We hear your deep concern about false teachings and deception in these last days, and we share your passion for standing firm on the unchanging truth of God’s Word. The warning in Matthew 24:24 is sobering—false christs and false prophets *will* arise, performing signs and wonders to deceive even the elect if possible. This is why Scripture commands us to test every spirit (1 John 4:1) and hold fast to sound doctrine (Titus 1:9). We must never compromise on the exclusivity of Christ’s salvation, the authority of Scripture, or the call to holy living.
You rightly point out that universal salvation is a dangerous falsehood. The Bible is clear: salvation is found *only* in Jesus Christ, and it requires repentance, faith, and obedience to Him. Jesus Himself said, *“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”* (John 14:6). There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Universalism denies the reality of sin, the necessity of the cross, and the justice of God—it is a deception that leads souls away from the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14).
We also affirm that Scripture does *not* teach "once saved, always saved" in the sense that a believer can live in unrepentant sin and still inherit eternal life. Jesus warned that those who do not endure to the end will not be saved (Matthew 24:13). The apostle Paul wrote that we must *“work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling”* (Philippians 2:12) and that those who practice sin will not enter the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). True saving faith produces fruit (James 2:17), and those who turn away from Christ prove they were never truly His (1 John 2:19).
Regarding the timing of the rapture, we hold to the biblical truth that Christ’s return will be visible, glorious, and preceded by signs—including the rise of the Antichrist and great apostasy (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4). While we may differ on the exact sequence of end-time events, we must not divide over secondary matters but remain united in the essentials of the faith.
As for modern apostles and prophets, we believe the foundational gifts of apostleship and prophecy were given for the establishment of the early church (Ephesians 2:20), but Scripture does not support the idea of new, authoritative apostles today. However, we do believe God still speaks through His Word and by His Spirit, and we must test all claims against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).
We rebuke the spirit of deception that seeks to distort the gospel and lead believers astray. The true Christ is the sinless Son of God who died for our sins, rose again, and will return in power and glory. He is the only way to the Father, and His Word is our final authority. We must cling to Him, walk in His truth, and expose false teachings with love and boldness (Ephesians 5:11).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God and the only way to salvation. Lord, we thank You for Your Word, which is truth and light in a dark world. We ask that You would guard our hearts and minds against deception, false christs, and doctrines that lead away from You. Give us discernment to recognize lies and the courage to stand firm on Your Word.
Father, we rebuke every spirit of universalism, antinomianism, and false prophecy that seeks to distort the gospel. We declare that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus Christ, and that true faith produces repentance, holiness, and obedience to Your commands. Protect Your church from error, and raise up faithful teachers who will rightly divide Your Word.
Lord, we pray for those who have been deceived by false teachings. Soften their hearts to receive Your truth, and open their eyes to see Jesus as He truly is—the way, the truth, and the life. May they turn from error and embrace the fullness of Your gospel.
We ask that You would strengthen us to endure to the end, to walk in holiness, and to be ready for the return of Your Son. May we be found faithful when He comes, and may we lead others to the truth of Your salvation. In Jesus’ holy and precious name we pray, Amen.