Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 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 24:23-24

And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

Mark 13:21-23

There are several spurious ideas regarding the term “very elect.” Let me be clear, there is no special set of the elect of God. All those chosen by God are joint heirs with Christ. That means they are equal. 

Jesus is warning about false teachers and their doctrines that will try to influence the church before His return. A false teacher is not going to be obvious in his methods or in his wording of doctrine. In other words, the devil is not going to show up in a red suit with horns, a tail, and a pitchfork. These false teachers will be so convincing that they could possibly even fool the elect of God.

So, that begs the question, “Can a the elect of God be fooled by false prophets and doctrines?”

Many who claim to teach grace reveal their true colors when this question comes up. They say that the elect cannot be fooled because they will persevere in belief.  My question to these folks is, “What do the elect believe and to what extent do they believe it?” It is at this point their definition of grace fades away and their true Arminian doctrine comes to the surface. They teach that a person’s belief and actions either gain or maintain their salvation. 

The Bible teaches a different position.

But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

2nd Timothy 2:16-19

These men taught an error. Some of God’s people believed it, and their faith was overthrown. But continue reading! 

Their faith is overthrown but the knowledge and power of God stand firm!

Faith is not more important or more powerful than grace. Faith is given to the child of God so that they can comprehend the grace that God has had on a person. Faith does not cause grace, it comprehends its presence.

So, while our beliefs may waver at times, God’s love is not based on our faithfulness. It is based on His faithfulness. The mercy of God goes before our faith. Therefore, it is not contingent upon our faith.

Faith can create no truth we know, But trusts a truth revealed; It apprehends our Lord, and shows A pardon full and sealed. Thus faith creates no truth at all, But finds it in the Lord; The word declares the truth in Him, And faith approves the word.

Elder Wilson Thompson from the hymn “Biblical Faith,” #245 in the Centennial Edition of the Old School Hymnal, verses 1 and 4.