Warning of a Global Supernatural Disaster

It is a great privilege of our highly technological age that we can be informed well in advance of at least some impending natural disasters so we can be amply prepared for them, unfortunately we cannot depend on technology to warn us about disasters of a moral or spiritual nature. The last Book of the Bible Revelation is a forecast of many supernatural disasters for our world. It is the paramount purpose of the “C.A.L.E.B God’s Kingdom Work” to explore what we personally believe to be the most serious of these Disasters represented by the first of four horsemen the Apostle John sees in a vision while on the prison Island of Patmos. This first horseman rides a white horse and carries a bow. This  Rider is the most mysterious of the four riders collectively referred to as ‘The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’ described in the book of  Revelation. Revelation chapter 6 records the opening of the book of the ‘seven seals’ by the ‘Lamb’ a symbolism of Christ as the spotless slain or sacrificed lamb offered for the redemption of fallen humanity. These seven seals are locks on the seven chapters or page divisions of this fearsome book, (Rev. chapter 5). These four horsemen emerged in order at the opening of the first four seals of this book. This first rider is of very great importance as the very first subject of this book as well as his clear peculiarity or mystery in contrast to the other three riders that emerged at the opening of the second third and fourth seals. This is of great importance.

This rider’s identity has resulted in controversy from the earliest times to the present day. Some scholars believe he is Christ while others label him as the ‘Antichrist’. It is the objective of this study to see if we can determine the true identity of this rider and what message, significance, warning or relevance he might carry for us today.

Before focusing particularly on this rider. It will be helpful to take a general overview of the four Riders as they are presented by Scripture. Beginning at Rev. ch. 5 will also give us a better background of the atmosphere surrounding this mysterious book of the ‘seven seals’ and its climatic opening. Rev. 5:1 KJV. And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the back, sealed with sevens seals. (2) And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice who is worthy to open the book and to loose its seals? (3) And no man in heaven, nor in earth was able to open the book nor to look on it. (4) And I wept much because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look on it. (5) And one of the elders saith unto me, weep not; behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book and to loose its seven seals. (6) And I beheld and lo in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders stood a lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. (7) And he came and took the book out of the hand of him that sat upon the throne.  This has been quite a bit of Bible reading but it is necessary to help us understand the serious significance of this book and its contents. We can be sure of one thing here, the only one who had authority to open this book was none other than the Lord Jesus Christ himself. We now turn our attention to the actual opening of the seals in chapter 6.

                           The Opening of the First Four Seals. Rev. 6:1-8

                                                          The First Rider on A White Horse. 

Rev. 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four living creatures saying come and see. (2) And I saw and behold a white horse and he that sat on him had a bow and a crown was given unto him, and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

                                                           The Second Rider on a Red Horse.

Rev. 6:3 And when he had opened the second  seal, I heard the second living creature say, come and see (4) And there went out another horse that was red and power was given to him that sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

                                                               The Third Rider on a Black Horse

Rev. 6:5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say come and see, and I beheld and lo, a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. (6) And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures say a measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny, and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

                                                                  The Fourth Rider on a Pale Horse.

Rev. 6:5 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living creature say come and see. (8) And I looked and behold a pale horse and he that on him was Death and Hades followed with him. and power was given him over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death and with the beasts of the earth. 

So far it is first of all clear that all of these four horsemen have serious and sinister implications for all of the dwellers of planet earth. Most Bible scholars are basically agreed on the symbolic identities of the other three horsemen apart from the first. So we look at the identities of these in brief before specific focus on this mysterious first horseman.

The second rider on a red horse with a “great sword” is accepted as the symbol of war or military conflicts among the nations of the earth.

The third rider on a black horse bearing a  scale and announcing the prices of staple food items is generally accepted as the symbol of a scarcity of staple-food items or famine.

The fourth rider on a pale horse clearly labeled as “death and hell” is seen as representative of death that decimates humanity through all possible means, violent crimes, diseases, man-made and natural disasters.

                                                                    The First Rider on a White Horse

The first horseman, however, invites controversy as to his true identity and activity. Note that this rider unlike the others who were given weapons was not given any orders that suggest, killings, death or serious threats to the population of the earth. As a result, some are of the view he might not even have had arrows for his bow. His mysterious mission of “conquering and to conquer” do not clearly convey neither his activity nor his identity. His crown gives us some understanding that he has a high place of authority or will use his powers as some type of dictator. What is clear is that he will have formidable powers to overcome or conquer but will also be someone who will operate undercover largely undetected.

