Resisting the Flood of Deception

What does it mean to be deceived?

• Led to believe something that is not true
• Misrepresentation
• Truth is concealed 
• Given a a wrong idea or impression
• Misinformed

One of the most essential factors we as human beings must consider is what we stand for and what we believe in. We should have a personal creed. This is a declaration of one's beliefs which therefore guides our actions. Our creed should reveal opportunities and revelation to strengthen our belief and stance to the point that, ultimately, we remain unshakable. Our foundation is then built and nothing or nobody can move us from it. This is my Faith and no power from the pit of hell can steal it from me. 

A beloved brother in Christ shared, "We should never change the creed without careful introspection to determine when a change is needed. That introspection also should be accompanied by prayerful reflection. As we mature in our faith, some things we may have thought foundational might bear closer examination." 

Matthew 24:24 (Amplified) 

"For false Christs and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and wonders so as to deceive and lead astray, if possible, even the elect (God’s chosen ones)."

We should take seriously the possibility of the elect being deceived by Satan's flood of deception, even though we know that the grace of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of His Spirit will rescue and preserve us. We should never presume on His grace, of course, but should purse every measure to be prepared.

For those not yet firmly established on the foundation of Faith in Jesus Christ and rooted in God's Word, they face grave danger. For then it is easy to fall victim to deception. As devoted believers, we must remain steadfast and tuned in to the power of God's Spirit and His Truth at all times. We must not be afraid to walk away from a house of worship where Truth is compromised, even if this means standing alone.

Unfortunately, many professing Christians today rely on "feelings" and "signs" to judge as to whether something is true. I have fallen prey to this deception as well.  Jesus warned us that great signs and wonders would come from Satan to deceive us, so to rely on something just because it "looks" or "feels" right and not test it against the Truth of God's Word, is very dangerous.

Revelation 16:13-14 

'And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.'

The Body of Christ lies vulnerable to seducing spirits whose intention is to deceive. 

What are some of Satan's devices to deceive us?

• The deceit of wicked men who try to lead others astray into sin
• Those who appear to be of the Body of Christ but appeal to the flesh, not regarding the significance of the power of Holy Spirit
• Those who subtly pervert the gospel by preaching so it feels good but denying Jesus as God in the flesh.

We do not listen to the seducing spirits of this world, the seducing spirits of the devil. We are to listen and understand there’s only one Spirit and 

that is the Spirit of God. There is one Lord. There is only one Lord and that is the Lord of our salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ. There is only one faith, and that faith is the faith that brings us to a saving knowledge of Jesus. That faith is Jesus Christ. 

Ephesians 2:8-10 (Amplified)

For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved ([c]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God;

9 Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.]

10 For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [d]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

There is only one way of salvation, one way to Heaven, and that is one faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is one baptism, and that one baptism is the baptism of the Holy Spirit when a person is saved. When that person is born again, the Bible teaches us that the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. The Bible tells us that we are sealed. We are kept by the power of God through 

the indwelling and sealing of that Holy Spirit.

In these end of times, how will believers withstand the flood of deception coming from what appear to be trusted groups or even our church leaders?

This was made clear to me in a dream recently. I saw in the Spirit a woman holding a chalkboard sign. Holy Spirit instructed her to declare a Scripture as a form of her identity to her evil captor. This was a matter of life or death; to stand on a Truth from the Scriptures that would protect her from deception and drawing her away from God.

How grateful I am for Holy spirit to come in my dream to counsel me on being prepared. I pray each of us has our oil lamps filled and wise to the schemes of the enemy.

Upon waking from the dream, it did not take long to discover that ALL of Scripture is meant to preserve our life. Holy Spirit has gifted us with all we need to remain standing firm on the Rock of Jesus Christ. Do not let go of God's Word. It is part of the New Covenant that Holy Spirit draws us to Truth, revealing satan's antics. Once it is revealed, our part is to be obedient; whatever it takes.

Jude 1:20-25 (Amplified)

But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [[d]make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit;

21 Guard and keep yourselves in the love of God; expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)—[which will bring you] unto life eternal.

22 And refute [so as to] convict some who dispute with you, and on some have mercy who waver and doubt.

23 [Strive to] save others, snatching [them] out of [the] fire; on others take pity [but] with fear, loathing even the garment spotted by the flesh and polluted by their sensuality.

24 Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight]—

25 To the one only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory (splendor), majesty, might and dominion, and power and authority, before all time and now and forever (unto all the ages of eternity). Amen (so be it).

To know Truth is to know what the Bible says. To know the voice of Holy Spirit is to know The Word.

May we, as devoted disciples of Jesus Christ, forever abide in He who abides in us, leading us in the way everlasting. Amen.