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News => Signs of the Times => Topic started by: Richard Myers on January 27, 2007, 11:33:00 AM

Title: False Christs
Post by: Richard Myers on January 27, 2007, 11:33:00 AM
Tom Cruise is reportedly Scientiology's new "Christ" chosen to spread the news of his faith, IANS reported Thursday. Quoting Contactmusic.com., IANS said church leader David Miscavige believes Cruise will be worshipped like Jesus for making the religion more popular.
   
UPI
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Mimi on January 27, 2007, 12:54:00 PM
The next thing to be asked, which paralleled Christ, "Can anything good come out of Hollywood?"

If this were not such a serious thing, it would be downright laughable!

Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Mimi on February 15, 2007, 12:09:00 PM
This man was featured on MSNBC last night - didn't see it - a friend called about it.

A Puerto Rican minister says Christ 'integrated' with him. Others call him a cult leader and a charlatan.
The introduction to his appearances say "Come Meet Jesus Christ."

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16840066/site/newsweek/

Matthew 24:23 - 27: "If anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See I have told you beforehand. therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes in the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be."


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Jim B
Moderator   posted 02-15-2007 12:20 PM                
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I've seen this before. As a matter of fact I was talking a to a friend the other day and knows of a couple Seventh-day Adventists who have been deceived by this man.

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Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Esther 7 on February 18, 2007, 07:20:00 AM
Two years ago at Growing in Grace's world convention in Venezuela, he declared himself Christ. And just last week, he called himself the Antichrist and revealed a "666" tattooed on his forearm. His explanation: that, as the second coming of Christ, he rejects the continued worship of Jesus of Nazareth.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Liane H on February 20, 2007, 06:21:00 AM
He was in Los Angeles several months ago and has a very large following there.

So many things going on in the world and it never stops. There is nothing to stop Satan with all this deception but the sure Word of God and a Thus sayeth the Lord.

We need more watchmen on the Wall of Zion.

------------------
Liane, the Zoo Mama
Romans 8:19   For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Mimi on March 17, 2007, 07:31:00 PM
We are told there will be many who claim to be Christ - are they coming brightly illumined? Not yet - this is what Sister White says of Satan's personation of Christ:

quote:
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. Revelation 1:13-15. 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!" Maranatha, page 276.

Thus far, these little false christs, however charismatic, are nothing compared to the real false christ.

Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Tim2 on March 02, 2010, 05:42:43 PM
I came across a quote to share.  I don't know where it should go, so I'll put it here.  The point that I want to make is that many of the indicators we have been looking for as a people, happen after the sealing which is after the close of probation.  We won't know when the sealing is taking place.  SOLEMN thought!! :(

 Satan's Personation After the Close of Probation

     The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction reaches its culmination in the time of trouble. God's long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected His mercy, despised His love, and trampled upon His law. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation, and the Lord withdraws His protection, and leaves them to the mercy of the leader they have chosen. . . . {TA 273.1}

     As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will attempt to 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!" {TA 273.2}

     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 personally upon the earth. His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle, compassionate tones he presents some of the same gracious,

274

heavenly truths which the Saviour uttered; he heals the diseases of the people, and then, in his assumed character of Christ, he claims to have changed the Sabbath to Sunday, and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed. He declares that those who persist in keeping holy the seventh day are blaspheming his name by refusing to listen to his angels sent to them with light and truth. This is the strong, almost overmastering delusion.--4SP 441, 442. {TA 273.3}

     Satan sees that he is about to lose his case. He cannot sweep in the whole world. He makes one last desperate effort to overcome the faithful by deception. He does this in personating Christ. He clothes himself with the garments of royalty which have been accurately described in the vision of John. He has power to do this. He will appear to his deluded followers, the Christian world who received not the love of the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness . . . as Christ coming the second time. {TA 274.1}

     He proclaims himself Christ, and he is believed to be Christ, a beautiful, majestic being clothed with majesty and, with soft voice and pleasant words, with glory unsurpassed by anything their mortal eyes had yet beheld. Then his deceived, deluded followers set up a shout of victory, "Christ has come the second time! Christ has come! He has lifted up His hands just as He did when He was upon the earth, and blessed us." . . . {TA 274.2}

     The saints look on with amazement. Will they also be deceived? Will they worship Satan? Angels of God are about them. A clear, firm, musical voice is heard, "Look up." {TA 274.3}

