Satan’s Last Day Deceptions
109
Satan Pretends to Answer the Saints’ Prayers
Satan sees that he is about to lose his case. He cannot sweep in
the whole world. He makes one last desperate effort to overcome the
faithful by deception. He does this in personating Christ. He clothes
himself with the garments of royalty which have been accurately de-
scribed in the vision of John. He has power to do this. He will appear
to his deluded followers, the Christian world who received not the love
of the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness (transgression of the
law), as Christ coming the second time.
He proclaims himself Christ, and he is believed to be Christ, a
beautiful, majestic being clothed with majesty and, with soft voice and
pleasant words, with glory unsurpassed by anything their mortal eyes
had yet beheld. Then his deceived, deluded followers set up a shout of
victory, “Christ has come the second time! Christ has come! He has
lifted up His hands just as He did when He was upon the earth, and
blessed us.”...
The saints look on with amazement. Will they also be deceived?
Will they worship Satan? Angels of God are about them. A clear, firm,
musical voice is heard, “Look up.”
There was one object before the praying ones—the final and eternal
salvation of their souls. This object was before them constantly—that
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immortal life was promised to those who endure unto the end. Oh, how
earnest and fervent had been their desires. The judgment and eternity
were in view. Their eyes by faith were fixed on the blazing throne,
before which the white-robed ones were to stand. This restrained them
from the indulgence of sin....
One effort more, and then Satan’s last device is employed. He
hears the unceasing cry for Christ to come, for Christ to deliver them.
This last strategy is to personate Christ, and make them think their
prayers are answered.—Ms 16, 1884.
How the Counterfeit Differs From the Genuine
Satan is not permitted to counterfeit the manner of Christ’s
advent.—
The Great Controversy, 625
(1911).
Satan ... will come personating Jesus Christ, working mighty
miracles; and men will fall down and worship him as Jesus Christ.
We shall be commanded to worship this being, whom the world will