The great impostor

How three of the most successful religious systems in the world proclaim “another Jesus, a different Spirit, a different gospel” (2 Cor. 11:4).

He was known as “The Great Impostor” and inspired a 1961 film by the same name.

Ferdinand Waldo Demara impersonated everyone from physicians to monks and thus achieved notoriety. He began his nefarious career during World War II by borrowing his Army buddy’s name, going AWOL and faking his suicide. A string of pseudo careers followed. He was, among other things, a sheriff’s deputy, a doctor of applied psychology, a lawyer and a child-care expert.

He was best known for masquerading as a surgeon aboard a Canadian Navy destroyer during the Korean War, successfully completing a string of operations. His final gig: serving as a Baptist minister.

Demara’s life is a fascinating but sad story of one man’s quest for respectability. His success as an impostor also exposes the soft underbelly of a society whose people are easily duped by one who talks smoothly and claims to serve the greater good.

For Christians, Demara’s story is a warning to be on guard against those who disguise themselves as “servants of righteousness” (2 Cor. 11:15). But how can we know a religious impostor when we see one? The apostle Paul gives us three clear markers in 2 Cor. 11:4. False teachers proclaim “another Jesus … a different spirit … a different gospel.”

To illustrate, let’s look briefly at three of the largest and most successful religious systems in the world today: Islam, Mormonism, and the Watchtower (Jehovah’s Witnesses) – all of which are growing worldwide and teach unbiblical doctrines concerning Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the gospel.

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Flashes from the throne (Rev. 4:5)

Previously: 24 thrones, 24 elders (Rev. 4:4)

Verse 5 tells us that from God’s throne come “flashes of lightning, rumblings, and thunder.” These display the terrifying splendor of God’s glory and point us back to the giving of the law on Mt. Sinai (Ex. 19:16). Matthew Henry comments on the sights and sounds proceeding from the throne: “Thus he gave forth the law on mount Sinai; and the gospel has not less glory and authority than the law, though it be of a more spiritual nature” (Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible : Complete and Unabridged in One Volume, Re 4:1–8).

Thunder is a recurring sound throughout Revelation. One of the four living creatures speaks with a voice like thunder when the Lamb opens the first seal (6:1). There are thunders, rumblings, lightning and an earthquake when an angel takes the incense burner, fills it with fire from the heavenly altar, and hurls it to the earth (8:5). When the Ark of the Covenant appears in the sanctuary in heaven there is lightning accompanied by rumblings, thunder, an earthquake, and severe hail (11:19). In Rev. 14:2 John hears a sound from heaven like cascading waters and the rumbling of loud thunder. When the seventh bowl is poured out, there are lightning, rumblings and thunder (16:18). And when the marriage of the Lamb is announced John hears something like the voice of a vast multitude, like cascading waters, and like the rumbling of loud thunder (19:6).

Warren Wiersbe observes, “These ‘storm signals’ [from Rev. 4:5] will be repeated during the time of judgment, always proceeding from the throne and temple of God. God has indeed prepared His throne for judgment (Ps. 9:7; note also 77:18). Our world does not like to think of God as a God of judgment. They prefer to look at the rainbow around the throne and ignore the lightning and thunder out of the throne. He certainly is a God of grace, but His grace reigns through righteousness (Rom. 5:21). This was made clear at the cross where God manifested both His love for sinners and His wrath against sin” (Re 4:1).

After the thunder, John notes, “Burning before the throne were seven fiery torches, which are the seven spirits of God” (v. 5). The phrase “seven spirits” ties back to Rev. 1:4 and to Rev. 3:1, where Jesus describes Himself as “[t]he One who has the seven spirits of God.” While some Bible commentators say the seven spirits are angels and others argue that they represent the seven churches of Asia Minor, it seems best to understand these fiery torches as the Holy Spirit, who at times in scripture is associated with fire and judgment.

