setting Police" have established a system of control that operates entirely outside Scripture. They have:

No biblical authority to condemn watchfulness

No divine commission to silence prophetic study

No apostolic precedent for mocking students of Scripture

No scriptural warrant to shame those anticipating Christ's return

Yet they persist, fulfilling the very prophecy they claim to defend against:

2 Peter 3:3-4 warns, "Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming?'"

This article will expose, through Scripture alone, the complete absence of biblical authority for the "Date Setting Police." I will demonstrate that their prosecution has no grounds, their court has no jurisdiction, and their verdict contradicts God's Word.I will show that while they claim to protect believers from deception, they are actually fulfilling end-times prophecy as the very mockers and scoffers Scripture warned would arise.

The question before us is not whether believers should follow false prophets claiming personal visions—Scripture clearly condemns that.

The question is: By what authority do the "Date Setting Police" condemn, mock, and silence believers who are obeying biblical commands to watch, study feast days, research prophetic timing, and eagerly anticipate the Harpazo?

The answer from Scripture is devastating in its clarity: They have none.

Matthew 7:3-5 delivers the ultimate rebuke: "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."

The "Date Setting Police" attempt to remove a perceived speck of prophetic enthusiasm while carrying the massive log of disobedience to Christ's repeated commands to watch and be alert. They condemn biblical study while demonstrating biblical ignorance. They prosecute the watchers while fulfilling the prophecy of the mockers.

This stern rebuke and scathing warning is not born of personal vindictiveness but of biblical necessity. The "Date Setting Police" are placing stumbling blocks before believers (Romans 14:13), doing Satan's work by silencing watchfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:6), and opposing Christ's clear commands (Mark 13:37).

Let Scripture alone be the judge.
Let the Word of God expose unauthorized authority.
Let biblical truth silence the mockers.

And let the true court—Christ's judgment seat (Romans 14:10-12)—render the final verdict on who was truly right: those who watched as commanded, or those who mocked the watchers and fulfilled end-times prophecy in the process.

What follows is a comprehensive biblical examination of the "Date Setting Police" phenomenon, using Scripture alone to demonstrate their complete lack of authority, the fulfillment of prophecy through their mockery, and the biblical mandate that vindicates the watchers they so eagerly condemn.

Who Appointed the “Date Setting Police”?

There is NO biblical authority for anyone to serve as “Date Setting Police.”

Matthew 23:8-10 “But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ.”

Romans 14:4 “Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”

James 4:12 “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?”

No human has biblical authority to shut down fellow believers who are watching and studying God’s appointed times.

The Misuse of Matthew 24:36

I am referring to Matthew 24:36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.”

This is indeed a Jewish idiom referring to the Feast of Trumpets, and here’s the biblical proof:

The “Day No One Knows” Idiom

The Feast of Trumpets was called “the day and hour no one knows” because it required two witnesses to sight the new moon before it could be declared. This makes Jesus’ reference a CLUE, not a prohibition against watching!

Context Destroys the Anti-Watcher Argument

Matthew 24:32-33 “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.”

Jesus literally commands us to KNOW and RECOGNIZE the season!

Matthew 24:42 “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.”

The same chapter that says “no one knows” also commands us to “be on the alert” and “know” the season!

Biblical Examples of “Date Setting”

Daniel - The Ultimate Date Setter

Daniel 9:2 “in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of the years which was revealed as the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.”

Daniel studied timing and calculated dates based on Scripture!

Daniel 9:24-27 Daniel receives the 70 weeks prophecy - specific timing for Messiah’s coming.

Daniel 12:11-12 “From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days!”

God gives Daniel SPECIFIC day counts!

Noah - Given Specific Timing

Genesis 7:4 “For after seven more days, I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights”

Genesis 7:10 “It came about after the seven days, that the water of the flood came upon the earth.”

Noah knew exactly when the flood would start.

Moses - Precise Feast Dates

Leviticus 23 - Moses received exact dates for all the feasts from God.

Exodus 12:2-3 “This month shall be the beginning of months for you; it is to be the first month of the year to you. Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, ‘On the tenth of this month they are each one to take a lamb for themselves’”

Specific dates given by God.

