This world is full of false teachers that deceive the minds of many. Some say they come in the name of God for a divine purpose gaining followers, some boldly speak of things contrary to Christian beliefs, and some even claim to serve the same Christ yet twisting scripture to justify their motives. The book of 2 John gives us warning regarding those who reject Christ and those who stray from doctrine.
Romans 16:17-18 starts out telling us to be aware of people who are divisive and go against doctrine and to avoid them because they are not serving Christ but rather themselves using “smooth words” to deceive people who don’t know better. You might have even heard of churches that single themselves out as the only ones knowing truth and encourage their members to cut “outsiders” off. Sadly, these congregations follow man and not the Word of God which is the Bible. The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
The Bible foretells of the last days. “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron…” (1 Timothy 4:1-2)
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
“But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.” (Jude verse 16)
I know so many are in search of truth. Unfortunately, rather than adhering to what the Word says, new sects have arisen teaching things that justify sin in the name of Christianity, twisting the Word. Some are even discrediting the Bible. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And not wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-14)
We really ought to remember that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8), God does not change (Malachi 3:6) so be careful when you hear otherwise because this goes against scripture. Revelation chapter 12:9 talks of the world being deceived, and prior in Matthew 24, Jesus talks of the last days. Down in verse 22 he says, “And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” Jesus then goes on to tell about false prophets showing signs and wonders to deceive the elect. In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus tells us that not everyone who says, “Lord, Lord,” who have prophesied or cast out demons in His name will be admitted into the kingdom of heaven. Jesus says in verse 23, “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”
The best thing we can do so we don’t become deceived is to know the Word and to store it in our hearts. Pray and ask God to give you discernment to bring to mind when something just doesn’t feel right.
Scripture is quoted from the NKJV.