Introduction
The proliferation of personal testimonies that claim to offer a glimpse of the Judgment Day has become a feature of contemporary Christian dialogue. While these accounts often captivate and inspire, they also raise serious questions about their compatibility with Catholic teaching. So, what does the Catholic Church say about private revelations and visions of the end times? To address this question, we’ll refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Scripture. We’ll also explore the official Church stance on private revelations and assess the urgent claim that “God Shows This Man Judgement Day.”
What Does the Church Say About Private Revelations?
Private revelations, like visions or messages that individuals claim to have received from God, have a long history within Catholicism. Yet, it is important to know that not all revelations are automatically considered true. The Catechism tells us:
“Throughout the ages, there have been so-called ‘private’ revelations, some of which have been recognized by the authority of the Church. They do not belong, however, to the deposit of faith. It is not their role to improve or complete Christ’s definitive Revelation, but to help live more fully by it in a certain period of history.” (CCC 67)
In other words, private revelations can be valuable, but they’re not on the same level as the official teachings of the Church. They’re meant to help us live better Christian lives but don’t add anything new to what Jesus has already revealed.
Judgement Day in Catholic Teaching
When it comes to Judgment Day, the Church has clear teachings derived from Scripture. In the Gospel of Matthew, we read:
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” (Matthew 25:31-32)
Here, the Bible describes a final reckoning where each individual will be judged. The Catechism reinforces this by stating:
“The Last Judgment will come when Christ returns in glory. Only the Father knows the day and the hour; only he determines the moment of its coming.” (CCC 1040)
In Catholic teaching, then, the details of the final judgment are known only to God. While we are urged to be prepared, we are also reminded that “of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36).
Assessing the Claim: “God Shows This Man Judgement Day”
Given these teachings, how should we assess the claim that “God Shows This Man Judgement Day”? First, we should examine it critically, like any other private revelation, to see if it aligns with Church teachings. The Church has a formal process for this, usually conducted by bishops, involving theological examination and the fruits of the revelation, such as whether it leads people to faith and good works.
Second, we need to remember that the timing and details of Judgment Day are known only to God the Father. Therefore, any claim that purports to know these details is not in alignment with official Church doctrine. However, if the testimony serves as a call to conversion, repentance, and a deeper relationship with God, it might be useful for personal spirituality while not necessarily being a revelation of factual future events.
The Role of Discernment
Private revelations are subject to what the Church calls ‘discernment.’ Discernment is the prayerful practice of determining what is from God and what isn’t. Saint Paul reminds us, “Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21).
Theologians and bishops usually are the ones who conduct formal discernment, but individual Catholics are also encouraged to apply discernment in their personal spiritual lives.
Conclusion: Caution and Faithfulness
While the Church acknowledges the role of private revelations in the lives of the faithful, they are not to be equated with the Deposit of Faith — the body of saving truth entrusted by Christ to the Apostles and handed on by them to be lived and proclaimed by the Church.
If you come across a claim like “God Shows This Man Judgement Day,” it’s essential to exercise caution and consult the teachings of the Church. Remember, any such claim should be viewed in light of official Church doctrine and subject to ecclesiastical discernment. In the end, our focus should always be on living faithful lives rooted in the teachings of the Church and Scripture, being ever vigilant and prepared for the coming of the Lord, whenever that may be.
In this way, we can heed the wise words of our Lord: “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42).
Remember, the primary focus should always be on faithfulness to God’s revealed truth, as contained in the Scriptures and the teachings of the Catholic Church.