Is the End Near?Sample

Can Believers Be Deceived?

The most sobering and troubling statement in the Olivet Discourse is where Jesus says, “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect,” (Matt. 24:24). This statement cries out for explanation.

What does Jesus mean, “to deceive, if possible, even the elect?” Would it be possible for Satan to deceive genuine Christians into following and worshiping the Antichrist? No. Satan cannot deceive true Christian believers. He can tempt us to sin. He can tempt us to discouragement. He can tempt us to fear. And sometimes, we yield to these temptations. But Satan could never deceive us into switching sides and worshiping the Antichrist if we are genuine followers of Christ.

Jesus said in John 10:27-28, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Here, Jesus assures us of the eternal security of the believer.

Once a person comes to Christ in full, sincere surrender, no one—not even Satan himself—could ever snatch that person out of the Lord’s hand. From cover to cover, the Scriptures make this principle very clear. Genuine believers will not be deceived or destroyed on the day of judgement because our Lord sovereignly protects them.

In Matthew 24:29 Jesus says that the sun and moon will be darkened, the stars will fall, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. All this will take place as the earth is shaking and millions are dying from disease and starvation. And in the midst of this chaos, false messiahs will continue to deceive the masses.

Undoubtedly, many believers who undergo the pressures and terrors of that day will experience anxiety and their confidence may be shaken. They may experience discouragement and fear—but their faith will weather the storm. They will not be deceived. Their salvation will not be lost. Their trust in God will not be destroyed.

How can you prepare now for this uncertain and threatening future? I would urge you to get involved in a small-group Bible study through your local church. Join together with up to a dozen committed believers who will pray with you, study God’s Word with you, support you in your struggles, and hold you accountable. Share meals with your group. Go on retreats with them and bond with them. Belonging to a Christ-centered loving community is not a luxury or an option, it’s a necessity in the Christian life. It will be the key to standing strong and immovable during times of chaos and upheaval.

“Look, he is coming with the clouds,”

and “every eye will see him,

even those who pierced him”;

and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”

So shall it be! Amen.

— Revelation 1:7