Have you ever wondered if the Messiah you follow is truly aligned with Scripture or a version shaped by the world’s values? In a world where comfort and permissiveness often overshadow commitment and transformation, it’s essential to ask: Are you following the true Messiah, Y’shu’ah, who calls us to obedience, holiness, and repentance, or a “Jesus” who appeals to self-will, tolerates sin, and dismisses Elohim’s commandments? Dive into this exploration of the true Messiah versus the false one, examining the biblical characteristics of Y’shu’ah as opposed to the lawless impostor loved by the world. The expansion of lawlessness in today’s world is a reality that Scripture warned would precede the return of the Messiah. The New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Y’shu’ah (Jesus) and the apostolic writings, describes an era in which lawlessness, or the rejection of Elohim’s commandments, would increase and deceive many. This lawlessness is not just the absence of human laws or societal order but a disregard for Elohim’s divine commandments and standards, leading to moral chaos, spiritual compromise, and a society that is increasingly detached from the Creator’s purpose and truth. Understanding this reality and how to respond requires a deeper look at the biblical warnings and instructions on how to discern and apply Elohim’s standards in a world that often opposes them. The question of whether one is following the true Messiah or a false one is critical in today’s world, where “another Jesus” or a counterfeit version of Y’shu’ah HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) has gained popularity. Paul’s warning in 2 Corinthians 11:4 cautions against accepting a version of the Messiah who does not align with the Y’shu’ah of Scripture—a Y’shu’ah who upheld Elohim’s commandments, called for repentance, and modeled obedience to the Father. This counterfeit messiah may be attractive to many, but he ultimately leads people away from Elohim’s holiness and righteousness. Let’s examine the characteristics of both the true and false messiah to discern whom we are truly following. 1. Biblical Warnings About the Rise of Lawlessness
Throughout Scripture, both the Old and New Testaments contain warnings about the expansion of lawlessness, particularly as a sign of the end times. The term “lawlessness” (Greek: anomia) literally means "without law," referring to the deliberate rejection or disregard of Elohim’s commandments. Y’shu’ah specifically warned about this increase in Matthew 24:12, where He said, “Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” This verse not only predicts a rise in lawlessness but also links it to a decline in genuine love, compassion, and moral integrity. As people drift further from Elohim’s standards, their hearts harden, and society becomes increasingly self-centered and unloving.
Paul also warned about a time of lawlessness in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, where he writes about the “man of lawlessness” who will come before the return of Messiah. This individual is characterized by a complete disregard for Elohim’s authority, exalting himself above all that is considered holy. While this prophecy speaks of a specific figure, it also reflects a broader spirit of rebellion and lawlessness that is characteristic of the last days. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul describes the moral state of humanity in the “last days,” listing characteristics like selfishness, arrogance, disobedience, and lack of self-control—traits that are indicative of a society that rejects Elohim’s law.
2. The Connection Between Lawlessness and Deception
Lawlessness and deception are closely intertwined in Scripture. As people abandon Elohim’s commandments, they become more susceptible to deception. Y’shu’ah warned in Matthew 24:4-5 about false messiahs and false prophets who would lead many astray, and in Matthew 24:24, He warns that “false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” This lawless deception leads people to embrace teachings and lifestyles that contradict Elohim’s truth, often under the guise of personal freedom, tolerance, or even “grace” that excuses ongoing sin.
The apostle John connects lawlessness directly with sin in 1 John 3:4, saying, “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” This highlights the deceptive nature of lawlessness—it presents sin as acceptable, normal, or even virtuous, eroding the distinction between right and wrong. When society embraces lawlessness, it redefines sin, often calling it “freedom” or “personal expression.” This is particularly dangerous for believers, as the normalization of sin can make it increasingly challenging to uphold Elohim’s commandments in a world that labels His standards as outdated or oppressive.
3. The Influence of Lawlessness on the Modern World
In our current culture, lawlessness is evident in various forms, from the normalization of behaviors that Scripture identifies as sin to the outright rejection of biblical morality. This shift is often celebrated as “progress” or “liberation,” but it fundamentally undermines Elohim’s design for humanity. For instance:
Redefinition of Morality: Behaviors and lifestyles that were once considered sinful according to Scripture are now widely accepted or even celebrated. Society’s standards shift to prioritize individual desires over Elohim’s commandments.
Relativism and Rejection of Absolute Truth: Lawlessness often promotes the idea that truth is subjective, undermining Elohim’s objective standards. This leads to confusion, as each person or group establishes their own “truth,” leading to moral and spiritual chaos.
