How to Meet It
Reprinted from The Millennial Star Issue of April 30, 1853
Volume 15, pages 273-276, 289-292
Point-by-Point Breakdown: Signs of the End—Revelation of Good and Evil
1. A Dual Revelation in the Last Days
- Both God (the Highest) and Satan (the Devil) will be revealed with unprecedented clarity, power, signs, and wonders.
- Satan’s revelation will not be vague but will manifest through mighty deeds and miracles—parallel to, and rivaling, God’s own works.
This is one of the most profound and unsettling ideas in prophecy and spiritual analysis—a dual revelation in which both God and Satan are revealed with unprecedented clarity and power, giving humanity a final, unmistakable choice.
A Dual Revelation in the Last Days: How Might It Play Out?
Unmistakable Manifestations—The Age of No Excuses
In past ages, much of spiritual life has been veiled—God and evil operate in “shadows,” with people left to choose based on faith, tradition, or personal conviction. The last days scenario described here is fundamentally different:
- God’s Power Made Obvious: Miraculous works, inspired prophecy, deliverance, and unmistakable interventions—signs “so that none can deny” that God is real and acting in the world.
- Satan’s Power Also Unveiled: Counterfeit miracles, breathtaking “revelations,” technological and supernatural wonders, political and cultural control, all designed to mimic or rival divine power.
People will see and experience manifestations on both sides, removing the “gray zone” and forcing a clear decision.
The End of Lukewarmness—Everyone Must Choose
- No More Fence-Sitting: With the power and presence of both God and Satan on full display, apathy becomes impossible. The spiritual middle ground evaporates.
- Hearts Are Revealed: As Christ taught, “the love of many shall wax cold,” and the true allegiance of every soul is revealed—not by what they say, but by whom they serve when the cost is high and the stakes are clear.
Satan’s Strategy: Counterfeit Everything
- Imitation of the Divine: The passage warns that Satan will not just attack “religion,” but infiltrate politics, philosophy, science, art, and every cultural institution.
- Signs and Wonders: Satan’s “miracles” will be so persuasive—mingling truth and error, using both natural and supernatural means—that even the elect “will barely escape” being deceived.
- Enchantment of the Masses: The masses, hungry for meaning, power, or comfort, will flock to the spectacle, worshipping what is popular, powerful, or profitable—mistaking it for truth.
God’s Response: Prophetic Clarity and Final Warnings
- Inspired Leaders Stand Boldly: As in the days of Moses before Pharaoh, God’s prophets will confront the powers of the world, performing miracles, issuing warnings, and laying down clear law.
- Divine Judgments: When every avenue of deception is exhausted and every soul has chosen, God intervenes with unmistakable justice—rewarding faith and destroying the works of rebellion.
The Purpose: Maximum Agency, Maximum Clarity
- A Test of Love for Truth: God allows both sides to display their full power so that “those who love not the truth” are given every opportunity—and every warning—to repent or rebel.
- No One Deceived by Accident: The delusion is strong not because the truth is hidden, but because people choose what is easy, sensational, or flattering, rather than what is right.
Psychological and Societal Effects
- Mass Confusion, Social Upheaval: With miraculous signs on every side and trusted institutions deceived, confusion and chaos sweep the world.
- A Remnant Remains Faithful: Even in the midst of great delusion, some will “hear the voice of the Lord,” heed true prophets, and stand apart from the crowd, regardless of cost.
A dual revelation will strip away all pretense and ambiguity. People will be forced to choose sides, not just in belief but in loyalty and action. Satan’s power will be more seductive and impressive than ever, but God’s truth will shine all the brighter for those who love it. The world will be divided—not by denomination, nationality, or ideology, but by the deepest allegiance of the heart.
It will be a time of great deception, but also of great clarity and courage—for those who seek, love, and obey the truth, whatever the cost.
2. Antichrist Is Not One Religion or Figure
- The passage warns not to get fixated on traditional religious enemies (e.g., Popes, Prelates).
- Antichrist is defined as anything—civil or religious—that exalts itself against God.
- Satan’s warfare will use every possible channel: religion, politics, philosophy, military, and more.
Antichrist as System: Many Powers, Many Faces
Antichrist as a System, Not a Solo Figure
- Collective Spirit:
The true antichrist is described as “whatever exalts and opposes itself to God”—any institution, ideology, technology, leader, or movement that rebels against the authority and nature of God. - Civil and Religious Powers:
It’s not just “the Papacy” or “atheist governments” or any one religion; it is all powers—civil, religious, political, corporate, technological—that unite against divine law, truth, and freedom. - A Global Conspiracy of Convenience:
Many will join, not out of a shared ideology, but out of shared interests: power, wealth, comfort, or simply to avoid persecution.
Multiple Institutions, One Spirit
- Religion:
Apostate churches, false prophets, and corrupt spiritual movements that preach comfort over truth and tolerance over righteousness. - Politics & Government:
States and alliances that persecute the righteous, rewrite morality, and enforce “new norms” that contradict God’s standards. - Media & Technology:
Narratives, algorithms, and platforms that glorify rebellion, suppress dissent, promote deception, and control the flow of information. - Commerce & Economy:
Systems that punish the noncompliant (buying and selling restrictions), reward complicity, and weaponize economic dependence.
Many Will Collaborate—Wittingly or Unwittingly
- Some Conspire:
Powerful individuals and organizations actively conspire to build this system, believing it will serve “progress,” “unity,” or their own interests. - Some Comply:
Most simply go along—out of fear, desire for acceptance, or lack of awareness—becoming useful cogs in the system. - Some Resist:
A faithful remnant discerns the spirit of antichrist, refuses to compromise, and pays the price in ridicule, marginalization, or persecution.
