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The Counterfeit Revival, January 25
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For
men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,
blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ... having a
form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn
away.
2 Timothy 3:1, 2, 5
.
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.
In many of the revivals which have occurred during the last half century,
the same influences have been at work, to a greater or less degree, that will
be manifest in the more extensive movements of the future. There is an
emotional excitement, a mingling of the true with the false, that is well
adapted to mislead. Yet none need be deceived. In the light of God’s word
it is not difficult to determine the nature of these movements. Wherever
men neglect the testimony of the Bible, turning away from those plain,
soul-testing truths which require self-denial and renunciation of the world,
there we may be sure that God’s blessing is not bestowed. And by the
rule which Christ Himself has given, “Ye shall know them by their fruits”
(
Matthew 7:16
), it is evident that these movements are not the work of the
Spirit of God.
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