275

     There is one object before the praying ones--the final and eternal salvation of their souls. This object was before them constantly--that immortal life was promised to those who endure unto the end. Oh, how earnest and fervent had been their desires. The judgment and eternity were in view. Their eyes by faith were fixed on the blazing throne, before which the white-robed ones were to stand. This restrained them from the indulgence of sin. . . . {TA 275.1}

     One effort more, and then Satan's last device is employed. He hears the unceasing cry for Christ to come, for Christ to deliver them. This last strategy is to personate Christ, and make them think their prayers are answered.--LDE 164, 165. {TA 275.2}
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Greg Goodchild on March 03, 2010, 10:29:44 AM
What tells you that the personation of Christ by Satan is after the close of probation? It appears that you have used the chapter heading as the deciding factor? Do you think Jesus had EGW put this information in a chapter heading, or a subheading? We need a little bit more to help us determine this event than a subheading.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Mimi on March 03, 2010, 10:31:21 AM
I was preparing to move "Satan's Personation" when you posted, Greg. Kindness, dear brother. There are many studying, questioning, reasoning.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Tim2 on March 03, 2010, 12:19:02 PM
Thank you, dear Sybil, for moving me where I belong. :D

What tells you that the personation of Christ by Satan is after the close of probation? It appears that you have used the chapter heading as the deciding factor? Do you think Jesus had EGW put this information in a chapter heading, or a subheading? We need a little bit more to help us determine this event than a subheading.

It is in the first paragraph of the quote, that was shared, dear friend.  I'll copy it again.  The SOP says that the sealing is "prior to" the close of probation, also.  Solemn thought!  Many of the events that we are waiting for to get serious about our salvation, will happen after probation closes and thus, too late.  Today is the day of salvation! :)

The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction reaches its culmination in the time of trouble. God's long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected His mercy, despised His love, and trampled upon His law. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation, and the Lord withdraws His protection, and leaves them to the mercy of the leader they have chosen. . . . {TA 273.1}

As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will attempt to 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!" {TA 273.2}
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: colporteur on July 15, 2012, 07:24:51 PM
What tells you that the personation of Christ by Satan is after the close of probation? It appears that you have used the chapter heading as the deciding factor? Do you think Jesus had EGW put this information in a chapter heading, or a subheading? We need a little bit more to help us determine this event than a subheading.

"In this age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be made fully void in the nations of our world. Rebellion against God's holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of light. Men will be deceived and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose, and to the aspostate churches that unite in the exaltation of Satan, the sentence will go forth. )Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her."  TM 62

Isn't this saying that satan will personate Christ before the law is made fully void throughout the world the sentence will go forth followed by the plagues ? I have always thought it would make more sence for Satan to personate Christ during the Sunday law but before probation closes.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Richard Myers on July 15, 2012, 07:37:12 PM
Tom Cruise is reportedly Scientiology's new "Christ" chosen to spread the news of his faith, IANS reported Thursday. Quoting Contactmusic.com., IANS said church leader David Miscavige believes Cruise will be worshipped like Jesus for making the religion more popular.
     
<A HREF="http://www.religionandspirituality.com/currentEvents/view.php?StoryID=20070125-084151-3219r" TARGET=_blank> UPI </A>

That was five years ago. Now his wife has had enough and is divorcing him.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: colporteur on July 15, 2012, 07:45:27 PM
It is in the first paragraph of the quote, that was shared, dear friend.  I'll copy it again.  The SOP says that the sealing is "prior to" the close of probation, also.  Solemn thought!  Many of the events that we are waiting for to get serious about our salvation, will happen after probation closes and thus, too late.  Today is the day of salvation! :)

The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction reaches its culmination in the time of trouble. God's long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected His mercy, despised His love, and trampled upon His law. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation, and the Lord withdraws His protection, and leaves them to the mercy of the leader they have chosen. . . . {TA 273.1}

I do not see this quote as saying anything about Satan personating Christ here. It may be considered by Tim and others that Satan personating Christ, since it is referred to in the SOP as "his crowning act" is likewise the "culmination of deception."  Culmination, however, means the finishing but not necessarily the zenith or crowning act.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Richard Myers on July 16, 2012, 07:46:33 AM
I had always thought that the great deception was after probation closed, but never studied it. So, I have been reading this attempting to understand. It appears from the quotes that Tim posted, it is after probation closes. In context it appears to reveal this.  But, one must be careful when reading from compilations because often they are taken out of context. So let us go to the statement in its original context.

