Signpost 6—Spread of the Occult.

How is it that in our secular age we’ve seen an explosion of interest in the occult?

“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders.”
—2 Thessalonians 2:9.

“For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.”
—Matthew 24:24.

These passages predict that toward the time of the end, the work of the antichrist will feature all kinds of miracles and signs, a counterfeit manifestation of the supernatural. This picture flatly contradicts what almost all observers have been predicting for hundreds of years, that reason would triumph over superstition. The scientific method, we were told, would win hands-down over mere religious truth. Science would make the supernatural incredible, if not obsolete.

But what have we discovered as we near the twenty-first century? People can cling to their VCRs and their Tarot cards at the same time.Educated, scientific, progressive human beings are as superstitious as ever.

The occult hasn’t shriveled away, it’s advertising in broad daylight. Paganism is simply an alternative lifestyle. Witches and warlocks appear on talk shows. New Agers are everywhere, selling magical crystals and channeling departed spirits. Counterfeit signs and wonders are booming. All this makes it even clearer that history is moving toward a climax, that just as Jesus predicted, we are living in the time of “the coming of the Son of Man” (verse 27).