“How do you think that the great deceiver works? Does he show up in a hideous looking devil’s suit? What would be a good way for Satan to get a foot in the door of the church and many would not know it?” – Roger Oakland
Commentary by Roger Oakland
Understand the Times
Many have asked the question: how is it possible that End Times apostasy can sweep the world so quickly in these Last Days and so few see that it is happening? There is only one way to understand this phenomenon. The Bible foretells this would happen (Matthew 24: 3-4). Now that we are witnessing End Times spiritual deception fewer and fewer Bible professing Christians see what is taking place.
When discerning believers confront their pastors or church leaders about the apostasy happening in their churches where they have worshiped for many years, they are often told to leave and go somewhere else. This “get out or shut up” attitude is common and follows a pattern. The teaching of the Word and the love of God once in fellowships of believers has got up and gone. How sad it is to see what is happening to the church of Jesus Christ in our time.
Over the past three months, I have had the opportunity to meet with numerous brothers and sisters located in five different cities throughout North America. These people represent Christians who have been asked to leave the churches they once attended. All were serious Bible believing Christians who love the Lord and His Word. The churches they attended have all “gone south” by accepting postmodern “googly-gook” promoted by the emerging church/purpose driven movement. All of them have asked me the same question: how did it happen that strong delusion crept in so quickly?
The answer to this dilemma can only be understood in light of the Bible. The purpose of this commentary will be to try to explain what is happening from a biblical perspective, why this is happening, and where things are headed in the future. We know that the Word of God is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching and for correction (2 Timothy 3: 16). We live in a day and age when God’s Word is ignored or annihilated. We need to stand firm on the Word and proclaim it.
Two Kingdoms
The Bible clearly describes a spiritual battle raging all around us (Ephesians 6: 12). Two kingdoms are in this battle: the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan (Colossians 1: 13). God’s Kingdom is associated with light (Acts 26: 18). God’s Word is light and exposes darkness (Psalms 119:105). Satan’s agenda is to hide the light and to promote darkness (Revelation 16:10). God’s light will set us free from the wiles of the devil if we accept what God has revealed to us and act upon it accordingly (Psalms 119: 130). Satan’s kingdom is always associated with darkness. The Bible states that men like darkness more than they like light (John 3:19). The light of God shines into the darkness so that men can be saved, but men choose darkness over light (John 12:35). Even believers are not immune from Satan’s plan and they can be used as tools of deception because Satan is the one who deceives the whole world (Revelation 12:9).
Therefore, in the Last Days both unbelievers and believers will be the target of Satan’s agenda. He wants to deceive the whole world, as he is the god of this world. Apostasy involves seducing those who once believed and deceiving them so they become part of the problem rather than the solution. Rather than warning others that the end is near and that the antichrist is at the door, they actually promote the lie that there is a PEACE Plan authored by man (I Thessalonians 5:3) These are the perilous times that Paul warned about (2 Timothy 3:1).
According to the Bible, the battle for the truth will intensify in the last days. If the Word of God is light and Satan’s kingdom is darkness, then it is easy to see what is happening. Satan has an agenda to attack the Word of God. One way he does this is through human manipulation. If he can make God’s Word the word of man and the pope’s word the “word of a god,” he will have succeeded. This is the goal of the Jesuits who are still operating throughout the world to bring the separated brethren back to the mother of all churches with headquarters in Rome.
While this agenda may seem far-fetched, you will find this plan explained in the Bible. One man will eventually rule the world with a system of control. The pope and his throne in Rome and a man who sets up his throne in the temple in Jerusalem certainly seem to provide the scenario the Bible foretells will happen. If you pay attention to current events, it is very close to happening right now! Click here to continue reading.
Also check out this news alert from Understand the Times:
Newt Gingrich and Calvary Chapel – Connections That Beg Answers
