Posted July 15, 2025 | End Times Watch | River Wilde

I’ve often been fascinated with the strategy of war: To see two sides trying to out think and maneuver their forces to successfully defeat the other side is the ultimate chess game. Strategy is key in the art of war.

You and me are right in the middle of a current war, one that involves the battle between good and evil. And what makes things very interesting to me is that we have access to both sides of their battle plan strategies, if we only take the time to look and search the scriptures.

Today, I would like to expose satan’s battle plan, for it is cunning and can be successful, if you do not know what his plan is. His plan is clever, and cunning. However, it is easily defeated simply by knowing what his intentions are. Quite simply, he is after your soul, and desires to take you away from following Jesus Christ, and dedicate your eternity in serving and following him. And to accomplish this, he plans on tricking you!

In the last days, the enemy—Satan—is not hiding. He has a plan. And the Bible doesn’t leave us in the dark about it. Through powerful warnings in Scripture, God reveals what the devil is planning for the world, and how we can stand firm in Jesus Christ.

Deceiving the Whole World

“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world…” — Revelation 12:9 (KJV)

Satan’s first strategy is deception. We know through experience that he has always disguised sin to look so appealing. Once we continue in sin, we discover that we are bound by the chains of addiction, leading us further from God. He has trick us in the past, and this plan of deception will be his “Go-To” plan in the last days.

This strategy will continue into the end times. He will blind people to the truth, twist Scripture, and lure the world into believing lies. His goal is to keep people from the Gospel of grace and lead them to destruction through his deceptive acts.

This is a key strategy that satan will deploy, as there are many scriptures written about this very fact:

Matthew 24:4-5 – Jesus’ First Warning

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”

A very telling point here is that we have been told that “Many will come in my name.” satan’s deception will involve people who profess to represent Christ. “So called” religious people. But who will these men and women be? Let’s keep researching:

Matthew 24:11, 24 – False Prophets and Signs

“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.”
“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.”

In this scripture, it specifically details a person with a title… “Prophet.” Well, that in itself is very telling as there are very few people who claim to be a prophet today. It is important to glean from this information that even the highest religious title should be under the suspicion of being capable of deceiving others. As many of us sang songs as a child to “Follow the Prophet” we were being conditioned to see him and what he says as the ultimate truth. But, will this be the case?

Here is another similar scripture:

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 – Satan’s Ministers

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness…”

If you are not getting the point yet, the Majority of satan’s deception team will be through our religious leaders…People who we thought were teachers of Jesus Christ. But hold on. How can we assume that this will be the case? Let us not conclude that this will indeed be true, but let us proceed with caution since we have been given the warnings. More details continue…

2 Peter 2:1-2 – False Teachers Among You

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you,
who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them…”

Speaking in battle terms, we must know of the possibility that the enemy has infiltrated our churches, leaders and teachers. We must simply be AWARE that this might be the case. ANY PERSON that you are using for your spiritual guidance must never come between you and God. Trust God first, and His personal revelation with you. If your leader’s spiritual direction differs from what God has said to you, HONOR the teachings of God over any man… Regardless of if you think he is a man of God. If he is, he’ll be telling you the same thing that God is telling you. You are NOT showing faith in following someone who’s teachings are different than what God is telling you. You are not being faithful…you are being Gullible. By doing this, you are falling for the deception that we are addressing today.

We might not know which ones are fighting for the other side just yet, but is paramount that we understand the concept of this warning. “Be cautious in following religious leaders, for we have just been told that some of them are on satan’s team.”

Since we do not know who is righteous and who is a fake, God has given us His own battle plan to combat this strategy:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
— James 1:5

Such a simple, yet very powerful solution. Should our religious leaders suggest that we do something that feels “spiritually off,” we can go directly to God and ask what is true and what is a deception. Listening to His answer, and being strong enough to follow His promptings is our responsibility in seeing through this deceit.

Another scripture which stands out referring to satan’s battle plan is this:

Galatians 1:6-8 – Another Gospel

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you… let him be accursed.”

I can certainly tell you that this has happened, and is right before us today…even in my own church. As we have learned in our studies on this blog, we have found that since the “Dark Ages” another gospel has been introduced to replace the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is often referred to as “satan’s greatest lie” relating to the counterfeit gospel of Jesus Christ. Do you have any idea of what it is?

One of the greatest lies ever told—perhaps the most dangerous lie—is the counterfeit gospel that says we are saved by our own works. This false teaching perverts the truth of the Gospel and leads many into bondage, fear, and pride. The Word of God is clear:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9, KJV).

Yet the enemy has crept into churches, pulpits, and traditions, whispering that man must earn God’s favor, earn his salvation, and somehow make himself worthy of Heaven.

This lie insults the finished work of Jesus Christ. When He cried,

“It is finished” (John 19:30),

He meant that the full price for sin had been paid. To claim that human effort is necessary for salvation is to say that Christ’s atonement was not enough. It robs God of His glory and elevates man to a false pedestal.

Romans 11:6 makes it plain: “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.” Mixing grace and works destroys the Gospel. It becomes “another gospel,” which Paul sternly warned against in Galatians 1:6–9.

The Gospel of works not only breeds pride in those who think they’re “good enough,” but it also crushes the weary soul who knows they fall short. The true Gospel brings freedom. It brings rest. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, KJV).

