“At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. So, if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the desert,’ do not go out; or ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matthew 24:22–27, NIV 1984).
My Musings – “At that time.” That is to say, “what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3, NIV 1984). Jesus gave them (us) many signs to look for that will precede His “coming.” You can read about them in the surrounding context. “False Christs and false prophets” are merely two of them.
We have seen, and continue to see, many “false prophets.” To my knowledge, we have seen few if any “false Christs” that would come close to “[deceiving] the elect – if that were possible.” Yet. What we have seen are “false Christ” teachings by “false prophets…in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” (Matthew 7:15, NIV 1984). Bad trees bearing bad fruit. “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:20, NIV 1984). But only if you know what good fruit is.
My Advice – There are many signs to look for. Still, many will remain deceived. But only one, “THE sign of [His] coming,” that will deceive no one. “For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” This Christ, all will recognize. But for far too many, it will be too late.
He will be back. Many signs are beginning to fall into place. Don’t be taken in by “false Christs.” “To a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all.” (Galatians 1:6–7, NIV 1984). Make sure you know the true Christ before THE last sign falls into place.
The Brew Is A Musing 