A Sign of the End - Deception!?
The church age is rapidly drawing to a close and we are now in the last days of mankind’s rule on this planet. Soon the dramatic conclusion of the age will dawn. First with a time of wicked evil such as never has been seen on this world, followed by a dramatic close, as Christ returns to put an end to such wickedness. Even now we see the signs that Christ’s return is imminent. One of those signs has been widely overlooked. This study will look into that sign, as it may be one of the most significant signs that we are indeed in the final days just prior to the return of the Messiah. In Matthew 24 we have the most complete explanation of what the last days would bring to this world. It begins with a question by the disciples. Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? Christ’s response to these 3 questions, begins a narrative that has been researched over and over again by students of bible prophecy. In this study we want to look especially close at one aspect of His response. The three questions were: 1st - When shall these things be? 2nd - What shall be the sign of thy coming, 3rd - and the end of the world? Christ’s response was interesting and begins in verse 4. Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. It is this response, that this study wishes to concentrate on. There is whole volumes that we could write on just this one word, “deceive” and I believe that it is perhaps the most overlooked end-time sign. Let’s now look at this in more depth. In verses 5-13, He speaks of numerous events which will lead up to the end times ending in verse 13, where Christ says: Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. In verse 14 He says that this “Gospel of the Kingdom” would be preached to the ends of the world, separating the events leading up to the end, from the period of the great tribulation. In verse 11 Christ repeats His first thought in verses 4 and 5. Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. Thus the events that will lead up to the time of Christ’s return, will then be indicated by times of deception. The tribulation will then bring on the greatest deceiver of all time, known as the Anti-Christ, or Anti-Messiah. He will, through the power of Satan deceive the whole earth. Christ speaks of this man in verse 15 and gives specific directions for what to do when he shows up on the scene, in verses 15-23. I will not address this particular man at this time, although more may be said of him later. What we want to look at in more detail is verses 24 and 25. Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. This is the third time in this discourse that Christ has spoken about deceit specifically. Each time He does He places more emphasis on it. In this last verse, He says that deception will be so strong so as to possibly deceive even the very elect! NIV Matthew 24:25 See, I have told you ahead of time. Christ is saying that this is of such significance, that He is telling them ahead of time. Three times now in this chapter He indicates that a sign of the end of the age, is deception. Not just any deception, but one so strong that even the elect might be deceived by it. When Christ repeats something like this maybe we ought to take the time to consider it’s significance. Next we will look at what Paul has to say about this subject. It is considerable! Paul, when finishing his time of journeying amongst the Gentiles, prepared to go up to Jerusalem. Before going he took the time to address a group of his newly planted church leaders in Ephesus. There he instructs them, that he will be going to Jerusalem and there he will be placed in bondage. This did not mark the end of his ministry, but was rather an end of one phase of it. Before he did this he wanted to give the leaders some direction. Let’s look carefully at his emphasis. Acts 20:25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. What was it that Paul thought was the most important thing to address? Deception arising within the very ranks of Christianity. So important was it, that he says, that he had been warning of it continuously for 3 years, by this time. There are numerous examples of Paul warning about deception, or deceivers. Here are some examples: Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive; Colosians 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. Colosians 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Many more examples could be given, in fact dozens, but as this study progresses we will see some of these. Suffice it to say for now, that Paul was very concerned about deception. What we want to look at next, is that it would especially be an earmark of the last days, just prior to the end of the church age and of course the tribulation. We have seen it characterized in recent times, that the last days would see a great harvest, and a huge revival. These things are not spoken of in the word of God, as specific to the last days. In fact such a characterization is not made at all. What is spoken of, which specifically deals with the last days, is a great end time apostasy, characterized by deception. 2 Thessalonians 2:1 NOW we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? Falling away (Apostasia - Greek). Paul when speaking of the times just prior to the gathering together; what we refer to as the rapture, says that an apostasy will first occur. After the apostasy, there will be the revelation of the man of sin. Since he later states in this chapter that the man of sin cannot be revealed, until the church is removed; we can than break up the falling away and the revelation of the man of sin into two separate events. It would seem that the final event which will occur just prior to the rapture will then be an apostasy. Paul says more concerning this in Timothy, so we will examine that next. 1 Timothy 4:1 NOW the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; This ‘later times’ would see a falling away, or a departing from the faith, as apostate doctrines would be introduced. In this case he talks about eating meat and abstaining from marriage. Paul contrasts this and counteracts it, by saying in verse 16 to continue in sound doctrine. NIV 1 Timothy 4:16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. What we believe and how we live determines the soundness of our salvation, is what Paul is saying. He exhorts Timothy to remain true to the doctrine which he has received from Paul. We will see this repeated as we further explore Paul’s instruction to Timothy. 