The Bible’s Warning: The Mystery of Lawlessness
- The apostle John said, “Even now many antichrists have come,” and Paul warned of “the mystery of lawlessness already at work” (1 John 2:18, 2 Thessalonians 2:7).
- The final “antichrist” is both a personification (a leader or leaders) and a spirit—an emergent system composed of countless individuals, institutions, and ideas that war against God’s authority.
The Draw of the System
- Promises:
The antichrist system offers peace, security, prosperity, and inclusion—but at the cost of truth, freedom, and faithfulness to God. - Methods:
It uses persuasion, propaganda, miracles, technology, law, and economic pressure—whatever works to make people comply or join.
The Challenge for the Faithful
- Discernment Needed:
The danger is not obvious evil but a seductive counterfeit—good things twisted, truth mixed with error, and righteous-sounding rhetoric masking rebellion. - Standing Alone:
Many will join, but only a few will see the true nature of the system and have the courage to resist, even when it costs everything.
The antichrist system is a global, collaborative, multi-institutional rebellion against God, uniting many diverse powers for a common cause. It is not a single villain, but a spirit and structure—one that draws in the willing, the fearful, the ignorant, and the ambitious. In the end, every person will be faced with a choice: join the system for temporary gain and security, or stand apart for truth and faithfulness, whatever the cost.
3. Satan’s Multi-Faceted Influence
- Satan will appear not just as a religious deceiver but as a politician, philosopher, scholar, linguist, military leader, magician, prophet, and more.
- His abilities and deceptions will be exhibited more fully in the last days than ever before.
Satan’s Multi-Faceted Influence: Mediums and Mechanisms
General Spheres of Influence
- Religion
- False doctrines, counterfeit spirituality, apostate leaders, miracles and revelations that contradict true principles.
- Promoting unity and tolerance over truth and righteousness.
- Confusing or perverting sacred texts and spiritual authority.
- Politics and Government
- Corrupting leaders, promoting unjust laws, and encouraging the use of power for control instead of service.
- Polarizing societies and fueling division, revolution, and oppression.
- Encouraging allegiance to the state or ideology above God.
- Philosophy and Scholarship
- Spreading ideologies that deny objective truth or moral absolutes (relativism, materialism, nihilism).
- Glorifying human wisdom and pride, undermining faith in God.
- Raising up “experts” who rationalize sin and rebellion.
- Science and Technology
- Using technological advancements for surveillance, manipulation, and control.
- Fostering overconfidence in human reason (“worship of the mind”).
- Distracting people with endless novelty, entertainment, and information overload.
- Commerce and Economy
- Promoting greed, materialism, and the love of money above all.
- Encouraging debt, exploitation, and economic dependence.
- Enforcing systems that reward conformity and punish dissent (buying/selling restrictions).
- Media and the Arts
- Glamorizing evil, violence, pride, and sensuality in entertainment and news.
- Propagating propaganda, misinformation, and mass manipulation.
- Using music, movies, literature, and the visual arts to desensitize or seduce.
- Education
- Indoctrinating youth with secular or anti-God curricula.
- Marginalizing faith, moral absolutes, and virtue.
- Exalting conformity, groupthink, and obedience to authority.
- Warfare and Disaster
- Engineering or exploiting war, pestilence, famine, natural disasters for fear, chaos, and power grabs.
- Using crises to justify new laws, surveillance, and restrictions.
Specific Mechanisms and Mediums
- Supernatural Signs and Wonders:
- Miracles, apparitions, “revelations,” and psychic phenomena that mimic divine acts but lead away from truth.
- Occult and Esoteric Arts:
- Astrology, necromancy, clairvoyance, mesmerism, divination, and other mystical practices.
- Channeling, séances, and contact with “spirits.”
- Psychological Manipulation:
- Exploiting fear, pride, shame, loneliness, and the human desire for belonging.
- Gaslighting, demoralization, and inversion of good and evil.
- Social Engineering:
- Creating social trends, peer pressure, and viral movements that push culture away from God.
- Encouraging activism, protests, or revolutions rooted in lies or half-truths.
- Economic Pressure:
- Using scarcity, inflation, supply-chain disruption, and access control (digital currency, social credit) to force compliance.
- Digital Technology:
- Algorithms, AI, virtual reality, and digital platforms for surveillance, addiction, echo chambers, and the suppression of dissent.
- Political and Legal Instruments:
- Laws, mandates, and international treaties that erode religious freedom and conscience rights.
- “Hate speech” laws and censorship targeting truth-telling.
- Influence through “Good” Causes:
- Twisting humanitarian or justice causes for ulterior motives, such as globalist control, population management, or soft totalitarianism.
Table:
| Sphere | Medium/Mechanism | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Religion | False prophets, counterfeit miracles | “Great signs and wonders” (Matt. 24:24) |
| Politics | Corrupt laws, polarizing rhetoric | Unjust mandates, persecution |
| Philosophy | False ideologies, pride | Relativism, anti-God worldviews |
| Science/Tech | Surveillance, mind control, distraction | Mass data collection, addictive tech |
| Commerce | Economic coercion, greed | Buying/selling restrictions (Rev. 13:17) |
| Media/Arts | Propaganda, glamorizing evil | Violent/sensual entertainment |
| Education | Indoctrination, marginalization of faith | Secular curricula, cancel culture |
| Warfare/Disast | Crisis exploitation, chaos | “Order out of chaos” |
| Occult | Mysticism, supernatural deceptions | Astrology, spirit channeling |
Bottom line:
Satan’s influence in the last days is total-spectrum and multi-platform—using every available medium to deceive, distract, divide, and ultimately destroy faith, freedom, and truth.
