The End Times Bible Report Quarterly
Summer 2026: Issue Number 117
End Time Lying Wonders
Be not “...ignorant of his devices.”
— 2 Corinthians 2:11
It is commonly understood among Christians that we are living in the prophetic time of the end when Satan and his demon host will exert increasing power with “signs and lying wonders.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9) How can we prevent being ensnared by one of their many devices?
Do Extra-Terrestrial Beings Really Exist?
Throughout the past century there has been a fascination as to whether intelligent life exists beyond this planet. The logical question is posed — why did God create such a vast universe, only to have one small planet inhabited? And now, two major factors are fueling the popular belief that we are not alone: 1) the declassification of government files on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs), and 2) hyper-realistic movies such as Disclosure Day, Star Trek, Star Wars, etc., that intrigue and captivate audiences.
What does the Bible teach in answer to the question? Both the Old and New Testaments teach that Yes, there is extra-terrestrial life, but it is not what you may think! This life does not consist of fantastic beings from another planet, but it is, what the Bible describes as very intelligent powerful rulers of darkness” of “spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12) As Christians, we need to be especially alert to the danger of mixing fact with science fiction. “Now the Spirit [of God] speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” (1 Timothy 4:1) It should not surprise us then that the demons have the power to create lights zooming and dodging about in the atmosphere, deceptively presenting as UFOs.
The fact is that Satan and his unseen demon legion are actively seeking to deceive the people and draw them away from God’s merciful plan of salvation. Indeed, the belief that there are intelligent, fleshly beings on other planets denies the very need for our redeemer — Jesus Christ. The blood of Jesus was given only to offset the sin of Adam and his descendants, and so, imagined alien life forms would not qualify for the blood of Jesus.
Behind their deceptions, Satan and the demons desire to be worshiped and treated like gods, claiming they will provide the answer to all of the world’s problems. But, the Apostle Paul said, “For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth... to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” 1 Corinthians 8:5, 6
Mighty Men of Renown
The appetite of modern man for strange phenomenon does not end with science fiction fantasies of extraordinary life on other planets. There is also a fascination in the world of entertainment with super-human beings who possess powers and strength beyond anything possible for mortal man — super men and women. What is the origin of such beings of magnificent stature and abilities? To know the answer to this question, it is necessary to go back more than 5,000 years.
After Adam and Eve had sinned and were expelled from the Garden of Eden, a number of angels aligned with Satan, the “father of lies,” and became infected with Satan’s rebellious spirit. (John 8:44) These spirit beings, overcome with lust and ambition, mated with the daughters of men which created a dominant, hybrid race. “There were giants [Nephilim — a hybrid mix of angels and human] in the earth in those days... when the sons of God [angels] came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” See Genesis 6:1-11.
Within the first 1500 years of human history, the physical superiority of the fallen angels in fleshly bodies with their mutant offspring — the Nephilim — magnified and intensified the degraded condition of the fallen human race. God intervened by causing a flood upon the earth, which destroyed the Nephilim, and forced the fallen angels to dematerialize from human form. Thus ended direct interaction of the fallen angels with mankind and their attempt to subject the world to their rule. Hebrews 2:5
After the rebellion of these wicked, fallen angels, God placed a restraint upon them. They could no longer take on a visible form of their own and were confined to the earth’s lower atmosphere. By their imprisonment, they were prevented from exerting any further contaminating influence throughout the holy heavens. Jude speaks of these fallen angels (vs. 6): “And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation [the angelic realm of heaven], he hath reserved in everlasting chains [restrictions] under darkness [unable to openly manifest themselves as they did before the flood] unto the judgment of the great day…” The Apostle Peter confirms this statement: “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell [tartarus — literally, the lower atmosphere], and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment...” (2 Peter 2:4) Keep in mind that the devil is called “the prince of the power of the air [atmosphere].” Ephesians 2:2
As man began to populate the earth again after the flood, the fallen angels, even though imprisoned in chains of darkness, continued their rebellion, operating through those of humanity willing to subject their minds to demonic influence. Through the prompting of the evil spirits, sinful men then developed pagan religions which influenced all but a few the faithful patriarchs and prophets of God. Mythology developed and was common in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The people worshiped their mythical gods and demigods such as Osiris, Hercules, Neptune, and Zeus — all patterned after the fallen angels and the Nephilim, their superhuman offspring. Today, again, we see this same pattern of every imaginable god-like super “hero” in high definition and extraordinary realism played out on the big screen with blockbuster films that continue to whet the appetite of those craving interaction with life beyond what is human.
Spiritual Wickedness in High Places
One of the most powerful forces of the human mind is curiosity, and the fallen angels seek to lure the curious imperceptibly into one of their many snares — disguised as harmless entertainment. People of all ages sit spellbound, watching lifelike images of violence, sensuality and gore flashing continually before their minds on social media, unaware of the real dangers of what they are watching. They become desensitized to the wickedness, which soon leaves an imprint of evil to linger in their minds forever.
