WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4
MATTHEW 24:23-28
JOHN 10:27-28

My sheep hear my voice…
(no) man (shall) pluck them out of my hand."

ANY MAN CAN DECEIVE

The warning against apostasy is indeed worthy to be seriously considered. This is the third time in Matthew chapter 24 that Christ reminds the believers of the coming increase of deceptions in this world. Men who are deceived will themselves deceive others. Verse 23 describes that any man can claim Christ is here or there. This is the result of the increasing number of false Christs and prophets.

The deception is even greater because of signs and wonders being performed. Many spectacular things will be seen. People will be ensnared and mesmerized by these so-called miraculous signs. These devious unnatural things will even captivate believers; and will cause professing Christians to accept these tricks as divinely ordained. Deception seduces believers to embrace false Christs and their doctrines.

The danger is that these deceptions are so good they look genuine. The Scripture says that even the very elect will almost be persuaded by the cunning and treacherous wonders that are performed. False healing and counterfeit miracles will shake the faith of many true believers. Moreover, doctrines of devils denouncing the biblical teachings will be popularized. New interpretations contrary to God’s Word will be heard from the pulpits of many churches.

We thank the Lord for the promises in His Word. Those whom He has chosen from the foundation of the world will never fall. His almighty purposes will never fail. His eternal decrees are unalterable. We have a God whose sovereign power in His election is beyond man’s cunning deception. We have the security of God’s everlasting salvation in the finished work of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

THOUGHT: Have I truly received Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour?
PRAYER: "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me" (Ps 119:97-98).