Many might think of heresy or cult when they hear the word, “the Second Coming Christ.” It’s not so surprising because many false Christs have appeared. The Bible prophesied that many false Christs would appear in the last days (Matthew 24:24.) However, is the appearance of false Christs limited to the age of the last days? There is a fact that many people lose sight of: false Christs also existed when Jesus came to Israel 2,000 years ago.

Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered…” (Acts 5:35-37)

There were false Christs such as “Theudas” and “Judas the Galilean” before Jesus. At that time, Jesus might have been seen as one of false Christs such as “Theudas” and “Judas the Galilean” in the eyes of the Jews. They thought that Jesus, who was a man, was no different than false Christs because He claimed to be God.

“We are not stoning you for any of these,” replied the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” (John 10:33)

It seems to be natural that they blasted Jesus as one of false Christs because lots of false Christs had come out and misled people. How could the apostles discern and believe in the true Christ in a such situation when it’s hard to receive Jesus as Christ? Regarding this issue, let’s listen to the speech of a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who also persuaded the Jews.

“… Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (Acts 5:38-40)

Even the Jews who rejected Jesus thought it right that one who is of human origin is a false Christ, while one who is from God is the true Christ. How can we recognize the true Christ who is from God?

You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me (John 5:39)

The Bible contains the Words of God. False Christs such as “Theudas” and “Judas the Galilean”, who were of human origin, did not fulfill the prophecies of the Bible. However, Jesus, true Christ, accomplished all prophecies of the Bible. Through the Bible, the apostles realized that Jesus was really the true Christ and preached Jesus as the Savior (Acts 17:2.)

However, it’s also prophesied in the Bible that Christ is to appear once again.

So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:28)

Just as false Christs appeared first to disturb the true Christ Jesus 2,000 years ago, so many false Christs are to appear in the time of His Second Coming. What viewpoint do we have to have in this age? Some might have a viewpoint of the Jews who crucified Jesus with the thoughts that Jesus must be one of false Christs. But some might have a viewpoint of the apostles who discovered the true Christ through the Bible.

You are free to choose and will get results accordingly.  God have set before people the way of life and the way of death. It’s up to you which way you will walk.

[Related articles]

• The Savior of Each Age and the New Name
• Prophecies about the First Coming and the Second Coming

The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) believes in Christ Ahnsahnghong as the Second Coming Christ according to the Bible. Jesus established the truth of life: the New Covenant Passover. However, the New Covenant was abolished by Satan and disappeared during the Dark Ages. Christ Ahnsahnghong restored the New Covenant and opened the way to the Tree of Life again. Today, only the World Mission Society Church of God observes the New Covenant according to the teachings of Jesus. Please see this web-site for more about Christ Ahnsahnghong.