The
False Revival
Then
shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit
of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: even him,
whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying
wonders. 2 Thess. 2:8, 9.
Paul,
in his second letter to the Thessalonians, points to the special working of
Satan in spiritualism as an event to take place immediately before the second
advent of Christ. Speaking of Christ's second coming, he declares that it
is "after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders."
2 Thessalonians 2:9.
Before
the final visitation of God's judgments upon the earth there will be among
the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been
witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured
out upon His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those
churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His
word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths
which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time to prepare a people for
the Lord's second coming. The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work;
and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent
it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under
his deceptive power he will make it appear that God's special blessing is
poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest.
Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them, when the work
is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend
his influence over the Christian world.
Young men
and women will be lifted up, and will regard themselves as wonderfully favored,
called to do some great thing. There will be conversions many, after a peculiar
order, but they will not bear the divine signature. Immorality will come in,
and extravagance, and many will make shipwreck of faith.
