“Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3.
This was the question that the disciples made to Jesus while they were alone on Mount of Olives. The destruction of Jerusalem had been predicted by Christ. Jesus in His mercy revealed not only signs of the destruction of Jerusalem but also of the end of the world.
The future was mercifully veiled from the disciples. Had they at that time fully comprehend the two awful facts--the Redeemer's sufferings and death, and the destruction of their city and temple--they would have been overwhelmed with horror. Christ presented before them an outline of the prominent events to take place before the close of time. His words were not then fully understood; but their meaning was to be unfolded as His people should need the instruction therein given. The prophecy which He uttered was twofold in its meaning; while foreshadowing the destruction of Jerusalem, it prefigured also the terrors of the last great day. *1
One of the signs of the end time is the false prophets that will arise.
And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. Matthew 24:4, 5.
Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. Matthew 24:11.
“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. Matthew 24:23.
False messiahs will appear, claiming to work miracles, and declaring that the deliverance of the Jewish nation has come. These will mislead many. Christ's words were fulfilled. Between His death and the siege of Jerusalem, many false messiahs appeared. But this warning is given to those also who live in this age of the world. The same deceptions practised prior to the destruction of Jerusalem will be practised again. The events that took place at the overthrow of Jerusalem will be repeated. *2
It is not in vain that of all the end-time signs, Jesus emphasized this one repeatedly. The danger of the false christs and deceiving prophets is perhaps the greatest we face. It was fulfilled during the time of the disciples and happen again in our days.
In the future, deception of every kind is to arise, and we want solid ground for our feet. We want solid pillars for the building. Not one pin is to be removed from that which the Lord has established. The enemy will bring in false theories, such as the doctrine that there is no sanctuary. This is one of the points on which there will be a departing from the faith. *3
Our faith must be grounded on the Word of God. The Holy Spirit speaks through it. The promises contained within, encourage us to move forward and its doctrines teach us the truth about God.
Before the last developments of the work of apostasy there will be a confusion of faith. There will not be clear and definite ideas concerning the mystery of God. One truth after another will be corrupted. *3
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 1 Timothy 4:1.
As we near the end of time, falsehood will be so mingled with truth, that only those who have the guidance of the Holy Spirit will be able to distinguish truth from error. We need to make every effort to keep the way of the Lord. We must in no case turn from His guidance to put our trust in man. The Lord's angels are appointed to keep strict watch over those who put their faith in the Lord, and these angels are to be our special help in every time of need. Every day we are to come to the Lord with full assurance of faith, and to look to Him for wisdom….Those who are guided by the Word of the Lord will discern with certainty between falsehood and truth, between sin and righteousness. *3
As directed by the Holy Spirit, angels of the Lord will protect us. Moreover, the Holy Spirit will help us distinguish between truth and falsehood. Otherwise we would be deceived because Satan's deceptions will be linked to miracles and great displays of power.
For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24.
There will be false dreams and false visions, which have some truth, but lead away from the original faith. The Lord has given men a rule by which to detect them: "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isa. 8:20). *3
Satan attacks will be focused towards God's elect. His purpose is to deceive us. But we have an infallible truth which we must impress upon our mind and heart every day.
After the truth has been proclaimed as a witness to all nations, every conceivable power of evil will be set in operation, and minds will be confused by many voices crying. "Lo, here is Christ; lo, He is there. This is the truth, I have the message from God, He has sent me with great light." Then there will be a removing of the landmarks, and an attempt to tear down the pillars of our faith. A more decided effort will be made to exalt the false sabbath, and to cast contempt upon God Himself by supplanting the day He has blessed and sanctified. This false sabbath is to be enforced by an oppressive law. *3
The work of the enemy will be based on false doctrine.
Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. *4
Through spiritualism, the enemy will deceive people regarding the sanctity of Sunday, guiding them to ignore the Sabbath as a memorial of the Creator of the universe.
The miracle-working power manifested through spiritualism will exert its influence against those who choose to obey God rather than men. *4
Communications from the spirits will declare that God has sent them to convince the rejecters of Sunday of their error, affirming that the laws of the land should be obeyed as the law of God. *4
I've already written a series about spiritualism and its captivating power in final days. But I emphasize this last point.
As spiritualism more closely imitates the nominal Christianity of the day, it has greater power to deceive and ensnare. Satan himself is converted, after the modern order of things. He will appear in the character of an angel of light. *4
The deception of the enemy is also to infiltrate our churches. Thus many believe that Satan himself is converted.
But what will we fear if we take hold of the hand of Jesus and meditate in His Word every day?
... and lo, I am with you always,even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:20.
1 * The Great Controversy, "The Destruction of Jerusalem", Ellen g. White
2 * Signs Of The Times, "Words of Warming", February 20, 1901, Ellen g. White
3 * Maranatha, “184. The Corruption Of The Truth", Ellen g. White
4 * The Great Controversy, "36. The Impending Conflict", Ellen g. White
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