Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

Deception in the Last Days

What will be one characteristic of last-day apostasies? BR-ASI9 367.5

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1 Timothy 4:1. BR-ASI9 367.6

How does Satan deceive the people? BR-ASI9 367.7

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14. BR-ASI9 367.8

What role do his agents assume? BR-ASI9 367.9

“Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 11:15. BR-ASI9 367.10

Will Satan and his agents attempt to counterfeit the coming of Christ, and work signs and wonders to confirm their pretentious claims? BR-ASI9 367.11

“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.” Matthew 24:23, 24. BR-ASI9 367.12

Note.—“As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ. The church has long professed to look to the Saviour’s advent as the consummation of her hopes. Now the great deceiver will make it appear that Christ has come. In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a majestic being of dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the Son of God given by John in the Revelation. The glory that surrounds him is unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have yet beheld. The shout of triumph rings out upon the air, ‘Christ has come! Christ has come!’ The people prostrate themselves in adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands, and pronounces a blessing upon them, as Christ blessed His disciples when He was upon the earth. His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle, compassionate tones he presents some of the gracious, heavenly truths which the Saviour uttered. . . . BR-ASI9 367.13

“But the people of God will not be misled. The teachings of this false christ are not in accordance with the Scriptures. . . . BR-ASI9 368.1

“And, furthermore, Satan is not permitted to counterfeit the manner of Christ’s advent. The Saviour has warned His people against deception upon this point, and has clearly foretold the manner of His second coming. ‘There shall arise false christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. . . . Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the desert; go not forth: behold, He is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.’ This coming, there is no possibility of counterfeiting. It will be universally known—witnessed by the whole world.”—E. G. White, The Great Controversy, pp. 624, 625. BR-ASI9 368.2

What will be one of the last great signs performed by this means, to fasten men in deception? BR-ASI9 368.3

“And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” Revelation 13:13, 14. BR-ASI9 368.4

What scripture shows that Satan is to work with special power and deceptive wonders just before Christ’s second coming? BR-ASI9 368.5

“Whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10. (See also Revelation 12:12.) BR-ASI9 368.6

While many will be deceived by these wonders, and accept of the false christs that appear, what will those say who have maintained their love for the truth, and patiently waited for Christ’s return? BR-ASI9 368.7

“And it shall be said in that day, Lo, THIS is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: THIS is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” Isaiah 25:9. BR-ASI9 368.8

What warning has been given us through the apostle Peter? BR-ASI9 368.9

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. BR-ASI9 368.10