Articles
Deception
Loved ones, there are three who can deceive. First, we can be deceived by Satan: “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Rev. 12:9). Satan is good at what he does because he is able to transformed himself “into an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14).
Second, false teachers are able to deceive us. Like Satan, their father (John 8:44), they are able to transform themselves into “ministers of righteousness” (2 Cor. 11:13-15). By their good words and fair speeches they can “deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17-18). Thus, it is our own ignorance and neglect that make us susceptible to “being led away with the error of the wicked” (2 Peter 3:16-18).
Third, we can also deceive ourselves! This can happen because, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes” (Prov. 21:2). The Holy Spirit warns, “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Cor. 3:18-19). The God of Heaven is so GOOD.
