The “Great Deception” Deception!

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matthew 24: 4,5

Interesting title huh? The “Great Deception” Deception!

Well it is true folks! There is a huge false teaching today about what the “Great Deception” really is!

In this passage of scripture, Jesus warns us that in the last days, we must take HEED that no man deceives us.

Today, I still hear prophecy “experts” say that this passage is referring to false cult leaders who will say that they are actually “Jesus Christ” in the flesh.

Or a prophecy teacher might say that this passage refers to the Anti-Christ who will claim to be “Christ” and deceive many.

One problem with this teaching, it is WRONG!

Brethren, there is so much “traditions of men” in end time Bible prophecy teaching these days!

I am so surprised when I see end time prophecy error being perpetuated and echoed by ministers who are too lazy to actually study the Bible for themselves!

The popular interpretation of this passage is so erroneous that it is almost silly. Allow me to explain.

But first let me ask you a question, “When was the last time that you were tempted to follow a human being because you thought that he might be Jesus Christ?”

Is this a regular temptation that you battle with? Of course not!

In fact, how many individuals can you actually count that would fit this description and are guilty of claiming to be being “Jesus”? Well let’s think about that!

Okay let’s see we have:
Jim Jones – Remember him? The whack job that took people down to Guyana in the 1970’s and had over 900 people commit mass suicide. He said that he was Christ.
The “Fake” Rev. Moon
Jose Luis de Jesus guy in Florida – he claims to be Jesus.
David Koresh – Waco, Texas

Now out of this whole list, two of the people are dead; Jim Jones and David Koresh. So the ones left are Mr. Moon and Jose Luis, there might be a few others but these two are the most popular that I am aware of.

Now I ask you brethren, and be honest, how many of you have been tempted to follow Mr. Moon’s teachings or Jose Luis’?

I would have to guess that almost none of you!

Now let’s consider the “Anti-Christ”, If you were to see a man rise up that has political popularity and start exhibiting some signs of being “the son of perdition”, how many of you fear that you would find yourself fighting the temptation to follow him?

Again, I would have to guess, mostly none of you. Why, because we have all been taught so much about that guy!

So, that leaves us in a little bit of a quandary about this passage of scripture. Jesus warned that, “many would be deceived!” Many folks!

The original Greek word for ‘many” in that text is “polus”. Do you know what “polus” means? It means; many or a multitude.

And based on what we just reviewed, cult leaders do not seem to fit the bill entirely for fulfilling this warning by Jesus. Now am I saying that the men that I just mentioned are not guilty of Jesus’ warning? Of course not, they are guilty! But, I am also saying that there has to be a deeper meaning to this warning passage.

Now in order to arrive at biblical truth, we need to word study actual passages of scripture. So let’s do that.

The passage of scripture says,

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matthew 24: 4,5

“For many shall” - many = “polus” it means MANY shall do this. Our list of the evil men only had four names mentioned. That is not many.
“in my name” – that would be, In the name of Jesus.
“saying, I am Christ” – Greek word for Christ = “Christos” this word means = “Anointed”

So brethren let us now look at this passage using the root meanings;

For many shall come “in the name of Jesus” saying I am “anointed” and deceive many.

Now folks, this is an entirely different view point isn’t it.

So here is! The Watchman’s translation for you;

In the last days there will be many people out there behind pulpits claiming to be Christian ministers (in the name of Jesus) and will say, “ I’m anointed” and will then give a deceptive message to the people! And the people will swallow it up, hook line and sinker!

Brethren, I submit to you that we are witnessing this very thing RIGHT NOW!

There are many multitudes of wolves are out there totally deceiving God’s People! They are out there in so many different flavors.

Some are part of the watered down “Purpose Driven” mega-church movement!
Some are part of the false prosperity gospel!
Some are part of the ‘Signs and Wonders” Charismatic deception that makes a mockery of seeking holiness and turns “The Supernatural” in a “Golden Calf!

In conclusion; we are indeed in “the time of sorrows.”

We are witnessing the list of birth pangs right now, brethren;

”And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

"All these are the beginning of sorrows.” Matthew 24:6-8

And let us now also include the preceeding verse;

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many." Matthew 24: 4,5

The picture is becoming more complete before our very eyes brethren!

Prepare your hearts with God.

Get your houses in order!

Nathan Leal – A Watchman