Nothing is off-limits, and the most dangerous deceptions will often look like light, progress, or “the greater good.”
4. A “Full Trial” for Humanity
- God will allow Satan all necessary means and instruments to fully demonstrate his power—giving humanity the ultimate test.
- Even God will permit Satan’s devices, providing “means and instruments” for his use, so that the test is comprehensive and unmistakable.
The idea of a “Full Trial” for Humanity is one of the most sobering prophetic concepts—a final period in which every soul, institution, and nation is confronted with unmistakable evidence, temptation, and choice. This “trial” is permitted by God so that agency is maximized: everyone will know what they are choosing and why.
A “Full Trial” for Humanity: How Might It Unfold?
General Dynamics
No More Excuses or Ignorance
- The “gray area” vanishes. Both good and evil are revealed in unprecedented clarity.
- Miracles, signs, and wonders on both sides (divine and satanic) make the stakes obvious—lukewarmness and ignorance are not an option.
- People will be confronted with truth and with the most persuasive deceptions.
Maximum Agency and Accountability
- Each person, community, and institution will be given the chance to make a conscious, informed choice: Whom will you serve?
- The consequences of that choice—spiritual, societal, and personal—will be immediate and unavoidable.
How the Full Trial Might Play Out Generally
- Universal Testing
- Every sphere of life (faith, work, family, politics, economics, science, culture) becomes a battleground for allegiance and integrity.
- What once was hidden or ambiguous becomes manifest; all are tested according to their knowledge, responsibilities, and desires.
- Social and Institutional Polarization
- Entire groups, nations, and organizations may align clearly for or against truth, God, and righteousness.
- The cost of true discipleship rises dramatically, as social, economic, or political penalties increase for those who resist the dominant system.
- Overwhelming Signs and “Proof”
- False wonders and miracles (via technology, the occult, mass psychology) make deception nearly irresistible to those unprepared.
- At the same time, genuine miracles and manifestations provide support, guidance, and deliverance to the faithful remnant.
- Collapse of “Neutrality”
- The time for fence-sitting is over. Everyone is drawn into the conflict—passivity becomes complicity.
- Indifference and cowardice are revealed as silent endorsements of evil.
How the Full Trial Might Play Out Specifically
1. Religious and Spiritual Contexts:
- Churches, denominations, and religious leaders are forced to take clear stands on fundamental issues (truth, morality, allegiance to Christ/God).
- False prophets and apostate movements perform signs and gain mass followings, dividing the faithful.
- Some religious institutions openly embrace the spirit of the world or align with anti-God powers.
2. Political and Economic Contexts:
- Laws and policies are enacted that directly challenge conscience and faith—forcing individuals and organizations to choose between obeying God and obeying the system (think: “mark of the beast,” forced compliance, or digital IDs).
- Economic pressure is applied: jobs, resources, and rights are restricted for nonconformity.
- Propaganda and social credit systems reward compliance and punish dissent.
3. Scientific and Technological Contexts:
- Technological “miracles” (AI, biotechnology, virtual reality, genetic engineering) are presented as solutions to suffering or threats—but may lead to deeper control and deception.
- Occult and supernatural experiences are mainstreamed, blurring the lines between true and false revelation.
4. Personal and Family Contexts:
- Each person faces temptations designed to probe their deepest loyalties and weaknesses.
- Families are divided as loyalties to God or to the system diverge.
5. Global Crises as Catalysts:
- Wars, pandemics, economic collapses, and natural disasters accelerate the sorting process, pressuring individuals and societies to make existential choices under stress.
Table
| Area | Example of the Full Trial |
|---|---|
| Religion | Forced stand on controversial truth vs. popular error |
| Politics | Obey God vs. obey government/law |
| Economy | Buy/sell only with compliance |
| Technology | Accept new “miracles” or remain faithful |
| Personal | Face loss, persecution, or hardship for loyalty |
| Global Events | Crisis amplifies need to choose a side |
In short:
The “Full Trial” is the ultimate test of agency. God allows Satan every tool, and grants every sign, so that no one is deceived by accident—all choose their side with open eyes. It is a final refinement—painful, clarifying, and, for those who love the truth, ultimately redemptive.
5. Revelations and Wonders Across All Spheres
- Satan’s revelations and influence will permeate literature, politics, philosophy, religion, science, warfare, and the arts.
- Miraculous and mysterious arts—astrology, mesmerism, divination, “clairvoyance,” manipulation of natural elements—will flourish and amaze the world.
In the last days, revelations and wonders will flood every sphere of human experience. Here’s a breakdown of how this could happen both visibly and subtly, and what it might look like in modern terms:
Revelations and Wonders Across All Spheres: How Might This Happen?
Science and Technology
- Breakthroughs and “Miracles”:
Unprecedented advances (AI, biotech, quantum computing, energy, communication, health) seem “miraculous”—blurring the line between science and magic for the average person. - Techno-Spiritual Experiences:
Virtual reality, neural interfaces, and augmented experiences provide “revelations” or altered states that mimic (or counterfeit) authentic spiritual encounters. - Global Surveillance and Instant Communication:
Feats that would have been called “miraculous” in the past—real-time translation, global reach, predictive analytics—now shape how people understand reality, truth, and destiny.
