Here is something I believe we all need to think about. I feel a strong need to mention this with all the talk about the Left Behind series, and opinions of the "anichrist", the UN, etc.
Would most agree that before the 'end' there will be a falling away?
What about false teachers and false prophets with signs and wonders to deceive even the elect if that were possible?
People talk about a man becoming ruler of the entire earth and instituting a one world religion. If even the elect could be deceived, if possible, why do so many believe the people of the world will stand in line to get 666 stamped on the foreheads or hands? If any of this begins wouldn't even the casual observer say "hey, doesn't the Bible say something about this?" How many non-believers have seen movies about the end from Left Behind to the Omen?
Some will respond: But they won't understand. God won't allow them to know the truth. OK. Keep that in mind.
Is it possible that the falling away or apostasy begins in Christian churches? Hear me out please. If the whole world can be deceived to worship this one man and receive his mark, why can't churches be deceived and preach false gospels and perform counterfeit miracles and believe they are following Christ? Are we not warned about people saying "Here is Christ, There is Christ!" by Jesus himself? He told us not to believe them.
But we 'know' we are right. Do we? Would anyone disagree that there are many churches practicing dubious doctrines? How can we be totally immune from deception? Remember the Judaizers in Galatians. Paul (through God) wrote that they even led Barnabas astray. I know we are all seen as perfect through Christ, but how many of us have faith as strong as Barnabas?
I think that's why we are to be on watch at all times. It's very easy to stumble.
Please don't accuse me of being a heretic. I am not attacking anyone personally. I am also not saying that all churches are churches of Satan. And I am not predicting Christ's return. And I am not looking to start a new cult or anything else subversive. I'm just an average person looking for truth.
I look forward to discussion on this topic and others. Thanks to all.
Eric
Would most agree that before the 'end' there will be a falling away?
What about false teachers and false prophets with signs and wonders to deceive even the elect if that were possible?
People talk about a man becoming ruler of the entire earth and instituting a one world religion. If even the elect could be deceived, if possible, why do so many believe the people of the world will stand in line to get 666 stamped on the foreheads or hands? If any of this begins wouldn't even the casual observer say "hey, doesn't the Bible say something about this?" How many non-believers have seen movies about the end from Left Behind to the Omen?
Some will respond: But they won't understand. God won't allow them to know the truth. OK. Keep that in mind.
Is it possible that the falling away or apostasy begins in Christian churches? Hear me out please. If the whole world can be deceived to worship this one man and receive his mark, why can't churches be deceived and preach false gospels and perform counterfeit miracles and believe they are following Christ? Are we not warned about people saying "Here is Christ, There is Christ!" by Jesus himself? He told us not to believe them.
But we 'know' we are right. Do we? Would anyone disagree that there are many churches practicing dubious doctrines? How can we be totally immune from deception? Remember the Judaizers in Galatians. Paul (through God) wrote that they even led Barnabas astray. I know we are all seen as perfect through Christ, but how many of us have faith as strong as Barnabas?
I think that's why we are to be on watch at all times. It's very easy to stumble.
Please don't accuse me of being a heretic. I am not attacking anyone personally. I am also not saying that all churches are churches of Satan. And I am not predicting Christ's return. And I am not looking to start a new cult or anything else subversive. I'm just an average person looking for truth.
I look forward to discussion on this topic and others. Thanks to all.
Eric