Abraham - Given Timing

Genesis 15:13 “God said to Abram, ‘Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years.’”

400-year timeline given.

Jesus - Operated by Precise Timing

John 2:4 “My hour has not yet come”

John 7:8 “Go up to the feast yourselves; I do not go up to this feast because My time has not yet fully come.”

John 12:23 “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified”

Jesus was acutely aware of divine timing!

The Problem with “Jesus Doesn’t Know”

Jesus’ Knowledge After His Resurrection

Revelation 1:1 “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place”

After His resurrection and ascension, Jesus received the revelation of ALL end times events!

Colossians 2:3 “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge”

John 16:13 “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; and He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.”

The limitation was during His earthly ministry in His humanity. As glorified God-Man, He knows all.

Calendar Issues - Biblical Precedent

The Gregorian Calendar Problem

Biblical scholars recognize that “these dates are based on the solar calendar originally used by ancient Israel. It is described in the book of Enoch and further clarified in the Dead Sea Scrolls. The traditional dates you mentioned are from the lunar-based calendar used by much of the Jewish community since the introduction of Hellenism” .

The modern Jewish calendar was altered after biblical times.

Biblical Calendar vs. Modern Jewish Calendar

1 Chronicles 23:31 “and to offer all burnt offerings to the LORD, on the sabbaths, the new moons and the fixed festivals in the number set by the ordinance concerning them, continually before the LORD”

God established “fixed festivals” - specific, unchanging dates.

Biblical Support for Delays

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:5 “Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep.”

Jesus specifically mentions a DELAY in the bridegroom’s coming!

Hosea’s Two Days

Hosea 6:2 “He will revive us after two days; He will raise us up on the third day, that we may live before Him.”

2 Peter 3:8 “But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.”

A possible 2,000-year delay before the third day (millennium).

Jesus’ Pattern of Delay

John 7:8-10 “Go up to the feast yourselves; I do not go up to this feast because My time has not yet fully come.” But when His brothers had gone up to the feast, then He Himself also went up, not publicly, but as if, in secret.

Jesus delayed going to the feast, then went “late” and secretly!

John 11:6 “So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was.”

Jesus deliberately delayed going to Lazarus.

No Biblical Support for Mockers

Scripture Warns Against Mocking Watchers

2 Peter 3:3-4 “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’”

Isaiah 5:19 “Who say, ‘Let Him make speed, let Him hasten His work, that we may see it; and let the purpose of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come to pass, that we may know it!’”

Mockers are identified as scoffers who question God’s timing.

God’s Attitude Toward Mockers

Proverbs 3:34 “Though He scoffs at the scoffers, yet He gives grace to the afflicted.”

Psalm 1:1 “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!”

If You Were a Betting Man…

Biblical evidence clearly shows it’s better to be accused of “date setting” (biblical study) than to be a mocker:

The Watchers Are Blessed

Revelation 16:15 “Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes”

Luke 12:37 “Blessed are those slaves whom the master will find on the alert when he comes”

Daniel 12:12 “How blessed is he who keeps waiting”

The Mockers Are Warned

2 Peter 3:3 “mockers will come with their mocking”

Jude 18 “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts”

The Biblical Verdict

Scripture overwhelmingly supports:

Studying prophetic timing (Daniel, Bereans)
Watching and being alert (Multiple commands)
Understanding the times (1 Chronicles 12:32)
Anticipating His return (Titus 2:13)

Scripture warns against:

Mocking those who watch (2 Peter 3:3)
Scoffing at God’s timing (Isaiah 5:19)
Setting ourselves as judges (Romans 14:4)

The “Date Setting Police” have NO biblical authority. The mockers fulfill prophecy as end-times scoffers. The watchers follow biblical commands and examples.

It’s far better to be accused of biblical study and watching than to be a mocker opposing God’s clear commands to watch and be ready.