Media, Entertainment, and the Arts
- Hyper-Real Storytelling:
Films, music, and games immerse audiences in virtual “wonders” and powerful emotional/spiritual journeys—shaping worldviews and values more deeply than traditional sermons. - Propaganda as Revelation:
Narratives are crafted to deliver “insight” or “enlightenment”—not necessarily rooted in truth but engineered to direct belief and behavior. - Celebrities as Prophets:
Influencers and public figures deliver “revelations” about meaning, purpose, and ethics to millions, with near-religious authority.
Religion and Spirituality
- Signs and Wonders:
Miracles, visions, supernatural healings, mass movements of “spirit”—some genuine, many counterfeits—attract huge followings. - Syncretic and Occult Practices:
New Age revelations, channeling, mediumship, and “secret wisdom” are mainstreamed, often mingled with digital/technological elements. - False Prophets and Teachers:
Charismatic leaders deliver persuasive “new revelations” that mix truth and error, drawing many away from foundational principles.
Politics, Power, and Social Movements
- Charismatic Leaders with “Vision”:
Political figures inspire with dazzling speeches, promises of transformation, and seeming fulfillment of prophecy—often appealing to the miraculous. - Mass Movements and Apparent Unity:
Sudden, inexplicable shifts in public mood or political consensus—“wonders” that seem impossible until engineered through social media and psychological operations.
Everyday Life and Social Order
- Personal “Revelations”:
People experience dreams, visions, synchronicities, and “gut feelings” at an unprecedented rate, sometimes leading to truth, but often to confusion or deception. - Widespread Occult and Mystical Experiences:
Astrology, tarot, numerology, “manifestation” practices, and divination become normalized, even scientific-seeming.
Global Events and “Natural” Phenomena
- Unexplained Signs:
Earthquakes, strange weather, celestial events, and “coincidences” are interpreted as signs or omens, some natural, some engineered (geoengineering, HAARP, psy-ops). - Wonders in the Heavens and Earth:
Phenomena like “fire from heaven,” unexplained lights, mass sightings—real, technological, or supernatural—stir global awe and confusion.
The Common Thread
Every sphere—science, art, religion, politics, economy, and even daily life—becomes a channel for “wonders” and “revelations.”
- Some will be true, confirming faith and exposing evil.
- Many will be false, skillfully engineered to deceive, distract, and draw people away from God and truth.
Why Is This So Dangerous?
- Truth and Error Mixed:
The most powerful deceptions will mingle real wonders or facts with cunning lies, making discernment difficult for all but the vigilant and spiritually grounded. - Overstimulation and Numbness:
Constant exposure to the sensational or supernatural can dull people’s capacity for healthy skepticism, humility, and critical thinking. - Agency at the Center:
Ultimately, every soul will have to choose whom to believe and follow—based not only on what is seen, but on the love of truth.
Wonders and revelations across all spheres are a double-edged sword—an unprecedented opportunity to witness and know, but also the greatest risk for deception. Only those grounded in truth and discernment will navigate the flood without being swept away.
6. Society’s Response: Pride, Boasting, and Rejection of Good
- Those who master these arts will become proud, high-minded, boastful, and dismissive of true goodness and humility.
Here’s a breakdown of how society’s response of pride, boasting, and rejection of good is already playing out, and how it may intensify in the “full trial” era:
Society’s Response: Pride, Boasting, and Rejection of Good
Pride as a Dominant Virtue
- Self-Exaltation Normalized:
Modern culture increasingly glorifies self-promotion, self-expression, and “authenticity”—even when these conflict with humility, modesty, or teachability. - Pride Parades and Movements:
Pride, in all its forms (not just sexuality), is rebranded as a virtue rather than a vice. Boasting about personal achievement, lifestyle, rebellion, or breaking tradition is celebrated in media and public life. - Entitlement and Self-Righteousness:
People are encouraged to feel that their “truth,” preferences, and feelings should override objective standards or the rights of others.
Boasting and High-Mindedness
- Virtue Signaling:
Public displays of “doing good” become less about true service and more about being seen—social media likes, awards, and “good person” branding. - Intellectual and Moral Elitism:
Experts, celebrities, and influencers boast in their knowledge, credentials, or platforms, looking down on dissenters or the “unenlightened.” - Mocking and Dismissing Simplicity:
Traditional virtues like humility, faith, sacrifice, and obedience are scorned as naive, old-fashioned, or weak.
Rejection of Good and Despisers of the Righteous
- Calling Evil Good, and Good Evil:
As Isaiah prophesied, there’s a reversal of moral polarity—what was once considered good is now seen as oppressive or foolish, while formerly condemned behaviors are praised. - Censorship and Social Exile:
Voices advocating for moral absolutes, traditional faith, or unpopular truth are de-platformed, “canceled,” or excluded from public discourse. - Despisers of Those Who Stand Apart:
Those who refuse to join the majority in celebrating pride, vice, or lawlessness are branded as hateful, dangerous, or deluded.
The Role of Technology and Media
- Amplification of Boasting:
Social platforms reward the loudest, most extreme, or most self-congratulatory voices. - Echo Chambers:
Algorithms reinforce prideful, boastful attitudes, trapping people in self-affirming bubbles.
The Psychological Consequence: Hardening of Hearts
- Loss of Conviction:
Constant self-justification erodes the ability to feel remorse or consider correction. - Collective Blindness:
Society loses the capacity to recognize real virtue, becoming “past feeling” (as warned in scripture).
How Might This Intensify?
