{"id":7364,"date":"2021-02-05T17:54:32","date_gmt":"2021-02-05T22:54:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/christskingdom.org\/staging\/8402\/?page_id=7364"},"modified":"2026-05-13T09:53:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T13:53:36","slug":"evildoers-in-the-end-times","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/christskingdom.org\/staging\/8402\/evildoers-in-the-end-times\/","title":{"rendered":"Evildoers in the End-Times"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Evildoers in the End-Times<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Article 46<\/em><\/p>\n\n

By Steven J. Hogan<\/p>\n\n

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Do you notice all the sin, evil, and wickedness, and that it\u2019s getting worse and worse? Do you see how many people not only accept this sin, but promote it, and are now even legislating it, making it legal in our country? One news person had it right when he said they are\u00a0\u201cmainstreaming crazy.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0But God is not surprised when He sees the sin and that it’s increasing. He knows this present age is an\u00a0\u201cevil age\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Gal. 1:4), and that\u00a0\u201cthe whole world lies in the power of the evil one\u201d\u00a0<\/em>(1 John 5:19). And He knows how sin and evil grow in a country, and specifically what\u2019s been going on in the United States for the past 50-60 years. It truly is the downward spiritual spiral described in Rom. 1:18-32, a progression marked by the open rejection of God leading to sexual sin, perversion, depravity, wholesale idolatry, and sinners\u00a0\u201cbeing filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil\u2026\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Romans 1:29

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Those last few sins are from Rom. 1:28-31, and its but one of many lists that God gives us in His Word. You see, He wants us to know that sin is our primary problem, and what must be dealt with or else. Of course, sin is talked about in the entire Bible, from Gen. 2 to Rev. 22, but there are numerous lists detailing specific sins. And you need to know them so you can know what God hates, so you can stay away from sin, so you can help other Christians, and so you can point them out as you share the gospel to unbelievers. I encourage you to look at these different lists: there\u2019s Rom. 1:28-31, along with Mark 7:21-22, 1 Cor. 6:9-10, Gal. 5:19-21, Eph. 5:3, Col. 3:5, 2 Tim. 4:2-4, Tit. 3:3, and Rev. 22:15.

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It\u2019s one thing to see these sins on the pages of Scripture, but it\u2019s another thing to see them lived out in the world around us. I assume you are saddened and sickened by all the evil that\u2019s in the world. As a child of God, you know what it means to be holy, and you shouldn\u2019t like or accept the sin that\u2019s in our cities, schools, businesses, and government. But now it\u2019s quite apparent that sinners are becoming increasingly sinful. In fact, Matt. 24:12 informs us that in the end-times,\u00a0\u201clawlessness is increased\u201d<\/em>, which means sinners will be sinning more and more the closer we get to the coming of Christ. Compounding all this is the fact that the Antichrist will soon appear, one who is actually called the\u00a0\u201cman of lawlessness\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(2 Thess. 2:3). But what do we need to know as we see sinners and their sin becoming a greater plague to this world? Let me share with you some key lessons from God\u2019s word on this subject of sin and sinners.

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* Why sinners are sinners.<\/strong>\u00a0They do not know God, they are not children of God and, in fact, are children of the devil (John 8:44-47). They have rejected God and rebelled against Him, which is the root of their sin (Rom. 1:18-32). They say there is no God \u2013\u00a0\u201cThe fool has said in his heart, \u2018There is no God.\u2019 They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds.\u2019\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Ps. 14:1). They do not love God but instead love their sin \u2013\u00a0\u201cMen loved the darkness rather than the light\u201d\u00a0<\/em>(John 3:18-20). They sin because they have a sin nature \u2013\u00a0\u201cnothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Rom. 7:18). They are controlled by their flesh and led astray by the world and the devil \u2013\u00a0\u201cWe too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and mind, and were by nature children of wrath.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Eph. 2:1-4

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Sinners are not thinking right.\u00a0<\/strong>That\u2019s because they do not know and love God, but rather love themselves and their sin.\u00a0\u201cMen will be lovers of self\u2026 rather than lovers of God.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(2 Tim. 3:2-4). Many sinners do not believe there is a God, or else do not believe in the one true God.\u00a0\u201cThe wicked, in the haughtiness of his countenance, does not seek God. All his thoughts are, \u2018There is no God.\u2019\u201d\u00a0<\/em>(Ps. 10:4). Because they don\u2019t believe in God and worship Him, then they don\u2019t believe the truth, but instead believe the lies about God, Jesus Christ, creation, mankind, sexuality, heaven, hell, etc. In fact, many do not even believe there is sin and that they have sinned against God (1 Jn. 1:8, 10), and therefore do not believe they need a Savior.\u00a0\u201cThey did not honor Him as God, or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations and their foolish heart was darkened\u2026 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Rom. 1:22, 25

