IF IT LOOKS SO GOOD . . ONE FINAL PIECE OF TRUTH: THE ANTICHRIST PT.4
All of this was to prepare us for the biggest deception, the most insidious poison, the cleverest counterfeit – the Antichrist. The worst lie we have been led to believe is the one about the Antichrist. We think he will appear as someone horrid and evil. We think the prefix “anti” means “against.” Yet, what it really means is “acting in place of.” In other words, he’s an imitation christ – no capital c.
| ◄ 500. antichristos ► |
| 500 antíxristos (from 473 /antí, “in place of” and 5547 /Xristós, “Christ”) – properly, opposite to Christ; someone acting in place of Christ; “Antichrist.” |
https://biblehub.com/greek/500.htm
Having now studied deception, can you understand that the Antichrist will look more like a “savior” than a devil? So says:
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 New King James Version (NKJV)
14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
Dave Hunt, now deceased, stated in this excerpt taken from Countdown to the Second Coming:
Somewhere at this very moment on Planet Earth, the Antichrist is almost certainly alive—biding his time, awaiting his cue. Banal sensationalism? Far from it! That likelihood is based upon a sober evaluation of current events in relation to Bible prophecy. Already a mature man, the Antichrist is perhaps active in politics and might even be an admired world leader. Or he could be the head of a multinational corporation, a little-known international banker of great wealth and behind-the-scenes influence, a sports hero—or he might arise suddenly from total anonymity. Somewhere he is being meticulously groomed, though as yet he probably has no more inkling than do those who encounter him daily of the ultimate role for which Satan is preparing him and will, one momentous day, utterly possess him.
Whoever and wherever he is, one passion rules this remarkable man—a lust for power. Even so, benevolence, prudence, integrity, and principle mark his circumspect public behavior. It may be that at this point in his life he is still convinced that his motives are altogether pure and unselfish.
Jesus warned that many would come claiming to be the Christ. These numerous lesser antichrists who were already in the world, as the Apostle John explained in 1 John:2:18 would prepare the way for the real Antichrist who would appear in the last of the “last days.” Behold the ultimate deception: Satan posing as God, Antichrist masquerading as the true Christ, and not just the world but an apostate church as well totally taken in by the bold fraud. Instead of a frontal assault on Christianity, the evil one will pervert the church from within by posing as its founder. He will cunningly misrepresent Christ while pretending to be Christ. And by that process of substitution, he will undermine and pervert all that Christ truly is. Anything less than such a diabolically malevolent strategy would be unworthy of Satan’s foul genius.
Key Scripture verses related to “Antichrist“
- 2 Thessalonians:2:3-8
- 1 John:2:22
- 1 John:4:3
- 2 John:1:7
- Revelation:13:7
- Revelation:17:16
https://www.thebereancall.org/topic/antichrist
The most important rule in discernment is: PROVE ALL THINGS. HOLD FAST WHAT IS GOOD. (1Thessalonians 5:21). Obey and love God with all your heart. Be at peace.
How often have we been hearing lately about “miraculous signs and wonders”? The problem is that whenever signs and wonders are mentioned in the Bible in relation to the end times, they are called LYING signs and wonders! So says Jesus in Matthew 24:24 and Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:9. Then why are so many today being applauded for the “signs and wonders” in their midst?
Matthew 24:24 New King James Version (NKJV)
24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12Amplified Bible
“9 The coming [of the lawless one, the antichrist] is through the activity and working of Satan and will be attended by great power and with all sorts of [pretended] miracles and signs and delusive marvels—[all of them] lying wonders—
10 And by unlimited seduction to evil and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing (going to perdition) because they did not welcome the Truth but refused to love it that they might be saved.
11 Therefore God sends upon them a misleading influence, a working of error and a strong delusion to make them believe what is false,
All revivals may look good: great enthusiasm and devotion may be displayed. But, religious enthusiasm in itself is not evidence of the truth. The Pharisees had great religious enthusiasm. Yet, remember Mt 7: 21-23:
Not every one who says to Me, Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your Name, and driven out demons in Your Name and done many mighty miracles in Your Name? And then I will say to them openly, Depart from Me, I never knew you.
Who were in danger: just a few? No, many. Were evil acts being performed? No, they were doing miracles, great signs and wonders, prophesying. Were they done in a demon’s name? No, in JESUS’ NAME! In His Holy Name. Yet, He said – depart from Me. How “good” it all looks and sounds – in our eyes. Not in His.
Additional verses:Matthew 24: 4,11; 23-26.
1Thessalonians 5:21 commands us to test all teachings. It is “noble to discern” just as the Bereans did. Error is subtle and sneaky and is purposely mixed in with truth to deceive the believer.
FOR NOW…WE HAVE COME TO AN END
It’s always interested me that in the book of Galatians Peter was publicly rebuked by Paul because Peter reverted to a gospel of works when the Jewish contingent arrived. In other words, no matter how well-renowned the speaker or author is, even his words and actions must conform to the Bible.
The reason for public correction is illustrated here. When people are misled, one way for them to understand the truth and the error is for them to become publicly aware of the errors they were taught. There is a book that has been on the market for over 17 years and that has remained incredibly successful; it also contains much error. Instead of being influenced by the Word of God, the book, JESUS CALLING, is heavily influenced by another book, GOD CALLING, that is also known to be riddled with error. Throughout these 17 years, there are millions – yes, millions – of people who have daily read this popular book, and are therefore influenced by not just one book with errors, but two. Thirty million copies of this book JESUS CALLING have been sold throughout the years. For an in-depth study of the multitude of problems with this book consult the blog Holdinghiswordhigher on posts April 13, 2018 – May 4, 2018. The Word of God is the only true foundation and standard of truth.
Another problem book is THE CIRCLE MAKER. A thorough comparison of the main character of the book, Honi,a supposed prophet, and the esteemed Biblical prophet, Elijah, can be found in the blog on posts October 12, 2018 – November 19, 2018.
Have you ever viewed a book – especially a best-selling book – with a discerning eye? Often because a book is on the bestseller list, Christians trust it is a must read, but if it is not the Bible every book should be read with a discerning eye, discerning heart, and discerning spirit. Have you ever thought of consulting discernment sites to view critiques of a book you are thinking of buying? Most importantly, have you gotten into the habit of praying for discernment about books you read or speakers you listen to (old or new to you)? Might you now? Please.
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