ATTENTION!

 As a watchman, it is our responsibility to sound the alarm and highlight warnings that may impact many. We must remain vigilant, staying rooted in Scripture and heeding the warnings we have received.

The Bible repeatedly warns of deception within the church, cautioning that false teachers and doctrines will arise to mislead believers. Here are some key verses emphasising the danger of deception within the true church:

1. Warnings About False Teachers and Apostasy

• Matthew 7:15 – "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves."
• 2 Peter 2:1-2 – "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
• 1 Timothy 4:1 – "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons."

2. The Church Being Led Astray

• 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 – "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light."
• Colossians 2:8 – "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."
• Matthew 24:24 – "For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect."

3. Staying True to the Gospel

• Galatians 1:6-9 – "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ."
• 2 Timothy 4:3-4 – "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."
• Jude 1:3-4 – "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ."

4. Christ’s Call to Overcome Deception

• Revelation 3:11 – "I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown."
• John 8:31-32 – "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’"
• 1 John 4:1 – "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."

These verses highlight that deception within the church has been a concern since biblical times, emphasising the need for believers to stay watchful, discerning, and firmly grounded in the true gospel to prevent being led astray.

 

Our ultimate authority is the Word of God, not prophecy, which may sometimes contradict Scripture. While many references are drawn from the Old Testament, one verse clarifies any confusion:

"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world." (Hebrews 1:1-2)

The Lord Jesus is the Word (see John 1). He spent three years teaching His disciples and then entrusted them with the keys to spread the gospel. Therefore, our doctrine must come from the apostles, not the Old Testament. If you hold fast to this truth, it will be well with your soul.

Additionally, Paul received his revelation directly from heaven. So, when you hear claims such as "Paul was anti-women," do not be deceived—such statements are false.

 

May the grace of God give your eyes to see always remaining vigilant.

 

Signing out

 

Tyrone

"This article was partially written with the help of AI."