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Because a sinner doesn\u2019t believe in the one true God then his understanding of God is wrong. He says,\u00a0\u201cHow does God know? Is there knowledge with the Most High?\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Ps. 73:11).\u00a0\u201cHe says to himself, \u2018God has forgotten; He has hidden His face; He will never see it.\u2019\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Ps. 10:11). The sinner thinks he is wise, that he has the truth, but he is a fool, and is believing the lies which are so terribly wrong and, therefore, his thinking is wrong. \u201cProfessing to be wise, they became fools.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Rom. 1:22). Those who continually reject God are given over to a depraved mind, a debased mind, and are\u00a0\u201cthose who call evil good, and good evil, who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Is. 5:20). And we are noticing this more and more, for we are regularly witnessing this worldly and wicked way of thinking. It\u2019s sad, but more than that, it\u2019s Satanic, it\u2019s pure evil to see sinners with such a sin-darkened mind and life.\u00a0\u201cJust as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil\u2026 haters of God\u2026 inventors of evil\u2026 untrustworthy, unloving\u2026\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Romans 1:28-32

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* Some sinners are worse than other sinners.\u00a0<\/strong>As we live in this wayward world, we know of sinners who are outwardly, obviously, and unbelievably evil. Their speech and actions are ungodly, vile, perverse, hateful, immoral, abusive, sinister, murderous, and despicable. We all know about Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Castro, etc. And now we hear about all these wicked people in our own country, not as bad as Hitler, etc., but nonetheless, still very sinful. There are those who blaspheme God, who rail against Him, who hate and persecute Christians, who kill the unborn, and whose lives are filled with sin.\u00a0\u201cHis mouth is full of curses and deceit and oppression; under his tongue is mischief and wickedness\u2026 In the hiding places he kills the innocent\u2026 He lurks to catch the afflicted\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Ps. 10:7-9).\u00a0\u201cHe plans wickedness upon his bed; He sets himself on a path that is not good; he does not despise evil\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Ps. 36:4). Many passages in the Bible, especially in the book of Psalms, describe the lives of those who are extremely evil and wicked. Here are some of them: Psalms 5:9, 36:1-4, 55:9-11, 64:1-4, 73:4-9, 140:1-5

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* Stay away from those who are evil and wicked.\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cHow blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Ps. 1:1). Yes, you are to be\u00a0\u201cthe salt of the earth\u201d<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0\u201cthe light of the world\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Matt. 5:13-14), but that does not mean you should closely associate and be friends with sinful people. God wisely and lovingly instructs you to\u00a0\u201cleave the presence of a fool\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Prov. 14:7). He tells you,\u00a0\u201cDo not enter the path of the wicked and do not proceed in the way of evil men\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Prov. 4:14). And remember,\u00a0\u201cbad company corrupts good morals.\u201d<\/em>\u00a01 Cor. 15:33

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* Some sinners may not appear to be sinners.\u00a0<\/strong>We read about the Pharisees who\u00a0\u201coutwardly appeared righteous to men\u2026\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Matt. 23:27-28), about\u00a0\u201cfalse apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ\u2026 as servants of righteousness\u201d\u00a0<\/em>(2 Cor. 11:13-15), about those who are charming \u2013\u00a0\u201cBy their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting\u201d\u00a0<\/em>(Rom. 16:18). Be careful, for these deceptive sinners may creep into your church,\u00a0\u201cmen who are hidden reefs in your love feasts.\u201d\u00a0<\/em>Jude 8-13, Acts 20:28-31

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* God will protect you from those who are wicked.\u00a0<\/strong>Remember, God is your Father, and He wants to keep you from evildoers. Even Jesus prayed,\u00a0\u201ckeep them from the evil one\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(John 17:15). Also, you need to be humble and ask God to protect you and others you are close to.\u00a0\u201cRescue me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men who devise evil things in their heart\u2026 keep me O Lord from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Ps. 140:1-6, Matt. 6:13).\u00a0\u201cHe who was born of God<\/em>\u00a0(Jesus)\u00a0keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.\u201d\u00a0<\/em>1 John 5:18. This doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t be affected by sinners, but that God will watch over you, and deliver you from evil, that which you know about and don\u2019t know about, ensuring that you will make it to heaven.\u00a0\u201cThe Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever.\u201d<\/em>\u00a02 Tim. 4:18