Notable theologians have totally opposite views about this first horseman, some believe he is the ‘false Christ’ or Antichrist. Others believe he is Christ. Let us examine these two positions. The first objection to this rider being the Antichrist is that this breaks the general pattern seen to be applicable to the other three horsemen as being representations of things and events rather than actual persons. The other is that the early or first place of this rider in a series of end time events do not correspond with the prophesied place of the Antichrist shown to occupy only a very short period of time, just before the very end or consummation of earth’s temporal history. (To add references).

The first objection to this rider being the Lord Jesus Christ is also on the basis of the breaking of the representative or symbolic pattern of the other three riders. Another is what seems an oddity that Christ would be indiscriminately grouped in a set that obviously appears as four of a kind that is clearly contrary to his character and mission. Another even stronger objection is that there is no prophesied return of Christ to the earth neither figuratively or literally before the parousia or second coming. In fact, the Scriptures declare emphatically that this will be an unmistakable literal and global event. Zech. 14:4 tells us his feet shall stand upon the Mount of Olives which shall be cataclysmically cleft in two. Another is that Christ’s identity as a rider on a white horse other places in the Revelation leave no doubt as to his identity. His name and divine titles are inscribed on his robe and thigh Rev. 19:16. His weapon is also in stark contrast to that of this rider, a two-edged sword which is also seen to proceed from his mouth as the symbol of the incisive word of truth and justice Rev. 2:16 and 19:15.

            Definitive Conclusions on The Identity of the First Horseman.

Despite the fact that we have seen all these reasonable objections against this rider being Christ or the Antichrist. We would not want to conclude decisively as to the true identity of this rider without serious and indubitable Scriptural authority. So we will apply the Scriptural rule of seeking confirmation of Scriptural truth on the authority of Scripture itself: Isiah 28:10. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line upon line; here a little and there a little. We will begin in the Gospels the first of the N.T books and with the words of the highest authority of the N.T the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God who declares: all authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Matt. 28:18.

In Matthew chapter 24 we see that Jesus saw it a matter of urgency to inform his disciples concerning end-time events. While his disciples commented on the magnificent and imposing structure of the temple, he took the opportunity to enlighten them to the fragility and insignificance of these seemingly durable things in comparison to a coming disaster that would begin with the destruction of this very temple, as well as later events that will continue to the very end of the age preceding his return. They instantly became preoccupied with a curiosity to understand more about these dramatic and critical end-time events. They questioned him directly concerning this matter Matt. 24:3 And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, tell us when shall these things be and what shall be the signs of thy coming, and of the end of the age.

                                The Answer of Christ to their Questions

It is of the utmost importance to note the sequence of the events the Lord reveals as these serious end-time “signs”. He answers in the immediately following verses Matt. 24:4-8: (no.1) v. 4 Take heed that no man deceive you.  v.5  for many shall come in my name saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many. It is important to break reading here and note that verses 2-5 speak of one particular event.      (Many impostors seeking to deceive men about the person of Christ)

So we look at verses 6-8  also as an itemized list of events: (no.2) v.6 And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you be not troubled for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. v.7  For nation shall rise against nation and Kingdom against Kingdom; (no.3) and there shall be famine (no. 4) and pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. v.8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. It is hardly likely that even the casual reader could miss the now familiar pattern of Rev. chapter 6 and the identical pattern of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, verses 6-8  clearly identifies ‘The Red Horse of War’. ‘The Black Horse of Famine’. ‘The Pale Horse of all types of Death’, represented here by pestilences, and earthquakes, speaking of diseases, man-made and natural disasters.

recognizing this clear pattern we return to what this passage reveals about the first horseman. verses 2-5 It is interesting that Jesus begins his revelation of this significant first in a series of four (4) end-time events, with a warning of the danger of deception. Take heed that no man deceive you. This corresponds perfectly with the obvious character of this first rider. There is no doubt that the main danger he poses lies in his power to deceive or give a false impression. Note carefully also that his identity is revealed as having priority of place as the first, and also that he is not a single person but many. v.5 For many shall come in my name saying I am Christ. It is also an error to literally interpret this term as referring only to persons who will seek to impersonate Jesus Christ as Messiah. This has led to the failure of many ministers and Christians to understand the urgency of this message for not only the Church but all men at present.

