The Righteous Remain, the Wicked Are Cut Off

Beloved, the Word of God is clear: the wicked are cut off, and the righteous remain. This truth runs like a thread from Genesis to Revelation. But in our day, this truth is often buried beneath a flood of smooth words and false encouragements from teachers and preachers who twist Scripture to suit their own desires. The apostles warned us this would come, and we must be on guard.

God’s Pattern

In the days of Noah, the world was swept away, but Noah and his family remained. In the wilderness, an unbelieving generation perished, but Joshua and Caleb endured. In Sodom, fire fell and destroyed the wicked, but Lot was delivered. Always, the righteous are preserved, and the wicked are cut off.

This is God’s covenantal pattern, yet false teachers distort it with words that promise the opposite.

Jesus and the Truth About Tribulation

Jesus never sugarcoated discipleship. He said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He warned that His people would be hated, persecuted, and even killed. He said plainly that His gathering of the elect comes after the tribulation (Matthew 24:29–31).

But many pulpits today preach the opposite: that we will be taken away before trouble comes. These smooth words give false hope, but they contradict the teaching of our Lord.

The Apostles’ Warnings

Paul said, “By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive” (Romans 16:18). He told Timothy that in the last days people would not endure sound doctrine but gather teachers to scratch their itching ears (2 Timothy 4:3–4). Peter said false teachers would exploit with fabricated words (2 Peter 2:3). John said many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).

Church, these are not warnings for another time. These are for us—right now.

Modern False Teachers and Their Smooth Words

Let’s be clear: the same deceptions warned of in Scripture are alive and well today.

• Prosperity Preachers: Names like Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, and Creflo Dollar tell you God wants you wealthy, happy, and successful if you just believe. They twist verses like “above all, I wish you prosper” out of context, ignoring Jesus’ warnings that riches are a snare. They speak smooth words, but their gospel is not the Gospel.

• Pre-Tribulation Rapture Teachers: Popular voices like John MacArthur, David Jeremiah, and Tim LaHaye’s “Left Behind” series have convinced millions that the church will be whisked away before any tribulation. But Jesus said the opposite. Paul said we must endure trials. Yet these smooth words give people false encouragement and leave them unprepared to suffer for Christ.

• Progressive Teachers: Pastors and influencers who deny biblical morality—affirming sin, redefining marriage, softening God’s commands—say things like, “God just wants you to be who you are.” This includes entire movements and denominations that bless what God has called sin. Their smooth words soothe consciences but condemn souls.

All these voices sound different, but they share the same error: twisting Scripture to give people what they want to hear instead of what God has said.

Remaining Faithful Amid Deception

How then do we stand?

First, we must test every teaching by Scripture. If even the Bereans examined Paul’s words, we must examine every preacher today.

Second, we must expect tribulation and endure faithfully. Do not be seduced by a gospel of ease. Christ calls us to take up our cross, not chase comfort.

Third, we must encourage each other with the truth. The true encouragement is not escape from trouble, but Christ’s victory over it. Our hope is not in smooth words—it is in Jesus, who overcame the world.

Conclusion

Church, hear this warning: the wicked are cut off, the righteous remain. Do not be deceived by smooth talkers—whether they promise wealth, an easy escape, or a gospel that bends to culture. The apostles told us to expect these voices, and we are hearing them everywhere.

Stand firm. Endure. Remain faithful. Let us be among those who remain—not swept away by judgment or deceived by flattery—but standing strong in Christ until the end. For on that day, the Lord will gather His own, and the wicked will be cut off forever.

Amen.