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* The devil and his army of demons work through sinners.\u00a0<\/strong>The devil uses evildoers to help him carry out his wicked work. It may be a so-called preacher, politician, teacher, or even family member.\u00a0\u201cIn later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars\u201d\u00a0<\/em>(1 Tim. 4:1-2). We know that\u00a0\u201cSatan entered into Judas\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Luke 22:3). And in the end-times there will be this evil Antichrist, one who will be influenced by the devil like no one else \u2013 we will see sinners of the world who\u00a0\u201cworshipped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast\u00a0<\/em>(Antichrist); and they worshipped the beast\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Rev. 13:4). So don\u2019t be na\u00efve, don\u2019t believe everything you hear, be wise and discerning, for you don\u2019t want to give the devil a foothold (Eph. 4:27).\u00a0\u201cExamine everything carefully, hold on to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(1 Thess. 5:21-22). And remember this promise \u2013\u00a0\u201cthe God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Romans 16:20

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* Part of God\u2019s plan is to work through evildoers.\u00a0<\/strong>Throughout history, God has raised up people who do evil, and are used by Him for His divine and eternal purposes. The classic example involves Jesus Christ \u2013\u00a0\u201cthere were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Acts 4:27-28). There\u2019s the example of Pharaoh \u2013\u00a0\u201cThe Scripture says to Pharaoh, \u2018For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth\u2019\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Rom. 9:17). That God uses evil people to carry out His purposes is an amazing display of His awesome power, wisdom, and sovereignty. Exodus 15:1-21

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* God is sovereign over all evildoers and uses them for His purposes.<\/strong>\u00a0Do you ever get upset when you look out at the world and there\u2019s all these ungodly people doing all these ungodly deeds? It may seem like they can do whatever they want, and that no one will stop them. But remember, God is sovereign, always in charge, and there\u2019s nothing a wicked person can do apart from what He allows and ordains him to do. Read about that super-proud, seemingly all-powerful Nebuchadnezzar, and you will learn how God humbled Him for seven years (Dan. 4). Note what he finally says, \u201cAll the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward of His hand or say to Him, \u2018What have you done?\u2019\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Dan. 4:34-37). Another example of how God shows His sovereignty over sinners is with that most wicked man, the Antichrist, and his evil empire, for\u00a0\u201cGod has put it into their hearts to execute His purpose\u2026\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Rev. 17:17

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How are we to live in this world of wrongdoers?\u00a0<\/strong>The chapter that best instructs us how to live in this sinful world is Psalm 37.\u00a0\u201cDo not fret because of evildoers, be not envious toward wrongdoers\u2026 Cease from anger and forsake wrath\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(vss. 1, 8). These verses list out four things you are not to do \u2013 you are not to fret, be envious, get angry, or retaliate. You also learn eight things you are to do \u2013\u00a0\u201cTrust in the Lord\u2026 do good\u2026 dwell in the land\u2026 cultivate faithfulness\u2026 delight yourself in the Lord\u2026 commit your way to the Lord\u2026 rest in the Lord\u2026 wait patiently for Him\u201d\u00a0<\/em>(Vss. 3-7). This chapter that contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked also gives us hope, for the righteous will\u00a0\u201cinherit the land\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(vss. 9, 11, 22, 29, 34),\u00a0\u201cabide forever\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(vss. 27), and\u00a0\u201cdelight themselves in abundant prosperity\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(vs. 11). But the wicked will\u00a0\u201cwither quickly\u2026 be cut off\u2026 be no more\u2026 perish\u2026 vanish\u2026 be altogether destroyed\u2026\u201d\u00a0<\/em>(vss. 2, 9, 10, 20, 38). One of the most important keys to living for the Lord is given in vs. 31 \u2013\u00a0\u201cThe law of his God is in his heart.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0As you live in this evil world, apply these truths to your life, and you will be a Spirit-filled, successful, God-glorifying Christian.

