DECEPTION: DECEIVING AND DECEIVED
TO RECAP: This is the second part of a series of observations ( both random and sundry, sparked by conversations held over the past two weeks with former co-workers, neighbors, readers and others encountered along the way.
Many involved in the conversations were deceivers of one sort or another; something this writer would have not been aware of only a few years ago. However, several were not.
The first part of this series concerned “deception, the workers of iniquity and the nature of delusion and deception; as well as deceptions suffered by both the deceivers and those deceived” and may be found here: Workers of Iniquity: Deceiving and Deceived.
Continuing with this series of observations on deception.
1- Since the Bible tells us there are “many deceivers,” it is critical to understand as much about the subject as possible.
“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”
—2 John 1:7
As unlikely as it may appear, pattern recognition is extremely important. Pattern recognition is not meant to supplant the Holy Spirit, but is one of the tools of the Holy Spirit. Pattern recognition involves a “cognitive process that matches information from a stimulus with information retrieved from memory.”
And Jesus told us that all of that is within the domain of the Holy Spirit’s expressed purpose.
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
—John 14:26
WORKERS OF INIQUITY
- Workers of Iniquity: God is Not Mocked
- Workers of Iniquity: Disposable, Expendable, Easily Replaced
- Workers of Iniquity: Deceiving and Deceived
- Deceived and Deceiving, part 2
- Workers of Iniquity: Laboring for a Liar
By comparing that which the Holy Spirit brings to remembrance with that which is suggested or promoted by the deceivers, discrepancies become evident.
2- Continuing on with the topic of pattern recognition, there are certain patterns we can discern from deceivers. Knowing these patterns makes recognizing pretenders somewhat easier.
These patterns are so recognizable and repeat so often in fact, it’s tempting to believe that the deceivers must have to attend Satan Finishing School.
What are some of these patterns?
One is a constant attention to and suggestion of antichrist sources, books, websites, DVDs, etc. There is no edification possible from antichrist or apostate sources–which is one reason why anyone who may have a possible legitimate interest in Jesus Christ is surrounded by these types of suggestions at every turn.
Another is the usage of indignation as a tool for attempted behavior modification. Whenever Scripture cannot be answered, taking offense and indignation are resorted to. Ostracism, personal attacks and social isolation are employed in efforts to enforce compromise with God’s Word. In some churches, indignation is alternated with encouragement (whenever a compromise is achieved) to form an effective pattern of breaking down resistance to compromise.
One more recognizable pattern: an ability to casually dismiss or ignore Scripture.
Still another is a constant questioning of what is written in Scripture. Though the questioning is phrased in such a way as to make it appear the questioning is of the one who quoted the Scripture instead of the Scripture itself.
EXAMPLE: The Bible is very clear about Satan’s use of supernatural power in the end times. Revelation 13, 2 Thessalonians 2, Matthew 24, Revelation 16 are all warnings of the supernatural power employed by Satan to “deceiveth the whole world.” Whenever these Scriptures are used, the question will inevitably be asked “Don’t you believe God can do miracles?”
Of course; God can do anything. But God will not do anything contrary to what is written in His Word.
By directing the question at the person who used the Scripture, the question of the serpent “Hath God said?” can be posed without raising suspicions.
3- Jesus commanded believers repeatedly to not be deceived, yet His instructions are treated as if they are options.
“And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am [Christ]; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.”
—Luke 21:8
“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.“
—Matthew 24:4
4- One popular question is “Why is so little discernment to be found in the churches?”
Since discernment is product of the Holy Spirit, who is given to all believers at the moment of conversion, a total lack of discernment suggests a lack of the Holy Spirit.
In other words, one suspects a total lack of discernment in the churches because the Holy Spirit is missing from the people who populate the churches.
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”
—John 16:13
5-The battle against deception is a spiritual one.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:”
—2 Corinthians 10:3
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.“
—Ephesians 6:12
Even though deception is a spiritual battle, many treat it as if the war against deception can be waged with carnal weapons. Instead of using the Word of God, logic, reasoning and “common sense” are substituted.
“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) “
—2 Corinthians 10:4
Too many “lean to their own understanding” in the fight against deception.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
—Proverbs 3:5
6-Nothing deceives like power.
The Bible declares our battle is a spiritual one. The Bible declares that in the end times deceiving (seducing) spirits are a problem.
“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;“
—1 Timothy 4:1
For this reason, the Bible commands believers to test “every spirit.”
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
—1 John 4:1
Yet many pretend that all supernatural power is power from God. Others pretend that every spirit in the churches is the Holy Spirit. Still others are deceived by displays of supernatural, demonic power.
COUNTERFEIT HOLY SPIRIT: Lying Spirits of Deception in the Churches
Altered Spiritual Perception: The Altered Spiritual Reality in American Churches
The deception caused by spirits of deception and lying spirits is a very real problem–particularly in the churches.
7- Though believers are advised to put on the whole armor of God, how many do?
Ephesians 6:11-18: Put on the whole armor of God
What does putting on the whole armor of God entail?
“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
—Romans 13:14
“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. “
—Ephesians 4:24
The full armor of God is necessary to help protect believers from the “wiles of the devil.”
And wiles involve deception.
God Word clearly states that many will be deceived in the end times.
“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.”
—Matthew 24:11
The “many” who are deceived include those who are doing the deceiving.
Believers are to stay alert: take heed, be sober and watch.
“And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.”
—Mark 13:37
PART ONE: Workers of Iniquity: Deceiving and Deceived
THE GOSPEL
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
–1 Corinthians 15:3-4
RELATED ARTICLES
- Workers of Iniquity: God is Not Mocked
- The Many Layers of End Times Deception: Deception in the Church
- Do You Know if You are Going to Heaven? Be Sure!
- Workers of Iniquity: Disposable, Expendable, Easily Replaced
- False Watchmen, Merchants of Fear and Antichrist Deceivers
- The Nature of Spiritual Deception
- Work Out Your Own Salvation with Fear and Trembling
- End Times Bible Verses: Be as Wise as Serpents
- Separating from the World: END TIMES SURVIVAL
- MAN OF SIN: The Man of Sin is Coming
- Persecution of the Saints: The Fear and the Pit and the Snare
by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier
image: Stuart Miles, FreeDigitalPhotos.net
© Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report, 2012-14. © Mondo Frazier and End Times Prophecy Report, DBKP 2007-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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Reblogged this on BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB and commented:
Amen! I’ve witnessed these things in the church I came out of. Unfortunately it is prevalent in American churches. The number of wise virgins waiting for the Bridegroom is small. MARANATHA!
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