One of Scripture’s clearest warnings concerns the danger of religious deception. Jesus said: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ’ [I am a Christian, or a minister of Christ], and will deceive many” (Matthew 24:4–5). The Apostle Paul warned that before Christ’s return there will be a great falling away, and that many will be deluded because they did not love the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 10–11). Paul also stated the time will come when people will “turn their ears away from the truth” and believe fables (2 Timothy 4:3–4). The Apostle Peter wrote: “There will be false teachers among you, who will secretly [subtly] bring in destructive heresies… and many will follow their destructive ways… [and] deceptive words” (2 Peter 2:1–3). These prophetic warnings have become a sobering reality!
The biggest dilemma for many today is trying to determine where God is working. Who is preaching the truth? Whom do you believe? In recent years, more than 200 splinter groups have emerged from the Worldwide Church of God. Add this to more than 600 denominations spawned by the Protestant Reformation that shattered the Catholic Church. All these groups claim to be children of God, teaching divine truth. But can all these groups who disagree over various doctrines be right? The Bible tells us that Christ is not divided, and that true Christians should “all speak the same thing” and “be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). The spiritual chaos of our age indicates that many are obviously deceived. But how do you know who is right and who is wrong? How can you avoid being deceived? How can you navigate through the perilous waters of deceptive religious ideas when they all appear to be based on the Bible? Why has God allowed such confusion to exist? We will answer these important questions in this article.
A Fundamental Deception
One of the greatest deceptions today is that you are saved if you believe in Jesus. This idea is based on a faulty understanding of both God and Scripture. Many believe in Jesus but do not really understand the Bible or keep God’s commandments. Yet the Bible reveals that only those God calls will understand the Scriptures and the plan of God (John 6:44, 65). We are also told that God is not calling large numbers today (1 Corinthians 1:26–27) and that of those called, only a few will be chosen (Matthew 20:16). Those chosen to be among the firstfruits in the Kingdom of God must be faithful (Revelation 17:14). They must avoid being deceived and must endure to the end (Matthew 24:11–13). They must overcome obstacles and persevere during trials (Revelation 3:10–12). They must remain on course and finish the race (1 Corinthians 9:24–27). If we are deceived, or consistently fail to overcome the tests and trials we encounter, we will not receive a reward. The Bible reveals that there is more to becoming a Christian than simply believing in Jesus! We also need to understand how God works in the lives of those He is calling.
God Tests Those He Calls!
When God called Abraham, He challenged him to “walk before Me and be perfect [blameless]” (Genesis 17:1). Abraham’s challenge was to learn to live by God’s instructions and to make godly decisions. Jesus gave the same instruction to His disciples (Matthew 5:48). God tested Abraham in a variety of circumstances (Genesis 22:2,12). As a result of this testing, God was able to discern Abraham’s character and true priorities (Genesis 18:19). God was preparing Abraham for a big responsibility—to become the Father of a nation God wanted to use as an example for all mankind (Genesis 12:1–3; Deuteronomy 4:1–10). Before giving Abraham this incredible opportunity, God had to know that he would make right decisions.
God dealt with ancient Israel in a similar manner. He tested the Israelites over the issue of the Sabbath—whether they would observe it according to His instructions (Exodus 16:4). He tested Miriam and Aaron (Numbers 12), the leaders closest to Moses. He tested the entire congregation of Israel (Numbers 14) and the leaders under Moses (Numbers 16) to see if they would follow God’s appointed governmental structure. In each case many failed their tests, and lost their lives because they were deceived. God also warned the Israelites that they would have to recognize false teachers and reject their misleading ideas (Deuteronomy 13:1–4). We must learn the same lessons. This is part of God’s purpose for mankind (Deuteronomy 30:15–20). God desires that we develop wisdom and character so we will be qualified to reign with Jesus Christ. Future leaders in the kingdom of God must pass critical tests (1 Peter 4:12–19). We cannot afford to be deceived!
The Bible reveals several aspects of God’s testing program. God tests us by watching how we react in real-life situations—observing what decisions we will make when faced with a choice. We must also examine ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:28–32). This is a vital part of the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread. By taking time to compare our thoughts, attitudes, ideas, motives and priorities with the standards God has outlined in the Bible, we can develop more of God’s mind. Without regularly examining ourselves in the light of God’s word, we can deceive ourselves. To avoid being misled, we must also learn to evaluate ideas we receive from others. Paul admonished Christians to “test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). John warned: “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). The early Church had to distinguish between authentic Apostles and frauds (Revelation 2:2). We face the same situation today. You cannot afford to be deceived by impostors parading as Apostles, prophets and ministers of God. But how do you make such decisions? What guidelines do you use? The Bible gives us plenty of advice!