- Global Movements Will Celebrate What Was Once Shameful:
The further society moves from God’s standards, the more it will boast in its defiance—publicly and institutionally. - Boasting in Power, Knowledge, and Technology:
Human achievements will be credited solely to man, not God; boasting in science, technology, and human progress will replace gratitude and humility. - Violence Against the Good:
As pride and boasting reach their peak, the outright rejection and persecution of the good—individually and collectively—will become common, fulfilling prophecy that “all that will live godly…shall suffer persecution.”
Pride and boasting are not only tolerated but celebrated, while humility and genuine goodness are increasingly despised and punished. This sets the stage for society’s tragic fall:
- “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
This response is the signature of a civilization approaching its “full trial”—and, if uncorrected, its collapse.
7. God Will Not Remain Silent
- Despite Satan’s apparent ascendancy, God will eventually intervene, bringing judgment upon nations, rulers, and the “master spirits of wickedness.”
- As in the days of Moses vs. Pharaoh, God’s prophets will boldly confront the powers of the world and pronounce divine law and penalties.
The declaration that “God will not remain silent” is both a warning and a hope. It means that despite the rise of deception, pride, and evil, God will unmistakably intervene—through prophets, miracles, judgments, and unmistakable acts in history.
Here’s how this could be—and is likely to be—played out, both generally and specifically:
God Will Not Remain Silent: How Might This Play Out?
The Rise of Bold, Inspired Voices
- True Prophets and Watchmen:
Just as Moses stood before Pharaoh, in the last days God will raise up individuals (prophets, leaders, ordinary believers) who speak truth plainly and courageously, even at great personal risk. - Uncompromising Preaching:
The call to repentance, justice, and humility will become more clear and uncompromising, challenging both religious and secular authorities.
Miraculous Intervention
- Signs and Wonders:
Miracles—healing, protection, deliverance, and provision—will confirm the truth and encourage the faithful, countering the counterfeit wonders of the adversary. - Divine Protection and Guidance:
God will provide guidance, inspiration, and sometimes miraculous escapes for those who seek and follow Him.
Acts of Judgment and Correction
- Judgments on Nations and Leaders:
As seen throughout history, when corruption, oppression, and idolatry reach a certain point, God intervenes—sometimes through natural disasters, political upheaval, exposure of wickedness, or the sudden fall of the mighty. - Shaking of Institutions:
Institutions (religious, governmental, financial, etc.) that defy God’s law or oppress the righteous will face exposure, loss of legitimacy, and collapse.
Preservation and Gathering of a Remnant
- A People Set Apart:
Even as the world grows darker, God will preserve a remnant—a group of people (large or small) who remain faithful and become a light and example to others. - Gathering to Safe Havens:
Some prophecies speak of physical or spiritual gathering places—communities where God’s people are protected, nurtured, and prepared to weather the storm.
Universal Witness and Final Warning
- The Gospel Proclaimed to All:
The message of truth will go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people—so that every soul has the opportunity to choose. - No More Excuses:
God’s interventions will be so clear that everyone will know the truth and the choice before them—removing ignorance as an excuse.
The Coming of Christ and Restoration of All Things
- The Ultimate Intervention:
In Christian prophecy, the final act is the return of Jesus Christ in glory, putting an end to evil, vindicating the faithful, and ushering in a new era of peace and justice. - Restoration and Healing:
Everything that was broken—spiritually, morally, socially, and even physically—will be set right in God’s time and way.
God’s “silence” is always temporary and strategic. He allows the adversary to reveal his hand fully, and gives humanity agency, so that when He acts, the difference between darkness and light is unmistakable.
God will not leave the world without a witness, without a warning, or without hope. His intervention may come through prophets, miracles, judgments, or the very course of history—but it will come, at precisely the moment when the difference between good and evil must be made clear to all.
8. Strong Delusions—Truth and Error Mingled
- In the last days, the world will be engulfed in “strong delusions” so persuasive that even rulers and the learned will bow to them.
- This is not limited to traditional religion—delusion will spread through politics, science, culture, and every sphere.
This is one of the most chilling and relevant warnings for our age. The idea of “strong delusions—truth and error mingled” means that deception in the last days won’t simply be obvious lies or blatant evil. Instead, it will be a seductive, expertly blended mixture of truth and falsehood—so persuasive and “factual” that it will be almost irresistible, even to the wise and good.
Here’s how this is—and will be—played out both generally and specifically:
Strong Delusions—Truth and Error Mingled: How Might This Play Out?
The Anatomy of Delusion: Not Obvious Lies, But Half-Truths
- The Most Powerful Lies Contain Much Truth:
Deception works best when it is mostly true, with just enough error or poison to mislead, distract, or corrupt. - Facts Used for False Ends:
Real evidence, statistics, and events are framed, contextualized, or interpreted in ways that lead to false conclusions or unholy actions.
Media, Information, and Propaganda
- Weaponized Narratives:
News, documentaries, and social media feeds combine real video, eyewitness accounts, and expert analysis—but guide the viewer toward a particular (often destructive) belief or action. - Deepfakes and Synthetic Reality:
As technology advances, images, video, and even live events can be faked or manipulated to support whatever “truth” the powers that be wish to promote. - Influencers and Experts:
Even well-meaning voices may unwittingly pass on carefully constructed half-truths.
Science and Religion
- Scientific Half-Truths:
Research and discoveries are selectively reported or interpreted to support anti-God, anti-human, or anti-freedom agendas.