 Now, while our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ. Not even by a thought could our Saviour be brought to yield to the power of temptation. Satan finds in human hearts some point where he can gain a foothold; some sinful desire is cherished, by means of which his temptations assert their power. But Christ declared of Himself: "The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me." John 14:30. Satan could find nothing in the Son of God that would enable him to gain the victory. He had kept His Father's commandments, and there was no sin in Him that Satan could use to his advantage. This is the condition in which those must be found who shall stand in the time of trouble.

It is in this life that we are to separate sin from us, through faith in the atoning blood of Christ. Our precious Saviour invites us to join ourselves to Him, to unite our weakness to His strength, our ignorance to His wisdom, our unworthiness to His merits. God's providence is the school in which we are to learn the meekness and lowliness of Jesus. The Lord is ever setting before us, not the way we would choose, which seems easier and pleasanter to us, but the true aims of life. It rests with us to co-operate with the agencies which Heaven employs in the work of conforming our characters to the divine model. None can neglect or defer this work but at the most fearful peril to their souls. 

The apostle John in vision heard a loud voice in heaven exclaiming: "Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time." Revelation 12:12. Fearful are the scenes which call forth this exclamation from the heavenly voice. The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction will reach its culmination in the time of trouble.  Fearful sights of a supernatural character will soon be revealed in the heavens, in token of the power of miracle-working demons. The spirits of devils will go forth to the kings of the earth and to the whole world, to fasten them in deception, and urge them on to unite with Satan in his last struggle against the government of heaven. By these agencies, rulers and subjects will be alike deceived. Persons will arise pretending to be Christ Himself, and claiming the title and worship which belong to the world's Redeemer. They will perform wonderful miracles of healing and will profess to have revelations from heaven contradicting the testimony of the Scriptures. 
 
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. Revelation 1:13-15. 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 same gracious, heavenly truths which the Saviour uttered; he heals the diseases of the people, and then, in his assumed character of Christ, he claims to have changed the Sabbath to Sunday, and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed. He declares that those who persist in keeping holy the seventh day are blaspheming his name by refusing to listen to his angels sent to them with light and truth. This is the strong, almost overmastering delusion. Like the Samaritans who were deceived by Simon Magus, the multitudes, from the least to the greatest, give heed to these sorceries, saying: This is "the great power of God." Acts 8:10.  GC 624 
   

It does appear that this is after probation closes. "The time of trouble" spoken of is after probation closes.  The crowning act is the last act.  It may appear that there is no reason to wait until after the sealing, but I doubt that Satan even knows when the sealing was completed. But, even so, there is a work to be done after probation closes and Satan continues on in his effort to destroy the 144,000. He cannot kill them, but he can tempt them. And uses this crowning act of deception to align the whole world against the 144,000. It is his last great effort to cause them to fall, but they will not.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: colporteur on July 16, 2012, 06:09:05 PM
I don't see that posting more of the quote changes anything.

What do you make of the following ?

In this age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be made fully void in the nations of our world. Rebellion against God's holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of light. Men will be deceived and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose, and to the aspostate churches that unite in the exaltation of Satan, the sentence will go forth. )Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her."  TM 62

Doesn't this quote say that Satan will be deified and exalted to the place of God and then the plagues will come ? Do you think this is before Satan appears as Christ ?



You are equating the word "culimnation" with "crowning act." However Websters's uses as one definition for "culmination" the word "completion." The quote seems to indicate that there will be signs in the sky after Satan appears. It says that this is the work of demons. It will not be Satan in the sky as he is not allowed to counterfeit Christ's coming to that extent. My point is that there seems to be a continuation of deception after Satan appears. These deceptions will not change anyone's  minds as all minds have already been made up. The deception will just rally the wicked. I have to think that unless Satan has completely lost his berings that he will have a good idea when the plagues are falling.  At least some of the plagues like water turning to blood ought to be obvious. If God allows it, the most effective time for Satan to appear would be before probation closes during the NSL when peoople are in the valley of decision. I would think that Satan would desire to appear both before and during the plagues. This is possible. It says he will appear in various places on the earth but we are not told the time spread. Obviously he cannot appear several places at once although traveling at the spead of thought could make it seem that way. I want to study some more on how much power Satan is given during the NSL. It makes perfect sense to me that he would appear when he is certain that probation still lingers unless God prohibits it.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: colporteur on July 17, 2012, 04:55:04 AM


I noticed something  I did not hone in on earlier. The quote says "her plagues." That seems to indicate that her plagues refers to the false churches.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Carla Hepker on July 17, 2012, 05:43:11 AM


I noticed something  I did not hone in on earlier. The quote says "her plagues." That seems to indicate that her plagues refers to the false churches.

