…by “signs and wonders”. They are not of God.
Matthew 24:24-25: Jesus warning…“For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.”
Jesus warns: do not to look to nature, or inner rooms for these signs and wonders. Many theologians warn not to look to the sky, television, or the internet.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10: The coming of the lawless one (the upcoming one world ruler) is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
What are these future signs and wonders? They are the exact same miracles Jesus performed (to glorify God the Father) while He walked this earth—supernatural healings, raising the dead to life, incredible stuff. The false ones will perform the same miracles in outlandish ways for the glory of the great deceiver. And people will believe this time! Only they will believe in THE WRONG PERSON! They will take Satan’s mark on their right wrists and foreheads, never to be offered salvation again, forever thrown into the lake of fire.
So how to guarantee you won’t be deceived?
1. Dress each morning in God’s protective armor (Ephesians 6). Learn how each piece protects you and then learn how to use them in every circumstance. This takes practice! Bind this activity deep in your heart so you know where you stand with God. Then strengthen weak areas by…
2. Earnestly seeking Him daily.
3. Studying His Word for God’s truth, wisdom, knowledge, and above all, discernment—so you recognize when false prophets use minor deceitful signs and wonders in hopes of separating you from Him.
4. Talking to Him, and then…
5. Listening to His will for you and obeying. If you haven’t heard His voice, can’t hear it, or question what He says (perhaps about your calling/service), repeat steps 1-4 (which will lead to step 6). Holy Spirit speaks to those who seek. Some hear a soft, quiet voice, others hear a roar. Regardless, it is unmistakeable, it is constant, reassuring, hopeful, loving, thorough, and relational.
6. And finally, stand firm and continue to do His will!
2 Thessalonians 2:15-17: So then brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught…Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, Who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.
Amen!