E.g., true medical facts are used to justify unjust laws, or real environmental dangers are used to usher in unnecessary or tyrannical controls. - Religious Counterfeits:
Miracles, prophecies, or doctrines closely mimic genuine revelation, but twist the message just enough to subvert true faith or lead followers into error. - Ecumenical and Syncretic Movements:
Calls for unity and tolerance blend beautiful truths (love, peace, acceptance) with doctrinal error or moral compromise.
Politics and Law
- Legislation Based on Emotional Truths:
Real suffering or injustice is used to pass laws that erode freedom, increase surveillance, or expand state power—ignoring the deeper causes or the long-term harm. - Rhetoric of Justice Used for Control:
Uplifting, moral-sounding language is used to advance policies that, in practice, increase corruption, dependency, or division.
Economics and Everyday Life
- Consumer Manipulation:
Marketing uses authentic values (family, health, success) to sell products or lifestyles that ultimately harm those very things. - Personal Identity:
Self-help and “empowerment” philosophies blend useful psychological truths with narcissism, pride, or moral relativism.
The Result: A Generation Unable to Discern
- Confusion and Fatigue:
When every “truth” has a counter-narrative, people become cynical, apathetic, or resigned (“Who can know what’s real anymore?”). - Deception of the Good:
Even sincere, intelligent, and faithful people can be “carried about with every wind of doctrine” because the delusion feels so reasonable and right.
The Spiritual Cause and Cure
- Why Does God Allow It?
As in the passage, God sends (or allows) strong delusion because people “love not the truth”—they prefer comfortable or flattering lies over the cost and discomfort of reality. - The Cure: Love of Truth Above All Else
Only those who are deeply committed to unadulterated truth—even when it’s hard or unpopular—will be able to discern the difference and stand apart from the crowd.
Summary Table
| Area | Truth Used | Error Mingled | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | Real news | Biased spin | Polarization, confusion |
| Science | Real facts | Misuse/twist | Tyranny, loss of freedom |
| Religion | Miracles | Doctrinal mix | False unity, heresy |
| Politics | Real pain | Wrong remedy | More control, lost liberty |
| Economy | Values | Manipulation | Debt, dependency, emptiness |
Bottom line:
Strong delusion in the last days means that the ultimate test will not be choosing between obvious good and evil, but discerning the subtle, seductive blend of truth and error—amid an avalanche of information, miracles, and authority figures.
Only a heart that truly loves and seeks the pure truth—at any cost—will be able to escape the snare.
9. Blindness of Religious and Secular Leaders
- A “hireling ministry” (religious authorities lacking real inspiration) will contribute to spiritual blindness, leaving people unprepared for the coming crisis.
- Even secular leaders and the most intelligent will be deceived by the supernatural strength of these arts and powers.
Excellent question—and a prophetic warning echoed throughout scripture and history. Blindness among both religious and secular leaders is a critical element in the “full trial” of humanity. Here’s how this is already playing out, and how it may intensify as prophecy unfolds:
Blindness of Religious and Secular Leaders: How This Plays Out
Religious Leaders
- Loss of Spiritual Discernment:
Many clergy, pastors, and institutional religious figures become more focused on tradition, popularity, or institutional survival than on truth.- They may preach peace, safety, or unity—even when the cost is compromise with error.
- Spiritual “hirelings” (Ezekiel, John 10) lead flocks but lack inspiration and courage to call out deception or sin.
- Doctrinal Dilution and Accommodation:
To attract crowds or remain “relevant,” some dilute uncomfortable doctrines, endorse moral relativism, or blend faith with pop psychology, politics, or secular agendas. - Suppression of Prophetic Voices:
When true prophets, reformers, or ordinary believers raise alarms or call for repentance, they are marginalized, mocked, or even silenced by their own institutions.
Secular Leaders
- Trust in Human Wisdom Alone:
Political, academic, and cultural leaders put all their faith in human reason, expertise, and systems—rejecting spiritual truth as “unscientific,” “irrational,” or “dangerous.” - Manipulation by False Ideologies:
Leaders champion ideologies and policies that sound progressive or humane but actually lead to greater control, division, and moral decay. - Groupthink and Peer Pressure:
Instead of courageous, independent judgment, leaders fall in line with the prevailing orthodoxy—whether out of fear, ambition, or lack of conviction.
Collaboration—Blind Leading the Blind
- Religious and Secular Powers Align:
In many cases, religious and secular authorities collaborate to support the dominant system (the “antichrist” order)—uniting to silence dissent, enforce conformity, and reward compliance. - Mutual Reinforcement of Delusion:
Both groups may validate and amplify each other’s blindness:- Religious leaders bless political agendas for influence or safety.
- Secular leaders exploit religious symbols or language to control the masses.
Consequences for the People
- Mass Confusion and Apathy:
Ordinary people, seeing no courageous leadership, grow cynical, apathetic, or resigned (“If the experts agree, who am I to question?”). - Suppression of Truth:
Truth-tellers are ridiculed, ostracized, or censored; those who follow the crowd are promoted, praised, and rewarded. - A Spiritual Famine:
There is “a famine of hearing the words of the Lord” (Amos 8:11)—with many seeking answers, but finding only empty, shallow, or deceptive voices.
Scriptural and Historical Parallels
- Ancient Israel’s Downfall:
The prophets often condemned both priests and kings for leading the nation astray—teaching “smooth things” instead of hard truth. - Christ’s Day:
Both religious authorities (Pharisees, Sadducees) and political leaders (Pilate, Herod) were spiritually blind, missing the true Messiah even as they protected their status and power.