That quote is from Revelation 18:8, "Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. The antecedent of "her" is Babylon. She, Babylon, receives multiple plagues.

Now, Revelation 2:21 - 23 does indicate that "her children" (in this case Jezebel represents the false church) will suffer with her. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Richard Myers on July 17, 2012, 07:07:22 AM
Again, it appears that this is after probation closes, but not at the beginning, I don't think. It begins to get a little fuzzy as to the timing. The time of trouble such as never was is after probation closes.  I doubt that Babylon is destroyed immediately, but rather some time after the general plagues are poured out.  Not sure though. We are dealing with the transition between Daniel 11 and 12.

Revelation
 18:6   Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. 
  18:7   How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. 
  18:8   Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong [is] the Lord God who judgeth her. 
  18:9   And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, 
  18:10   Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. 
  18:11   And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: 
  18:12   The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, 
  18:13   And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. 
  18:14   And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. 
  18:15   The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 
  18:16   And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! 
  18:17   For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, 
  18:18   And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What [city is] like unto this great city! 
  18:19   And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. 
  18:20   Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. 
  18:21   And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast [it] into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. 
  18:22   And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft [he be], shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; 
  18:23   And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. 
  18:24   And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. 
 
Chapter 19

  19:1   And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: 
  19:2   For true and righteous [are] his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

Daniel

  11:40   And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. 
  11:41   He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many [countries] shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, [even] Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. 
  11:42   He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 
  11:43   But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians [shall be] at his steps. 
  11:44   But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. 
  11:45   And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. 
 
Chapter 12

  12:1   And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 


 


Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Mimi on July 17, 2012, 08:14:01 AM
The fifth plague begins at the seat of the beast.

Rev 16:10  And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,
Rev 16:11  And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

They are still feeling the effects of the preceding plagues.

Re: the timing of Satan's personation of Christ. It has been my understanding, too, that it is to happen prior to the close of probation simply for the "convincing effect" on those undecided; however, there is a statement that caught my eye that appears to have his counterfeit second coming while the saints are crying for deliverance in the great time of trouble:

One effort more, and then Satan's last device is employed. He hears the unceasing cry for Christ to come, for Christ to deliver them [saints]. This last strategy is to personate Christ, and make them think their prayers are answered.--Ms 16, 1884.

We can assume Jesus spoke of these things chronologically in Matthew 24. If that is the case, it appears Satan's personation will happen after probation closes. What say you?

Mat 24:7  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Mat 24:8  All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Mat 24:9  Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
Mat 24:10  And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Mat 24:11  And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:12  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Mat 24:13  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mat 24:14  And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Mat 24:15  When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
Mat 24:16  Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
Mat 24:17  Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
Mat 24:18  Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
Mat 24:19  And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
Mat 24:20  But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
Mat 24:21  For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mat 24:22  And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Great time of trouble such as never was.

Mat 24:23  Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
Mat 24:24  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.
Mat 24:25  Behold, I have told you before.
Mat 24:26  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.
Mat 24:27  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.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: ejclark on July 17, 2012, 03:57:19 PM
On my EGW CDRom, and if you don't have the cdrom you can do this at the whiteestate.org website, searching in the writings of Mrs. White, I typed in quotes "angel of light" and after the quote the word deceive.

It seems very evident to me that Satan appears as an angel of light to deceive during the small time of trouble, before the close of probation.  In one place Mrs. White states that if possible he will deceive the very elect.  If probation is closed and God's people are sealed, then where is the danger for God's elect?  If Satan is to come after probation closes, and the lost are lost and the saved are saved, then what's the big deal?
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Mimi on July 17, 2012, 04:53:50 PM
Yes, I saw that, too, ejc, and it describes the excitement he creates causing a false revival among the fallen churches.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: colporteur on July 17, 2012, 05:35:03 PM
On my EGW CDRom, and if you don't have the cdrom you can do this at the whiteestate.org website, searching in the writings of Mrs. White, I typed in quotes "angel of light" and after the quote the word deceive.