For example, in Isa. 4:4 the citizens of Judah are told that all who remain there will be called holy “when the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the blood-guilt from the heart of Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of burning.” This is followed by the promise, “Then the Lord will create a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night over the entire site of Mount Zion and over its assemblies” (v. 5). In Matt. 3:11 John the Baptist declares, “I baptize you with water for repentance, but the One who is coming after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to take off His sandals. He Himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Picking up on that prophecy, Jesus tells His followers after His resurrection, “This [the Father’s promise] is what you heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:4b-5).

The phrases “seven spirits” (or seven-fold Spirit) and “seven fiery torches” contain the number seven, which depicts fullness or completeness and is the number of God. The Spirit’s location before the throne of God illustrates His close relationship with the Father and the Son (who appears before the throne in chapter 5). It also may demonstrate His readiness to be sent out from the throne – to empower and equip the Lord’s servants for ministry. Since Yahweh appears in flames in the Old Testament (in a burning bush and a pillar of fire in the Old Testament, for example), and since Jesus appears with fiery eyes and feet like heated bronze (in Rev. 1), it should not surprise us that the Holy Spirit shares in the flaming qualities of holiness and judgment. One final thought: the seven fiery torches correspond to the seven-branch candlestick in the holy of holies, a further indication John sees a manifestation of the Holy Spirit before the throne in heaven.

John then records that “before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal” (v. 6a). This may correspond to the brass vessel before the sanctuary, where the priests washed in preparation for service. The sea of glass also appears in prophetic visions of God’s throne room. For example, in Exodus 24, Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu and 70 of Israel’s elders see “something like a pavement made of sapphire stone, as clear as the sky itself” beneath God’s feet. Ezekiel sees “[T]he shape of an expanse, with a gleam like awe-inspiring crystal” spread out over the heads of the living creatures (Ezek. 1:22). And later in Revelation John sees “something like a sea of glass mixed with fire” in heaven (Rev. 15:2).

But what is this sea? Consider this note in the ESV Study Bible: “It is the ‘floor’ of heaven and the ‘ceiling’ of the created universe, and its transparent tranquility shows heaven’s peace in contrast to earthly turmoil” (Rev. 4:6-8).  Matthew Henry adds this thought: “As in the temple there was a great vessel of brass filled with water, in which the priests were to wash when they went to minister before the Lord (and this was called a sea), so in the gospel church the sea or laver for purification is the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, who cleanses from all sin, even from sanctuary-sins. In this all those must be washed that are admitted into the gracious presence of God on earth or his glorious presence in heaven” (Re 4:1-8). The sea of glass appears to be the only thing not active in the throne room, where lighting flashes, thunder booms, living creatures proclaim the holiness of God, and 24 elders fall down in worship. Perhaps in one sense the sea of glass represents the tranquility that comes from God’s work and His creature’s worship. For the one whose mind is fixed on the Creator, there is “perfect peace” (Isa. 26:3).

Next: Living creatures

100 Christian Resources Online

Cate Smith, content manager of Christian Counseling Degree, wrote to me the other day with kind words about our Web site. She has been researching  online Christian resources and has compiled a list of 100 top sites. Although we didn’t make the list, we are consoled in knowing that we were edged out by some outstanding resources. I am reprinting her lead paragraph below, along with a link to the full list, with her permission. Cate writes:

“There are a fantastic number of resources out there on the Internet for Christians. The trick, of course, is knowing where to find them, and that’s where this article comes in. Whether you are looking for a way to deepen your Bible studies, organize events within your ministry, find out how to write inspirational prose, or just share your thoughts and prayers with other Christians, there are websites here that will be able to help you in your journey of faith.”

100 Christian Resources Online

Testing the spirits

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. But every spirit who does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist; you have heard that he is coming, and he is already in the world now. You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:1-4 HCSB)

The Bible not only warns believers about false prophets; it describes them in graphic ways:

  • Ravaging wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15; see also Acts 20:29).
  • Deceitful workers (2 Cor. 11:13).
  • Springs without water, mists driven by a whirlwind (2 Peter 2:17).
  • Dreamers who defile their flesh, despise authority, and blaspheme glorious beings (Jude 1:8).
  • Liars (Rev. 2:2).
  • Antichrists (1 John 2:18).

