End Times Revival & Deception
Summary
Most Christians agree that during the End Times, there will be a Great Deception, also known as the Great Falling Away or the Great Apostasy (II Thessalonians 2:9-10,11; Matthew 24:10-11) caused by the Great Prostitute or Great Harlot (Revelation 17:5). Christians are currently divided over if and when a Great Revival will happen (Revelation 7:9,10,13,14). We aim to clarify how both will happen.
Endorsements
Almost all Bible-believing Pentecostal and Modern Protestants agree that there will be an End Times revival or harvest. Most other Christians seem to not have an opinion due to the complexity. Gracethrufaith also believes in both.
Concepts
Christians will unite for a Great Revival during the Tribulation.
While many nonbelievers (II Thessalonians 2:12) will be led astray (Matthew 24:24), we know that the faithful will be nourishing the elect (Matthew 24:45-46). Half the church will be wise, and half will wish they were (Matthew 24:40-41; Matthew 25:1-2,13). The faithful and wise will be unified (Revelation 13:7) for the purpose of a Great Revival among all tribes and people during the Great Tribulation (Revelation 7:9,13,14), especially for the Jews (Romans 11:25,26-27).
The revival will happen through the Holy Spirit’s power.
One of the most common verses used in Pentecostal churches talks about how near the End Times, there will be an outpouring of supernatural power on Christians, for the sake of witnessing (Joel 2:28-29). Some say this is just for Israel (Joel 2:27,32), but the apostle Peter said that these very verses actually started on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16-21), which applies to the Gentiles (Acts 10:45).
The deception is mostly for nonbelievers.
The End Times lawlessness (II Thessalonians 2:3,7) and deception (II Thessalonians 2:10) are for those who deny (II Thessalonians 2:12) the Gospel of Salvation (Titus 3:3-8). This is because God only deludes the unrighteous (II Thessalonians 2:11-12) because He will never tempt people to sin (James 1:13). Jesus said it might affect believers (Matthew 24:24), but it would only “lead them astray” temporarily because the elect cannot lose their salvation (Romans 11:7).
FAQ
Will the End Times be godless like in Noah’s days (Matthew 24:12,37)?
The reference to Noah is not about their godliness but about how unaware the people were (Matthew 24:38-39; Luke 17:20-30). Some add that that the majority of the world will be godless (Genesis 6:5), besides their small denomination, but the following verses further clarify this by saying that about half will be raptured (Matthew 24:40-41; Matthew 25:1-2). The last days (II Timothy 3:1) will actually be a time where those who hate God (II Timothy 3:4) will actually appear godly (II Timothy 3:5), unlike Noah’s days where there was no appearance of that (Genesis 6:5). Many nonbelievers, maybe even billions, will be loveless (Matthew 24:12), but that doesn’t mean there won’t be billions who are saved (Matthew 24:13). The Gospel won’t be preached in vain (Matthew 24:14) because ever since Jesus and the Holy Spirit inhabited the earth, the darkness will never again be greater than the light (John 1:4-5).
Are Christian groups promoting ecumenical unity really the Great Harlot?
A few oppose ecumenical unity because it’s reminiscent of the Great Harlot’s conglomeration of religions (Revelation 17:5), yet unity “of one mind” is commanded to fight the “one mind” of the devil (Philippians 2:2; Revelation 17:13). Satan can only steal and twist what is holy (John 10:10). He did not create ecumenism, for that was Jesus (I Corinthians 1:10). After dividing over the right topics, anyone who says unity among denominations is bad is actually doing Satan’s work for him: dissensions and division (Titus 3:9,10-11).
What will the harlot look like?
Various denominations or online ministries can’t be the Great Harlot because it will be a literal, physical city (Revelation 18:18,21) of demonic activity (Revelation 18:2), greed, sexual immorality (Revelation 18:3), and murderers (Revelation 18:24; Matthew 23:35).
Is the Pentecostal church the false prophets (Matthew 24:24)?
False prophets can only exist because they are twisting the power of real prophets. Like all denominations, they have many that are true Bible believers and some who are scam artists. Satan doesn’t attack fake believers; he attacks the real ones (I Peter 5:8-9). Some say they have itching ears (II Timothy 4:3-4), but most believe in repentance, faith in Christ, and the true Gospel of Salvation (Titus 3:3-8).