It seems very evident to me that Satan appears as an angel of light to deceive during the small time of trouble, before the close of probation.  In one place Mrs. White states that if possible he will deceive the very elect.  If probation is closed and God's people are sealed, then where is the danger for God's elect?  If Satan is to come after probation closes, and the lost are lost and the saved are saved, then what's the big deal?

That's the way I have seen it both logically and from inspiration. I believe it makes the most sence. However, for the sake of discussion and from another point of view it depends on when the Lord gives Satan that liberty. Satan is given different liberties at different times and some things he is never allowed to do such as coming in the sky as Christ. I don't even like to say this but if I were the devil I think I would come at a key time during the little time of trouble perhaps just before the end of it. However, Satan may or may not have that choice. Secondly, he does not believe God and holds out the hope that he can indeed deceive the very elect or else blot them from the earth. While he is cunning,sly, and deceptive he is not entirely rational. If he were he would just throw in the towel and suffer just a little bit less in the lake of fire. I still believe at this point that Satan will appear before the close of probation however certainly none of us are infallible. I was just voicing some thoughts that seem to make some sense from the other point of view.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Richard Myers on August 06, 2012, 08:13:31 AM
In my devotions this morning, I read The Time of Trouble in The Great Controversy. There it is made abundantly clear that the impersonation of Christ is after probation closes. CP and ej, I understand why you think it must be before, but you fail to understand that the great "testing time" is after probation closes. There is a purpose for the suffering of the saints after probation closes, otherwise they would not. God's ways are good and He never causes a saint to suffer needlessly.  But, suffer they will.  And, it is part of the controversy to have the great deception come to its height after probation closes. The "time of trouble" is not before, but after probation closes and it serves a very important purpose. It is a "day of trial" for God's children.  All may understand by reading this chapter.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: colporteur on August 06, 2012, 05:25:06 PM
  You mean Satan will "personate" Christ. That is the word she uses.  It is most clear that this chapter is not referring only to events that transpire after probation closes. For instance notice the paragrah headings leading up to the paragraph on Satan personating Christ.

Pagse  621-624.

" Those who exercise  but little faith now etc..."

" We should now aquaint ourselves with God by proving His promisies."

" The time of trouble such as never was, is soon to open upon us, etc..."

"Now, while our Great high Priest is making the atonement for us."

"Fearful sights of a supernatural character will soon be revealed  in the heavens etc..."

" As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ."
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: colporteur on August 06, 2012, 05:45:08 PM
My point is of course that though the chapter is entitled  " The Time of Trouble",  Mrs. White transitions from the present through the time of trouble.  I wonder if anyone has considered the possibility that Satan could begin personating Christ some time during the Sundaly law period before the plagues and continue doing so in the Time of Trouble. We are told that he will appear more than once. We are not told the time span of his appearings. I think we have tended to think his personatings will be in a very short time span but there is no reason that I can see from Inspiration that this must all happen within a few hours or days. We are not told how long or how man times he will appear.

We will soon see. 
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: colporteur on August 07, 2012, 05:27:30 AM
In my devotions this morning, I read The Time of Trouble in The Great Controversy. There it is made abundantly clear that the impersonation of Christ is after probation closes. CP and ej, I understand why you think it must be before, but you fail to understand that the great "testing time" is after probation closes. There is a purpose for the suffering of the saints after probation closes, otherwise they would not. God's ways are good and He never causes a saint to suffer needlessly.  But, suffer they will.  And, it is part of the controversy to have the great deception come to its height after probation closes. The "time of trouble" is not before, but after probation closes and it serves a very important purpose. It is a "day of trial" for God's children.  All may understand by reading this chapter.

The 144,000 will suffer much during the Time of Trouble irrespective of when Satan personates Christ. I'm wondering how they would suffer more if that personation was after probation closes. Their primary suffering is not because Satan appears but because they see so little good in their past lives, and because they wonder if somehow some sin has not been repented of and therefore they would not fully reflect the character of God. While they fear the death decree this is secondary. Already many many have been mayrtered before them during the Sunday Law period before probation closes. Like the three Hebrews they have already set their minds to suffer death if need be. This is not the principle cause of suffering.

Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Richard Myers on August 07, 2012, 07:17:19 AM
cp, I am not going by the chapter title.  I read the whole chapter in context, not looking for an answer to our question. The point being made is that there are reasons why great tests come to the 144,000.  The test for the close of probation is not the only time of great trial.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Mimi on August 07, 2012, 08:59:35 AM
Satan hears the saints crying for deliverance.