We do not need to go beyond this passage to prove that this is indeed a tragic error. Christ was not satisfied despite his obvious emphasis on this rider above the others in verses 4-5. By verse 11 he returned to the issue of what is evidently wide scale deception.  And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. The following verses speak of important things to do with the preaching of the Gospel over the entire earth, great tribulation, and unimaginable suffering on humanity to the extent no flesh would be saved had not God in his mercy, shortened those days, for the elect’s sake, Yet the Lord still saw it fit to revisit this issue in verse 23-24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch if it were possible they would deceive the very elect. v.25-26 Behold I have told you before v.26 wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold he is in the desert; go not forth: Behold he is the secret chambers believe it not. 

These are indeed very serious warnings to be vigilant in these end times not to be deceived by those who claim to have superior knowledge about God or the Son of God Jesus Christ, nor those who seek  to entice and entrap souls by the performance of false signs and wonders or miracles, which will clearly be possibly the most prominent feature of these end times, and will be so convincing even the very elects have need to exercise the greatest vigilance for themselves and those entrusted to their care. It is why this study is of the greatest importance in awakening each person to this urgent issue that you are able to clearly see is ironically either an issue deliberately neglected by the modern church or one to which they are largely ignorant. At this time we have one paramount purpose and it is the objective of this article. This is to properly identify this danger and expose Satan’s hidden agenda among God’s people and the world at large.

 The True Identity of the First Rider on a White Horse.

There should be no more serious mystery about this first horseman and his mission of conquest. It is no coincidence that this baffles even notable theologians past and present, it is clear evidence of his mission of deception. This Rider is the representation of “Counterfeit Christianity”. This is clear from the warnings of Christ to the disciples that this deception will be about his person and mission directly,  many shall come in my name… It is to be noted that the crown and white horse of this rider are his most distinct visual characteristics, which correspond perfectly with that of Christ in Rev.19:14-16.  His mysterious mission of, conquering and to conquer, also strangely conforms to that of Christ in v.16 as KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.   The single distinguishing visual item is his weapon the bow which is largely overlooked in light of these other prominent Christlike visual characteristics of this rider. However, it is this one item that speaks most definitively of his identity. The bow is in stark contrast to the invariable weapon of Christ, the two-edged sword, the symbol of justice and divine judgment. Scripture sets forth the bow and arrows or darts as the symbol of evil, deception and ambush. Ps. 11:2, 64:3-4, Ephesians 6:16 highlights the fiery darts or arrows of our arch-enemy Satan as his most deadly weapon, and urges the utmost defense against them:  Above all things taking the shield of faith with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts (arrows) of the wicked.

Satan’s master plot is to create a counterfeit replica to the redemptive work of God on the earth. From the very beginning, he is seen as one in grievous competition with God. We see this first in the deception of the first human pair Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden by enticing them with benefits purportedly superior to God’s provisions. We again see Satan’s passion to compete with God in performing signs and wonders when Moses was empowered to perform miracles to convince the Israelites and Egyptians. Satan sought to duplicate every miracle Moses performed and only failed in about two instances. His purpose was to present himself as God, and to confuse both Israelites and Egyptians that the God of the Hebrews was not superior to him who is represented by Egypt a type of the carnal world order. The Apostle Paul refers to the deceptive  “god” of this present world system. 2 Cor. 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them who believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, should shine unto them.

Satan uses all false religion but “Counterfeit Christianity” is Satan’s master plan for world conquest But this is also his best-kept secret. His modus operandi or method of operation is also a highly guarded secret, this is subtlety or deception. This is more than a method Satan uses. The Bible reveals from the very beginning this is the very essence of his nature. In Genesis, Satan appears in the physical body of the Serpent ch. 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil (deceptive or cunning) than all the beast of the field which the Lord God had made. The woman Eve testified to the powers under which she had fallen. v.13 the serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. It is important to understand that the word beguile here means to seduce, by making oneself attractive to another. No other living being neither in the physical nor supernatural realm comes even close to the hypnotic, bewitching, and seductive charms of Satan The master deceiver.

