Deception is all around us. Conspiracy theories have increasingly been on the rise. In this climate of deception, how do we know what to believe? The Bible addresses deception, and this article investigates Biblical Deception.
The Imminent Deception
Deception is the mixing of truth with error, unlike a lie, which is absent of all truth—all error.
Matthew 24:3-5
3. Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
4. And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.
5. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. NKJV
In this passage we have a warning from Jesus, we have the nucleus of the dilemma. “Many” will fail to “take heed” (discern, examine, perceive) Biblical truths. As a result, they will stumble into deception. Truth protects, and error harms; therefore, the more of God’s Word we know, the more error we can discern.
Gen. 3:1-4
Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”
2. And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden;
3. but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.'”
4. Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. NKJV
The serpent deceived Eve. She admitted that she was deceived in verse 13, which reads:
“‘And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” NKJV
There was some truth (Gen. 3:7, 22). After Adam and Eve ate the fruit, their eyes were opened.
In the text, Satan predicted that something would happen and then tells a lie by stating, “you will surely not die.”
When their eyes were opened, they did not experience a wondrous enlightenment as Satan had implied. Instead, they experienced shame, fear, and guilt (vss. 7, 8, 10). Neither were they elevated to the same status as God.
The Seeds of Deception
Eve was deceived by the serpent. As a result, she and Adam rebelled against God’s Command by eating the forbidden fruit.
King Saul was deceived” by his fear and jealousy, which led him to rebel against God’s instructions and acted in disobedience.
Judas Iscariot was deceived by his greed and betrayal, ultimately leading him to rebel against Jesus and betray Him.
The Israelites in the wilderness were deceived by their doubts and fears despite God’s miracles and deliverance and rebelled against Him multiple times.
There is a trend throughout the Scriptures. Deception, whether through fear, jealousy, greed, or doubt, appears to be a common thread in these instances of rebellion. This highlights the fact that deception often ignites the flames of rebellion. Deception serves as the initial step that leads to rebellion. Deception leads to rebellion.
The Imminent Apostasy
Matthew 24:11-13
11. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.
12. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
13. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. NKJV
Acts 20:29-31
29. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
30. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.
31. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. NKJV
1 Tim. 4:1
4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, NKJV
2 Peter 2:1-3
1. But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.
2. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.
3. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. NKJV
Jude 3-4
3. Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
4. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. NKJV
These passages collectively depict the imminent threat of apostasy. They are a series of warnings of the impending apostasy. Again, deception proceeds apostasy. The book of Jude serves as a solemn warning against the dangers of apostasy in the church. Just as it was prevalent in his time, it is prevalent in ours.
We must be vigilant in our faith and firmly rooted in the truth to avoid deception and apostasy. We must as the Scripture reads, “contend earnestly for the faith.”
We must be aware of the falsehoods among us (Matthew 7:15-19). Men are deceptive with their words. We must note what they teach: God’s Word or man’s doctrines. We must test the spirits. [1 John 4:1-3] Otherwise, we cannot earnestly contend for the faith if we do not bring our teachers into subjection.
Jude’s audience was unaware and not on guard of the deception that had crept into the church. Today, we are very unaware. We must confirm the Word for ourselves to discern truth from error. We must be on guard so that we will not be deceived. When we are deceived, we will rebel—knowingly and unknowingly. We are prone to deception and prone to rebellion.
Contending for the Faith
Why must we contend for the faith?
o The false teachers are ungodly people. They pervert the divine ideal of holiness. I Thessalonians 5:23, 1 Peter 2:9, Lev. 20:26, 1st Peter 1:14-16, Rev. 21:27
o They teach that grace allows us to live ungodly—immoral lives. They pervert the doctrine of grace.
Titus 2:11-14—The grace of God teaches us that we are to live godly, sober, and righteous lives because Christ arrived to redeem us from every lawless deed and free us from the power of sin. He came to set the captives free.
o They deny Jesus Christ—His authority and power.