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\u201cEvil men and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived\u201d<\/em><\/strong>(2 Tim. 3:13). When I observe the ways of sinful people, I often notice that they become more and more evil. There are criminals on the street who start by stealing and then end up killing. There are politicians becoming more extreme and evil in their positions, ones who are imposters, hypocrites, acting so nice when in fact they are sinners. There are corrupt business people who lie, cheat, and love their money but not God. And so, don\u2019t be surprised when you see individuals becoming increasingly wicked. Now it\u2019s happening all over, so much so that you have to confess that we live in a very sinful country. Sadly, sinners and sin will get worse, especially now that we live in the end-times, for we know what Matt. 24:12 says,\u00a0\u201clawlessness is increased.\u201d

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But these truth-deprived sinners are not just growing more sinful \u2013 they are deceived. I often wonder if evil people really believe the evil things they say, and this verse says they do. They actually think they are saying and doing what is right when in fact, they\u2019re saying and doing what is wrong. Let me again quote from Rom. 1:18-32 which describes a sinner\u2019s downward progression to depravity \u2013\u00a0\u201cJust as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Hardened, idol-worshiping sinners are convinced that what they believe is true, but their thinking is not right \u2013 they are dead wrong, they are out of their minds, they are insane. And it\u2019s not just that they are deceived, but they are becoming more deceived. But the worst thing of all is that they are deceiving and fooling others, na\u00efve people who believe their truth-denying lies.

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* God will judge the wicked in His time.<\/strong>\u00a0Always remember that the unrepentant sinner, the defiant wrongdoer, will be punished by God in the right way and at the right time. On this earth, God may use the governing authority, for it is a\u00a0\u201cminister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Rom. 13:1-4); and this is in addition to being severely and eternally punished in hell. Then there are those who suddenly and tragically die, and then go to hell, like that evil King Herod.\u00a0\u201cThe Lord struck him because he did not give glory to God, and he was eaten by worms and died\u201d\u00a0<\/em>(Acts 12:23). Or it may be that God lets them live wickedly their entire life, but they will not escape, for right after they die, they will perish, for God will then punish them for their sins (John 3:16). Ps. 37:35, 38 describes this person as\u00a0\u201ca wicked, violent man spreading himself like a luxuriant tree in it native soil. Then he passed away and he was no more\u2026 transgressors will be altogether destroyed.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n

There\u2019s also Ps. 73:3-5, 12, 19 \u2013\u00a0\u201cI saw the prosperity of the wicked\u2026 there are no pains in their death\u2026 they are not in trouble as other men\u2026 these are the wicked; and always at ease, they have increased in wealth\u2026 How they are destroyed in a moment! They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors.\u201d\u00a0<\/em>Be assured that God will punish sinners justly, in His way and in His time.\u00a0\u201cThe way of the wicked will perish\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Ps. 1:6, John 3:16).\u00a0\u201cThese will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(2 Thess. 1:7-9).\u00a0\u201cDepart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil\u2026 These go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life\u201d\u00a0<\/em>(Matt. 25:41, 46). One more thing you must know is that there are degrees of punishment in hell.\u00a0\u201cWoe to you Chorazin\u2026 it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Matt. 11:20-24

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What do we say to sinners?<\/strong>\u00a0There must be a solution, some answer to this problem, to this dreaded and deadly sin. Thankfully, there is. God is holy but also loving, One who delights to show mercy to sinners. But how can He do this? By sending His Son, Jesus, to this world to save the lost. About 2000 years ago, Jesus came to earth and became a Man, and as God and Man, He took our sins upon Himself, and by dying, He paid the penalty we should have paid (John 1:29). His Father, totally satisfied by the death of His Son as full payment for our sin, raised Him from the grave as proof of Jesus\u2019 victory over sin and death (Acts 2:22-24). Being saved from your sins is not what you do but what God through Jesus Christ does for you. 2 Cor. 5:21 tells us,\u00a0\u201cGod made Him\u00a0<\/em>(Christ)\u00a0who knew no sin to be sin that we might become the righteousness of God.\u201d\u00a0<\/em>Eph. 2:8-9 encouragingly says, \u201cBy grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourself, it is the gift of God.\u201d

