Page 176 - Maranatha (1976)

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The False Revival, June 9
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 Thessalonians 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 conver-
sions 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.
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