§ Matthew 28:18, Eph. 1:21-23—Christ has all authority, all power; to deny this is to deny Christ. With all power and authority, Christ came to free us from the shackles of sin. Through His Word, He intended to reveal Himself while equipping us for salvation.
o They deny the all-sufficiency of all Scripture
§ 2 Timothy 3:16-17—To deny all the sufficiency of Scripture is to deny Christ. To say that the Old Testament doesn’t matter is to assume that the New Testament alone will qualify us for every good work. ALL Scripture has been given by God.
We cannot cherry-pick what Scripture should be or should not be applicable. All—all Scripture should be counted as applicable.
2 Peter 1:3—God has given us all things of life, all things pertaining to godliness. His Word is to be heeded from the beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation. Nothing is to be neglected.
John 1:1-4, 14, Rev. 19:12-13—To deny the all-sufficiency of Scripture is to deny Christ.
How do we contend for the faith?
We must use the weapons that are at our disposal. Eph. 6:10-18 reads:
10. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
11. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15. and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16. above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God;
18. praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints — NKJV
This is what we ought to do. Our ability to stand is contingent upon our being willing to put on “the whole armor of God. “ Because we can’t stand against “the wiles of the devil” on our own.
We must be girded with truth, being honest and truthful in all aspects of life.
The breastplate of righteousness—Put on Christ’s righteousness in faith, live a moral and upright life, and do what is right and just according to God’s will.
The feet shod with the gospel of peace—Be ready to share the everlasting gospel proclamation with others.
The shield of faith—Trust in God, His protection, and His provision.
The helmet of salvation—Stand in the assurance of salvation found in Christ.
The Sword of the Spirit- The Word of God—Use the power of God’s Word to guide our thoughts and actions.
The great deception, the mother of all deceptions, is coming. The beast of Revelation 13, when he performs deceitful miracles and wonders, is coming. This will lead to the conclusion of Spiritual Warfare and the Great Controversy.
Therefore, every weapon matters—the whole armor. With all prayer, be vigilant and seek God’s guidance and strength. We must use our weapons at our disposal. Put on Christ; stand for Christ!
Questions, comments, and concerns may be left below.
Blessings!
This is a thought-provoking post on the nature of biblical deception and its role in leading people away from the truth of God’s Word. Your emphasis on how deception often precedes rebellion is particularly striking—whether it was Eve in the Garden, King Saul, or even Judas Iscariot. It’s a sobering reminder of how subtle deception can be, as Paul warns in 2 Corinthians 11:14 that “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
One thing that stood out to me was your point that deception is often a mixture of truth and error rather than outright lies. In a world where falsehoods are often wrapped in convincing half-truths, how can we best train ourselves—and those we disciple—to discern the difference? It seems that deep knowledge of Scripture is key, but are there other practical ways to develop this discernment?
I also appreciated your emphasis on contending for the faith and the all-sufficiency of Scripture. Unfortunately, many Christians today may unintentionally undermine the authority of God’s Word without even realizing it. What are some common ways this happens, and how can we guard against it?
Lastly, your mention of the “mother of all deceptions” in the end times really stood out. If deception is going to intensify, what practical steps can believers take now to strengthen their faith so they won’t be led astray?
This article is a strong reminder that we must be watchful, rooted in God’s Word, and prepared to stand firm in our faith. Thank you for sharing these important insights—looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
Blessings!
Greetings, Alice – I thank you for your insightful questions. There is only one other way besides scriptural knowledge for discernment: prayer. We must ask for it in prayer. James 1:5-6 reads, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. NKJV
We must exercise our faith and ask God through prayer for the power of the Spirit to guide us, and He will grant it.
The Scripture says in John 16:13 regarding the Spirit, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” NKJV
Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we adequately discern truth from falsehood and deception. As you mentioned, Satan himself masquerades as an angel. With the direction the world is headed, we must take every opportunity to get on our knees.
Many Christians undermine the Scriptures by approaching them with their feelings and opinions instead of absorbing and accepting what they say. They want to bring God to their level instead of seeking to elevate themselves to be closer to His. However, He clearly states through His prophet Isaiah, “ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah. 55:8-9 KJV
Prayer is the only other practical way to strengthen our faith, discernment, and wisdom. As Jesus said in Luke 11:9-10 “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (10) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
Spend time with the Lord!
