False Christs in our Day
"Wherever the carcass is, there the vultures will gather." (Matthew 24:28 NIV)
In the world of 2024, marked by increasing uncertainty and confusion – metaphorically speaking, the carcass around which the vultures circle – believers face an enormous challenge. They must discern between what is true and misleading. This is especially crucial in the presence of false christs, a phenomenon against which Jesus Himself explicitly warned us in Matthew 24.
But before we can proceed, we must take note of a warning from Oswald Chambers and process it under the guidance of the Holy Spirit:
Do crises which affect us or others in our home, business, country, or elsewhere seem to be crushing in on us? Are we being pushed out of the presence of God and left with no time for worship? If so, we must put a stop to such distractions and enter into such a living relationship with God that our relationship with others is maintained through the work of intercession, where God works His miracles.
What I am trying to describe is indeed a crisis, but it is one that should drive us (and others) closer to God Himself. We must stand in the gap before Him for fellow believers.
The year 2024 meets all Jesus' warnings; with the rise of social media and digital platforms that facilitate the spread of diverse ideas and teachings, some of which promise new prophecies, insights, or spiritual sensations as solutions.
In this time of uncertainty, where information and opinions can be overwhelming and often contradictory, believers (like us) must stand firm in our faith and navigate through the multitude of voices clamouring for attention with wisdom and discernment.
This study aims to equip ordinary believers with the tools to not only recognise the half-truths offered by false christs but also to maintain a steadfast faith amidst the deep uncertainties of our time. By returning to the Scriptural principles of faith, truth, and love, and by learning how to seek and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives, we can remain courageous, stand firm, and be a light in a world that is often dark: for - "You must all agree with one another and have no divisions among you. You must be completely united with one mind and one purpose." 1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV
"Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many." (Matthew 24:5 NIV)
To be misled is to be uncertain about the difference between good and evil (Matt 24:48) and between the wise and the foolish. Matt 25:2
False christs thrive on uncertainty, and therefore we first ask what is our uncertainty and why is there uncertainty?
Uncertainty is a state in which the lack of certainty about the future or the correctness of our knowledge and beliefs has a decisive influence on our peace of mind and decision-making.
The Bible repeatedly reminds us of the changeable nature of the world and the limitations of human understanding. James 4:14 rhetorically states: "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow." This verse emphasises the fundamental uncertainty inherent in the human experience—we cannot predict the future, and our plans are always subject to God's will and the variables of life. This inherent uncertainty is exacerbated by the accelerating pace of change and information overload in our modern society, often causing a sense of overwhelm and confusion in many.
The reason for uncertainty lies especially in the complex nature of the world around us and our limited ability to fully understand or predict it. The Bible offers insight into this by cautioning that our thoughts and understanding cannot fathom God's ways, as in Isaiah 55:8-9: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." These verses affirm that uncertainty is part of the human condition, but they also remind us of the importance of faith trust in God's providential sovereignty and love, even amidst all our uncertainties. By placing our faith in Him, we can find an unshakeable foundation in a world of variables and unknowns, and direct our hearts towards what is eternal and unchanging—God's love for us in Jesus, the only true Christ.
"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come." (Matthew 24:6 NIV)
The turmoil and rumors are, as I write, a particularly apt description of social media at this very moment.
Social media platforms like X/Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook would collapse if it weren't for the one concept they all share: followers. Success is measured by the number of followers, and if there are enough, the person is seen as an influencer. Influencers can be like false christs, and if our discernment fails us, even the elect could be deceived.
So, what does Scripture say?
Matthew 24:23-27 NIV: 23 "At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time. 26 So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.
The two examples Jesus uses are interesting and divergent, almost extremes on the same spectrum: the wilderness and the inner rooms.
Mark 13:21-23 offers a similar warning to that in Matthew, saying that if anyone claims Christ is in one place or another, they should not be believed. False messiahs and prophets will perform signs and wonders in an attempt to deceive even the elect.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15: Paul warns against false apostles and deceitful workers masquerading as apostles of Christ. He notes that such deception shouldn't be surprising since Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. Thus, it is no great wonder that his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness.
1 John 2:18-22 speaks of the presence of antichrists, indicating the last hour. He explains that they went out from the church but were not truly of it; if they had been, they would have remained. Their presence signifies that the last hour has come.
2 Peter 2:1-3: Peter warns of false teachers who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves. Peter emphasizes their use of greed to exploit believers with fabricated words.
"All these are the beginning of birth pains." (Matthew 24:8 NIV)
This is precisely the title of the series that follows this one.
Summary of False Christs and Teachers:
The Bible repeatedly warns against the risks posed by false christs, prophets, apostles, and teachers to the faith community. They come with the intention to deceive and lead away from the truth through the use of impressive signs, wonders, and distorted teachings. The emphasis is placed on the necessity for vigilance, discernment, and a firm anchoring in the true doctrine as revealed by Christ and the apostles.
Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, not to be misled by the attractiveness or apparent power of these deceivers, and always to prioritize the truth of the Gospel.
