What does Matthew 24:24 mean?

In the future, after Jesus has gone (John 16:5–7), liars claiming to be the Messiah will arise, and so will deceptive people pretending to be prophets of God. The specific context of this warning is the end times—the days on earth just prior to Christ's triumphant second coming (Revelation 19:11–15). During that time, the ability of these frauds will be enhanced through their ability to perform great signs and wonders. They will hope to deceive even those chosen by God who believe that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus adds "if possible," since the true elect cannot possibly be lost by God. However, they may be diverted for a time.

This verse raises several questions. Why would anyone do this? Why would someone pretend to represent God as Christ or as a prophet if they were not so? Motives could range from simple grabs for money and power to being used and manipulated by the enemies of the true Christ to draw believers away from Him.

Scholars debate whether these frauds are performing true supernatural acts, or merely fooling others. Scam artists have been able to produce convincing "tricks" to deceive people into thinking they possessed true power. Those are limited, however—sleight of hand cannot simulate a man coming back from death (John 11:43–44) or the instant healing of disease (Luke 13:13; John 5:9). However, Satan and demonic forces possess the ability to perform supernatural acts, even in the guise of their human hosts. It's possible some of these false saviors and prophets will do things which ordinary humans cannot do. Ultimately, though, these are still works of deception, not demonstrations of the true power of the living God.