Can Christians be Deceived?

Absolutely. In fact, it happens rather often.

The devil has been deceiving people since the beginning of time. We only need to read the first few chapters of the Bible to see how he deceived the first humans, Adam and Eve (See Genesis 3).

We also find warnings against being deceived in many places throughout scripture.

For example, in Matthew 24:4, Jesus warns, “Watch out that no one deceives you.” A little bit later in the chapter, we read another warning:

“For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”

Matthew 24:24

We find yet another example in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10:

“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perrishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.”

In Second Peter 2:1-2 and 12-13, we see that there will continue to be those teaching falsities and many will follow their ways:

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them–bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute… But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts, they too will perish.”

With so many examples found in scriptures, we can see that deception is prevalent and is something the Devil works very hard to do… even working to deceive the elect of Christ.

Of course, blatant deception is much easier to spot, so the devil is sneaky and is using [some] Bible teachers, preachers, and Christian authors to do his work.

Today there are some witty, charming, and very skilled writers and speakers spreading messages that at first glance, seem attractive and “right on”…and at least part of their message truly is. But if one were to use discernment (as Christians are instructed to do) and dig deeper, we can see that scripture is being taken out of context and misapplied with some very dangerous results.

Deception is creeping into the lives of Christians who aren’t firmly rooted in the Word of God. It’s a slippery slope– a “pretty path” leading to destruction.

The thing we need to remember about the Devil is that he disguises himself as an angel of the light (2 Corinthians 11:14). He uses things that are attractive and contains just enough truth to make them seem acceptable. But it is critical to understand that if something is 95% truth and 5% lies it is still more than enough to throw us way off course while blissfully believing we are on the right path. That’s how deception works.

J. I. Packer said it this way: “Half-truths masquerading as whole truths are whole lies.” 

Friends, one of the slippery slopes today is that the message of “grace” has become elevated over the message of truth, rather than it being two sides of the same coin as intended. Grace is being used as a means to justify sinful behavior when in truth, grace is the gift of being saved from the punishment of our sinful behaviors when we have turned from those ways in repentance.

The message of acceptance and equality has become so elevated that Christians are beginning to water down what God’s Word actually says for fear of offending anyone and claiming “Love” as the reason for lessening the message of the gospel.

Many people’s minds are actually being changed by the false, yet attractive, messages being spread by popular speakers and writers.

Just because a person is incredibly skilled at what they do, it doesn’t mean they are right in what they are saying.

In reality, not sharing the full truth found in God’s Word is the least loving thing you can do to a person. Truth shared IN love is always the best way to go.

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

Ephesians 4:15

“Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy mixed with fear– hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”

Jude 1:22-23

We need to use discernment now more than ever.

Not one of us is immune to deception.

Ask and it will be given.

Just as the Psalmist did, we need to continually ask The Lord to give us discerning hearts.

 “I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.”

Psalm 119:125

 

Seek and you will find.

We need to faithfully, daily, immerse ourselves in The Word to know exactly what is truth. The more we fill our minds with truth, the easier it is to spot the deceptions.

“The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

Proverbs 15:14

“A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.”

Proverbs 17:24

“How can a youn man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Psalm 119:9-11

Knock and the door will be opened.

The Lord is gracious and merciful. If we are asking, seeking, and knocking, He will grant us wisdom and discernment. But we also need to do our part to avoid falling astray.

Additionally, we need to be willing to speak up for truth when half-truths or outright lies are being spread as love and light.

God does still speak to people and through people today, but our primary means of hearing His voice should always be the scriptures. Everything else we “hear” needs to be carefully held next to His Word.

He will never speak through someone else what is contrary to His Word.

 

Read More About Discerning Truth: A Series of Unpopular Opinions

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