How do we define a false prophet? Simply put, a false prophet is one who preaches, teaches, or foretells events contrary to the Word of God, yet often claiming God as his or her source. As believers, we can guard our hearts from the teachings of false prophets by obeying three commands of the apostle John.

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24 thrones; 24 elders (Rev. 4:4)

Previously: Elders, Spirits and Living Creatures (Rev. 4:4-11)

The scripture

Rev. 4:4 – Around that throne were 24 thrones, and on the thrones sat 24 elders dressed in white clothes, with gold crowns on their heads.

Around the throne in heaven John sees 24 thrones upon which are seated 24 elders wearing white clothes and gold crowns. There has been a great deal of speculation about the identity of the elders. The two major views are that they represent the church raptured prior to this time and rewarded in heaven, or that they are angels given great responsibility. Likely, these are not angels because angels are never numbered in scripture – although they are described as “myriads” in Heb. 12:22 – nor are they enthroned or given crowns. And there’s no evidence in scripture that angels receive rewards. In addition, the elders wear human garments that suggest endurance and victory. Therefore, it seems reasonable that they represent the redeemed of God – Old and New Testament saints.

That they are seated denotes honor, rest and satisfaction. That they are near the throne of God signifies intimacy with the Creator. Their robes represent the righteousness of the saints – the imputed righteousness of Christ as well as their righteous deeds. Their crowns depict authority and victory, and the fact that they so eagerly cast their crowns before the throne of God illustrates their clear understanding that the One seated on the throne has given them their righteousness and granted them their lofty position. These crowns are stephanos, similar to those given to victors in Greek games, not diadema, or crowns of sovereign rulers, suggesting the elders have been judged and rewarded.

The ESV Study Bible summarizes well the identity of the elders: “Their number may reflect the orders of priests serving in the OT temple (cf. 1 Chron. 24:7–19) but more likely they symbolize the unity of God’s people, encompassing OT Israel (led by the heads of the 12 tribes) and the NT church (led by the 12 apostles), like the new Jerusalem’s 12 gates and 12 foundations (Rev. 21:12, 14). Their thrones resemble those of God’s heavenly court in Dan. 7:9–10 (cf. Rev. 20:4).”

Notice how the elders relate to the four living creatures. John says, in verses 9-10, that whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the One seated on the throne, the 24 elders fall down before Him, cast their crowns before the throne, and praise Him:

Our Lord and God,

You are worthy to receive

Glory and honor and power,

Because You have created all things,

And because of Your will

They exist and were created.

The Book of Revelation is filled with hymns of praise, and many times it is the elders – sometimes with the four living creatures or the angels – leading in worship. For example:

  • In Rev. 5:9-12 the four living creatures and 24 elders sing a new song, praising the worthiness of Jesus, while “countless” angels declare the worthiness of the Lamb.
  • In Rev. 7:11-12 all the angels, the elders and the four living creatures fall on their faces before the throne and worship God.
  • In Rev. 11:16-18 the 24 elders fall on their faces once again and worship God.
  • In Rev. 19:4 the 24 elders and the four living creatures fall down and worship God, saying, “Amen! Hallelujah!”

Warren Wiersbe writes, “The theme of this hymn (Rev. 4:11) is God the Creator, while in Revelation 5 the elders praise God the Redeemer. The praise in Revelation 4 is given to the Father on the throne, while in Revelation 5 it is directed to the Son (the Lamb) before the throne. The closing hymn (Rev. 5:13) is expressed to both, another proof of the deity of Jesus Christ” (The Bible Exposition Commentary, Re 4:1).

If the elders represent Israel and the church, are they actually the patriarchs and the apostles (presumably Paul in the place of Judas Iscariot)? Are they others chosen to represent the redeemed of God throughout the ages? Or are they merely symbols? We don’t know. The elders are never named. And in heaven the emphasis is on the One seated on the throne, on the Lamb of God, and on the seven-fold Spirit before the throne. Perhaps our focus should be less on the identity of these elders than on what they are telling us: that the One seated on the throne is worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because He has created all things, and because of His will they exist and were created.

Next: Flashes from the throne (Rev. 4:5)