The Bible tells us that in the end times, a great falling away will happen in the church. This will come about because of the many great and cunning deceptions that the enemy will employ against those who love God and are waiting for Christ's second coming.
For this article, I want to talk about just one of those deceptions: false Christians and ministers.
Jesus' Warning
The Lord Jesus Himself said that many will come bearing His name, saying, "I am the Christ" (see Matthew 24:5).
These people, posing as God-believing, Christ-following, God-appointed, Christian leaders will actually succeed in deceiving people to follow them for their personal gain. Sadly, there will be many victims.
Many Christians will fail to spot these false Christians. Some of them will come with boldness (as apparent to how they would proclaim themselves to be), with a fake identity (see how they pose themselves as Christians), and with a personal intent known only to them (they like to operate in secrecy).
Those who fall prey to these deceivers will suffer various pains, according to the Bible. Some of them will deliberately sin because their moral values are compromised (see Matthew 24:12), their love for God grow cold (see same verse), and will just get worse unless they return to God (see 2 Timothy 3:13-15).
All of them, however, will simply be deceived into living a lie, and will be vulnerable for abuse.
Identifying False Christians and Ministers
We all need to build ourselves up in the Word of God so that we can gain discernment on this matter. Many impostors will come, but thankfully we can identify them.
Here are some ways to identify false Christians and ministers.
1. Do Their Lives Reflect What They Preach?
Jesus said, "Every tree is known by its own fruit" (see Luke 6:44).
We can check their lives to see if they are genuine Christ-followers worthy to be followed, or not.
2. Do They Reflect Christ-Like Character?
"They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!" (see 2 Timothy 3:5)
If they appear religious, complete with religious jargon, but don't live a life that aims for Christ-likeness, godliness, and holiness, keep away from them.
3. Do They Promote Christ Instead of Themselves?
"And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, 'See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.'" (see Revelation 19:10)
Real Christians worship God alone. They will always promote Christ above all, way high above their own selves.
"But I will continue doing what I have always done. This will undercut those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours. These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve." - 2 Corinthians 11:12-15
