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A SIGN OF HIS COMING: FALSE CHRISTIANITY
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10
Matthew 24:3-5, 11, 24

Galatians 1:6-9

 

Indeed His coming is near,

even at the door!

 

A SIGN OF HIS COMING: FALSE CHRISTIANITY
 
Chapter 24 of Matthew’s Gospel is worthy of careful study by those who are interested in the signs of our Lord’s return. Like the disciples of old, we would ask the same question: “…what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matt 24:3). Curiosity is part of human nature. Let us develop a healthy curiosity and seek humbly to be enlightened by the Spirit of Truth.
 
Our Lord put at the head of the list of seven cardinal signs the appearance of false Christs and false prophets. This one sign alone suffices to alert us to the fast-approaching return of Jesus Christ, even if there were no other signs. But in His great wisdom and concern, He has given us an over sufficiency of signs. But Satan is a master of deception and the father of lies. As the return of our Lord draws near, he seems to sense his own approaching doom, and redoubles his efforts to subvert the Gospel and mislead the Church. With diabolical subtlety and deceit, the enemy of our souls goes “all out” to multiply his agents.
 
False Christs and false prophets are like counterfeit currency: they are not easy to detect. They carry Bibles, speak a similar language, invoke the name of Christ, but preach “another gospel” (Gal 1:6-7), a subverted Gospel. Like the counterfeit bank note, it resembles the genuine note in most respects, except for perhaps one or two fatal flaws. So it is with false prophets. Only by God-given discernment and constant vigilance can we see through the counterfeit. These agents of deception operate under the “umbrella cover” of a “church” and to all intents and purposes they appear as servants of God, working “signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matt 24:24). Be alert. Do not be deceived. Know the truth and sell it not.
 
Let the elect of God be also good watchmen, to warn against false Christs and false prophets who are wolves in sheep’s clothing. This requires courage, godly courage. Are you willing to stand up for Jesus?
 
THOUGHT: How can I know the counterfeit unless I know the genuine?

PRAYER: Father, defend us from deceivers.

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