Efforts to deceive are only self-deception

My last column defined the true meaning of apocalypse as "revealed" or "unveiled.”

This word is used to describe the unveiling of events, people and knowledge. The latter being the definer for the former — i.e., knowledge revealed informs us of people and events otherwise unknown.

There are people and events that the Bible says will be revealed in due time. The disciples knew this and asked the Lord certain questions pertaining to the future. They had specific concerns regarding the Lord's second coming and the end of the world.

Matthew 24:4 begins Jesus' response, "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you." (1769 Authorized Version)

Note how the Lord began this response, "Take heed that no man deceive you." Jesus knew there would be those who would endeavor to do just that.

The effort to deceive is as energetic now as then. To countermand this, we develop an understanding of what Jesus said. Who better to teach us than Jesus Christ? His words are recorded in the Bible so all may know. There is no reason to wonder or guess. You can know with complete assurance — if you want to.

Jesus continues to respond as recorded in Matthew 24:5, "For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ [anointed]; and shall deceive many." (1769 AV)

Many think of the above as a warning regarding those who say they are Christ; however, that reality is covered later in the context.

Matthew 24:23-24 records, "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here [is] Christ, or there; believe [it] not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (1769 AV)

A better rendering of Matthew 24:5 would be, “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am anointed; and shall deceive many."

Today there are many who claim to speak in Christ's name as "anointed ones." In fact, the term "anointed" is so bandied about as to lose its true meaning. Every speaker and preacher of renown touts themselves as "anointed." To simply say one is anointed in no way truly authenticates him or his "message." Only the Word of God qualifies as the true acid test. If the "anointed" ones speak in agreement with the Bible, then and only then can we consider them bonafide representatives of God.

How can anyone say they follow Jesus if they deny or contradict his words? Where are his words found? In the Bible and its supporting manuscripts. Nowhere else. Anyone who is a true follower of the Lord must acknowledge this. Those who espouse discipleship but don't believe the Bible should be honest and disclose their alternate basis for faith and practice.

We need concrete answers in these turbulent times. They are in your Bible waiting for you to discover them.

Consider what Jesus said as found in Matthew 24:6-8, "And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation [ethnic group against ethnic group], and kingdom against kingdom [country against country]: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these [are] the beginning of sorrows [labor pains as in child birth]." (1769 AV)

There are wars and rumors of wars. Ethnic groups and countries are at odds with each other. Famine and disease are everywhere. Earthquakes are more widespread than ever. Yet, this is but the beginning. Jesus likened the increase of these things to birth pains. Women know labor becomes more intense with each contraction, but delivery takes an undetermined amount of time.

So it is with the negative events of our age.

Our world consists of two opposing groups with distinctly different ideologies. Though many deny it, clearly there is a conflict raging between good and evil. Furthermore, Scripture reveals a vast contrast between this present evil age and the glorious age to come! Good will win out over evil eventually; however, numerous events will take place before the final outcome is realized.

In this light, two significant events must be considered. The man of sin, the son of perdition will be revealed and the Son of God shall return to destroy him and set things straight.

II Thessalonians 2:8 declares, "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:" (1769 AV)

More on end time events in future columns.

The Rev. Linus A. Mathis III is the founder and director of Frontier Christian Ministries.