The fifth plague begins at the seat of the beast.

Rev 16:10  And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,
Rev 16:11  And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

They are still feeling the effects of the preceding plagues.

Quote from: Sybil's emphasis
Re: the timing of Satan's personation of Christ. It has been my understanding, too, that it is to happen prior to the close of probation simply for the "convincing effect" on those undecided; however, there is a statement that caught my eye that appears to have his counterfeit second coming while the saints are crying for deliverance in the great time of trouble:

One effort more, and then Satan's last device is employed. He hears the unceasing cry for Christ to come, for Christ to deliver them [saints]. This last strategy is to personate Christ, and make them think their prayers are answered.--Ms 16, 1884.

We can assume Jesus spoke of these things chronologically in Matthew 24. If that is the case, it appears Satan's personation will happen after probation closes. What say you?

Mat 24:7  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Mat 24:8  All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Mat 24:9  Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
Mat 24:10  And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Mat 24:11  And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:12  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Mat 24:13  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mat 24:14  And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Mat 24:15  When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
Mat 24:16  Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
Mat 24:17  Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
Mat 24:18  Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
Mat 24:19  And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
Mat 24:20  But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
Mat 24:21  For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mat 24:22  And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Great time of trouble such as never was.

Mat 24:23  Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
Mat 24:24  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.
Mat 24:25  Behold, I have told you before.
Mat 24:26  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.
Mat 24:27  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.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: colporteur on August 07, 2012, 10:45:27 AM
Sybil;

I think your SOP quote is more convincing than the TOT breaking point in Matthew 24, that is "if his last device" is in the Time of Trouble. The chapter break regarding the TOT could be between verse 26 and 27.

I will take a closer look at the SOP and the surrounding statements.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: colporteur on August 07, 2012, 11:54:32 AM
Sybil;

It appears as you have suggested in the SOP quote you posted.

What do you think about the chronology of the following.

" Satan Wll Be Deified"

In this age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law of God will be fully made void in the nations of our world. Rebellion against God's holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of light. Men will be deceived and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose, and to the apostate churches that unite in the exaltation of Satan, come in one day, death, and mourning and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judges her." TM 62 1893.
   

Would you say that this quote is miss titled and the anti christ spoken of here is not Satan but the papacy or that "Satan Deified" is not necessarily Satan personating ?
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Mimi on August 07, 2012, 02:01:43 PM
I would have to study it further but off the top of my head, I'd say it is a separate event. And I have learned to pay no attention to the supplied titles the Estate added to EGW's work.

We know there will be signs and wonders that will bring about a false revival among the fallen churches that will cause people to believe God is with them - miracles, healings, and who knows what else. Spirit of the dead will abound and at some point the false Christ will appear saying he changed the seventh-day Sabbath to Sunday. That appears to be before the close of probation and could affect change in the hearts of those to rush from all over the world to see him; however, the quote I gave earlier is his last ditch effort to hurt us who will be crying for deliverance. That is the personation I believe we are speaking of and cannot be anything else but a super short period before Christ himself comes in the clouds. It is obviously post probation and while I believe Matthew 24 is chronological, then the timing is nothing but perfect.

 
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Mimi on August 07, 2012, 02:20:02 PM
Sybil;

I think your SOP quote is more convincing than the TOT breaking point in Matthew 24, that is "if his last device" is in the Time of Trouble. The chapter break regarding the TOT could be between verse 26 and 27.


It could be.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Carla Hepker on August 07, 2012, 03:31:53 PM

We can assume Jesus spoke of these things chronologically in Matthew 24. If that is the case, it appears Satan's personation will happen after probation closes. What say you?

Mat 24:7  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Mat 24:8  All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Mat 24:9  Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
Mat 24:10  And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Mat 24:11  And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:12  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Mat 24:13  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mat 24:14  And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Mat 24:15  When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
Mat 24:16  Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
Mat 24:17  Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
Mat 24:18  Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
Mat 24:19  And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
Mat 24:20  But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
Mat 24:21  For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mat 24:22  And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Great time of trouble such as never was.

Mat 24:23  Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
Mat 24:24  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.
Mat 24:25  Behold, I have told you before.
Mat 24:26  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.
Mat 24:27  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.


I do not think that you can take these verses chronologically. For one thing, Jesus is talking about two different events. And some of the things apply to both events.

