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The effects of the signs and wonders are catastrophic. For those who would not receive the love of the truth, Jesus Christ, God will send them a "strong delusion" so that they would believe a lie. The effect of the lie is discussed by Paul in the book of Romans: "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and 1 wat changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: who changed the truth of moat 1" 1 ia 1 1 144 God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen" (Romans 1:21-25). Finally, regarding the coming deception Jesus said that it would be so powerful that even his elect (believers in Jesus Christ) would be deceived for a while. "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 shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before" (Matthew 24:23-25). Again we see that Jesus wants us to understand that there will be many false Christs who will perform signs and wonders. The fact that Biblically literate followers of Jesus Christ will potentially be deceived is very disturbing. What kind of deception could deceive even the very elect? For reasons that will become evident, the widespread deception associated with the forthcoming climax will be more than simply philosophical or theological deviations promulgated on the unsuspecting masses. Every belief system that has ever existed or could exist is here now; and yet, God's elect are not led astray by these mere "isms." We believe that it will take a powerful display ofvisible, even palpable supernatural signs and wonders. In effect, we believe that the deception will involve a worldwide series of physical manifestations by Satanic forces in a convincing display that will persuade the five senses that what one is seeing is indeed true. We believe that one's five senses will not help in discerning whether the events are a Satanic deception or a benevolent God-ordained revelation. Only spiritual discernment will betray the true nature of the lying signs and wonders that will come upon Earth in those days. Ultimately, the deception will involve the entire world-view of the planet Earth—even to bringing the nations of Earth into a climactic, ostensibly interplanetary war! And the armies of the world will be gathered by specific spirit beings established for that very purpose. 158 who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness" (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12). The effect of believing the lie is that men will worship the creation ("the creature") rather than the Creator.