All of the above is meant to show the woeful and massive failure of the majority of persons even in the Church to be vigilant against the attacks of one so dangerous to the redemptive work of God on the behalf of man. We will proceed by first clarifying whether this prophetic first rider is really a danger to us today or is it is as some imagine some last moment event at the very consummation of Earth’s history. We can decide by answering some other questions such as (1) Do you believe the prophetic Red Horse of War is for our time or do you need more military conflicts than we have today? (2) Do you believe the Black Horse of Famine is already here or do you need more ‘world hunger’? (3) Do you believe the Pale Horse of Death and Pestilences is here or do you need more deaths by earthquakes, crimes, new diseases, and even germ warfare? Even those who do not read the Bible can recognize that these global events are clearly now moving to an explosive climax. Hence if these other events clearly subsequent in order are present realities, it proves even more conclusively the reality of wide-scale deception of the masses to these first unfolding of Scriptural prophecy.

This brings us even more starkly to confront the tragic failure of the modern church to deal with a disaster that precedes in time and scope all the other disasters of the world clearly represented by these other three horsemen. Right now many persons are finding this hard to believe can the disaster of “Counterfeit Christianity” really be more dangerous than these very real scourges on humanity? Again this is only testimony to the truth that this is the greatest of all deceptions to mankind and it is perpetrated by a power second only to the Creator himself. This is Satan the Master Deceiver. Yes, dear friends the arrows of false religion are even now exposed in many places. The monumental attacks on nations of the world by religious extremists are escalating and stands as evidence that a mind that is penetrated by the arrows of false religion is deadlier than any weapon man can create. The word ‘radicalized’ is now used to describe persons that are doing more mass destruction than our world wars. But you are yet to be shocked further because those who are out in the open are only the tip of the iceberg. Satan’s guarded place is a respected one, this is not the place of extremists in radical religion.

Where Will Satan Operate in Counterfeit Christianity?

The majority of persons may assume false religion is always easily recognizable or maintains a place outside of what we perceive as ‘church’ or place of ‘worship’. The true danger lies in the subtle twisting of the Word of God the Bible, just as Satan did with Eve. Many might not agree but the real danger lies in the place we broadly refer to as the Church. Satan enjoys the place of the saints: Job 1:6   Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. We might imagine this a remote O.T reference. But the very author of the N.T Jesus Christ handpicked his twelve original disciples yet declared in Jn. 6:70 Have not I chosen you twelve yet one of you is a devil? This is no casual statement Jesus knows the heart of all men yet it is to be noted that Judas’s place was significant. He was clearly known to be a thief Jn. 12:6, yet he was entrusted with the finances of the disciples. Jesus also refer to him in Jn. 17:12 as the son of perdition. This term is only used one other time in the Bible by Paul in reference to the Antichrist 2 Thess. 2:3. The significance must not be missed. The true Church will never have a place of world authority or financial power as many would like to imagine. Judas was a type of the Antichrist who will have a place in Christendom 2 Thess. 2:4  so that he as God, sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.  He will have control over commerce and economics: Rev. 13: 17 And that no man might buy or sell except he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. The greatest challenge however remains can we recognize Counterfeit Christianity in Christendom today.

Unmasking the White Horse of “Counterfeit Christianity” in Christendom.

The question we need to answer before venturing in this dangerous area of exposing the enemy in our midst is: Do we have a mandate to expose false religion or is this uncharitable and self- righteous judgment of others, which many feel is not the prerogative of mortal men? This topic is one we already pointed out is almost entirely neglected or deliberately avoided by the modern church. This is obviously because of the fear of confrontation with persons and doctrines considered false, and the judgment of the majority that all men are free moral agents and should be free to practice whatever brand of religion they chose. Many even Christian ministers use the Bible to defend this position. The most popular Scripture used is Matt. 13: 24-30. This is Christ’s parable of the ‘wheat and tares’ It is again of great importance to read all this passage to understand exactly what the Lord purposed to convey by this parable: v.24  Another parable put he forth unto them, saying,  The Kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man who sowed good seed in his field;  v.25 But while men slept his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.  v.26 But when the blade was sprung up and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.  v.27 so the servant of the householder came and said unto him Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? From where then hath it tares?  v. 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this, The servant said unto him, Wilt thou then, that we go and gather them up?  v.29 But he said, nay ; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat  with them.  . v 30 Let both grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.  It is interesting to note that those who use this passage to discourage what they see as judgmental attitudes toward persons of other religions, usually quote only the last verse of this parable: v.30 Let both (wheat and tares) grow together until the day of harvest;….. So it is very likely they have missed or ignored other important details as to the purpose of this passage. First of all the first and most important truth missed is what it teaches about the Kingdom of heaven. It is (illustrated) or likened to a man who sowed good seeds in his field. This reveals God’s ideal purpose for his chosen people. This field is not referring to the world made of good and bad, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field. It also teaches the hidden activity or deception of the enemy in infiltrating the very place God has prepared for his people. from where then hath it tares? The householder with superior knowledge answers: An enemy hath done this…. 

