Counterfeit Prophets by L. E. F.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Oct 24, 1916

FromSigns of the Times, October 24, 1916

Counterfeit Prophets

By L. E. F.

WEIRD tales from across the seas tell of another so-called prophet and his wonderful hold on superstitious followers in Nigeria. Uncanny performances and cures attend this self-styled "Elijah II." Dispatches state that many hundreds are abandoning the religion of their forefathers to worship at his altar. The movement is said to resemble in many ways the late Alexander Dowie movement of Zion City, Chicago.

Such manifestations of counterfeit religion are not confined to the unenlightened countries. They are constantly appearing, and are apparently successful for short periods, in the best informed and most civilized of nations. Though they come to us in "sheep's clothing," we are to "beware" of them. "By their fruits ye shall know them." Matt. 7: 15-20.

Nineteen hundred years ago, the Master foretold the coming of many false prophets just preceding His own return to earth. Here are His words: "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the desert; go not forth: behold, He is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matt. 24: 23-27.

Let not those who are unsatisfied with their present spiritual condition, and yearning for a closer walk with God, be deceived by these "wolves in sheep's clothing." The earnest searcher after truth will not be unrewarded. Such yearning hearts will be satisfied if they but meet the conditions. Nor is the genuine of less worth because of the presence of the spurious.

The ability to work miracles is not an evidence of divine origin or approval. Satan has power to perform many marvels, "with signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness." The last days are to witness a power that "doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do." Rev. 13: 13, 14.

L. E. F.