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The article highlights a crucial point: deception is not always a blatant lie but often a mix of truth and falsehood, making it even more dangerous. Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24:4-5 emphasizes the importance of discernment and not blindly following any teaching without examining it through the lens of God’s Word. I completely agree that knowing the Bible is the best way to protect ourselves from deception. A very insightful read!
Greetings, Tony – It is also most helpful to pray for discernment.
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This was a powerful and eye-opening read. I really appreciate how you connected Scripture across both the Old and New Testaments to show how deception has always been a tool of the enemy. The reminder to stay rooted in God’s Word and to contend for the faith with the full armor of God is timely and much needed in today’s world. Thank you for this encouraging and truth-filled message!
Amen, Abdalla – Thanks for commenting!
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This article presents a serious and important discussion about deception from a Biblical perspective, particularly in the context of contemporary concerns about conspiracy theories and the challenge of discerning truth. The emphasis on deception as a mixture of truth and error, rather than outright falsehood, is a key distinction and aligns with many historical and current examples of misleading narratives.
The scriptural references provided offer a solid foundation for the points being made, highlighting the warnings from Jesus, the deception of Eve, and the recurring theme of deception leading to rebellion throughout the Bible. The connection drawn between these historical accounts and the “imminent apostasy” and the need to “contend earnestly for the faith” creates a sense of urgency and relevance for today’s readers.
The breakdown of “how to contend for the faith” using the metaphor of the “whole armor of God” from Ephesians is a classic and powerful way to frame the necessary spiritual disciplines. Each piece of armor is linked to a specific aspect of Christian living and provides practical guidance for navigating a world filled with potential deception.
However, I think it would be beneficial to further explore the practical application of these principles in our modern, information-saturated world. For example:
How can individuals effectively discern truth from error when faced with complex and nuanced arguments, particularly those that skillfully blend factual information with misinterpretations or out-of-context quotes?
In an age of readily available information (and misinformation), what specific strategies can Christians employ to “confirm the Word for ourselves” beyond simply reading it? This might include studying historical context, understanding original languages, or engaging with trusted theological resources.
How can the concept of “testing the spirits” (1 John 4:1-3) be applied responsibly and discerningly in online spaces where individuals and groups may present themselves in various ways? What are some practical indicators of a “deceiving spirit” in online interactions?
Given the article’s concern about “ungodly people” perverting grace, how can believers maintain a balance between extending grace and holding firm to Biblical standards of righteousness, especially when encountering differing interpretations of scripture?
Overall, this article provides a valuable starting point for a crucial discussion. Expanding on these practical applications would further equip readers to navigate the challenges of deception in their daily lives.
-Phil
Greetings, Phil – We must first realize that we can not effectively discern as you have presented on our own and in our own strength. First, we must study and apply the Scriptures. As it states in James 1:22, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. By studying and applying the Scriptures, we gain knowledge and wisdom. With that in mind, The Scriptures inform us that upon Jesus’s departure, He sent the Holy Spirit. As Jesus said in John 16:7, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” This helper is the Holy Spirit.
Jesus further said in John 16:13 regarding the Spirit, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” The Holy Spirit is the Christian’s guide for truth and enables us to discern truth from error. But we must ask for it and yield to him.
James 1:5-6 reads, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. We must exercise our faith and ask God through prayer for the power of the Spirit to guide us, and He will grant it.
Satan himself masquerades as an angel (2 Corinthians 11:14), and deception is his most potent weapon. Make no mistake about it: we are no match against Satan. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we adequately discern truth from falsehood and deception. We must pray for this power. We simply cannot do it on our own and in our own strength.
You ask for practical strategies to navigate the challenges of deception. The only practical strategy for Christians is prayer, which is to pray for discernment through the Holy Spirit.
