The concept of a “great deception” that will occur before the second coming of Jesus Christ is referenced several times in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament. Though the precise nature of this deception is not entirely clear, several key passages provide insight into what it might involve.
The Coming of False Christs and False Prophets
In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus warned his disciples that prior to his return, “many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray” (Matthew 24:5). He said that these false christs and false prophets would perform great signs and wonders to deceive people (Matthew 24:24). The book of Revelation echoes this, describing the coming of a powerful figure called the “beast” who will deceive the inhabitants of the earth with miraculous signs (Revelation 13:13-14). This indicates that a major component of the end times deception will involve counterfeit messianic figures.
Widespread Rejection of Biblical Truth
The Bible suggests that the great deception will coincide with a time when people reject sound doctrine in favor of falsehood. Scripture says that people will “not endure sound teaching” but will gather teachers who will tell them what they want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4). It warns about false teachers who secretly introduce destructive heresies and exploit people with false words (2 Peter 2:1-3). This ties in with the proliferation of false messianic figures – people will be drawn to them because they tell them what they want to hear.
Belief in Lies and Myths
The great deception also seems to involve people believing in lies, fabrications and myths rather than truth. Paul writes that Jesus will overthrow the “lawless one” (an end times antagonist) when he returns. This lawless one’s coming will be accompanied by the work of Satan displayed in counterfeit signs and wonders, as well as every kind of evil deception (2 Thessalonians 2:8-10). The implication is that people will be severely misled. Elsewhere Paul warns about paying attention to “myths” rather than God’s truth (1 Timothy 1:4, 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:4).
A Powerful Deluding Influence
When writing about the coming of the “lawless one,” Paul indicates that people will perish because they refused to love the truth and be saved. As a result, “God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:10-11). This suggests that God actually enables the great deception to occur – He removes discernment and allows people to more readily accept falsehood.
The Work of Satan
Since the great deception involves lies, false messiahs and rejection of truth, it stands to reason that Satan is heavily involved. Jesus called Satan “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Revelation depicts Satan as “the deceiver of the whole world” (Revelation 12:9). Paul writes that Satan masquerades as an angel of light and his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). Thus we should expect him to be very active in the end times deception.
Global in Scope
The Biblical texts give the impression that the prophesied deception will be global in scope – something that misleads the entire inhabited world. Revelation 13:3 says that “the whole earth marveled” after the beast, indicating he has worldwide influence. Jesus said the false christs and false prophets will mislead “many,” and that these days will be unparalleled in severity since the beginning (Matthew 24:21,24). This points to an unprecedented, worldwide deception.
Accompanied by Unrighteousness
The Bible indicates that the end times deception will flourish alongside a great increase in unrighteousness and lawlessness. Jesus said that “most people’s love will grow cold” during this time (Matthew 24:12). The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by all kinds of evil (2 Thessalonians 2:7-10). Paul warned that people will be “lovers of self” and “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-4). The great deception will likely be aided by widespread immorality and ungodliness.
God Allows It to Separate the Righteous from Unrighteous
From Scripture’s warnings about the great deception, we can surmise that God permits it to occur in order to separate the righteous from the unrighteous. Those who do not love God’s truth will eagerly accept the deception. But those who stand firm, love truth, and recognize the deception for what it is will be saved. The Apostle Peter assures Christians that the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and keep the unrighteous under punishment until Judgment Day (2 Peter 2:9).
Followers of Christ Need Not Fall Prey to the Deception
While the Bible clearly foretells that a dramatic, worldwide end times deception is coming, it offers assurance that those who remain grounded in God’s Word will not be misled. Jesus said the Holy Spirit will guide His followers into all truth and remind them of His teachings (John 14:26, 16:13). Paul said God will strengthen and protect Christians from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3). By clinging to Jesus, studying Scripture, living righteously, and trusting in the full armor of God, believers will have discernment to see through the great deception when it emerges.
In summary, the Bible indicates that a major deceptive movement will precede the second coming of Christ. This will involve false messianic figures performing counterfeit signs and wonders, doctrinal falsehoods spread by false teachers, belief in fabricated myths rather than truth, and a powerful deluding influence enabled by God Himself. These things will lead many people astray. However, those who hold fast to biblical truth will recognize this deception for what it is and will not fall prey to it when it emerges. By remaining vigilant and spiritually discerning, followers of Jesus can avoid being misled even by something as dramatic as the prophesied great deception of the last days.