For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
bible verses about deception in the last days
Warnings Against Deception
Matthew 24:24
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
2 Peter 2:1
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.”
1 John 4:1
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Mark 13:22
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
Matthew 7:15
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
Luke 21:8
“He replied: ‘Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.”
1 Timothy 4:1
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
Revelation 12:9
“The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”
Ephesians 4:14
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.”
Romans 16:18
“For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.”
Deception in Society
Matthew 24:4-5
“Jesus answered: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.’
2 Timothy 3:13
“While evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”
Colossians 2:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
Proverbs 12:5
“The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.”
Jeremiah 9:6
“You live in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to acknowledge me,” declares the LORD.”
Isaiah 44:20
“He feeds on ashes; a deluded heart misleads him; he cannot save himself, or say, ‘Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?'”
Micah 2:11
“If a liar and deceiver comes and says, ‘I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and strong drink,’ that would be just the prophet for this people.”
Isaiah 59:14
“So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter.”
Titus 1:10-11
“For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach.”
The Consequences of Deception
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
2 Thessalonians 2:10
“And in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing; they perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.”
Revelation 22:15
“Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”
Proverbs 14:25
“A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.”
Psalm 101:7
“No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.”
Isaiah 59:4
“No one calls for justice; no one pleads a case with integrity. They rely on empty arguments, they utter lies; they conceive trouble and give birth to evil.”
Romans 1:25
“They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.”
Proverbs 6:16-17
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood.”
John 8:44
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.”
Isaiah 30:9-10
“For they are a rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction. They say to the seers, ‘See no more visions!’ and to the prophets, ‘Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions.’
Finding Truth in Deception
John 16:13
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
Psalm 119:160
“All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.”
John 8:32
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Isaiah 45:19
“I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right.”
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Psalm 25:5
“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
Staying Alert and Vigilant
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Revelation 3:3
“Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”
Luke 21:36
“Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
2 Corinthians 11:14
“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
Mark 13:37
“What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
Hebrews 2:1
“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”
Philippians 1:27
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”
Galatians 5:7
“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?”
Hope Amid Deception
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
2 Corinthians 1:20
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”
Revelation 21:4
“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalm 23:3
“He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on these scriptures, it’s clear that deception is a pressing issue in our world today. We need to stay vigilant and search for the truth that comes from God’s Word instead of being swayed by those who seek to lead us astray. It’s vital to recognize false teachings and remain steadfast in our faith.
In every circumstance, we can trust that God is guiding us, and He has a plan for our lives. When we rely on Him, we can find hope even amid the confusing and often conflicting messages we encounter daily.
Let’s continue to grow together in faith and look to the Bible for guidance as we navigate through this world filled with choices. For those looking for strength and encouragement, I invite you to read more on topics like guidance in faith and strength in scripture. Together, we can pray, learn, and support one another in our journey of faith.