It is important to realize the true purpose of the parable is to reveal the hidden or deceptive activity of the enemy of souls among God’s people But while men slept his enemy came and sowed tares….. All of these important facts and their central purpose is missed by those who jump to the conclusion this passage simple instruct that wheat and tares should be allowed to grow together. This is a tragic error. The instruction not to root up tares simply reveals that it is not God’s will for men to be agents of final judgment under the N.T as it was under the O.T theocracy. Moses,Samuel, Elijah and other prophets clearly had a mandate from God to slay false prophets though we see cases where they often exercised mercy. Is it likely that God could have completely changed his attitude toward false prophets, certainly not. The entire passage was for the very purpose of revealing that those who watch over God’s people like the servant in this household should be vigilant and able to recognize and clearly identify tares among the wheat. It reveals also the primary principle for determining the identity of false believers and teachers of the Christian faith it is by observation of their fruits or nature It was only  when the blade was sprung up and brought forth fruit…, that it could be properly identified as tares. The (Harper’s Bible Dictionary) also adds some very practical information about wheat and tares:

“Not until the seed of the tares ripens and grows yellow can this weed be distinguished from the wheat among which it grows; hence the practical advice of the householder in the parable to allow both to grow together until the harvest.  If tares are ground into meal they spoil the flour, and often cause dizziness and nausea when eaten”.

Hence we see the truth borne out that the expressed method of identifying the enemy is by observation of his fruits or true nature, not one’s rituals or performance in formal worship.

So we ask the Question again is there a mandate to reveal or expose the presence and dangers of “Counterfeit Christianity” in the wider church. We will answer this by looking at another parable of Jesus concerning the matter. Matt. 7:15-16  Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. v.16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns,  or figs of thistles.  This parable is no different from the other it is only that the analogy of wheat and tares are replaced by the analogy of sheep and wolves. It reveals that unstinting vigilance against false religion that masquerades as true religion must always be a priority. But even more, it reveals the tragic fallacy of those who assume that we should be passive about false religion. In other words, those who say SIMPLISTICALLY “let the wheat and tares grow together” are also by the same token saying “leave the sheep alone with the wolves”. What a horrible mistake this is, but it is the truth, even though the majority are blind to it. The N.T mandate is to EXPOSE, NOT EXECUTE  false prophets and teachers. This is clear in countless places eg.:  1 Jn. 4:1 Beloved believe not every spirit but test the spirits whether they are of God; for many false prophets are gone out into the world. Jude 1:3-4  Beloved when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common Salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you that you earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. v. 4 For there are certain men crept in unaware turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God ,and our Lord Jesus Christ.                                                                                                                                   

     Revealing Some Signs of Counterfeit Christianity in the Modern Church.

Here we come to the really difficult part where persons might ask who are true or false in the modern church today?  We begin by saying our purpose is not directly to point fingers at any individual though at times we have a responsibility to personally confront persons in our defense of the truth of God’s Word. However, our purpose first and foremost is to identify as is established above fruits.   These are behaviors, practices, beliefs which are clearly contrary to the Word of God, creating division and strife among God’s chosen people. The Bible declares; Rom.16:17- 18 Now I beseech you brethren’ mark those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them. v. 18 For they that are such serve not the Lord Jesus Christ but their own bellies, and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. So the primary purpose of false believers, ministers prophets etc. is to divide the unity of Gods people the church so as to draw away disciples after themselves:  cause divisions and offenses. They serve their personal interests and agendas their own bellies and they accomplish this by teaching contrary doctrines, and by a general outward expression of good words and fair speeches, aimed at deceiving the hearts of the simple or (innocent). It is sobering to see that Paul lists counterfeit brethren among other serious perils he faced in his mission, 2 Cor. 11:26:… in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren…

Lying Signs and Wonders.

the Bible declares that the main lure Satan will use to attract men in Counterfeit Christianity in these end times are lying signs and wonders; 2 Thess. 2:9 Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and all signs and lying wonders.  Matt: 24:24  For there shall arise false Christ and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that if it were possible they would deceive the very elect. Matt.7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name cast out demons? And in thy name done many wonderful works? v.23 And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you depart from ye that worketh iniquity.

