November 30, 2007 Matthew 24:23

11/30/2007

Matthew 24:23 - 27 (HCSB)

²³“If anyone tells you then, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Over here!’ do not believe it! ²⁴False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. ²⁵Take note: I have told you in advance. ²⁶So if they tell you, ‘Look, he’s in the wilderness!’ don’t go out; ‘Look, he’s in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. ²⁷For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

In 1978, a group of people led by Jim Jones committed mass suicide in Guyana. Jim Jones had begun as a Christian pastor but had led this group of people to isolationism and eventually suicide by his deluded and paranoid ideals. In 1993, a group in Waco Texas led by David Koresh defied the US government and eventually committed suicide in a fiery blaze. Koresh used the Bible to justify his dictatorial control over the people.

It is easy for us to look at these extremists and call them false prophets- those who use the Bible to justify their own ends. But the fact is that there are many more false prophets around that are somewhat less extreme. These false prophets will start with a idea and then use the Bible to support it, rather than reading the Bible and drawing meaning from it.

It would be pointless for me to point out those whom I believe to be false prophets, but let me lay forth some guidelines that will help you in determining whom you should listen to and whom to avoid.

First of all, anyone claiming to be Christ is a false prophet. The scriptures tell us that when He returns, it will be like the lightning flashing, that is, it will be so obvious to all that this is Jesus - no one will need to tell you.

Second, if the message advocates any kind of isolationism, it is false. Jesus’ message was clear that the Gospel is for all, and it is simple. One does not need to be secluded and indoctrinated to understand it.

Third, if it downplays the divinity of Jesus, it is false. Jesus demonstrated His divinity while He walked this earth. If we deny that He is God, then all Christianity is foolishness.

Finally, any message that “all roads lead to heaven” is false. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to the father except through me.” (John 14:6) Although the gospel message is open to all, the path is exclusive.

The Bible teaches that the false prophets will be so clever that they will fool almost everyone. Be on your guard.

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