Jesus warned:
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Paul warned:
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
Peter warned:
2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.
If there is any time in history when we must be watchful, it is now. With the advent of the Internet and other technologies, humanity is being bombarded with vain philosophies and empty deceit. Men are living according to the principles of the world and not according to FATHER’s Plan, Will, and purpose. They are using cunning devices to deceive and manipulate others into accepting their path which will invariably lead toward destruction.
Traditions of men can be most deceptive since there is usually at least a “half-truth” associated with their philosophy. Church tradition usually starts out as a revelation from Above and then has man’s interpretation and opinion added to create a tradition. Martin Luther had a revelation concerning the Truth- the just shall live by faith:
Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
When did this Scripture first appear in the Book of Romans? When it was given to Paul by the Holy Spirit to be written centuries before Martin Luther. Luther had been living according to church doctrine and tradition which was in opposition to the Scripture. The Lutheran Church arose from his eyes being opened. Now it is simply another denomination, one of ten thousand. The message of Luther is now been systematized into doctrine and place on a shelf. Men’s worldly opinions have diluted the revelation given to Luther. In countless examples throughout history there have been a multitude of intelligent men and women who have been deceived by the philosophies of the world. Their raw intelligence did not protect them from deception. This is why it is imperative to guard our hearts against such lies and deceit. This is not a new problem.
The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 19:
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
Our Loving Father will protect us from the world’s path of destruction and lying wonders. Legalism would have us believe that if we “do” according to some decree or formula, we will then be blessed. Instead, we should wait on FATHER to direct us according to HIS Purpose so that whatever we are called to “do” is inherently endorsed and blessed by HIM. HE will not bless what HE has not initiated by HIS Word. Man is always seeking a formula of cause and effect and will use its results as an apparent indication of “anointing” by FATHER. Don’t be fooled by what you don’t yet understand but wait on FATHER to reveal the Truth to you. Doesn’t it make more sense to do only what you hear FATHER tell you to do than to go out and do a multitude of things hoping that at least one of them is HIS Will? As the saying goes: There are those who were sent, and others just went!
Wait on THE LORD, be patient!
Psalm 37:34 Wait on the LORD,
And keep His way,
And He shall exalt you to inherit the land;
When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
We must labor to enter into HIS Rest and as we do, HE will lead and guide us out of the hands of the wicked. HE will warn of us the deceptions that are now all around us and will expose those who would lead us astray. Yes, there are times it may seem like a lonely, unpopular, and isolated path but FATHER is always there with you. As the great deception of the last days covers the whole earth, the remnant will not be moved by it and will be raised up as a standard of Love and Truth to expose the lies and deceit for all of mankind to see. Once their eyes are opened, men will repent of their wicked ways. Those who have heeded the warning given by Jesus, Paul, and Peter will be among the very Elect who have been endued with power from On High to turn men’s hearts from their wicked ways. When this occurs, the healing of the land will begin and utter destruction of the earth will be averted. The Creator will not allow the created to destroy creation.
Don’t be deceived!