False Christs

Mistaken and deceptive people claiming to be Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ warns his followers to be on their guard against the appearance of such people.

Jesus Christ warns that false Christs will appear

Matthew 24:5 parallels Mark 13:6, Luke 21:8 See also Matthew 24:23 parallel Mark 13:21

For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.

False Christs will perform signs and miracles in order to deceive

Matthew 24:24 parallel Mark 13:22

For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

False Christs can be recognised because the return of Jesus Christ will be obvious to everyone

Matthew 24:27–31 parallels Mark 13:24–27, Luke 21:25–28 The personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ is not described in terms of an appearance to a select group, but to the whole world. The attempt of anyone to convince others that he is Christ therefore is a sure sign of deception.

For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’ At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.