The Counterfeit Christ — A Warning to the Elect
- RJ Boatman Ministries
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
RJ Boatman Revival Ministries
Bringing Truth in Scripture, Inspiring Testimonies, and the Love of Christ to Every Open Heart
Facebook: @RJBoatmanRevivalMinistries
The Counterfeit Christ — A Warning to the Elect
Opening Quote
“The Antichrist will not be so called; otherwise he would have no followers. He will come disguised as the Great Humanitarian; he will talk peace, prosperity and plenty, not as means to lead us to God, but as ends in themselves. He will tempt Christians with the same three temptations with which he tempted Christ. He will have one great secret which he will tell to no one: he will not believe in God. Because his religion will be brotherhood without the fatherhood of God, he will deceive even the elect. He will set up a counterchurch… It will have all the notes and characteristics of the Church, but in reverse and emptied of its divine content. It will be a mystical body of the Antichrist that will in all externals resemble the mystical body of Christ.” — Fulton J. Sheen
Key Scriptures for Study and Discernment
• 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 (NIV)
“Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed… He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped.”
• Matthew 24:24 (NIV)
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
• 2 Timothy 3:5 (ESV)
“Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”
• 1 John 4:3 (NIV)
“But every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.”
• Luke 4:1–13
(The three temptations of Christ in the wilderness)
Lesson Outline
I. The Deceptive Appeal of the Antichrist
• He will appear as a benevolent, solution-driven leader—not as a tyrant.
• He will promote peace, prosperity, and unity—but as ends, not as paths to God.
Application Point:
Are we seeking peace and success as ends in themselves, or as means to glorify God?
II. The Same Temptations Recycled
• The same temptations Satan used on Jesus will be reused:
1. Provision without obedience – “Turn these stones to bread”
2. Power without submission – “All this I will give You…”
3. Presumption without faith – “Throw Yourself down…”
Application Point:
How do these temptations show up in our own lives today? Where are we most vulnerable?
III. Brotherhood Without the Fatherhood
• The Antichrist’s message will preach unity and brotherhood but exclude the Father.
• Brotherhood apart from the Father becomes a hollow and godless ideology.
Application Point:
Are our relationships rooted in God’s design for family and fellowship—or a worldly version of inclusion that leaves God out?
IV. The Counterchurch
• A “church” will rise that imitates rituals, language, and structure—but is empty of the Holy Spirit.
• It will resemble the Church outwardly, but inwardly be the mystical body of the Antichrist.
Application Point:
Are we drawn to the form of worship, or to the presence of God? Do we know the difference?
Encouragement and Victory
1 John 4:4 (NIV)
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
Though deception will increase and false appearances will multiply, those who abide in Christ and walk in truth will not be overcome.
Prayer for Discernment
“Father, give us discernment in these last days. Help us to see through deception and to cling to Your truth. Strengthen our hearts against false peace and counterfeit promises. Let us stand firm, filled with Your Spirit, walking in the light of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.”
RJ Boatman Revival Ministries
Equipping Believers. Exalting Christ. Engaging the World
Comments