The tribulation spoken of in verse 22, that is shortened for the elect's sake, is the persecution that took place during the dark ages. After that tribulation, it says in verse 29, the sun was darkened, and the moon did not give her light, and the stars fell.

From the destruction of Jerusalem, Christ passed on rapidly to the greater event, the last link in the chain of this earth's history,--the coming of the Son of God in majesty and glory. Between these two events, there lay open to Christ's view long centuries of darkness, centuries for His church marked with blood and tears and agony. Upon these scenes His disciples could not then endure to look, and Jesus passed them by with a brief mention. "Then shall be great tribulation," He said, "such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." For more than a thousand years such persecution as the world had never before known was to come upon Christ's followers. Millions upon millions of His faithful witnesses were to be slain. Had not God's hand been stretched out to preserve His people, all would have perished. "But for the elect's sake," He said, "those days shall be shortened."  {DA 630.5}
     Now, in unmistakable language, our Lord speaks of His second coming, and He gives warning of dangers to precede His advent to the world. "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 show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. 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." As one of the signs of Jerusalem's destruction, Christ had said, "Many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." False prophets did rise, deceiving the people, and leading great numbers into the desert. Magicians and sorcerers, claiming miraculous power, drew the people after them into the mountain solitudes. But this prophecy was spoken also for the last days. This sign is given as a sign of the second advent. Even now false christs and false prophets are showing signs and wonders to seduce His disciples. Do we not hear the cry, "Behold, He is in the desert"? Have not thousands gone forth into the desert, hoping to find Christ? And from thousands of gatherings where men profess to hold communion with departed spirits is not the call now heard, "Behold, He is in the secret chambers"? This is the very claim that spiritism puts forth. But what says Christ? "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."  {DA 631.1}
     The Saviour gives signs of His coming, and more than this, He fixes the time when the first of these signs shall appear: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."  {DA 631.2}
     At the close of the great papal persecution, Christ declared, the sun should be darkened, and the moon should not give her light. Next, the stars should fall from heaven. And He says, "Learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that He is near, even at the doors." Matt. 24:32, 33, margin.  {DA 632.1}

Notice that Jesus passed over the events of that time by just saying that there would be great tribulation.

Then does not always have to indicate a progression of time, as in "after that". It could also indicate "at that time" - what ever time is being discussed in the verse.

Revelation 11:7 also supports this where it says And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

The persecution of the church did not continue throughout the entire period of the 1260 years. God in mercy to his people cut short the time of their fiery trial. In foretelling the "great tribulation" to befall the church, the Saviour said, "Except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved; but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." [MATT. 24:22.] Through the influence of the Reformation, the persecution was brought to an end prior to 1798. {GC 267}

So, based on the Desire of Ages and the Great Controversy, verses 23 - 29 happen after 1798. And the Great Tribulation referred to here in Matthew 24:21 and 22 has already taken place.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Mimi on August 07, 2012, 07:24:49 PM
Thanks, Carla. I will go back over it.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: colporteur on November 06, 2012, 04:38:04 PM
One effort more, and then Satan's last device is employed. He hears the unceasing cry for Christ to come, for Christ to deliver them [saints]. This last strategy is to personate Christ, and make them think their prayers are answered.--Ms 16, 1884.[/size]


Notice this quote too. 
" The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in out sight. So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them accept by the holy Scriptures..... " GC p. 593 1911


And yet here is another  " The very last deception of Satan will be  to make of none effect the Testimony of the Spirit of God. " Where there is no vision, the people perish." Proverbs 29:18. Satan will work ingeniously, in different ways and through different agencies to unsettle, the confidence of God's remnant people in the true testimonies."  I SM 41 1890


I do not believe there is a contradiction there. What do you think of two or three different events all being the last tricks of Satan, "Satan's last device/ last strategy", " the last great delusion",  "the very last deception".  Are some of these at different times or are they all incorporated together. I have not come to a conclusion yet and just wonder what others think.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: colporteur on August 20, 2018, 07:42:56 AM
What are your studied thoughts about when Satan will personate Christ, before or after the close of probation ? Could it be that since the devil will personae Christ multiple times that it may happen before and after probation closes both ?
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: thx4mercy on August 20, 2018, 09:25:28 AM
when Satan will personate Christ, before or after the close of probation ?

