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 (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
In John 5:43, Jesus said, “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” Our underlined portion sounds like a supposition but it’s not. It’s actually in the affirmative when you study the Greek rendering.
The word “another” in that verse doesn’t come from “heteros” (Greek), but from “allos” (Greek). This clearly means that Jesus was prophesying about the “pseudochristos”—a false Christ; one who falsely lays claim to the name and office of the Messiah. Jesus did teach that there’d be false Christs and false prophets.
When you read in the epistles (such as 1 John 2:18), the term used is “antichrist” which is “antichristos” in Greek, meaning instead of Christ, against Christ, one who puts himself in the place of Christ or opposes Christ. This lines up with the “pseudochristos.” So, when Jesus said, “… if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive,” He knew what He was talking about. Sadly, some today are willing to demonstrate magnanimity and incredulity towards fake news and wrong doctrines, while unwilling to accept real truth.
The Bible tells us the antichrist will be a deceiver and a liar, and that major religious leaders will endorse him. But that’s no surprise. There were people like that in Bible days who endorsed the false prophets and killed God’s prophets (Matthew 23:31). It’s the same in the world today; many have chosen to be deceived.
Satan’s modus operandi is based on deception with misrepresentations. Therefore, remain vigilant. The Bible says, “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience” (Ephesians 5:6). We’re in the closing period of this present age; the Lord is coming soon. Be alert and ready.
PRAYER
Gracious Lord, thank you for the illumination that I’ve received from your Word, exposing the cunning devices of Satan and his cohorts in these last days. The eyes of my understanding are flooded with light; I’m alert and sensitive, ready for the coming of the Lord. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
|| 1 John 4:1-3 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. ||
|| 1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. ||
|| 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. ||
|| 3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. ||
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 13:24-43 & Genesis 44-45
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 7:21-29 & Genesis 19 4
We trust you have been blessed by this devotional. We invite you to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life by praying thus:
“O Lord God, I believe with all my heart in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. I believe He died for me and God raised Him from the dead. I believe He’s alive today. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from this day. Through Him and in His Name, I have eternal life; I’m born again. Thank you Lord, for saving my soul! I’m now a child of God. Hallelujah!”