Of all the weapons at Satan’s disposal to conquer the soul, deception surely rates number one in effectiveness. It’s the kind of weapon that demons wouldn’t even have to take a class to know how to best use it. All they have to do is simply appeal a man’s vanity and pride and let him do the rest. A man will sell his soul for fantastical promises if you can but convince him that he is better than everyone else.
Cults bet their existence on finding true believers. Converts who not only believe their ridiculous doctrines, but ones devoted to taking those doctrines to the ends of the earth. For you to challenge the teachings of their cult is to place yourself as judge, jury, and executioner of their dreams. You must take great care to assure them that there is a godly group of Christians available to them when they wake up to the lies. Remember, they have dedicated their lives to that deception. One doesn’t have to join a cult to be deceived; everyday life has its own readymade evils. It is not accidental that Paul warns: Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals” (1Cor.15:33).
Bad company by its very nature appeals to our lesser virtues. A Christian must ever look to the future impact of his words and deeds. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (Gal.5:7). Congregations must be ever vigilant in their war against deception. The simplest way to prevent being overrun by ‘evil men and impostors who proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived’ (see 2Tim.3:13), is to take Jesus at His word: “and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (Jn.8:32). It seems to be easier said than done.
Be not deceived!
John Staiger
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