Nearly every one of the New Testament writers warn their intended readers about a time of falling away and great deception that is to come. Through the words they write, it is clear that this time will be a time of great deception in which many who are in Christ will fall way from their devotion to God and give heed to the false prophets who will abound during this time. Through the warnings provided in the New Testament, it is clear that this will be a time of great darkness.
Now, an important question to ask is this: is this a season that has yet to start, or is this a season that has already began. This is an important question because of the serious consequences it could have. You see? If we can conclude that this time of falling away and deception has not yet begun, then it is possible that the things we have been taught and believe are good and true. But on the other hand, if it can be definitely established that we have been living our lives during the time of darkness and deception foretold by the New Testament writers, then we have to pause and ask ourselves whether or not it is possible that everything we have been taught is false. If it can be definitely established that we are living in the day of darkness and deception, then we each have to ask ourselves whether or not it possible that maybe we too are deceived.
I realize that this world is full of things to grab your attention. I realize that the last thing you want to do is read something that on the surface appears quite dull. However, if you will be honest with yourself, you will have to admit that this is a pretty important issue. After all, is it not an issue with eternal consequences? Because of the importance of this issue, I hope you will at least make a reasonable attempt to read this writing that you now have before you.
Is it The Last Time?
Part 1: The Evidence
Exhibit A: 1st Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (2) Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
What does this passage definitely establish? This passage establishes the fact that at some point after it was written, a time of departing from the faith would come. According to this passage, this would be a time in which many would begin listening to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. This passage established the fact that there will be both seducing spirits and people giving heed to these seducing spirits. This passage also establishes the fact that this will happen in the “latter times.”
What does this passage fail to establish? This passage fails to establish a definite time frame in which this would occur. While this passage tells us that this will happen in the “latter times,” is does not provide us with enough information to definitely establish exactly when the “latter times” would begin. The limited information in this verse makes it possible to only guess. One person could argue that it would happen soon, and another could argue that it would happen much later; however, neither person would be able to prove their case based upon the previous passage alone
Exhibit B: 2nd Timothy 3:1-5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (4)Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
What does this passage definitely establish? This passage establishes the fact that a future season will come in which men will become ungodly in every way. Paul says that this will happen in the “last days.”
For the words of this passage to have their full effect, you have to realize that Paul is not speaking about the secular world here (for the secular world has always had these traits), but rather, Paul is speaking about men who once belonged to the household of God. Once you understand this, you can see that Paul is once again speaking of a time of falling away. He refers to this time as a perilous time (perilous = dangerous, unsafe, hazardous, risky, terrifying).
Since Paul uses the words “latter times” in the first passage (1st Timothy 4:1-2) and the similar term “last days” in the above passage, it seems safe to make the conclusion that these are the same seasons described in different ways.
What does this passage fail to establish? Just as before, this passage fails to establish exactly when this would take place. The only thing we can know for sure is that this will happen in a season referred to as the “last days.” However, the passage does not provide enough additional information to establish exactly when these “last days” will begin. Based on the information given, one cannot be certain as to whether or not they will begin sooner or later.
Exhibit C: 2nd Timothy 4:1-4 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; (2) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
What does this passage definitely establish? This passage establishes that fact that at some point after it was written a time would come in which people would no longer listen to sound doctrine. At that time, people will begin to listen to teachers who say the things that they want to hear. Based upon the information provided, we can also make the indirect conclusion that there will be both false teachers, as well as foolish people who will listen to these false teachers. We can also conclude from this passage that these same people who are listening to false teachers are people who at one time knew the truth. This can be established with verse four which says – and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. That fact that they are turning away from the truth seems to me a strong indication that they once knew the truth.
I would also say it is safe to conclude that the dark season described above is the same as the seasons of “falling away” that have been described in the previous two passages.
What does this passage fail to establish? Once again, this passage fails to establish a definite time frame in which one can expect this to happen. However, this passage is different from the previous two passages in that is appears to give a hint that this is going to happen sooner than later. This “hint” I am referring to is the urgency I sense in Paul’s writing. As I read Paul’s mandate to Timothy to preach the gospel, I get a strong impression that Paul feels that the time in which true preaching will be received is very short. Based upon this passage of scripture, I would guess the coming season of “falling away” was going to happen sooner instead of later.
