Word@Work 157 - Mark 13:21-23
Published: Wed, 07/02/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 13:21-23 At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect - if that were possible. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time. (NIV)
It is in the nature of Satan to pursue his evil activities, right up until the day that Christ returns. Indeed Revelation 12:12 says, "Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short." (NIV)
Part of his terminal evil work is to invent substitute Christs. There will be no shortage of experts, purveying false spirituality, and they will try to invade and seduce the churches. Even some who would consider themselves Christians may be led astray. So we now come to the third 'be on your guard/watch' (in v.23) of this chapter (cf vv.5,9). As before, it is not a personal security alert - like an air raid siren commanding us to take cover: it is the need to guard ourselves, lest our gullibility and sentimentality about religion leaves us open to believe what is false about God's Son.
A good start is important in every race, but a good finish is essential. Paul's question reinforces this in Galatians 5:7 - "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?" (NIV). The Bible is our only objective reference point, and the church discards it at its peril - even eternal peril. Whatever the trendy theologians may say, stick to God's Word, and the Jesus who died for you will see you safely home.
Prayer: Loving God. Thank You for warning me about the malicious attempts of Satan to drag me away from Your truth. Help me to be properly alert, and to check every 'spiritual' idea against Your written Word of truth - so that I will not be deceived. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
It is in the nature of Satan to pursue his evil activities, right up until the day that Christ returns. Indeed Revelation 12:12 says, "Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short." (NIV)
Part of his terminal evil work is to invent substitute Christs. There will be no shortage of experts, purveying false spirituality, and they will try to invade and seduce the churches. Even some who would consider themselves Christians may be led astray. So we now come to the third 'be on your guard/watch' (in v.23) of this chapter (cf vv.5,9). As before, it is not a personal security alert - like an air raid siren commanding us to take cover: it is the need to guard ourselves, lest our gullibility and sentimentality about religion leaves us open to believe what is false about God's Son.
A good start is important in every race, but a good finish is essential. Paul's question reinforces this in Galatians 5:7 - "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?" (NIV). The Bible is our only objective reference point, and the church discards it at its peril - even eternal peril. Whatever the trendy theologians may say, stick to God's Word, and the Jesus who died for you will see you safely home.
Prayer: Loving God. Thank You for warning me about the malicious attempts of Satan to drag me away from Your truth. Help me to be properly alert, and to check every 'spiritual' idea against Your written Word of truth - so that I will not be deceived. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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