Most often the meddling of the wicked spirits is not immediately apparent as evil. Satan and the fallen angels frequently disguise their evil schemes as something beneficial, all for the purpose of gaining someone’s trust and loyalty — appearing to do good works or of promoting seemingly good teachings. This often confuses people regarding God’s true plan of salvation and God’s true standards of righteousness. “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness...” (2 Corinthians 11:14, 15) As an example, spirit mediums or channelers have often become unintentional accomplices of the fallen angels. By claiming to communicate with the spirit realm, they make evil appear comforting to those who mourn by offering communication with lost loved ones. America’s most familiar medium is John Edwards. His popular TV show “Crossing Over” used to entertain more than 533,000 American households every night. But the Scriptures clearly state that the dead cannot communicate — the dead are unconscious (Ecclesiastes 9:10) — therefore, Mr. Edwards and other spirit mediums must be communicating with demons disguised as departed loved ones. These communications are designed to appear innocent and harmless. However, the demons weave into their messages dangerous suggestions and lies, which then can lead to dire consequences. Satan has once again perpetuated his original lie — “Ye shall not surely die.” Genesis 3:4
Youth the Special Targets of Demons
Young people are being exposed to demonism today at an alarming rate. The young are especially curious and eager to gain more and more of a high. “Neurobiologically speaking, the adolescent brain is poised for impulsivity and thrill seeking.” (Clay Center for Young & Healthy Minds) As many have fallen victim to drugs by experimentation, so now the young yearn to experience something from another world, exposing themselves to wicked forces — unaware of the peril.
Sadly, witchcraft can be found in almost any high school or college campus. The Witches Coven Association has been completely surprised by the huge amount of questions and publicity they have been receiving as a result of popular books for children such as the Harry Potter phenomena. These books, along with at least 37 popular streaming TV programs are centered on witchcraft and the occult — appealing especially to very young children, teens and young adults. The stars of these programs are all very charismatic and well educated — some are funny and friendly, but many are demonic and frightening. The author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling, openly shared that she researched witchcraft to make her books more authentic, thus exposing children to actual witchcraft. This is not to say that children who read these books are engaged in witchcraft, but this theme in books and movies does foster a desire in some children to investigate deeper into the works of witches and warlocks.
As a result of this wildly popular interest, Wicca, a pagan cult of witchcraft, is one of the fastest growing religions in the U.S. today. In the 1990s, estimates hovered at 8,000 adherents. Recently, demographic surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center estimated the number of Wiccans in the U.S. to be around 1.25 million! Halloween is a special day for Wiccans and other pagan groups. It is easily observable that Halloween is increasingly more demonic in depictions of horror and gore — generating even more curiosity in the occult, yet passing itself off as harmless seasonal decor and wholesome fun.
So, how can we guard our young people from these demonic influences? Responsible parents start their education and discipline when their children are very young, directing them to positive media sources and friendships. It is important to understand that the single most powerful influence upon a young person is their peer group association. Children need to be directed toward healthy peer influences. Often, the connections children make with TV programs and inside internet chat rooms can become their primary peer influence — therefore, parents must monitor carefully their children’s media choices.
“We Wrestle Not Against Flesh and Blood”
Even though there are clear Scriptural references to the forces of evil, some Christians still doubt the reality of these dangerous spirit beings. When the Apostle Paul stated that “we wrestle… against the rulers of the darkness” he was not just speaking metaphorically of good and evil. (Ephesians 6:12) Jesus gave strong testimony that demons are real and can even possess their victims. One of several instances is found in Mark 5:1-13. It speaks of a man possessed of evil spirits who lived among the tombs. No one could “bind him, no, not with chains... always, night and day, he was... crying, and cutting himself with stones.” When he saw Jesus, he cried out, “What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God?” This was a demon speaking through the man, one of a “legion” — at least 2000! Jesus immediately demanded, “Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit....” At that point, “...all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine... And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea...” Being possessed by 2,000 demons gave the possessed man super human strength and violent, wolf-like behavior. This lesson proves that God and His Son do have the power to deal with these rebel angels, but God is simply permitting them, for a limited time, to manifest the destructive fruitage of rebellion — a lesson for both men and angels. Although this example illustrates the power of the demons to influence and even possess the mind, it is not possible for them to do so without their victim having first submitted his will to wickedness.
Possession by demons is a worst-case scenario, but the forces of darkness care not if one is fully possessed or just partially influenced — they are motivated to destroy faith in God and thereby to delay their final judgment. Remember that when Jesus cast out the demons from the man possessed, they asked him, have you come to destroy us before the time? (Matthew 8:29) They have well known that during the time of his second advent, Christ will gather the final members of his Church and will execute judgment upon wicked spirits. “Know ye not that we shall judge angels?” 1 Corinthians 6:3
The only safe course is to completely avoid anything even remotely connected to Satanism, witchcraft, the paranormal, and false Christian doctrine that may be based on mythology. It is important to see that our faith is a correct faith by prayer and by study of God’s Word and principles. “...we are not of the night, nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:5, 6) We thank God that He will put a final end to the wicked and their evil influences in His coming Kingdom! Isaiah 35:8-10
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