“Date Setting” vs. Scriptural Watching and Waiting

Based on my research, South African Pastor Joshua Mhlakela claimed Jesus appeared to him in a vision saying He would return during the Feast of Trumpets on September 23-24, 2024, which went viral on social media as “RaptureTok” with over 321,000 posts, leading some believers to quit jobs and sell belongings in preparation . When the dates passed, several pastors who promoted the prediction apologized, while Mhlakela urged patience saying “he is coming” .

Now, let’s examine what Scripture alone teaches about this matter:

Jesus’ Commands to Watch, Wait, and Be Alert

Scripture is absolutely clear that believers are commanded to watch and wait:

Matthew 24:42-44 “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.”

Matthew 25:13 “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.”

Mark 13:33-37 “Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come… What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!’”

Luke 21:36 “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Titus 2:13 “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus”

Revelation 16:15 “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.”

Our Citizenship and Focus

Philippians 3:20 “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”

Colossians 3:1-2 “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”

2 Corinthians 5:20 “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us”

Jesus and the Appointed Feast Days

Jesus absolutely came, died, and rose according to God’s appointed feast schedule:

Passover (Death): John 19:14 - Jesus died on Preparation Day of Passover

Firstfruits (Resurrection): 1 Corinthians 15:20 - “Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep”

Pentecost (Holy Spirit): Acts 2:1 - “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place”

Leviticus 23 establishes these as “appointed times of the LORD” - God’s set dates, not man’s inventions.

The Feast of Trumpets and Future Fulfillment

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air”

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”

The pattern is clear: Jesus fulfilled the spring feasts at His first coming, and Scripture indicates the fall feasts await fulfillment at His return.

What Scripture Says About “No One Knows the Day or Hour”

Matthew 24:36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.”

Important context: This refers to Jesus’ Second coming, and not the Harpazo. This statement refers to the exact day and hour - not that we should be completely ignorant of the week, month, season, or general timing. Consider:

1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 “Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night… But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief”

Luke 21:28 “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Jesus Never Rebuked Date Watchers

Nowhere in Scripture does Jesus rebuke or criticize anyone for:

Watching for His return
Studying prophetic timing
Being excited about His coming
Observing feast days
Seeking understanding of the times

In fact, Jesus rebuked those who WEREN’T watching:

Matthew 16:2-3 “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?”

The Wise vs. Foolish Virgins

Matthew 25:1-13 - The wise virgins were prepared and watching for the bridegroom’s return. They had oil (Holy Spirit) and were ready. The foolish were unprepared and missed Him.

The parable commends watching and being ready, not ignorance of timing.

Who Started the “Date Setting” Condemnation?

This is not found in Scripture. The Bible never uses the term “date setting” as a sin. This appears to be a man-made doctrine designed to shut down biblical watching and anticipation.

Scripture actually commands us to:

Know the times and seasons (1 Chronicles 12:32)
Watch and be alert (multiple passages)
Look for His appearing (Titus 2:13)
Study prophecy (2 Peter 1:19)

Consequences for Mocking Watchers

2 Peter 3:3-4 “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.’”

Scripture warns against mocking those who watch for Christ’s return.

The Authority Question

By what biblical authority can anyone condemn watching, anticipating, and studying God’s appointed feast days for prophetic fulfillment?

The answer is: There is none.

Scripture commands watching, waiting, and being alert. It never forbids studying prophetic timing or being excited about feast day possibilities.

Who is Right According to Scripture?

Based on Scripture alone:

Believers SHOULD watch, wait, and anticipate Christ’s return - Multiple clear commands

We SHOULD study and observe God’s appointed feast days - They are prophetic patterns

We SHOULD be focused on Heaven, not earth - We are citizens of Heaven

Jesus DID come according to Feast Day timing - Pattern for His return

The condemnation of “date setting” is NOT biblical - This doctrine is man-made

Mockers of watchers are warned against in Scripture - They fulfill prophecy

Being excited about potential feast day fulfillment is BIBLICAL - Not sinful

The wise virgins were the ones watching and prepared. Those who condemn biblical watching and feast day anticipation have no scriptural authority for their position.

Scripture supports watching, studying prophetic timing, and anticipating Christ’s return on God’s appointed feast days - while acknowledging we cannot know the exact day and hour.

