The apostle Paul was a man with a passion for the truth. While his ministry clearly focused on proclaiming the saving grace of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he was also concerned when he saw the truth being compromised by Satan’s subtle deceptive plan. While Paul made every effort to teach the church at Corinth the truth about Jesus and His death on the Cross to save them from their sins, false teachers and false doctrines had infiltrated the church. Obviously, some were being led astray. Thus, he expressed his concerns:
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. (II Corinthians 11:3-4)
The urgent message Paul delivered to the Corinthians is the same message I believe God wants proclaimed today.
Satan’s plan to deceive has not been altered throughout the ages. His efforts to produce “another gospel” inspired by “a different spirit” that seduces people into believing they know Jesus Christ when in reality they do not, are not new. Current trends indicate we are heading down a similar pathway leading toward a strong deception that has the potential of deceiving the whole world.
Jesus made it clear there are serious consequences for those who think they have believed in Him but instead have been deceived by an experiential form of Christianity centered on the miraculous instead of an understanding of the Gospel. Proclaiming these thoughts in a message referred to as “The Sermon on the Mount” recorded in the Book of Matthew, Jesus said:
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23)
These sobering words should be a reminder to all those who profess the name of Jesus to pay close attention to the statement Jesus made. Imagine what it would be like to be a sincere Jesus follower, then find out you were not following the true Jesus Christ. While it is possible to encounter miraculous experiences in the name of Jesus, it is not these experiences that qualify anyone to go to Heaven or validate one’s walk with the Lord.
I am reminded from Scripture, contending for a faith based on God’s Word is not an option. As Jude wrote:
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 3-4)
My love and compassion for those who have been deceived compels me to share this message. The subject of where human souls spend eternity is a serious matter. The Bible teaches that Satan is the instigator and author of deception. His goal is to destroy mankind and take as many lost souls hostage with him to Hell as he can. As believers in Jesus Christ, we must warn those who are in spiritual deception in an attitude of love.
The Bible teaches that the end times will be characterized by a strong spiritual delusion that blinds many from the true Gospel and also leads those who have believed into apostasy. As Jesus warned:
Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. (Matthew 24:23-25)
I challenge everyone to first, consider carefully and honestly what God has revealed in His Word. Second, consider the facts presented in light of current trends. May the light of God’s Word shine bright and reveal the truth.
(This article was written by Roger Oakland over 15 years ago. How much more relevant is it today as spiritual deception is at an all-time high in so many respects.)
I, too, appreciate LHT and what they are doing to spread truth and enlighten people! My experience, from what I have witnessed, is that having experiences (allegedly from/with God) has somehow replaced FAITH! It seems that so many people claiming Christianity are depending upon experiences as proof of their Christianity. They have forgotten (or never knew) that Satan is the god of this world. One younger woman was so excited as she was telling me about an experience they had at an outdoor gathering one evening. She, herself, said, “Give us a sign God” and was so awestruck when the entire field lit up with fireflies all at once. My first thought was, “Who commands the only true and living God to do anything?” My second thought was, “Do they not know that satan can appear as an angel of light?” It’s frustrating, to say the least.
Faith, according to Scripture, is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things NOT seen. That verse alone separates their “experiences” from FAITH. It is a bleak day for the true church these days. They talk of God all of the time. Not so much about The Lord Jesus! And yet, it’s ALL ABOUT Jesus! It’s His name we are to lift up.
My thanks to all of those who contribute their wisdom to LHT!
How are we to look at churches who Do Not support Israel, or even acknowledge her existence? Never mind all the other issues they might not accept like: creation, the literal meaning of Revelation, we are building God’s Kingdom, etc. I believe Jesus is the Word, the Word to believed in it’s entirety. Please help me with this struggle, thanks you, in Jesus my Lord.
I have been praying of late for my pastor to have discernment. It is much lacking today. I’m thankful for LHT and for the discernment I find in the articles here. Keep up the good work and may this work spread throughout the believing communities. ‘grandma’ Jeanne Kotiadis
Just saying thank you to Lighthouse Trails. I very much appreciate this ministry. What I am experiencing are so many, who call themselves Christians, have so little discernment. I am finding when you tell about false teaching they become upset even if it’s done most respectfully. We must stand for Biblical truth. The Lord did tell us what it would be like in the last days and it is heartbreaking. God bless your ministry.
Thank you for describing what so many others we have heard from have gone through. If Christians can’t stand for what is true now, what will they be like if/when we enter persecution, or will many of them just “go with the flow”?
It seems so many people are following another Jesus. They say they follow Jesus, but then see no problem with The Shack, Jesus Calling, God Calling, The Chosen, and so many false teachers. Their beliefs line up with new age/word faith/occult beliefs. I can’t find a sound church. Yes, I know that churches are not perfect, but I’d like to find one not supporting false teachers and playing Hillsong, Bethel or Elevation Church songs. It’s surreal at times. I feel like I’m in the Twilight Zone. About 12 years ago I spoke to my church leaders about my concerns on the Beth Moore teachings and that was not pleasant. One of the last churches I visited was a motivational speech with Bible verses thrown in to support their stance. The music was so emotional with the singer making all kinds of weird faces. And where are the strong male voices? Another church I checked out in the area was, again, like a motivational seminar – loud and getting people riled up. The message being that God just wants to love us, we are so special and we don’t have to serve God. No talk of repentance, obeying God, being changed with a new nature, etc. I don’t see anyone wanting discernment. One acquaintance told me she just goes with the flow. My heart breaks, but the Bible warns us about days like today. Grateful for Rodger, Ray Yungen and Warren Smith.