However, with that said, I must admit that this is just my observation. Others may not sense this urgency that I sense in this passage.
Exhibit D: 2nd Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
What does this passage definitely establish? Like the others, this passage establishes the fact that after it was written a time would come in which false prophets would invade the household of God. It also established the fact that many would follow after their destructive ways.
In this passage it is Peter who is speaking instead of Paul. However, it seems likely that this season of “false prophets” is the same as the dark seasons previously described by Paul.
What does this passage fail to establish? Just as before, this passage fails to establish a time frame in which this can be expected to happen. The only thing this passage establishes is the fact that it will happen at some future point after it was written.
A Quick Summary: So far we have read four different passages. And each of them either speak about an invasion of false prophets, false teachers, and seducing spirits, or they speak about people who were at one time members of the household of God turning away from the truth and giving heed to these false teachers (I realize that the passage from 2nd Timothy, chapter three doesn’t really mention false teacher and people giving heed to them. However, I am certain that it is related in that it is describing the fruit that is being produced because of these things).
While each of these passages definitely state that such thing will occur after they were written, none of them provide enough information to establish when they would occur.
Let’s move on. But let me first urge you to begin paying closer attention.
Exhibit E: Acts 20:17, 28-31 --- (17) And from Miletus he (Paul) sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church (and he said to them)….(28) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (29) For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. (30) Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them (31) Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
What does this passage definitely establish? This passage establishes the fact that a time will come in which grievous wolves are going to enter the household of God. It is established that these wolves will not spare the flock of God. It establishes the fact that some will be drawn to follow these “wolves.”
It is my belief that the time of “grievous wolves” referred to here is firmly connected to the seasons mentioned in the previous passages. Just as the other passages talk about false teachers, Paul once again in this passage makes a reference to perverted teachings. Because of this, I feel certain that this is just one more reference to the same season that Paul and Peter have described elsewhere.
Now, if I am correct in this assumption (which I am confident I am), then this passage is elevated to a place of critical importance. It is important because this is the first passage that provides a couple pieces of information which prove to be helpful in establishing an approximate start time for the dark season we have been warned about.
The first piece of helpful information is the fact that Paul says this will begin after his departure (vs. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you).
The first question to ask here is whether Paul was talking about his immediate departure from the location of Miletus or whether he was speaking of his departure from this life (his death). Since the answer to this question is not really of utmost importance, I will not spend a lot of time making my case. However, based upon the context of his other writings, I feel pretty certain that Paul was speaking about his death. And so, if that be true, we can now begin to consider the possibility that just maybe this dark season has been well underway for over 1900 years. For if it began shortly after the death of Paul, and if Paul has been dead for over 1900 years, then we can conclude the world has been living in this dark season for just as long.
While this piece of information is helpful, I must admit that it is not solid and conclusive. It lacks a little bit of substance because it doesn’t say how soon after his departure this would occur. Some could argue that Paul meant two years after his departure and some could argue that he meant 3000 years. However, neither of these arguers could prove their case. For this reason, I can only call this piece of information “helpful.”
However, this passage does include one additional piece of information. And this additional piece of information isn’t just helpful, but rather it seems to me as if it is quite solid in helping to establish a time frame in which this dark season could be expected to begin.
If you look at verse 30, you will notice that as Paul is speaking to the elders from Ephesus, he tells them that some of the very men to whom he is currently speaking will begin to stray and speak perverse things in order to draw disciples after themselves
Acts 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Based on this statement, it seems only logical to conclude that if some of the very men to whom Paul was speaking were to become false teacher and prophets who would play a role in the warned about dark season, then we can conclude for sure that the dark season began in their lifetime. And so, if it began in their lifetime, and they lived over 1900 years ago, the only possible conclusion is that the past 1900 years have been years in which false teachers, false prophets and deception have flourished on this earth.
Now, if everything I just stated is correct, then that obviously means that each of us alive today have spent our entire lives living in days in which false teaching and deception abound. And if that is truly the case, shouldn’t everyone reading this be drawn to pause and examine themselves and question as to whether or not they are possibly deceived? Now, of course your first instinct is going to be to say that there is no way you are deceived. If you are as I was just eight years ago, then you certainly don’t feel deceived. Instead, you probably feel quite certain that you know truth. However, does your confidence automatically exclude the possibility that you are deceived? Of course not! No one who is deceived actually feels deceived. For if the deceived person felt deceived then certainly they would step out of that deception. No. The problem with deception is just that… it’s deception. And when you yourself are deceived, you will have no knowledge to that fact.