Focus on Truth
Jesus stated that a house built on solid rock will withstand trials, but a house built on sand will be swept away (Matthew 7:24–29). His point was that if we base our beliefs solidly on Scripture we will prevail, but if we trust in our own ideas we will be deceived. Jesus said, “Your Word is truth” (John 17:17). Paul wrote: “All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Yet many today doubt the authenticity and authority of the Bible, because of the influence of skeptics in our secular society. Biblical passages are discounted and discarded if they do not agree with our own opinions. This leads to confusion about religious ideas. Radio, television and the Internet have become a supermarket for self-proclaimed religious teachers. However, you can avoid being deceived by asking simple but pointed questions.
Does the Bible command us to observe Christmas and Easter, or are these pagan practices to be avoided (see Jeremiah 10:1–4)? Did Jesus and the Apostles observe the Sabbath and Holy Days, or did they observe Sunday (see Luke 4:16; Acts 17:2; 1 Corinthians 5:7–8)? Was Jesus’ gospel about the coming kingdom of God or just about His life, death and resurrection (see Mark 1:14–15)? Did the Church preach the same gospel or a different one (see Acts 8:12; 28:23, 31)? Do believers go to heaven when they die (see Acts 2:34; 13:36)? Do human beings have an immortal soul (see Ezekiel 18:4, 20)? Is the term Trinity found in the Bible? Are sinners tormented forever or are they simply burned up (see Malachi 4:1–3)? Is the Holy Spirit a person or the power of God (see Acts 8:18–19)? Do all professing Christians receive the Holy Spirit, or is it only given upon repentance, baptism and the laying on of hands to those who obey God’s instructions (see Acts 2:38; 5:32; 8:14–19)? Do we need a ministry today, or is everyone a minister (see Titus 1:5–11; 1 Timothy 3; Ephesians 4:11-12)? Do we need government in the church (see Acts 15)? Is it scriptural for churches to select their own leaders by popular vote, or does God provide other means (see Numbers 14:1–10; compare Acts 6:1–4 with Exodus 18:17–26; Galatians 1:15–16; 2:7–8)? Is it important to know the identity of the Israelite nations (see Genesis 48; 49; Ezekiel 3; 33; also review the booklet, What’s Ahead for American and Britain?). Is this concept important to the New Testament church (see (Matthew 10:6)? What is the real purpose for human life (see Romans 8:14–18; 1 John 3:1–3)?
From Scripture you can prove the truth on all these issues! You need not be deceived by any of the conflicting ideas that you hear. You must ask yourself where you first learned the truth about each of these concepts, and who is still teaching these truths plainly and powerfully? Can you recognize who has begun to compromise, change and discard these truths? If you follow such individuals or organizations, you will be deceived! Jesus told his disciples: “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). You can avoid being deceived if you focus on the truth, prove the truth and hold on to the truth. God’s Truth does not change—it is the solid rock on which we must build!
Define the Mission
Many are confused and deceived today about why we are called and what we are to be doing as a Church. Individually, we are called to learn to live “by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God [the Scriptures!]” (Matthew 4:4). We are to be “lights” to a darkened world, showing mankind the proper way to live (Matthew 5:14). As Christians we must “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Our challenge is to learn to think and act as Jesus would in any situation—to develop the very mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5). Jesus did not argue with God or try to reason around the clear intent of Scripture—He obeyed His Father’s instructions (Philippians 2:8) because He knew that was best (Deuteronomy 4:40; Proverbs 3:1–2). Many people today have been deceived into believing they can disregard God’s instructions in Scripture—if they continue to pray, go to church, feel religious and are nice to other people! The Bible calls this hypocrisy (Romans 2:17–24; James 2:10)! We must avoid this deception.
The biblical mission of the Church is clearly stated: proclaim the good news of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins (Matthew 1:21) and preach the gospel of the coming kingdom of God (Mark 1:14–15; 16:15; Acts 8:12). The gospel is to be preached as a witness—to let the world know what is coming—even though many will not believe what they hear (Matthew 24:14). The Church also has the responsibility of feeding the flock—teaching those who are called how to live by every word of God (John 21:15–17). Another aspect of the church’s mission is to warn the world of the sobering events that will mark the end of this age and the return of Christ (see Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21). This is a major task of God’s end-time work (see Ezekiel 3; 33). Neighborly acts of kindness and charitable actions in the community are fine, but they cannot replace God’s clearly stated mission for His Church! To presume we can pick and choose from this clearly defined mission is to promote deception. You need to ask yourself: what are you, and the group you are part of, doing? Are you focused on the mission God outlined, or are you misled and busy doing your own thing?
