Thursday, 19 January 2023
BE VIGILANT
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; 1 John 2:18; 2 John 1:7; 3 John 1:4
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 13:24-43 & Genesis 44-45
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Matthew 7:21-29 & Genesis 19