Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.” (Matthew 24:4-5, NIV 1984)
My Musings – Jewish historian Josephus tells us that the land was filled with Anti-Christs between Nero’s accession in 54 AD and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. So, while this prophecy was literally fulfilled in the generation of Jesus’ prophecy, it has continued throughout history until the present age. Yet the end is yet to come.
The ultimate and final fulfillment of this prophecy (The Anti-Christ) remains to be seen. Paul picks up on Jesus’ warning against being deceived and tells his readers: “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). This is, presumably, the last Abomination That Causes Desolation.
My Advice – The Messiah came once, born in obscurity, and divided history. When He comes again to claim HIs Kingdom, there will be no mistaking who He is. Don’t be taken in by any lesser claimant.
Sources:
Mills, M. S. (1999). The Life of Christ: A Study Guide to the Gospel Record (Lk 21:7–11). Dallas, TX: 3E Ministries.
The Brew Is A Musing 