Know Your Enemy!
The Bible reveals that Satan is the predominating influence in this world who blinds, deludes, divides and deceives whoever he can (2 Corinthians 4:4). Many Christians today seem to think they are immune to Satan’s influence because they have been “called” into the Church, yet Peter tells us to: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Peter was speaking from experience, because he had been deceived on several occasions by his own ideas and by listening to the misguided ideas of others (see Matthew 16:21–23; Galatians 2:11–14). Paul warned the Church: “Savage wolves will come in among you… speaking perverse [misleading] things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (Acts 20:29–30). Paul was concerned that people would be deceived by false doctrines spread by false teachers who claimed to be ministers of Jesus Christ—but in reality were agents of the devil (2 Corinthians 11:1–15). Satan’s efforts and activities spawn confusion and deception (1 Corinthians 14:33).
When you consider the doctrinal confusion that pervades the church and society today, it should be obvious who is causing the problems! Some of the deceptive ideas circulating through the church include:
- The Work is over; only Mr. Armstrong was commissioned to preach the gospel.
- We do not need a ministry or government in the church. Since we are all ministers, we can select our own leaders—we do not need to let God make those selections.
- It is OK to observe Sundays, Easter and Christmas if we are sincere in heart.
- There are true Christians who neither understand the Bible nor keep the commandments.
- God’s people need not agree on basic doctrines, and individuals can decide doctrine for themselves based on their own feelings.
- We do not need to keep the Passover on the 14th, even though the Bible specifies that date.
- We can decide what calendar to follow, based on our own reasoning.
- We do not need to tithe anymore; the dietary laws are no longer applicable; there is no place of safety during the tribulation; understanding the identity of nations is irrelevant to understanding prophecy; everyone will be saved.
The list could go on, but this illustrates what happens when we are deceived into ignoring what the Bible plainly states. To avoid being deceived, we must be able to recognize the fruits of deception, and recognize who is promoting these deceptive ideas (1 Peter 5:9; Ephesians 6:11). Jesus said we should recognize false teachers by their fruits, and He warned that many professing Christians are actually deceived because they do not recognize their enemy or his methods (Matthew 7:15–23)!
Think Critically
Many assume that Christianity is merely about loving, trusting, believing and having faith and hope. Yet Jesus warned His disciples to “be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” because they would have to deal with “wolves” intent on their deception and destruction (Matthew 10:16). As Christians, we have to learn to think—and to think critically! In Proverbs we are told “the first person to plead his cause seems right” until he is cross-examined (Proverbs 18:17). It is risky to believe the first idea that you hear or the first book you read! We need to ask: who are these people who promote ideas or write books or articles? Where do they get their authority? What is their track record? How has God used them over time? Many of Jesus’ listeners were familiar with His background (Mark 6:3). Peter and Paul openly reveal their names and their personal histories for all to judge (see Galatians 1:11–24; 2 Peter 1:16–19). If you are going to follow some group, you better know something about them and where they got their ideas—or you risk being deceived!
The Bible also states: “In a multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). If you seek advice and check appropriate sources before jumping to a conclusion, you can avoid being deceived. Do not just believe the latest idea you hear or see in print. Check out what critics have to say before you buy! Determine what is valid and what is not. Be alert to the fact that our vanity likes to think we do not need any help—that we can figure everything out on our own! That is a prescription for failure that only fools choose to follow (Proverbs 12:1, 15). Paul advised Christians to carefully evaluate everything—he did not say “just believe” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Peter warned that Paul’s writings would be twisted out of context by ignorant and unstable individuals (2 Peter 3:16). It is instructive that those who want to do away with the Sabbath, the Holy Days, the dietary laws and many other doctrines use Paul’s writings to try to prove their points—in spite of Peter’s clear warning! We need to be alert to this. To avoid being deceived, we must learn to think critically. It is part of a Christian’s responsibility.
Brethren, God informs us that Satan has deceived the whole world (Revelation 12:9). He deceived Eve and caused Adam to shirk his leadership responsibilities. He misled Peter and deceived Paul before his calling. He prompted Ananias and Sapphira to lie and, as a result, to die (Acts 5:1–11). He sowed discord between Paul and Barnabas in an attempt to disrupt preaching the gospel (Acts 15:36–41). Satan and those he has been able to influence have wreaked havoc on true believers down through the ages. As Christians, we must be able to recognize and resist their deceptive methods. That is why God provides clear warnings and helpful principles in Scripture. Our challenge is to use this information so we can avoid being deceived!