Have you been deceived? Christ warns the apostles as well as us. And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (Matthew 24:4). Christ made it very clear not to let anyone mislead you. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. (Matthew 24:11). Many false prophets (So called teachers of the Word), will appear and lead many astray. Just turn of the television, or click on the internet and you will find all kinds of deception and false teachings. There are some good churches and ministries out there, but not that many who teach the full gospel truth. If you find one, stick with them.
The Apostle Paul would explaining to Timothy that in the end times there would be seducing spirits and 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; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron. (1 Timothy 4:1-2). What Paul was talking about here is that many will be deceived into believing false doctrines and traditions of men. Were talking about the "minds" of those who listen to these false doctrines and teachings that will be polluted with lies that come straight from Satan. (Mark of the beast). This part of Satan's mark is "in your head." (Revelation 13:16). It also speaks of a mark in your right hand. It won't be a physical mark, but rather a mark of works. How so, many would say? Well, if your supporting a ministry that is not teaching the truth, then your supporting a ministry that is teaching false doctrine and traditions. As stated above, "doctrines of devils."
One of the biggest deceptions out there is about the return of Christ. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Christ will not return until after "Great Apostasy." a falling away from the faith. (1 Timothy 4:1). And the "son of perdition," one of Satan's names, be revealed. "The false messiah." (Revelation 17:8). Again, there will be no return of Christ before this happens; and there will be no "rapture" to precede this event. "Do not be deceived by false doctrine!"
What are the consequences for following deception? And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie. (2 Thessalonians 2:11). If you want to be ignorant of God's Word and follow lies, deception, and traditions of men; God will send you strong delusion to believe those lies. "He will close your eyes to the truth." (Isaiah 29:10).
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (Colossians 2:8). Forget about the philosophy and traditions of men who follow the wickedness of this world instead of Christ. You know, we all need to live in this world, but we do not need to take part in it's wickedness. When you do, it hurts our Heavenly Father, just as it would hurt any parent who cares for their child. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (1 Corinthians 15:33). Watch who you hang with. (Ephesians 5:2-7). "Bad company corrupts good character." Walk with the wise instead. (Proverbs 13:20). Do what you need to do each day to get by, but always lean towards the spirit in your decisions.
Keep The Faith,Barton