In Summary
The blindness of religious and secular leaders ensures that the full trial is not just personal, but institutional and societal. The “blind leading the blind” fulfills prophecy and sets the stage for strong delusion, widespread deception, and the final crisis of truth and authority.
For the faithful, this is a call to seek God, discern truth for themselves, and courageously follow conscience—even when almost all official voices point another direction.
10. God Allows Delusion as a Judgment
- God Himself will permit these delusions as a judgment against those who “love not the truth.”
- The delusion will be a mix of real facts and falsehood, making it irresistible to those lacking spiritual discernment.
- This fulfills the prophecy that God will “send them strong delusions that they might believe a lie,” because of their rejection of pure truth.
This is one of the most sobering truths in all of prophecy and spiritual psychology: God allows delusion—not simply as a passive consequence, but as an active form of judgment on people, institutions, or societies that persistently reject the truth.
Here’s how this is, and will be, played out—both generally and specifically:
God Allows Delusion as a Judgment: How This Plays Out
People Reject the Truth, Prefer Comfort or Flattery
- Repeated Warnings Ignored:
Over time, individuals and societies are given truth—through conscience, scripture, wise voices, or experience. When these are repeatedly rejected, people become desensitized and hardened. - Preference for Pleasant Lies:
People start preferring messages that make them feel comfortable, justified, or special—even if those messages are false or only half-true. - Willful Blindness:
Many close their eyes and ears to anything that challenges their worldview or requires repentance.
God “Gives Them Over”
- Romans 1 Pattern:
As described by Paul (Romans 1:18-32), God eventually “gives people over” to their chosen delusions, allowing their own desires and beliefs to shape their reality. - Delusion Becomes Unbreakable:
People are no longer able to discern obvious truth or recognize warning signs—even in the face of clear evidence or disaster.
Delusion as Divine Discipline
- Strong Delusions Sent:
As in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, God “sends them strong delusions that they should believe a lie,” because “they received not the love of the truth.” - Mixing Truth and Error:
God permits real miracles, facts, or “proof” to be mingled with error, making discernment possible only for those who genuinely love the truth more than their comfort or pride.
Social, Institutional, and Personal Consequences
- Nations and Cultures:
Societies begin to collectively believe in grand illusions (utopian ideologies, infallibility of science, invincibility of their way of life) and pursue destructive paths—convinced they are right, enlightened, or even divinely favored. - Religious Institutions:
Churches and leaders embrace doctrines and practices that are popular, trendy, or lucrative, but which have no foundation in truth—losing the Spirit and power of God. - Individuals:
People become incapable of self-reflection or repentance, living in bubbles of affirmation, echo chambers, and moral blindness. Even clear warnings are mocked or rationalized away.
Judgment Is Self-Inflicted, Yet Divine
- God Honors Agency:
The delusion is, in one sense, the fruit of people’s own choices—what they repeatedly choose becomes their reality. - Yet It Is Also God’s Judgment:
God allows this as discipline and as a final sorting—those who love truth will see and respond, while those who do not are confirmed in their choice.
The Ultimate Purpose
- A Final Separation:
The delusion ensures that, in the end, all sides are chosen freely and clearly. No one is deceived by accident; all are revealed for who they truly are and what they love most. - A Call to Vigilance:
This is a warning for every generation: the surest defense against delusion is not intelligence, status, or tradition, but a deep love of the truth—no matter the cost.
Summary Table
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Truth repeatedly rejected | Hearts harden, love for truth fades |
| God “gives over” | Delusion becomes deep and self-reinforcing |
| Delusion as discipline | Lies and truth mix, discernment is rare |
| Social consequences | Societies, churches, and individuals fall |
| Divine judgment | God lets the consequences play out |
| Ultimate purpose | Agency, separation, and final accountability |
Bottom line:
When God allows delusion as a judgment, it is both the result of human choice and a tool of divine justice. The call is to cherish truth—especially when it is costly, inconvenient, or unpopular.
11. Final Confrontation and Divine Justice
- Before the end, the most powerful and wicked forces—both visible and invisible—will unite in rebellion against God.
- God’s final intervention will be decisive: nations will either rally to His truth or be overwhelmed by destruction.
Absolutely—a powerful and sobering theme. The idea of a Final Confrontation and Divine Justice is at the heart of prophetic tradition across the Abrahamic faiths, and is echoed in the very logic of history: evil is allowed to reach its full expression so that the ultimate justice of God is unmistakable and final.
Here’s how I see this being played out, both scripturally and practically, in general and in specifics:
Final Confrontation and Divine Justice: How Might This Play Out?
Evil Fully Revealed, Good Fully Revealed
- All Masks Are Off:
Both the forces of evil and of God become unmistakable. The antichrist system, deception, pride, and violence operate without restraint.
At the same time, God’s faithful remnant, prophetic voices, and miracles stand as a clear alternative. - No More Neutrality:
The world becomes polarized: every soul, institution, and nation is confronted with the stark reality of their choice—no more hiding behind ambiguity, tradition, or excuses.
Direct Confrontation: The Ultimate Clash
- The “Battle” Is Moral and Spiritual (But Also Physical):
The confrontation is not just a military or political event, but a full-spectrum contest—truth versus lies, love versus hate, faith versus fear, humility versus pride. - Righteous Stand Boldly:
God’s people, led by inspired leaders, refuse to compromise—standing as “witnesses” even when outnumbered, persecuted, or attacked.
