For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (Matthew 24:24)
The implication is that these “signs” could be almost, but not entirely, convincing to “the very elect.” These faithful ones have obeyed the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans to “anoint” their “eyes with eyesalve” (see on Rev. 3:18), and are therefore able to distinguish between the true and the false. The form of the sentence in the Greek implies that it is actually impossible for Satan to deceive those who love and serve God with sincerity. For a discussion of Satan’s “masterpiece of deception” see GC 561, 623, 624. A genuine love for the truth and diligence in obeying all the instructions God has given for these last days will prove to be the only protection against the delusions of the enemy, the seducing spirits, and the doctrines of devils (see 6T 401; 8T 298; TM 475; see on 2 Thess. 2:9-12).
Great signs.
See p. 208; see on Luke 2:12. False prophets perform “signs” as proof of their authority, and these are seen by the people as “wonders” (see p. 208; see on Matt. 12:38, 39). For a more specific reference to some of the important “signs” performed by these latter-day prophets, see Rev. 13:13, 14; 16:13, 14; 19:20. However, these false miracles lack the power of God. The two words “signs” and “wonders” appear frequently together in the NT (John 4:48; Acts 2:22; 4:30; 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:4; etc.).
False prophets.
See on v. 11, where false prophets prior to the fall of Jerusalem are mentioned. In this context a false prophet is a representative of a false messiah. For more detailed counsel with respect to such prophets see on ch. 7:15-23.