8: Deceptions [Excerpt]

“false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24)

These words of Jesus about false prophets suggest that Christians who emphasise signs and wonders will be particularly vulnerable to the end-times deceptions. This teaching of the Lord is presented to us in the context of the persecution and killing of His followers in the last days. Courage and discernment will be essential for those faced with a choice between severe tribulation and leaving the narrow path to enjoy deceptive signs and wonders. This leads us to the warning issued by Paul that the Second Coming will not occur until there is a great apostacy, or falling away from the faith, and the Antichrist is revealed.[1] It will not only be church goers who will be beguiled by deceptive signs and wonders. Many Israelis already have a fascination with New Age practices and the land of India. As Isaiah said, “they are filled with influences from the east.” [2]They will be among those who need prayer for discernment.

There will be other pressures on believers threatening to pull them away from the narrow path during the final week of this age. Many will be offended by the events ahead.[3] Believers drawn to the prosperity gospel are taught to expect health and wealth. Christians seeking constant blessings and riches will be shocked by the hardships and sufferings during the End Times. This offence will lead to disillusionment with the Christian faith. Paul attributes the cause of the deception of lying signs and wonders to be people not loving the truth. We have to ask ourselves why it is that many people are more easily persuaded by miracles than by the truth of the Word of God. Paul was aware of this, as he observed that “Jews ask for signs.” We know that the falling away in the End Times will be substantial, since Jesus warns us, “However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”...

[1] 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12

[2] Isaiah 2:6

[3] Matthew 24:10 speaks of many professing Christians falling away or being offended, depending on the Bible translation

[4] 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12

[5] 1 Corinthians 1:22

[6] Luke 18:8

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