The overwhelming preoccupation of a large portion of Christendom with ‘signs and wonders’ is a telling sign of the activity of “Counterfeit Christianity” today. C.A.L.E.B God’s Kingdom Work does not wish to condemn all “signs and wonders” or miracles as false but rather to point out that miracles or signs are not God’s objective in meeting human needs. This view is largely held by especially some Pentecostals who have placed the wrong emphasis on physical healing as an integral part of the Redemptive work of Christ. They declare that “healing is the children’s bread”. Their supportive Scriptures: Matt:15-26 which records Jesus’ response to a Syrophenician or Gentile woman who was relentless in receiving deliverance for her demon-possessed daughter. She prevailed upon Jesus despite his seeming rebuffing of her. But he answered her it is not right to take the children’s bread and cast it to dogs. V.27 And she said truth Lord; yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from the master’s table. Jesus commended her great faith and granted her the healing of her daughter.

However, there have been tragic disadvantages in the use of this verse to support the perception that “healing is the children’s bread”  they also quote Isiah to support their position For by his stripes we are healed Is.53:5. First of all, nothing can contest with the clear teaching that it is the Word of God that is the Believer’s bread Deut. 8:3, Matt. 4:4 Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. This Gentile woman did not simply receive physical healing, but essentially deliverance from the power of darkness. Jesus used her as an example to all, that despite his declaration that he is first sent to the  lost sheep of the house of Israel… Matt. 15:24, Salvation was now available to all, whosoever believeth …. Jn. 3:16. Isiah 53:5 speaks not of healing of the body but of the soul with his stripes we are healed… or else it would mean we either could not become sick or could not fail to be healed if it was really “bread” from a physical standpoint.

This has opened doors both for false manifestations as well as a de-emphasis on the all-important place of God’s Word. Many true servants of God past and present were and are seriously concerned about strange spiritual activities that have entered the Church in recent history. It is important for each minister and Christian to be aware the Bible has indeed explained what is responsible for the majority of these miracles. Rev.16:14 For they are the spirits of demons’, working miracles which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. All Christian leaders and believers, in general, have a mandate to differentiate true spiritual manifestations from false. 1 John 4:1 Beloved believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Lying signs and wonders are Satan’s final processing of a soul for eternal damnation; 2 Thess. 2:11-12 and for this cause God shall send them strong delusions that they should believe a lie. v.12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. God has nothing to do with the delusions of persons here, nor in the case of individuals such as Saul, as seen in 2 Sam. 16:14 But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. God is always considered as playing a part in final judgment. However, He did not send evil spirits on any of these persons but he had removed his Spirit and protection which result in final Satanic possession and damnation. The more one resists God’s truth the more they become susceptible to Satanic lies.

False Religion Glorifies Persons which is not Scriptural.

The Scriptures strongly forbid and emphasize the dangers of, glorifying men above God. This is idolatry !!! Acts 12: 20-23 records the tragic fate of Herod Agrippa who in royal apparel made great speech unto the people in a pompous and egoistic spirit of blasphemy V.22-23 And the people gave a shout saying it is the voice of God and not a man. v. 23 And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory; and he was eaten of worms and died.  Scriptures describe the motives of the false professors their mouth speaketh great swelling words having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.    Jude 1:16              

The requirement for vigilance even by the very elect is brought out by the experience of the Apostle John in his vision of the woman a whore who rides a seven-headed beast Rev. 17:3.  This is a symbolism of false religion in an unclean symbolic sexual union with world powers. The harlot- apostate or Counterfeit Christianity is attractively decked-out in expensive jewelry and attire. She carries in v. 4  a golden cup in her hand full of the abominations and filthiness of her fornication; v. 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. v.6 And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus; and when I saw her I wondered with great admiration. It is very important to note that the apostle John was drawn to great admiration of this woman despite her unsavory character. This is confirmation that even the very elect must be vigilant. The good wine of the Spirit and wisdom, is to be distinguished from the foul wine of mass-hypnosis and deceptive occult influences, which are used to seduce souls with  the filthiness of her fornication.       

This woman is presented in direct contrast with the other symbolic woman- Israel who gives birth to the male child Christ and is attacked by the great red dragon in Revelation chapter 12:1-6 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven-a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars. v.2 And she being with child, cried travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.  This woman while in birth pangs was being attacked by Satan-the great red dragon; v.4 and the dragon stood before the woman to devour her child as soon as it was born. The contrasts are bold and unmistakable. This woman unlike the harlot Counterfeit Christianity is presented as a suffering mother vehemently attacked by Satan she flees with her child Christ, and is entirely at the mercy of God: verse 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared by God,.... This is still the picture of the true Church of Christ which is today also a symbolic woman, a chaste bride faithfully awaiting the Bridegroom the Lord Jesus Christ, but still persecuted by Satan who seeks to destroy and misrepresent her.