Doesn't seem that it would serve any purpose after probation closes.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Wally on August 20, 2018, 05:04:12 PM
I believe he will do it before the close of probation, because that will be the biggest deception, and only those who have a love of the truth and have fortified their minds with the truths of the Bible will avoid deception. But that doesn't mean he disappears after the close of probation, since he doesn't know when probation closes, and will want to egg is followers on in his attempt to destroy God's people.  I think his deception will continue until the very end.
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: Glen McCluskey on August 20, 2018, 07:09:20 PM
What are your studied thoughts about when Satan will personate Christ, before or after the close of probation ? Could it be that since the devil will personae Christ multiple times that it may happen before and after probation closes both ?

The SOP says that Satan's personation of Christ occurs after the close of probation.  Note the first and last paragraphs in the quote below.

The same can be derived from the GC discussion.  The chapter "The Time of Trouble" starts at GC 613, and the first paragraphs make clear that probation has closed at this point.  Then GC 624 talks about Satan's personation of Christ.

Even though probation has closed, this event is still a test for God's people, because the idea that they will not yield to Satan during this time is only theoretical, until the time of trouble actually occurs and they are put to the test.

Beyond this, there are earlier tests.  For example, the second quote below says that many people in the church today are welcoming Satan as a friend.

Quote
The apostle John in vision heard a loud voice in Heaven exclaiming, "Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time." [Revelation 12:12.] Fearful are the scenes which call forth this exclamation from the heavenly voice. The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction reaches its culmination in the time of trouble. God's long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected his mercy, despised his love, and trampled upon his law. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation, and the Lord withdraws his protection, and leaves them to the mercy of the leader they have chosen. Satan will have power over those who have yielded themselves to his control, and he will plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble. As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old.  {4SP 440.3}
 
A single angel destroyed all the first-born of the Egyptians, and filled the land with mourning. When David offended against God by numbering the people, one angel caused that terrible destruction by which his sin was punished. The same destructive power exercised by holy angels when God commands, will be exercised by evil angels when he allows. There are forces now ready, and only waiting the divine permission, to spread desolation everywhere.  {4SP 441.1}
 
Fearful sights of a supernatural character will soon be revealed in the heavens, in token of the power of miracle-working demons. The spirits of devils will go forth to the kings of the earth and to the whole
world. Rulers and subjects will be alike deceived. Persons will arise pretending to be Christ, and claiming the title and the worship which belong to the world's Redeemer. They will perform wonderful miracles of healing, and will profess to have revelations from Heaven contradicting the testimony of the Scriptures.  {4SP 441.2} 

As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will attempt to 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. [Revelation 1:13-15.] 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 personally upon the earth. His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle, compassionate tones he presents some of the same gracious, heavenly truths which the Saviour uttered; he heals the diseases of the people, and then, in his assumed character of Christ, he claims to have changed the Sabbath to Sunday, and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed. He declares that those who persist in keeping holy the seventh day are blaspheming his name by refusing to listen to his angels sent to them with light and truth. This is the strong, almost overmastering delusion. Like the Samaritans who were deceived by Simon Magus, the multitudes, from the least to the greatest, give heed to these sorceries, saying, This is "the great power of God."  {4SP 442.1}

Quote
The enemy is preparing for his last campaign against the church. He has so concealed himself from view that many can hardly believe that he exists, much less can they be convinced of his amazing activity and power. They have to a great extent forgotten his past record; and when he makes another advance move, they will not recognize him as their enemy, that old serpent, but they will consider him a friend, one who is doing a good work. Boasting of their independence they will, under his specious, bewitching influence, obey the worst impulses of the human heart and yet believe that God is leading them. Could their eyes be opened to distinguish their captain, they would see that they are not serving God, but the enemy of all righteousness. They would see that their boasted independence is one of the heaviest fetters Satan can rivet on unbalanced minds.  {5T 294.1}
Title: Re: False Christs
Post by: ejclark on August 23, 2018, 11:09:53 AM
I believe he will do it before the close of probation, because that will be the biggest deception, and only those who have a love of the truth and have fortified their minds with the truths of the Bible will avoid deception. But that doesn't mean he disappears after the close of probation, since he doesn't know when probation closes, and will want to egg is followers on in his attempt to destroy God's people.  I think his deception will continue until the very end.
I believe this is why it is of the utmost importance to be so very careful in what we allow our ears to hear and eyes to see. For people who will still be watching TV and youtube videos without a very discerning eye and ear will be at very high risk of being deceived as Eve was at the tree of knowledge of good and evil. A person should probably not be watching TV at all and be extremely selective of the videos they watch. Can never be too careful.