What does it mean to be a Christian today? Even though many people may say they are Christ-followers, it’s the Christ part that has me wondering if we are talking about the same person. Clearly, many people are following a Christ, but is it the biblical Christ or a false one?

Jesus warns us in Matthew 24:5, “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.”

These false Christs are like someone lying about your best friend and trying to convince others that their false portrayal is accurate. For example, let’s say someone tells the world that my husband, Larry, hates the TV program Dr. Who. They say Larry thinks it’s stupid, with terrible plots and characters. But as his wife and someone who knows him very well, I know that this is completely false. In fact, Dr. Who is Larry’s favorite show, and he’s been a fan since he was a child. He watches it before bed and even loves the classic black-and-white episodes. Despite spending a lot of time with Larry and knowing him as my best friend, someone is still spreading false information about him and convincing others that Larry hates Dr. Who.

Fundamentally, this is what is happening with Jesus. I have been a Christian for 25 years. I have a degree in biblical studies. I love the Lord deeply and profoundly. So, it is heartbreaking to see how the character and nature of Jesus are being co-opted and even maligned by these false representations. Such differences go beyond mere disagreement; they completely change the nature of Biblical Jesus.  

Paul also warns us in 2 Thessalonians, “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day [the Day of the Lord; the great tribulation period] will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition…” (2 Thessalonians 2:3).

I believe we are at the beginning of the prophesied great falling away, and we don’t even know it! I always envisioned the great Falling Away as a time when people distinctly left their belief in Jesus and turned to atheism or agnosticism. Yet this isn’t the case at all— as new versions of Jesus emerge, I realize that the great falling away is the redefining of who Jesus is and the masses falling prey to these distorted teachings. 

While false Christs are constantly emerging, here are the predominant ones at work today, deceiving many:

• Progressive Jesus – This Jesus is focused on social justice and equality and is seen as loving, accepting, and affirming of all life choices, with no specific guidance on what a transformed life should look like. According to this version, opposition to these ideas is considered hate. Sin and repentance are downplayed or even left out entirely.
• Political Jesus – This portrayal of Jesus is defined by seeing those on the opposing political side as adversaries, promoting a polarizing “us vs. them” mindset. He discourages followers from engaging with, praying for, or helping people from the opposite party, suggesting that such individuals represent a societal issue and are irredeemable.
• Universalist Jesus – This version of Jesus accepts all religions and faith systems into heaven and does not view belief in Jesus as the only path to salvation. According to this version, good people of all faiths will end up in heaven with Jesus warmly welcoming them at the gates. This Jesus in the vision of ultimate inclusivity and promotes a comforting view of the afterlife that undermines the necessity of Jesus’ sacrifice and the call to faith and repentance.
• Futurist Jesus – This Jesus communicates daily with his earthly prophets, sharing news of supernatural events in heaven and on earth almost daily – or multiple times a day. Rather than encouraging people to delve into the word of God, this Jesus speaks new words through his prophetic oracles, which are typically predictions about upcoming world events. Or they may be over-spiritualized everyday occurrences. All are infused with uplifting messages that offer “hopium” to the oracles faithful listeners. While it captures the imagination, it can lead followers into speculative theology that contradicts the Bible. By emphasizing future events over present discipleship futurist Jesus’ hallmark move is to speak a word that clearly contradicts or confuses Bible scripture.
• Rich Jesus – This Jesus wants every Christian to be wealthy and views financial prosperity as a measurement of one’s faith. Ideally, your greatest goal is becoming a millionaire with the perfect life, spouse, kids, and, hopefully, a private jet. According to this version, you may have a poverty spirit if you’re not tithing 10% of your income and giving generously over and above to the local storehouse. This Jesus is focused on personal kingdom building and neglects the biblical teachings on suffering, generosity, and contentment. Leading followers to a materialistic and transactional view of faith.
• Life Coach Jesus – This Jesus morphs into a spiritual guru, prioritizing self-improvement and earthly success over deep, transformative faith. He is portrayed as a divine life coach, offering motivational speeches rather than challenging teachings. This version downplays the significance of sin, repentance, and the cross, instead promoting a gospel of self-actualization and positive thinking. Challenges and suffering are often dismissed as merely the result of negative thinking or a lack of faith, neglecting the biblical narrative of growth through trials. This Jesus is more about crafting a comfortable life now, often at the expense of preparing for eternity. 
• Powerless Jesus – This depiction portrays Jesus as distant and disengaged, observing the world’s suffering and chaos without intervening. It reflects a sense of disillusionment and despair, contradicting the biblical narrative of a sovereign and active God. This Jesus seems unable to affect change, provide hope, or heal the sick. He would have you believe that God does not move with power or presence and that he has forfeited the promise to redeem and restore.

While I am having some fun here with exaggerated caricatures of these false Christs, when left unchecked, the lies they teach seep into our way of interacting with God and each other. One of the most challenging Bible verses that remind believers to ensure they know the biblical Jesus is Matthew 7:23, “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

Jesus emphasizes the word ‘Many,’ highlighting the shocking reality that numerous people, not just a few, may go through their entire lives believing they understand and know Jesus. Despite recognizing the authority in Jesus’ name to the extent that they can expel demons and do miraculous deeds, the stark truth is that they never truly KNEW Him.

The heart of my new book, “Many Will Come In My Name,” is to invite you into Truth—to know, follow, and worship the True Christ. I pray that as I drop different excerpts from this book as I write it, the faithful biblical Jesus shines through. With the Holy Spirit’s help, I pray Jesus is lifted up, clarity comes to many, and eternal hope springs forth.

Do you know him today?