The False Health and Wealth Message

False or Counterfeit Christianity will be noted for holding out the promises of physical well-being and wealth or the “abundant life” in the physical as the essence of the Gospel. They largely quote a few verses such as 3 Jn. 1:2  Beloved I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. First of all this verse is not a decree from the Lord on Christians. It is not a decree from the Apostle either. It is a personal wish, it is also seen to be secondary and dependent on the prosperity of the soul even as thy soul prospereth. The “health and wealth” message is also a contradiction, as Scripture does not guarantee wealth for a believer from O.T to N.T Ps. 62:10 if riches increase set not your heart on them. The Apostle Paul in describing the general tone of his life certainly does not give the impression that he even had material sufficiency much the less wealth or abundance; 2 Cor. 11:27-28  In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.   Even Jesus in his earthly sojourn revealed that he struggled with hunger and financial need. He searched for (early) fruit of figs out of season Mk. 11:13. He and his disciples had no money to pay taxes in Matt. 17:24.

We have already emphasized that nowhere does the Bible guarantees or even infer that the best of health is unconditional for the believer. In the O.T Elisha the Prophet is reported to have died from a sickness 2 Kings 13:14, despite the fact that his bones after years of burial caused a dead man to be resurrected.  Many argue that Paul’s infirmity could not be physical sickness, because a sick man could not be used by God for healing. Not only does this contradict the Bible that this was an infirmity in his flesh Gal. 4:14. This would make Paul’s infirmity either psychological or spiritual which violates what the Bible guarantees for the Christian a sound mind 2 Tim: 1:7  For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.  We are also guaranteed victory over spiritual forces in warfare Eph. 6:11-12 Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. v.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers and against the rulers of darkness of this world.   Paul’s condition was then a physical one in which the messenger of  Satan was permitted periodically to buffet him. (Greek: buffet: to rap or knock with the fist). These physical attacks of Satan the  Lord chose not to remove despite Paul’s plaintive request that these attacks be removed from him. The Lord answered: my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 1 Cor. 12:9. This reveals starkly the error of false teachers.

False preachers and teachers have also greatly misused Mark 16: 17-18 to entrap men with the idea that they are ordained of God to bring healing and deliverance to everyone. This has naturally resulted in unbridled Satanic deception, and possession of the minds of men. This passage reads: And these signs shall follow them that believe, In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues. v.18 They shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. History has recorded the results of honest misinterpretation of this passage by some in the early church period, resulting in the death of many who believed this passage was a permanent guarantee of the things listed as signs. Some deliberately drank poison and picked up deadly serpents. Their main error was seeking to prove their credibility as believers by the demonstrations of signs. This was never God’ s intended purpose. These signs would follow the collective activity of the Church according to God’s prerogative, not by vain demonstrations of these signs by individuals to prove themselves to men,  these signs shall follow them…. We can clearly see the error of those who seek to use these signs in the same way today. Some insist on the sign gifts in the same way today. God is still the same yesterday today and forever. But errors will continue to open doors for lying demonic signs in the Church. The writings of the Apostle Paul reveal that not even healing was something he simply commanded by simply “laying on of hands”.  In Phil 2:25-27 Paul wrote about the sickness of Epahroditus that had been causing concern widely among the brethren who longed for his recovery. He concludes thus; v. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him and not on him only but on me also lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Here Paul revealed he had none of the confidence that healing was assured to him or any believer, but that God simply had mercy on him… He expresses gratefulness that he was spared the death of this brother, and not his right or assurance of healing.  The same is seen in the case of Trophimus another dear brother of whom Paul expresses his heart near the end of his own life; 2.Tim. 4;20 Erastus abode at Corinth:  but Trophimus have I left at Mi-letum sick. 

True believers must decide now whether they will ride with Christ on the white horse with his name written KINGS OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS with the sword of his mouth which is the Word of God, or with the impostor who carries the deceptive bow of lies Counterfeit Christianity.

Thanks for taking all the time to read I assure you it was worth every minute of your time. God bless you as you share this material to enlighten others.

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