2 Timothy 3:1 THIS know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. Perilous times indeed! Paul wanted men to know, that these wicked men would appear to have a form of godliness, but their source of power is not from God, for it has another source. In contrast to sound doctrine these men prefer doctrine that is manpleasing and lacks any eternal benefit. Run away from them! Their source of power is revealed in verses 7,8: 2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. Jannes and Jambres were the two sorcerers in Pharaoh’s court who withstood Moses, by duplicating the miracles of God through their sorcerous power. We see another power at work here instead of the power of God. It was an occult power given to them by demons. 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. That things will get worse Paul assumes: 2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. Again Paul contrasts these teachers with a source of sound doctrine. One which will enable the man of God to discern and avoid such teachings. 2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. I want to give one more example of Paul’s teachings to Timothy before we proceed. 2 Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. Could he have been any clearer? A time would come when men would not endure sound doctrine. The only defense was to keep oneself in the word of God, from whence comes sound doctrine and to prove (test) all things through the word. Paul was not the only one to warn of deception. We will now look at some other examples: 1 John 2:26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude 1:17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 2 Peter 3:1 THIS second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. There you have it, most of the New Testament authors, reiterate the very same things that Paul warns about. Again there are even more numerous examples, but I think these will be sufficient for now. That the end time age is defined by a time of great deception and apostasy can clearly be seen in one more place that we need to examine. Let’s look at the Laodicean church, in Revelations chapter 3. Revelations 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: Christ here identifies himself as the faithful and true witness. He will one day judge all mankind and He is stating, that He is a witness both faithful and true. He will judge mankind based on those two conditions, faithfulness and truthfulness. Notice that the Laodiceans appear to be successful, but just like the Emperor from the fairy tale; who would not admit that he was fooled concerning his clothes, so the Laodiceans also do not see their true condition. The Laodiceans, like the Emperor have no clothes on; They are deceived! There is a price for this deception, let’s exam it. Revelations 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Gold tried in the fire, is an Old Testament concept. Gold is refined by melting it in fire. When it is liquid, the dross, or the impurities rise to the surface and can be skimmed off. For the purest gold this is done seven times. This process in the OT always symbolizes persecution and tribulation. God’s counsel then is that the Laodiceans may very well have to go through the tribulation period and undergo the chastening of that time period. Deception carries with it a heavy price. There will be no period in history that will be as horrendous as that time and many will be martyred for the faith they uphold! The answer my friends is in verse 19, repent! Let’s look at one group of people that will not be deceived and look at what contrasts them with the Laodiceans. Revelations 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; Notice, that here Christ identifies Himself again, as He that is true. This is important because it contrasts with the Laodiceans who will find Him, as a judge faithful and true, but here we will find Christ as the door-warden, who sets before these believers an open door. Revelation 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. These aren’t super-humans, or super apostles; as some would have us believe. These have a little strength, most importantly they have kept true to His word; the word of God. Revelation 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. These believers, in contrast to the Laodicean believers will be kept from the, “hour of temptation”; another phrase for the tribulation time period; they will not go through it. They have an open door, and the door-warden bids them to enter. I’m not sure about you, but I want to be a part of this group of believers. Revelations 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. Hold fast! Hold fast to what? What we began with at the first, truth, sound doctrine and our common faith; hold fast to Jesus. If you do, no man can take your crown away from you. So much more could be said on this subject and perhaps much more will be said, but consider this; truth is the standard by which we will be judged. That and our faithfulness to what we believe. Therefore it is important that we have a correct understanding, of that which is true. In Paul’s writings to Timothy we are told to adhere to and learn the scriptures, as they are able to equip us. Peter talks about the sincere milk of the word, that causes us to grow. Hebrews tells us something we should all know. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. It is the word of God, the LOGOS which discerns that which is right and that which is wrong. The word of God is the bible and it is Jesus Christ who is the LOGOS. It is in the word that we learn about Him, about ourselves and about our glorious hope, our gathering together unto Him. Don’t be fooled in these last hours, before the glorious hope is revealed, that is the rapture of the church to become the bride of the most high God. God will not be mocked and although men may try to fool you into believing in some other truth, than that which you have received. Or men may try to say here is a truth not found in the bible, that we have received it in these days, as new truth! Don’t be turned away, or foolishly follow cunningly devised fables. We want to be of them, of whom it is said; we held fast until His coming was revealed. Recently we have been hearing numerous sermons about the parable of the 10 virgins in Matthew 25. Five who were wise brought all the oil they needed. Five who were foolish were forced to go back to the village and buy more (new) oil. While they were away buying there additional oil, the bridegroom came. Let us not be caught unawares, as were the five foolish virgins. Let us not be of the night, but of the day. 1 Thessalonians 5:1 BUT of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, My prayer and hope for you, is that you will not be caught unawares on that day. That you will not be drunken, but sober. That you will not be chasing after new oil, or new wine, but will be steadfast, and unreproachable, filled with the Spirit of the living God, and able to discern truth, because you are full of the word of God.