With this all said, skeptics may argue that my case is rather week. Some may insist that I am simply misapplying scripture to make it mean what I want it to mean. However, while you are welcome to express your opinions, you should first probably be aware that I am not yet done presenting my case. No. I have one more piece of evidence. However, this evidence is quite different from the others in that it is quite solid and conclusive. And at the risk of turning off some of my readers, I have to honestly say that I see no way to deny this evidence except to deny scripture itself. Let’s now look at exhibit F.
Exhibit F: 1st John 2:18-19 & 26-27 --- (18) Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. (19) They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us…. (26) These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. (27) But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
What does this passage establish? If you look at verse 18, you will notice a sharp contrast between what John says in comparison to the warnings that were given in the previous passages by Paul and Peter. In the previous passages, Paul and Peter warn about a future time of darkness to come. In one of the passages, Paul referred to that season as “the latter times.” In another passage, Paul referred to it as “the last days.” However, it both instances, it was referred to in a future tense. But, if you look you will see that John is not using future tense speech to warn about the deception in the latter times. Instead, John is using present tense speech. John is not saying that a time of darkness and deception is coming; instead, John is telling his readers that the time of darkness had arrived.
John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
Can you see the sharp difference between the warnings from the other writers and the warning from John? While the other writers said “It’s coming! It’s coming!” John says “It’s here! It’s here!”
Do I have anyone’s attention yet?
It is clear in this passage that John is telling his readers that the dark season they had often been warned about had arrived. He told them that the evidence that it had arrived was the great number of false teachers (or anti-Christ) that were running rampant. Based upon this passage of John, one can logically conclude that his readers had been warned about a day of darkness and deception. They apparently had been told that this time would be marked by the presence of many false teachers. So John uses this common knowledge to alert his readers that it had become officially obvious the last times they had been warned about were now upon them.
Fully recognizing that these dark days were now upon them, and realizing how strong the deception was going to be, John makes a very drastic proclamation. The proclamation was simply the fact that the days in which God’s children would learn from teachers were over.
John 2:26-27 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. (27) But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Since the birth of the Church on Pentecost until the time of the writing of John’s letter, God provided teachers to nurture and instruct his children. However, John let his readers know that those days were over. He told his readers that they no longer needed teachers to teach them. Instead, he told them that they could now trust the Spirit of God that was in them to lead them and guide them.
Why does John make this proclamation? Simple! He makes it because he knows that the days ahead are going to be so dark and deceptive, that it will be very hard to tell those who know the truth from those who don’t. So in order to protect those to whom he is writing, he simply tells them that they no longer need anyone to teach them but instead to trust the one who is in them to lead them and guide them. This proclamation assures his readers that they at least won’t be led astray by listening to the teachings of others who have already been deceived.
Please Note: He in no way told his readers to disregard all they had previously been taught. Instead he was instructing them that they didn’t need to pay any regard to future teachers and there teachings.
Part 2: Responding to the Evidence
Look closely at all I have written. Have I made anything up? No! Everything I have shared is clearly written in the pages of the book you claim to hold as the source of truth. Nothing has been twisted or hyped to make more of it than it really is. The fact that several New Testament writers spoke of a future time of falling away and spiritual deception is just that – it is a fact of scripture. Also, the fact that John wrote that those days had arrived is also just that – a fact of scriptures. And finally, the fact that John told his readers that teachers were no longer necessary is also just that – a fact clearly expressed in the pages of the book you claim to be truth. And so, with these facts firmly established in scripture, do we not have some very serious questions to ask ourselves?
The most obvious question I can think to ask involves the great institution that exist on this earth that calls herself the church. What exactly is this institution?
If John knew that the days of deception were going to be so intense that he frees his readers (and I believe actually encourages them) to ignore all who claim to have authority as teachers, then what in the world is this great institution that week after week claims authority to teach and instruct people regarding the things of the one true God. Considering all the evidence that has been laid out before you, it is more likely that this institution is God’s institution for proclaiming truth, or is it more likely that this great empire is a source from which deception has flourished throughout the earth. In light of all we have just read, do you think the apostle John would encourage you to attend and give your attention and loyalty to such a place, or do you think that he would tell you to run for your life?
