In religious circles, spirit activity is more and more becoming the norm. There has developed a new wave of emotionalism, which is sweeping throughout the world and is crossing the old boundaries that have long existed between the mainline denominations and the pentecostalists.

Common logic tells us that there can be no counterfeit unless there is a genuine, in mundane matters as well as in spiritual. For many years, major theologians branded all spiritual manifestations as hallucinations or heretical, never acknowledging the possibility such things might be a counterfeit of the true. Opinions and beliefs of the supernatural have undergone some outstanding changes.

True or False?

Let us make plain the fact that there exists the genuine ministry of the Holy Spirit: "the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal." (1 Cor. 12:7) There is the bona fide baptism of the Holy Ghost with speaking in tongues as evidence; prophecy, healing, wisdom, knowledge, faith and miracles, as well as discerning of spirits, are all spiritual gifts given to the church for the building up of the same.

Where the genuine exists, there is also the possibility, if not the probability, of fraudulent mockeries. Jesus foretold this condition in Matthew 24:24 where He said, "there shall arise false christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

The word "Christ" means '"anointed one," or one who is anointed. A false christ is one who claims to be anointed and demonstrates an anointing, but who is a fraud: his only anointing is that which he bestows upon himself. A false christ will usually be a person with an unusual amount of charisma and affability. With good looks, a pleasing personality, and an appealing smile, he is well fitted to convince the crowds that he is anointed to preach the word.

His goal is to deceive. He is a false christ! He is a crafty manipulator of people. He will spice his sermons with an occasional and appropriate "message in tongues," or will give a glossy description of a "vision from heaven," or will proclaim that "God told me ....," all of which is meant to convince you that he is genuine! He may even declare that his hands are filled with the POWER of God and if he could just get his hands on you, you would be healed!

"Showing great signs and wonders" is the objective of the false christ and prophet, all for the purpose of gaining a following. Many signs and wonders were done by the apostles in the early church (Acts 5:1 2), but these were true manifestations of the Holy Spirit working through those men of God for the glory of Jesus Christ and the edification of the people.

Know Them By Their Fruits

It is not always easy to discern whether a worker of supernatural manifestations is genuine, but there are usually a few little tell-tale signs along the way which help to distinguish the fraud for that which he really is.

1) He glorifies himself.

One of the features of the ministry of the Holy Ghost is that he will glorify Jesus. (John 16:14) He will give all credit and honor to the Savior. He will also lift Him up as the King and Master. In glorifying Jesus, the true minister will direct people to the words and commands of Jesus.

The fake will talk about himself, and will focus attention upon himself, his ministry and his accomplishments. He uses the name of Jesus as a badge of certification to help convince the crowd of his authenticity. In his efforts to persuade you to believe in him, he will often resort to tears, with drops falling from his nose or cheeks. It is a part of his repertoire, a skill he has perfected by diligent practice. He knows how and when to turn on the fountain for the greatest effects.

We're not saying it's wrong to weep and cry. There are many crises today that drive people to tears, but that is an entirely different matter. Jesus wept when He beheld the sorrow of Mary and others concerning the death of Lazarus. (John 11:32-36)

False christs prey upon the emotions of the gullible through their make-believe tears. It is a bitter commentary on the sad state of affairs in the Christian movement. The power of suggestion through mass manipulation turns people on, and they are convinced that what they "feel" is the Spirit of God. It's far better to "feel" nothing than to be moved by fickle emotions and hysteria.

2) He avoids the austerity of the Word.

As much as possible, the false christ will steer around controversy and the stark reality of the commands of Jesus. Emphasis is centered on spirit activity, that is, anything which can be looked upon as an above-normal phenomenon, but the demands of the Scriptures are avoided or else explained away.

A non-obligatory gospel is preached with miracle-working faith at its heart. "Don't get under the law" is By-law number One: "just turn your faith loose and enjoy the liberty you have in Jesus Christ" is the message.

He may tell you that if you don't pay your tithes and offerings to him or his organization, you are robbing God, but above and beyond that little tid-bit, he will probably not obligate you. He may yell and scream against sin and the sinner, but seldom will he ever tell you what sin is. He may go so far as to mention drinking alcohol, but he will never give the scriptural definition of sin (1 John 3:4)

These are but a few of the most outstanding features of the modern deceiver. Remember the warning of Jesus concerning these counterfeits. He said that they would deceive the very elect if possible. This, of course, suggests that the deception will be professional and convincing. No doubt, those who question the veracity of these would-be prophets and anointed-ones will offend many people.

It is our duty, yea, our obligation to warn people that all is not well in the religion called Christian. Deceivers are everywhere, claiming power, claiming deliverance ministries, claiming to be the voice of God. "Many shall say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (lawlessness)." (Matt. 7:22-23)

Just because a minister appears to be spiritual and uses scriptural terminology, does not mean that he is a follower of Jesus Christ. A true believer will put forth every effort to please and obey his master by living his life in subjection to the divine orders as found in the Word of God.

Beware of all others.

(Reprinted from Number 368, July 1994 issue of "The Testimony of Truth" with permission from "People of the Living God")

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