When shall false Christs arise? Are they here already? Or is this prophecy of Jesus still in the future? When we look for understanding from God’s word, one very important message must always be applied. Jesus said, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63)

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Your natural eye cannot see these things that Jesus spoke. Your natural ear cannot hear what saith the spirit. Carnal man cannot receive the understanding of the words of spirit.

Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) Understanding gives us spiritual vision, as the apostle Paul said, “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened.” (Ephesians 1:18)

The truth of the gospel can only be seen by the revelation of the spirit of truth. “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:10)

With these established words of truth as a foundation, let’s consider the statement that Jesus made. “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matthew 24:24)

It is not difficult to know what a false prophet looks like and sounds like, as we will see by the word. Listen to the warning of Jesus.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)

They have the outward appearance as one of the flock. An unclean spirit, disguised in a cloak of religion. Instead of bringing God’s people together in one mind and a common cause, they divide, scatter, and devour the sheep with opposing doctrines that are skillfully mixed with the gospel. Such deceivers usually have a personality that attracts people. Look at some of the “mega churches” that continually beg money, convincing their congregations that their support will gain them huge returns. Leaving the impression that it’s God’s will for them to seek after and store up earthly treasures. But this teaching opposes the words of Jesus, our Lord.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

When the apostle Peter healed the lame man, he said, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6) Peter had heavenly treasures more precious than all the treasures of the world.

False prophets are ministers of Satan, but he has completely blinded their minds to the truth, and they believe that they do the will of God. “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15) These, as well as many others, are the ones to whom Jesus spoke these words, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:23)

So then, a false prophet looks like a preacher of righteousness. He sounds like he is preaching the gospel. He will shake your hand and pat you on the back, and make you feel good. But he teaches for doctrines the commandments of men. How do we know the difference? This is why it is so very important that we study and understand the written word of God. If we know the truth of the gospel, it’s easy to detect the lies of Satan.

Not only false prophets, but Jesus also said there shall arise false Christs. The only true son of God that died for our sins is called the word of God. As John said, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14) And again in Revelation 19:13, “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” The word revealed to you is, Jesus revealed to you.

Deceived preachers only see these things in the natural state, and forget what Jesus said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit.” False Christs are here now, but still they look to the future.

Jesus Christ is the truth. The truth of God’s word presented to you is the true Christ presented to you. If you follow the truth, you follow Christ.

But if a deceived preacher or teacher twists and confuses the gospel, mixing in manmade doctrines and religious traditions all in “the name of Jesus,” he has presented a false image of Christ by misrepresenting the truth that Jesus preached. He has raised up a false Christ. For every false doctrine taught in the name of Christ, a false Christ is raised up, and they are many. “If it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.“

All that the ministers of Satan (who seem to be ministers of righteousness) can offer is a false Christ because they don’t know the true one. They attempt to put doctrine in the mouth of Jesus that he didn’t teach.

Jesus said “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)

He warns us that they come in my name, calling me Lord. They say that “I, Jesus” am Christ, but they deceive many with their worldly doctrines and deceiving spirits. Many spirits in many people claim to be the spirit of Christ and they deceive many, because they have never known the truth, which is Christ. And the world doesn’t know the difference.

The majority of religious people in our nation call Jesus, Lord. They want to gain eternal life, but they want to do so their own way. They like the broad, easy doctrines of the world, which include almost everything and everybody, more than the truth. “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.” (2 Thessalonians 2:11)

If you insist, God will let you believe false doctrine and will send you a beguiling spirit to persuade you that all is well. He will let you follow a false Christ. Only the truth will make you free.