Divine Intervention and Judgments
- Miraculous Deliverance:
At the height of apparent defeat, God intervenes—through unmistakable miracles, angelic manifestations, or even cosmic events (“signs in the heavens and earth”). - Judgment on the Wicked:
The system of deception, oppression, and rebellion is exposed and destroyed. The “mighty” and the “proud” fall, often suddenly and unexpectedly. - Historical and Natural Events as Instruments:
God’s justice may come through historical events (wars, collapse of regimes, revolutions) and natural disasters (earthquakes, plagues, fire, etc.)—as seen in the Exodus, Babylon’s fall, and many prophecies.
Vindication and Restoration
- Vindication of the Faithful:
Those who have endured persecution, ridicule, and loss are vindicated publicly. Their faith, patience, and obedience become a testimony to all. - Restoration of Justice and Order:
The world is cleansed, and a new era of peace, justice, and truth is established—what scripture calls the “Millennium” or the reign of Christ. - All Wrongs Made Right:
Every injustice, every tear, every act of hidden faithfulness is acknowledged and rewarded by God.
Theological and Psychological Meaning
- Evil Allowed to “Ripen in Iniquity”:
God allows evil to grow to its full strength—not because He is weak, but so that His justice, when it comes, is universally acknowledged as righteous and fair. - Clarity for All Eternity:
This confrontation serves as a lesson for all ages—no one will ever be able to claim that God’s justice was arbitrary, hasty, or unfair.
Summary Table
| Stage | Manifestation |
|---|---|
| Evil fully revealed | Unrestrained pride, persecution, deception |
| Good fully revealed | Miracles, prophecy, courage, steadfastness |
| The clash | Global polarization, moral/spiritual conflict |
| Divine intervention | Miraculous deliverance, judgment on the wicked |
| Vindication | The faithful exalted, truth and justice restored |
| Restoration | New era of peace, justice, and healing |
Bottom line:
The final confrontation is not just a cosmic war “out there”—it is the climax of every personal, social, and historical choice. God’s justice will be public, unmistakable, and final; evil will reach its full expression, but only so that it can be defeated in the light of day, for the whole universe to see. In the end, every knee will bow and every tongue confess the justice and mercy of God.
Summary
The passage is a sweeping warning that in the last days, deception will reach unprecedented levels through every conceivable avenue—religion, politics, science, the arts, and supernatural phenomena. Both God and Satan will be unmistakably revealed, each offering signs and wonders. Many, including leaders and experts, will fall under powerful delusions permitted by God as a test for those who do not love the unadulterated truth. The ultimate hope is that God will not remain silent—He will intervene through inspired prophets and final judgments.
Certainly! Here’s a concise but thorough summary of how these prophetic themes (from “A Dual Revelation” to “Final Confrontation and Divine Justice”) might play out both generally and specifically in our world and personal experience:
Summary: How the Last Days May Unfold—Generally and Specifically
Generally
- The Great Unmasking:
The last days are characterized by a worldwide “unveiling”—where both good and evil become unmistakably clear. Spiritual ambiguity and moral gray zones disappear as God’s power and Satan’s counterfeit signs are both on open display. - Every Sphere Involved:
This “full trial” is not limited to religion. Every sphere—politics, science, economics, education, arts, media, and daily life—becomes a battleground for truth versus deception.
Every institution is tested; every tradition is challenged. - The Flood of Wonders and Delusion:
Miracles, technological marvels, charismatic leaders, and persuasive ideologies fill the earth. Most of these “wonders” are a blend of truth and error, engineered to seduce even the sincere. - Societal and Institutional Blindness:
Both religious and secular leaders—trusting in their own wisdom or protecting their own power—fail to discern or warn. Many become complicit in spreading delusion. - Polarization and Forced Choices:
Fence-sitting becomes impossible. Every person, group, and nation must choose a side—sometimes at great personal cost. A faithful remnant stands apart, often mocked or persecuted. - God’s Final Intervention:
Just as evil appears to triumph, God acts—through miracles, judgment, and the vindication of His faithful. Justice is restored, evil is exposed and destroyed, and a new era of truth and peace begins.
Specifically
- In Daily Life:
People will encounter situations (at work, in families, online, or in their communities) where their loyalty to truth, conscience, or faith is tested—often subtly at first, then openly. - In the Church:
Believers will have to distinguish between genuine revelation and popular but counterfeit spiritual experiences. True prophets will speak boldly; false ones will gather large followings. - In the World:
Nations will adopt laws and systems that force conformity to new moral standards, punishing dissent. Economic and technological tools (like social credit, digital currency, AI) may be used to enforce compliance. - In Leadership:
Trusted authorities (political, religious, academic) will be divided—some capitulate, others resist. The majority may promote narratives that mix good and evil, intentionally or not. - In Culture:
Media, entertainment, and education will celebrate pride, boasting, and “progress” while marginalizing humility, faith, and traditional virtues.
Those who resist the dominant culture will be marginalized, censored, or persecuted. - In Global Events:
Crises—wars, pandemics, disasters—will accelerate the process, pressing societies to make existential choices about what they value and whom they trust. - At the End:
As the world polarizes, evil reaches its full expression. God intervenes publicly: exposing evil, delivering the faithful, and restoring justice.
Every soul’s true allegiance is revealed, and the entire world witnesses the difference between God’s ways and the ways of deception.
Bottom line:
Generally, the last days are an era of global testing and clarity, where every sphere of life becomes a stage for the conflict between truth and delusion. Specifically, every person and institution will face decisions—large and small—that reveal the heart’s deepest allegiance. In the end, both deception and justice will be complete, and every choice will matter.
