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Book of Mark - Chapter 13 - Verse 22

13:22
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

Meaning

The verse warning about false Christs and false prophets rising up to deceive even the elect is found in the book of Matthew in the New Testament of the Bible. This verse serves as a caution to believers about the presence of deceivers who will try to lead them astray with signs and wonders. It highlights the importance of discernment and staying grounded in the truth of God's word. False Christs and prophets may appear to have supernatural powers, but their ultimate goal is to seduce and lead people away from the true faith. The term "elect" refers to those chosen by God for salvation, emphasizing that even those who are deeply rooted in their faith may still be vulnerable to deception. This verse serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and keep a firm foundation in the teachings of Jesus Christ to avoid being led astray by false teachings and deception.

Theological Overview

In this verse, Jesus warns his followers about the rise of false Christs and false prophets who will perform signs and wonders in an attempt to deceive even the elect. The term "false Christs" refers to individuals who claim to be the Messiah but are imposters. "False prophets" are those who falsely claim to have the gift of prophecy or spiritual insight. The signs and wonders mentioned here are supernatural acts or miracles intended to deceive people. Jesus highlights the gravity of this deception by stating that even the elect, symbolizing true believers, could be led astray if possible. This warning emphasizes the importance of discernment and staying rooted in true faith. By remaining vigilant and relying on the teachings of Jesus, believers can avoid falling victim to the deception of false Christs and prophets. This passage serves as a reminder to stay true to the authentic teachings of Christ and not be swayed by deceptive imitations.

American Standard Version

for there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, the elect.
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