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What does a sinner need to do to be saved from His sins?<\/strong>\u00a0He needs to repent, to tell God he is truly sorry that he sinned against Him, and he needs to believe in Jesus Christ, that He died and paid the penalty for all his sins.\u00a0\u201cChrist died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring you to God\u201d\u00a0<\/em>(1 Pet. 3:18).\u00a0\u201cWhoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Rom. 10:13). If you are a sinner, if you have rejected God and rebelled against Him, if your life is a mess, if you have no hope, if you are depressed, if you have been proud, angry, selfish, covetous, immoral, idolatrous, or worried, then turn from your sin and turn to Christ. Do not trust in yourself or in your own\u00a0\u201cgood works\u201d,<\/em>\u00a0trust in Christ and in Him alone, for He only is the answer, a true Savior of sinners. Many examples of helpless and hopeless sinners humbling themselves and coming to Christ are found in the gospels. (Luke 5:27-32, 7:40-49, 15:11-32, 18:9-17, 19:1-10, 23:39-43). As you read these stories, you realize that Jesus didn\u2019t turn any of these sinners away, but He loved them all and forgave them. And He won\u2019t turn you away. Come to Jesus for forgiveness, for a relationship with God, for a life of purpose. Come to Jesus and follow Him, love Him, and serve Him.\u00a0\u201cCome to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Matt. 11:28-30).\u00a0\u201cFollow me, and I will make you fishers of men.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Mark 1:17

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* Saintly living in a sinful world.<\/strong>\u00a0God has adopted you into His family, you are His child, you are a saint, a holy one, and you are to live a godly life. The primary purpose of the epistles is to instruct you how you are to live for Him in this sinful world. Learn from God\u2019s word, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and then you will be Christlike, and able to live a God-pleasing life. You will be loving, patient, forgiving, encouraging, and a good example to other Christians. Not only that, but you will be a light shining in a dark world, and ready and able to witness to the lost, to share the soul-saving gospel.\u00a0\u201cBe holy yourselves also in all your behavior\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(1 Pet. 1:15).\u00a0\u201cYou are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God\u2019s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(1 Pet. 2:9).\u00a0\u201cSanctify Christ as Lord in your heart, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(1 Pet. 3:15).\u00a0\u201cLive the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God\u2026 The gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God. The end of all things is near\u2026\u201d<\/em>\u00a01 Pet. 4:2, 6-7

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* The devilish end-times\u2019 deception of sinners.<\/strong>\u00a0There will come a time when\u00a0\u201cthey will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Matt. 24:9). There will come a time when\u00a0\u201cbrother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Mark 13:12). There will come a time when\u00a0\u201cthey worshiped the dragon\u00a0<\/em>(the devil)\u201d<\/em>, when\u00a0\u201call who dwell on earth will worship him<\/em>\u00a0(the beast)\u201d (Rev. 13:4, 8). All these terribly evil things, and more, will happen, but how? How will a vast majority of those in the world become so utterly wicked?

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You can\u2019t miss the fact that this world is now very sinful, very evil. But from these verses, we learn that sinners will become even more wicked, that sinners will oppose the saints like never before. Christians and non-Christians will be polarized, on opposite sides, and with no middle ground. At that time, most people will be either for Christ or against Christ. Can you imagine what it will be like to be hated by all nations, be betrayed by a parent, brother, or child, and know that massive numbers of unbelievers are worshipping the devil and the Antichrist? Now we are not there yet, but by God\u2019s word I can promise you, we will be.

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Let me share with how this will happen:

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1. There will be many false prophets, fake Christians, and other religious leaders who will deceive people and\u00a0\u201cmislead many\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Matt. 24:11). This false teaching will turn people from the true Christ and result in increased evil in their lives.\u00a0\u201cWoe to you, scribes and Pharisees\u2026 you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Matthew 23:15

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2. Matt. 24:12 tells us that this world is now becoming increasingly lawless and sinful. This sinful, downward, and irreversible progression we are witnessing will lead to that time when the world is filled with billions of terrible sinners.

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3. The very presence and power of the Antichrist, that\u00a0\u201cman of lawlessness\u201d<\/em>, will lead to increased lawlessness in the world. 2 Thess. 2:3-8

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4. There will be a time when sinners on earth are suddenly and greatly deceived, quickly becoming more evil than ever before. 2 Thess. 2:9-10 tells us about the\u00a0\u201cone\u00a0<\/em>(Antichrist)\u00a0whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Rev. 13:13-14 also explains this, saying,\u00a0\u201cHe\u00a0<\/em>(2nd<\/sup>\u00a0beast)\u00a0performs great signs so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men. And he deceives those who dwell on earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform.\u201d\u00a0<\/em>These false signs and wonders will cause sinners to be more sinful, bringing about this great hate for Christians, betrayal of family members, and people willingly worshiping the beast. Matt. 24:11 warns us,\u00a0\u201cat that time many will fall away and will betray one another.\u201d<\/em>\u00a02 Thess. 2:3 calls this the apostasy, which must occur before the coming of Christ to rapture the church. Some suggest this falling away, this apostasy, happens over time and, while that may be true, I believe these false signs and wonders will accelerate that process.