Jesus did not invite us to strive harder but to trust fully. Any gospel that does not start and end with the blood of Jesus alone is no gospel at all. It is a cruel deception that leads many away from the cross and into self-righteousness—or despair.

I must say that I have indeed been deceived, just as foretold in the scriptures. I have spent my entire life trying to earn my way into heaven. Those actions are not sinful in any way, and have helped me develop into someone who is more Christlike, yet this type of thinking is offensive to God. My good deeds are not required for my salvation and to live with my Savior. His atoning sacrifice is enough. Being taught that we have something to do with this GIFT is incorrect.

Satan desires to take away from this precious gift of the Savior, and make us feel that we are responsible for our own salvation… “Doing all that we can do first” is what my church has to say about this.

I thought that there was no way that my church could ever deceive me. But what I have just discovered suggests otherwise. They are contributing towards satan’s plan of deceiving the very elect. Look again:

Matthew 24:24 (KJV):

“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.”

Did you catch that? Even the Very Elect can be deceived. If you feel that you fall under the category of very elect, this scripture is pointing out that even YOU can be deceived. I invite you to look beyond your pride of thinking that this can not happen to you.

I invite you to join me in seeking the truth about the atonement of Jesus Christ. If you have been taught that your works earn you a place in heaven, start studying the gospel of Jesus Christ as written in the New Testament. It is specific! It is direct! It is the truth! Understanding this gift is freeing. No longer do you need to feel that you are not good enough, for believing in Christ’s atonement suggests that your righteous living is not even considered in offering you salvation and eternal life with Him.

Let’s continue to review the Top-Secret Battle Plan that satan will be using. It gets more intense.

2 Timothy 3:13 – Evil Men Will Get Worse

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”

I mention that I have just discovered that I have been deceived by my own church. But the intensity of his deception will increase in the latter days.

1 Timothy 4:1 – Doctrines of Devils

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”

We are told that some will not be able to see through the deception. Will this be you? What are you doing right now to ensure that it doesn’t happen to you? Are you currently caught up in the false truth deceptions of your church? Are you feeling that perhaps you should quit the entire religious thing and follow the ways of the world? The whisperings to follow both of these deceptions are currently going on. Are you hearing the warnings, or do you choose to just do nothing?

Rising of the Antichrist

“And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies…” — Revelation 13:5 (KJV)
“And power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” — Revelation 13:7 (KJV)

This is the big one!!! As soon as the 7-year peace deals is signed with Israel and surrounding countries, the world will be introduced to the Antichrist. Satan will empower a global leader—the Antichrist—who will rule with lies, blasphemy, and control. He will appear as a man of peace but will be a man of lawlessness. This is when the Big Guns come out. Look for this AWESOME leader, because that is what he will be…AWESOME! Many will see him as the answer to the world’s prayers…He will be that good…that deceptive. If you are not watching for him, and don’t know that he will initially be seen as awesome, you are likely to fall for his deception.

The Antichrist’s seductive skills, according to the Bible—especially as seen in prophetic books like Daniel, 2 Thessalonians, and Revelation—are not rooted in crude force, but in deception, charisma, and counterfeit spirituality. He will be a master manipulator, skilled in winning trust, admiration, and loyalty from the masses, including many who consider themselves religious.

Here’s a breakdown of his seductive qualities:

1. Charismatic and Persuasive

The Antichrist will speak “great things” (Daniel 7:8) and have a mouth that speaks “great swelling words” (Jude 1:16). His speech will be captivating—moving, powerful, and convincing. He’ll sound like a man of peace, reason, and unity.

“…with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish…”
—2 Thessalonians 2:10, KJV

2. Performs Lying Signs and Wonders

He will mimic the miraculous, performing signs that seem divine to deceive even the most discerning.

“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.”
—2 Thessalonians 2:9, KJV

These miracles will seduce people into believing he is from God.

3. Appeals to Human Pride and Desire for Peace

He will likely present himself as a solution to global problems—offering peace, unity, and prosperity.

“…by peace shall destroy many…”
—Daniel 8:25, KJV

He seduces the world by flattering human ambition and promising stability during chaos.

4. Counterfeit Spiritual Authority

He will appear religious, even divine, eventually claiming to be God.

“…he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”
—2 Thessalonians 2:4, KJV

This spiritual seduction is especially dangerous because it targets the faithful with a twisted gospel that mixes truth with lies. Have you heard the phrase, “The best lies contain some truth?”

5. Will Deceive the Very Elect (If Possible)

Jesus warned that the deception will be so powerful, it could mislead even the most faithful if they are not anchored in the truth.

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets… insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
—Matthew 24:24, KJV

Summary:

The Antichrist’s seductive power is spiritual, psychological, and emotional. He will seem like a savior—peaceful, wise, even divine—but his goal is destruction. His words will be sweet, his miracles dazzling, and his leadership seemingly noble. Only those deeply rooted in God’s Word and the Holy Spirit will be able to see through the veil.

If you understand the facts that I have shared with you today, you are putting on the armor of God, and will be successful in preventing your soul from being lost to the enemy. I have just shared Part 1 of Satan’s Battle Plan. Look for the information to continue as I share Part 2 with you tomorrow.

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