As the Scriptures state in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT
3. We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do.
4. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We are engaged in a human war, but a spiritual one: spiritual warfare. For more on spiritual warfare, please see the article https://thechristianadvocate.org/all-about-spiritual-warfare/
With the direction the world is headed, we must take every opportunity to get on our knees.
Thanks for commenting!
Catch us on YouTube–@TheChristianAdvocate
Having been a Christian and devoted Bible reader for nearly 50 years, I found your article on “Biblical Deception” to be both insightful and timely. The way you traced the thread of deception from Eve’s encounter with the serpent to various biblical figures like King Saul and Judas Iscariot really resonated with me. It’s a poignant reminder of how subtle and pervasive deception can be, leading even the most faithful astray.
Your emphasis on the seeds of deception igniting rebellion aligns with observations I’ve made over the years in my own spiritual journey. It’s crucial for us as believers to remain vigilant, especially in today’s world where misinformation is rampant. The scriptural references you provided serve as a solid foundation for understanding the importance of discernment in our walk with Christ. Thank you for shedding light on this often-overlooked aspect of our faith.
You’re welcome, Jim!
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i really like the teaching how deception in the Bible and its consequences on faith. I really appreciate how it connects various biblical figures, such as Eve, Saul, Judas, and the Israelites, to highlight how deception can lead to rebellion and apostasy. The references to scriptural passages warn us about the dangers of deception in our own lives, especially in today’s world where false teachings are prevalent. Your really are teaching people and showing them the consiquences.
Thanks for commenting, Ravin!
This was a powerful and much-needed message for today’s world. The connection between deception and rebellion is so clearly laid out—and it really highlights how important it is to stay rooted in Scripture. I especially appreciated the emphasis on the all-sufficiency of God’s Word and the reminder to put on the full armor of God daily. The spiritual battle is real. Has anyone found specific passages that help you stay grounded when deception feels overwhelming? Would love to hear what strengthens others in their walk!
Greetings, Thierry – I would suggest Phil 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV
In addition to being grounded in the Word, we must maintain an attitude of prayer, “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Thanks for commenting!
This article offers a timely warning about spiritual deception—truth mixed with error. I appreciated your emphasis on the need for discernment, being grounded in Scripture (always important), and actively contending for the faith. It’s a good reminder in an age of misinformation that believers must stay vigilant, wear the full armor of God, and remain rooted in biblical truth.
Do you have any tips on how we can effectively help others recognize deception without causing division or appearing judgmental?
Greetings, Matt – My standard recommendation, in addition to being grounded in Scripture, is prayer. We must pray for discernment, to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to discern truth from error.
Thanks for commenting!
Deception is the worst kind of tools that the Devil can use against us. Indeed, as it’s a mixture of lies and truth, it really messes you up! When I think of the lie that the Devil told Eve, I can’t help but thinking that Eve was quite naive, but so trusting. If she had stayed with Adam, she wouldn’t have been deceived that way. And sin entered the world by this mingle of truth and lie! Surely, she didn’t die at the time but she eventually died when she was supposed to be immortal in the Garden of Eden! Shameful!
Amen, Angelce – Deception is Satan’s most effective tool and it does indeed “messes you up! We must pay for discernment to decipher truth from error.
Thanks for commenting!
This was a powerful and much-needed reminder. Deception is such a subtle yet persistent theme throughout Scripture, and it’s something we still grapple with daily—whether in the world, within the church, or even in our own hearts.
In my opinion, staying grounded in the Word and continually seeking discernment through prayer is more crucial than ever. It’s easy to be swayed by half-truths or emotionally charged teachings that sound right but stray from biblical truth.
I appreciate how this article brings clarity to the topic and encourages believers to remain vigilant. We’re called to walk in truth, and that means constantly examining both the messages we hear and the motives behind them.
Amen, Edmund – Thanks for commenting!
This is such a powerful and timely message! Deception really is everywhere these days, and it’s easy to get caught up in things that sound like truth but aren’t grounded in God’s Word. I appreciate how this article reminds us to stay rooted in Scripture and test everything against what the Bible says. It’s a real wake-up call to stay alert and not just take things at face value. We truly need discernment more than ever. Thank you for sharing this — it encourages me to keep seeking truth and to stand firm in my faith no matter what.