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5. God is sovereign over all this increased sinfulness, this global hate for Christians, and this great apostasy. From 2 Thess. 2:11 we learn,\u00a0\u201cGod will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.\u201d\u00a0<\/em>It is true that man and the devil are instigators of evil, and that they are totally responsible for all their wrongdoing, but it is also true that God, in ways man cannot understand, is sovereign over their sin. Man is sinful, and God is sinless, and sovereign over the sinners and their sin.

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* What needs to be understood is that we now live in a very sinful world, but it is going to get worse,<\/strong>\u00a0and then when we are close to the end of this age, to the coming of Christ, it will get far worse than we could ever imagine. All the sins from those lists of sins will be clearly visible, happening all over the world, in every city, and in most families. Sin will be totally accepted, and glorified. Sin will be out of control, uninhibited. Sin will be abhorrent, abominable, shocking, saddening, shameful, a sickening stench to Christians, and an unholy mockery of the living and holy God.\u00a0

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* This subject of sinners and God\u2019s dealings with them needs to be understood.\u00a0<\/strong>You must know that sin and sinners are the real problem in this world. And if you don\u2019t know what they are like, what they do, and how God works in and through them, then you will be confused, discouraged, and won\u2019t really know why the world is the way it is, and especially now that we are living in the end-times, the last years before the return of Christ. Don\u2019t be surprised by the fact that that sin and sinners will increasingly get worse. And know that this is all leading to the arrival and presence of that most devilish sinner, the Antichrist, followed by the coming of our Savior and King, who upon His return, will rapture the church, and then immediately pour out His holy wrath on this most wicked world. Revelation 19:11-21

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* What needs to be understood is the hope we have,\u00a0<\/strong>a future that God has planned out for us. We live in an evil age, a very sinful age, and it\u2019s not easy, it\u2019s hard, we get tired, we get sick, we go through tribulation, and the enemy is against us, hates us, and may even kill us. We must have hope, we must know that it\u2019s worth it to suffer for the Lord, that we will be rewarded, that life will be so much better, far better than we could ever imagine.\u00a0\u201cNo eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(1 Cor. 2:9).

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What is this hope, this future God has for us? 1. We will literally be with Jesus Christ (1 Thess. 5:10). 2. We will receive a brand-new glorified body (1 Cor. 15:40-42). 3. We will be with Christian friends and loved ones we knew on earth (1 Thess. 4:13-14). 4. We will receive an eternal inheritance (Col. 3:23-24). 5. We will have a beautiful, perfectly-suited home in heaven (John 14:2-3). 6. We will be specially gifted to serve God on earth and in heaven (Matt. 5:20-21). 7. Jesus Christ will be perfectly ruling over the world (Ps. 2:6-9). 8. We will be reigning with Christ during the millennial kingdom (Rev. 5:10). Indeed,\u00a0\u201cthe earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord\u201d<\/em>\u00a0(Hab. 2:14). Having this God-guaranteed hope will encourage and strengthen your heart, and is a key ingredient that will enable you to persevere through the tough times ahead. As Christians, we should be super-excited and super-thankful, knowing we have this glorious hope, this absolutely amazing and unbelievable future.

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* What are you to do now?

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\u2013 First, remember that Christ is with you, loves you, protects you, and wants to use you for His purposes in these last years leading up to the coming of Christ. Matt. 28:19-20

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\u2013 Second, make sure you are in a good church, that you have true friends, and that you are united with them for the Lord. Col. 4:7-17

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\u2013 Third, know what God\u2019s word says about these end-time\u2019s days. Mark 13:23

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\u2013 Fourth, love your enemies, love the sinners. Be a servant and a soldier. Be a bright light in this dark, sinful world, and be Christlike, be patient, kind, gentle, compassionate, humble. Col. 3:12-13

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\u2013 Fifth, share the gospel, tell sinners the truth about the Savior, how they can be forgiven, and how they can escape the coming judgment on earth and a fiery judgment in hell. Col. 4:2-6

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\u2013 Sixth, and most importantly, love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Mark 12:30

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\u2013\u00a0<\/em>Seventh, have hope, knowing that its eternally worth it to serve the Lord, and that it won\u2019t be long before you see Jesus, your loving Lord, Savior, and King.\u00a0\u201cFix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.\u201d<\/em>\u00a01 Peter 1:13<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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