What is the meaning of Matthew 24:5? For many will come in My name Jesus opens with a sober warning: impostors will appear under the banner of His own authority. • He expects a plurality—“many”—not just an isolated event (cf. 1 John 2:18, “many antichrists have appeared”). • They operate “in My name,” borrowing the credibility of Christ to mask their true nature (cf. Acts 19:13–16, where exorcists misused Jesus’ name). • This tells believers to test every voice, remembering 1 John 4:1: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ The impostors’ central claim targets the core of the gospel—Jesus’ unique messiahship. • Some will present themselves as literal replacements for Jesus (cf. Acts 5:36–37, where Theudas and Judas of Galilee gathered followings). • Others will redefine “Christ” to fit cultural or spiritual trends, offering counterfeit salvations (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:4, “another Jesus”). • Scripture insists on one authentic Messiah: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). and will deceive many The tragedy is not merely the rise of deceivers but their success. • Deception spreads because people “will not tolerate sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3). • Signs and wonders may accompany the fraud, echoing the beast of Revelation 13:13–14. • Jesus later repeats the caution: “false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24). Practical safeguards: – Stay anchored in Scripture (Psalm 119:105). – Remain in fellowship with grounded believers (Hebrews 10:24–25). – Rely on the discernment of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). summary Matthew 24:5 offers a prophetic lens for every generation: counterfeit saviors will come, exploiting Jesus’ name and luring crowds away from the true Christ. By clinging to the clear testimony of Scripture, living in Spirit-led discernment, and staying within the faithful community, believers are equipped to recognize and reject every impostor. |
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