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Bible Will I Find: The Danger of Deception? By: Gary Colley
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This may be the most important study that has ever been presented to our readers! It seems to be so easy for some to be deceived; and being deceived these may “join” religions of which they cannot read one word in the Bible, and therefore cannot save the soul (Eph.5:23; 1:22-23). We must remember that all teachings of men, even those of the blinded religious Pharisees, given in addition to the Lord’s teaching, will be “rooted up” in the Judgment Day! (Matt.15:13). There are those who “handle the word of God deceitfully” (II Cor.4:2), and who will speak perverse things to draw a following (Acts 20:30), . Paul wrote to the Christians at Colosse, “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds” (Col.3:9). When a Christian lies, it is proof that he has not completely put off the old man of sin, and has not put on the new man of righteousness (Col.3:10). Paul also warned, “Be not deceived…” (Gal.6:7). The Bible makes the fact clear therefore, that it is our personal responsibility not to lie, and not to accept the lies of others to our own destruction. There are those pointed out in the Scriptures that would deceive “even the very elect” (Matt.24:24). Jesus and His apostles warned, “Take heed that no man deceive you” (Matt.24:2; I Jn.4:1). Each of us are responsible to “study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Tim.2:15). Likewise we are responsible for knowing the Truth, which is able to save and make us free, from error, false teachers, vain worship, and God’s wrath (Jas.1:21; Jn.8:31-32). When one studies, learns, knows, and obeys the Truth, he will be saved (Matt.28:18-20; Mk.16:15-16). When one does not study, learn, know, and obey, the Bible says he will be eternally punished (II Thess.1:7-9). If men really respected God and believed the Bible, they would study, learn, understand, and obey (II Pet.1:3). Jesus made us aware of religious false teachers, who would deceive those who blindly follow (Matt.7:15). These “by their smooth and fair speech, beguile the hearts of the simple” (Rom.16:18). Eve was deceived by Satan, then she influenced Adam, and they murdered the whole human race (Gen.3:1-7; II Cor.11:3). Jacob was deceived by his own sons with the bloody coat of Joseph, and wept as if his son was dead (Gen.37). Feelings are deceptive! Paul wrote to the young preacher Timothy, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (I Tim.2:3-4). Will you die deceived?–Gary Colley