Based on the writings of Ellen White, deception will play a central and intensified role in the last days. She describes it as Satan's primary strategy to mislead the world, captivate the church, and, if possible, "deceive the very elect" (HS 155.5). As the end approaches, his efforts become more powerful and determined because he knows his time is short. Here are the key points she makes about deception in the last days: * **Increased Intensity and Power:** Satan's deceptions will become stronger and more widespread as the final days approach. White states, "Satan has come down in great power, knowing that his time is short; and he is working 'with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish'" (HS 155.5). * **Impersonations of Christ and False Miracles:** A major feature of end-time deception will be false messiahs who perform supernatural acts. She warns, "Persons will arise pretending to be Christ Himself, and claiming the title and worship which belong to the world's Redeemer. They will perform wonderful miracles of healing and will profess to have revelations from heaven contradicting the testimony of the Scriptures" (GC 624.1). * **Spiritualism as the Masterpiece of Deception:** White identifies Spiritualism as the culmination of Satan's strategy, built on his original lie to Eve in Eden ("Ye shall not surely die"). She writes, "Little by little he has prepared the way for his master-piece of deception in the development of Spiritualism... the world will be swept into the ranks of this delusion" (4SP 379.1). * **Deception Within the Church:** Satan's deceptions are not limited to the world; they will also infiltrate Christian churches. She notes, "Not only is Satan leading the world captive, but his deceptions are leavening the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ" (PK 717.1). This can manifest as internal conflict, with Satan leading "unconsecrated Sabbathkeepers" to be "jealous of one another, faultfinding, and censorious" (1T 260.3). * **A Time of Great Spiritual Darkness:** The prevalence of these deceptions will lead to a period of profound spiritual darkness. "The great apostasy will develop into darkness deep as midnight. To God's people it will be a night of trial, a night of weeping, a night of persecution for the truth's sake" (PK 717.1). * **The Goal is to Distract and Entrap:** The ultimate purpose of this widespread deception is to keep people preoccupied and lull them into a false sense of security "until the day of probation shall be ended and the door of mercy be forever shut" (CT 414.1).