Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it.Matthew 24:23.
Among the signs that Jesus gave, announcing the end, he stressed several times that false prophets and teachers would arise.
As we saw in the Jerusalem series, this took place in the time of the disciples, and it will again occur in the final days. Satan will join with the churches, commonly referred to as Babylon, and trample the law of God. He will use his power to do great miracles and wonders with the intent to deceive if possible even the elect.
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. *1
Large displays of power will cause a confusion of doctrines. As I wrote before, this confusion is already occurring. The latest survey shows that even members of the Protestant churches in America are mixing beliefs of other denominations. Under the guise of "amicable unity" the Catholic Church will unite all these churches, mixing doctrines and causing greater confusion.
By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation [the United States] will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. *2
Spiritualism is the strength of this union. It forms the basis for the power that is displayed.
Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. While the former lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with Rome. The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience. *3
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. *1
It is not in vain that the servant of the Lord considers the Word of God as our only safeguard. No one, not even the enemy can counter an “it is written"! But do not lose sight of the fact that Satan knows the Bible well and he will use it just as he deceived Eve and tempted Jesus in the desert with it. We ignore the fact that Satan had the audacity to even tempt the Lord Jesus!
He who dared to face, and tempt, and taunt our Lord, and who had power to take Him in his arms and carry Him to a pinnacle of the temple, and up into an exceeding high mountain, will exercise his power to a wonderful degree upon the present generation, who are far inferior in wisdom to their Lord, and who are almost wholly ignorant of his subtlety and strength. *4
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. *1
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). *1
As God's people we believe that we will stand firm, but are we actually ready? Let us not forget that war is made directly and specifically against us.
For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24.
As the people of God approach the perils of the last days, Satan holds earnest consultation with his angels as to the most successful plan of overthrowing their faith. He sees that the popular churches are already lulled to sleep by his deceptive power. By pleasing sophistry and lying wonders he can continue to hold them under his control. Therefore he directs his angels to lay their snares especially for those who are looking for the second advent of Christ and endeavoring to keep all the commandments of God. *5
He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. Revelation 13:13.
Satan will come in to deceive if possible the very elect. He claims to be Christ, and he is coming in, pretending to be the great medical missionary. He will cause fire to come down from heaven in the sight of men to prove that he is God. *5
Again we are urged to study the Word of God, to watch and to pray.
God's people will not find their safety in working miracles, for Satan would counterfeit any miracle that might be worked…They are to take their stand on the living Word--"It is written." *6
Some will be tempted to receive these wonders as from God. The sick will be healed before us. Miracles will be performed in our sight. Are we prepared for the trial which awaits us when the lying wonders of Satan shall be more fully exhibited? Will not many souls be ensnared and taken? By departing from the plain precepts and commandments of God, and giving heed to fables, the minds of many are preparing to receive these lying wonders. We must all now seek to arm ourselves for the contest in which we must soon engage. Faith in God's word, prayerfully studied and practically applied, will be our shield from Satan's power and will bring us off conquerors through the blood of Christ. *5
We need not be deceived. Having been forewarned we should take the time to prepare of the upcoming events.
We need not be deceived. Wonderful scenes, with which Satan will be closely connected, will soon take place. God's Word declares that Satan will work miracles. He will make people sick, and then will suddenly remove from them his satanic power. They will then be regarded as healed. These works of apparent healing will bring Seventh-day Adventists to the test. Many who have had great light will fail to walk in the light, because they have not become one with Christ. *6
Oh, if only we realized the times in which we live! If only we could see how close Jesus is!
Are there not some youth who are awake? Those who see that the night cometh, and also the morning, should work with untiring energy to arouse their sleeping associates. Can they not feel their peril, pray for them, and show them by their own life and character that they believe themselves that Christ is soon to come?...The rapidly diminishing space of time between us and eternity should more deeply impress us. Every day that passes makes one less left us to complete our work of perfecting character. *7
What must we do now? Awake, watch and pray!
As long as there are many asleep, many sporting away the precious hours in careless indifference, as it were, upon the very brink of the eternal world, those who do believe must be sober, must be awake, must be earnest and diligent, and watch unto prayer. *7
1 * Maranatha, "184. The Corruption Of Truth", Ellen g. White
2 * Maranatha, "182. The Threefold Union Of Religion", Ellen g. White
3 * The Great Controversy, "36. The Impending Conflict ", Ellen g. White
4 * Maranatha, "198. Satan Personates Christ II", Ellen g. White
5 * Maranatha, "200. Satanic Miracles II ", Ellen White
6 * Maranatha, "201. God’s People Brought To The Test", Ellen g. White
7 * Maranatha, "212. High Time To Awake", Ellen g. White
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