The Warning of Deception
In Luke 17:23, Jesus warns His disciples: "People will tell you, ‘Look, there is the Son of Man,’ or ‘Here he is,’ but don’t go out and follow them." This admonition is part of a broader discourse where Jesus prepares His followers for the challenges they will face in His physical absence. He emphasizes the importance of discernment and vigilance, especially concerning claims about His return.
The desire for Christ's return is profound among His followers. In Luke 17:22, Jesus acknowledges this longing: "Then he said to his disciples, 'The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.'" This yearning can make believers susceptible to deception, as they might be inclined to accept false claims about His return.
Matthew 24:24 further elaborates on the nature of these deceptions: "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." This verse underscores the potency of the deceptions that will arise, capable of misleading even the most devout believers.
However, Jesus assures His followers that His return will be unmistakable. In Luke 17:24, He states: "For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other." This vivid imagery conveys the suddenness and visibility of His return, leaving no room for doubt or secrecy.
The apostles also emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers into truth. In John 14:17, Jesus describes the Spirit: "The Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." This indwelling presence serves as a safeguard against deception.
Paul reinforces this in 2 Corinthians 1:22: "Set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." Similarly, Ephesians 1:13–14 states: "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory." These passages highlight the Holy Spirit's role as a guarantee of our salvation and a guide in discerning truth.
Jesus continues His warning in Matthew 24:26: "So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it." This caution against secretive claims about His return reinforces the idea that His coming will be evident to all.
The Gospels of Mark and Matthew also record similar warnings. Mark 13:21 states: "At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it." Matthew 24:23 echoes this: "At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it." These consistent messages across the synoptic Gospels emphasize the importance of skepticism towards claims of Christ's return that do not align with His teachings.
In Luke 21:8, Jesus provides a direct warning: "He replied: 'Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them." This admonition serves as a clear directive to remain vigilant and not be swayed by impostors.
Understanding these scriptures is crucial in preventing individuals from falling prey to cults or false teachings. By internalizing Jesus' warnings and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers can navigate the complexities of faith with discernment and steadfastness.
The teachings of Jesus and the apostles provide a robust framework for understanding and anticipating the challenges that come with awaiting Christ's return. By adhering to these teachings, believers can safeguard themselves against deception and remain faithful until the day of His unmistakable return.