The error is not in watching and anticipating - the error is in claiming divine revelation of exact dates through visions, which Scripture warns against (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). But studying Scripture’s own prophetic patterns and being excited about feast day possibilities is entirely biblical and commanded.

Paul demonstrates the very heart of what the Bible teaches about seeking, studying, and pursuing understanding of God’s appointed times. Let me address this with the full weight it deserves from Scripture alone.

The Biblical Mandate to Study, Seek, and Research God’s Truth

For example, the calendar discrepancies (actual Feast of Trumpets on or near October 2-4, 2025) dates reveal exactly what Scripture calls us to do - diligent study and seeking understanding.

Scripture Commands Diligent Study and Research

Proverbs 25:2 “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.”

2 Timothy 2:15 “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”

Acts 17:11 “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”

Daniel 12:4 “But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.”

Calendar Issues Are Indeed Biblical Concerns

Biblical scholars recognize significant differences between the modern Jewish calendar and the original biblical solar calendar, with some using calendars based on the book of Enoch and Dead Sea Scrolls that show different feast dates .

The “No One Knows the Day or Hour” Connection

The Feast of Trumpets was unique as “the only Feast determined by observing the appearance of the New Moon in the month of Tishri. Watchmen were traditionally set on the wall to watch for the moon to become visible, blowing their trumpets at the first sign of its sighting” and “was often referred to as the day and hour unknown or hidden.”

This creates a fascinating scriptural dynamic: The very feast associated with “no one knows the day or hour” requires watching, seeking, and studying to determine when it occurs! So where do mockers get their Scriptural authority? From laziness, and their confidence in their arrogance.

Love Motivates Biblical Study

John 14:15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

Psalm 119:2 “How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all their heart.”

Your point is absolutely correct - studying, researching, digging, and hoping to understand God’s appointed times IS a sign of love that pleases the Father.

The Berean Example

The Bereans were commended for examining and studying - not rebuked. They were called “more noble-minded” specifically because they researched and verified everything through Scripture.

Jesus Himself Studied Timing

John 2:4 “And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.’”

John 7:6 “So Jesus said to them, ‘My time is not yet here, but your time is always opportune.’”

John 12:23 “And Jesus answered them, saying, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.’”

Jesus was acutely aware of divine timing and operated according to the Father’s appointed schedule.

The Difference Between Biblical Study and False Prophecy

There’s a crucial distinction between:

Biblical Study: Examining Scripture, studying calendars, researching feast patterns, and anticipating fulfillment based on God’s Word

False Prophecy: Claiming divine visions or revelations that set specific dates

Deuteronomy 18:20-22 condemns false prophecy, but nowhere condemns biblical study of prophetic timing.

The Pattern of Scripture

1 Chronicles 12:32 “Of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do”

God wants His people to understand the times and seasons!

Our Conclusion Is Scripturally Perfect

“So, to look, seek, research, dig, and to hope to find is a sign of love, which will please the father.”

This is exactly what Scripture teaches:

Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Proverbs 2:3-5 “For if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.”

The Calendar Question

The fact that biblical scholars recognize discrepancies between calendars and suggest different dates (like October 2-4, 2025) for the actual biblical Feast of Trumpets validates my point completely.

This demonstrates that:

Careful study is required to understand proper timing
Research and investigation are biblical - not condemned
Seeking truth about God’s appointed times pleases Him
The wise will study and understand (Daniel 12:10)

Final Vindication from Scripture

The mockers who condemn “date setting” (biblical study) have no scriptural authority.

Those who study, research, and seek understanding of God’s appointed times are following the biblical pattern of:

The Bereans (Acts 17:11)
The men of Issachar (1 Chronicles 12:32)
Daniel (Daniel 9:2, 12:4)
The wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)

Our love-motivated pursuit of understanding God’s timing is exactly what Scripture commands and commends.

The difference between September and October dates for the true biblical calendar only strengthens the case that diligent study and research are required - and biblically mandated - to understand God’s appointed times.

Our diligent seeking is a sign of love that pleases the Father. Your mocking, obviously does not.

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