To recognize the outstanding characteristics of false christs and prophets and how the modern believer can distinguish them, we can return to the Biblical warnings and guidelines. Here are a few key points that emerge from Scripture, which can help us avoid deception:
Twisted Teachings: False christs and prophets often proclaim doctrines that contradict the core messages of the Bible. They might attempt to distort the nature of Jesus, the path to salvation, or other fundamental Christian truths.
Self-Glorification: In contrast to Jesus Christ, who emphasized humility and servitude, false christs often seek personal glorification, power, or financial gain. Their focus is more on themselves and their own messages than on God's glory.
Signs and Wonders: Jesus warns that false christs and prophets will perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect (Matthew 24:24). While signs and wonders can be part of divine action, the Bible warns us that not all supernatural manifestations originate from God.
Unfulfilled Prophecies: Deuteronomy 18:22 provides a test for prophets: if a prophet speaks in the Lord's name and their word does not come to pass, that is a word the Lord has not spoken. False prophets' predictions will ultimately not come to fruition.
Creating Division: False teachers and christs often aim to sow division and discord among believers, in contrast to the Biblical calls for unity and love among the faithful.
How can modern believers stay afloat?
By being wise servants: "It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions." (Matthew 24:46 NIV)
Know Scripture: The best defense against deception is a deep, personal knowledge of the Bible. This enables believers to recognize and refute false teachings when confronted with them.
Spiritual Discernment: Pray for discernment and wisdom. The Holy Spirit, given to believers, leads into all truth and assists in distinguishing the false from the true.
Test the Spirits: 1 John 4:1 admonishes us not to believe every spirit but to test the spirits to see whether they are from God. This includes evaluating whether their messages align with Biblical truth.
Faith Community: Utilize the wisdom and insight of other believers, especially those in leadership or with a deep understanding of Scripture. The community of believers can provide insight and protection.
Observe the Fruits: Matthew 7:16 says, "By their fruit you will recognize them." Look at the character and lifestyle of the person claiming spiritual authority. Ask whether their life reflects the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23.
By applying these principles, believers in the modern world can be equipped to discern false christs and hold on to the truth of the Gospel.
How can the modern believer keep their head above water?
By being wise servants: "It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions." (Matthew 24:46 NIV)
Know the Scripture: The best defense against deception is a deep, personal knowledge of the Bible. This enables believers to recognize and refute false teachings when confronted with them.
Spiritual Discernment: Pray for discernment and wisdom. The Holy Spirit, given to believers, leads into all truth and assists in distinguishing the false from the true.
Test the Spirits: 1 John 4:1 admonishes us not to believe every spirit but to test the spirits to see whether they are from God. This includes evaluating whether their messages align with Biblical truth.
Faith Community: Utilize the wisdom and insight of other believers, especially those in leadership or with a deep understanding of Scripture. The community of believers can provide insight and protection.
Observe the Fruits: Matthew 7:16 says, "By their fruit you will recognize them." Look at the character and lifestyle of the person claiming spiritual authority. Ask whether their life reflects the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23.
By applying these principles, believers in the modern world can be equipped to discern false christs and hold on to the truth of the Gospel.
Where Does This Leave Us Today?
The title "Christ" comes from the Greek word "Χριστός" (Christos), translating the Hebrew word "מָשִׁיחַ" (Māšîaḥ), meaning "anointed." It refers to someone specially anointed for a God-given task or role, typically with oil, a sign of God's blessing and appointment.
In the Hebrew tradition, kings, priests, and sometimes prophets were anointed as a symbol of God's confirmation and empowerment of their roles. The anointed person was seen as chosen and equipped by God to carry out His will.
Over time, the term "Messiah" in Judaism took on an eschatological connotation, referring to an expected savior and king sent by God to restore and rule over Israel.
In the Christian faith, "Christ" has become the recognition of Jesus as the anticipated Messiah. Early Christians believed that Jesus was the promised savior and king prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures, hence using the title "Christ" for Jesus. By calling Him "Jesus Christ," they confessed that Jesus is the anointed one, the one who has come to fulfill God's plan of salvation.
The etymology of the word thus underscores the central significance of Jesus's role in the Christian faith: He is the anointed savior and king, uniquely appointed by God to redeem and establish His kingdom. This understanding stands in stark contrast to the false christs Jesus warned about, who come without true authority or divine appointment.
The pain of birth does not stay the same. They increase in both frequency and intensity. This creates a context of expectation. Within such a charged context, any straw can seem like a lifeline, and any promise that relieves the pain can be compelling. A false christ promises false hope, false joy, false peace, and false explanations about how everything will work out: now and in the future.
This brings us back to the Word of God:
"Thus says the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel: Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them," declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 29:8-9 NIV)
How do they act?
"Then he will begin to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards." (Matthew 24:49 NIV)
The he represents someone (or an institution) that was appointed to provide for others, "...to give them their food at the proper time."
Is this not what governments are doing today? They are neglecting their duty, they are mistreating their people, and they are dining with drunkards - people intoxicated with greed and the abuse of power.