Lawlessness in Religion: Many churches and religious communities have embraced doctrines that minimize or reject Elohim’s laws, teaching a form of grace that allows people to live without accountability. This is often called “greasy grace” or “hyper-grace,” a distortion of the true Gospel that fails to call people to repentance and holiness.
The prophet Isaiah speaks to this moral inversion in Isaiah 5:20: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” This “woe” is a solemn warning about the dangers of redefining morality to fit human preferences, a hallmark of lawlessness. When society embraces lawlessness, it inevitably reaps the consequences of moral confusion, broken relationships, and spiritual emptiness, as people are drawn further from the life and peace that come from obeying Elohim’s commandments.
4. How to Assess Lawlessness in Our Own Lives and Society
As believers, we are called to assess lawlessness carefully—both in our society and in our own lives. Scripture provides clear guidance on how to navigate a lawless world without becoming part of it. 1 John 4:1 tells us to “test the spirits to see whether they are from Elohim,” encouraging discernment and vigilance against deception. We are to measure teachings, behaviors, and cultural trends against the unchanging standards of Elohim’s Word.
In assessing lawlessness, we must ask:
Does this align with Elohim’s commandments? Elohim’s Word is the ultimate standard of truth and morality. When evaluating societal norms or personal choices, we should examine whether they uphold or contradict Elohim’s laws.
Is this leading me toward holiness or compromise? Lawlessness often encourages compromise by downplaying the importance of holiness. The true Messiah calls us to a life of obedience and transformation, so anything that promotes complacency or sin should be viewed with caution.
Am I more focused on personal freedom than on obedience to Elohim? Lawlessness promotes a mindset that prioritizes personal autonomy over submission to Elohim’s will. As followers of Y’shu’ah, we are called to live in accordance with His commandments, even when it requires sacrifice.
5. How to Respond and Apply This Understanding in Our Lives
In a world that celebrates lawlessness, believers are called to stand firm in their commitment to Elohim’s standards. Here are some practical steps for applying this understanding in our daily lives:
A. Prioritize Holiness and Obedience
Y’shu’ah called His followers to “seek first the kingdom of Elohim and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). This means that our priority should be to live in alignment with Elohim’s commandments and to pursue holiness in every aspect of our lives. We are to walk as Y’shu’ah walked (1 John 2:6), modeling His example of obedience, love, and integrity. Holiness is not just about avoiding sin; it is about actively living in a way that honors Elohim.
B. Embrace a Life of Repentance and Renewal
Repentance is essential in a world filled with lawlessness. 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Repentance involves turning away from anything that contradicts Elohim’s commandments and committing to a life that reflects His holiness. Through repentance, we renew our relationship with Elohim, allowing His Spirit to guide and transform us continually.
C. Cultivate Discernment and Watchfulness
In an era of deception, discernment is crucial. We are to be watchful, testing every teaching and influence against the truth of Elohim’s Word. Romans 12:2 instructs us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This transformation involves discerning the difference between truth and deception, grounding ourselves in Scripture, and seeking Elohim’s wisdom.
D. Stand Firm in Elohim’s Standards, Even When It’s Countercultural
The call to follow Y’shu’ah often places believers at odds with popular culture, which may mock or reject Elohim’s commandments. Yet, 1 Peter 1:15-16 reminds us, “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” This call to holiness requires courage and commitment, especially in a culture that views biblical standards as outdated or oppressive. We must be willing to stand for Elohim’s truth, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular.
E. Be a Light and Witness of Elohim’s Truth
Finally, our response to lawlessness should include being a light in the world. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” As followers of Y’shu’ah, our lives should reflect the values of Elohim’s Kingdom, offering a testimony of His love, justice, and holiness. By living in obedience, we bear witness to the power of the true Gospel, inviting others to experience the peace and purpose found in a life aligned with Elohim’s will.
Conclusion: Living as a Faithful Remnant in a Lawless World
The expansion of lawlessness today, as prophesied in Scripture, is a call for believers to stand firm, discern truth from deception, and walk faithfully in Elohim’s commandments. The world may celebrate lawlessness, but we are called to uphold Elohim’s standards and reflect His holiness. By embracing His commandments, prioritizing obedience, and seeking His wisdom, we guard against the deception of lawlessness and live as a faithful remnant in a world that desperately needs the light of the true Gospel.
May we resist the lure of a lawless gospel and instead pursue a life that honors Elohim, rooted in His truth, and led by His Spirit. In doing so, we become vessels of His Kingdom on earth, demonstrating the transformative power of His love, justice, and grace to a world in need.
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