Despite all that I have written, I truly doubt that anyone reading this will give even a moment’s consideration to the possibility that the institution who calls herself the church is really the great vehicle for which the great deception is spread throughout the earth. I am sure it is very hard to wrap your mind around the idea that the institution you find lovely and Godly is in reality nothing more than a warehouse of lies leading to damnation. Yes, I realize that this is a very hard thought to even consider, but I ask, what if this is the truth?
What if God placed this great institution on the earth to test and try his people? What if God uses this great institution to separate the wheat from the chaff? Just maybe He knows that those who truly love and trust him with every fiber of their being will cling to His word above all else, and as such a person clings to His word they will discover for themselves how blatantly opposed this institution truly is to the truth of His word. And as a result, this person will flee this institution at the risk of great disapproval and persecution from the people they used to fellowship within it. So when all is said and done, this person has passed the great test that God laid out to separate the wise from the foolish and the faithful from the unfaithful.
“Craziness!” you say. “God would never do such a thing.” “God would never intentionally lay stumbling blocks by which people could be deceived.”
Well, if you’re talking about the God you have come to know through the teaching of the “church” institution, then you are correct. However, if you are talking about the God who created heaven and earth, the God who is revealed in scripture, then you are wrong. For scripture makes it clear that God does exactly this.
Deuteronomy 13:1-4 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, (2) And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them. (3) Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. (4) Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.
The above makes is apparent that God allowed the false prophet to perform a convincing wonder while at that same time speaking a lie. God allowed this in order to test the sincerity of the His people. Would His people cling to what the Lord said to be true, or would the follow the deception of the false prophet?
Another example of this is in Judges 2:20-22. God chooses not to drive out all the previous residents of the promise land in order to use them to test Isreal as to whether or not they will be faithful to God or not.
Judges 2:20-22 And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel; and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice; (21) I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died: (22) That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.
So you see, the very book you claim to hold as truth testifies to the fact that God does intentionally allow stumbling blocks to exist in order to test and prove the loyalty of His children.
While I don’t ask you to jump to an immediate conclusion that the institution you hold dear is actually a warehouse of deception and lies, I do suggest that you at least ask yourself, “What if it is?”
What if the days of falling away and deception began over 1900 years ago?
What if the institution that calls herself the church is the great promoter of this deception?
What if the beliefs you hold dear are in reality well-crafted lies designed to give you a false security that all is well between you and God.
What if God allowed all of this to separate the wheat from the chaff and you are being proved as chaff?
How do you respond to this?
I don’t write unto you in order to call you out of the institutionalized “church.” For leaving her in your current condition would accomplish nothing.
[I know a great number of people who have left the modern institutionalized church who are no better off than those who are still firmly connected to her. For these who have left the modern version of the institutionalized church still hold her earlier version dear to their hearts. They still hold her doctrines dear and revere the men of old who taught them these doctrines. Though they proclaim their disgust at the current style this lady has adopted, they are still very much unknowingly under her spell.]
However, I do write unto you to encourage you to sincerely turn your heart and love towards the great God of this universe. For if you will sincerely turn your heart and love toward Him, if you will seek Him with nothing less than your whole heart, then He will reveal Himself to you. He will try you and test you as you have never been tested, but once you have proved yourself faithful, He will give you the greatest gift imaginable – the gift of son-ship. And once you are made his son, He will teach you great things through His word. He will teach you the basics of the gospel through which He miraculously made you his son. He will also teach you who this great empire that calls herself the church really is. But as it is now, the only reason you fail to understand these things is because you fail to have a heart that is 100 percent turned towards the great God of this universe. May today be the last day of your foolish apathy and rebellion towards God.
Final Note:
Once upon a time I was deceived. I confidently believed something as truth that later proved itself to be a lie. Because of the strength of my deception, I had no fear of death or encountering God. The lies I believed convinced me that all was well.
Fortunately, a day came in which the wonderful God of this universe called my name. As he called me to Him, I ran to him with all my heart. In my pursuit of Him, I chose to cling to his word above all else. That decision was critical in my journey which ultimately led me to life and truth.
I hope that the great God of this universe will call your name. I hope you will hear His voice and run to Him with all your heart. I hope you will cling to His word above all else. I hope you too find life and truth.
Sincerely,
Jason Holman