Amen, Naresh – Deception is genuinely everywhere. It’s no wonder that when Jesus prophesied about the end times, deception was the first thing He warned against. What we are witnessing is the arrival of that time.
Thanks for commenting!
This article really highlights how deception has always been a key tactic of the enemy, starting in the Garden and continuing into our current culture. The connection between deception and rebellion is sobering—how often do we let subtle compromises lead us away from truth? How can we better train ourselves and others to “test the spirits” and recognize truth from error in such a noisy, confusing world? Would love to hear how others are doing this practically.
Greetings, Zachary– I thank you for your insightful questions. There is only one other way besides scriptural knowledge attain discernment: prayer. We must ask for it in prayer. James 1:5-6 reads, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. NKJV We must exercise our faith and ask God through prayer for the power of the Spirit to guide us, and He will grant it.
The Scripture says in John 16:13 regarding the Spirit, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” NKJV
Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we adequately discern truth from falsehood and deception. As you mentioned, Satan himself masquerades as an angel. With the direction the world is headed, we must take every opportunity to get on our knees.
Prayer is the only practical way to strengthen our faith, discernment, and wisdom. As Jesus said in Luke 11:9-10 “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (10) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
Spend time with the Lord!
Thanks for commenting!
Catch us on YouTube—@theChristianAdvocate
This was a powerful and timely read. Your emphasis on the “mother of all deceptions” from Revelation 13 really stood out—it’s a sobering reminder of how critical spiritual vigilance is in these times. I appreciated how you broke down the armor of God, especially the practical application of each piece in daily life. The idea that deception often precedes rebellion, as seen with Eve and Judas, really hit home. Do you have any suggestions for daily practices or prayers that can help believers stay grounded in truth and discernment? Thanks for such a thought-provoking article!
Greetings, Bob– I thank you for your insightful question. There is only one other way besides scriptural knowledge to attain discernment: prayer. We must ask for it in prayer. James 1:5-6 reads, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. NKJV We must exercise our faith and ask God through prayer for the power of the Spirit to guide us, and He will grant it.
The Scripture says in John 16:13 regarding the Spirit, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” NKJV
Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we adequately discern truth from falsehood and deception. Satan himself masquerades as an angel. With the direction the world is headed, we must take every opportunity to get on our knees.
Prayer is the only other practical way to strengthen our faith, discernment, and wisdom. As Jesus said in Luke 11:9-10 “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (10) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
Spend time with the Lord!
Thanks for commenting!
Catch us on YouTube—@theChristianAdvocate
Hello Nathaniel!
Thank you for your thought-provoking article on biblical deception. Your emphasis on the looming “great deception” and the role of the beast in Revelation 13 serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual vigilance required in these times. The way you highlight the importance of the “Sword of the Spirit”—God’s Word—as our primary defense against such deceit resonates deeply.
In an era where misinformation is rampant and spiritual truths are often distorted; your article underscores the necessity of grounding ourselves in Scripture. It’s a call to not only read but to internalize and live by the teachings of the Bible, ensuring we’re not swayed by false doctrines or misleading signs.
I appreciate how you connect this deception to the broader context of spiritual warfare and the Great Controversy. It reinforces the idea that our daily battles are not just physical or emotional but deeply spiritual. Your insights have prompted me to reflect more deeply on my own spiritual preparedness and the importance of discernment.
Thank you for shedding light on this critical topic and encouraging believers to remain steadfast and rooted in truth.
Angela M 🙂
Amen, Angela – Thanks for commenting!
Hello, Nathaniel,
Your article offers a comprehensive and passionate exploration of deception as presented in Scripture. Its strength lies in the consistent use of biblical passages to support the central theme—that deception is a powerful spiritual danger that can lead to rebellion and apostasy. The emphasis on discernment, scriptural literacy, and spiritual vigilance is timely in a world filled with misinformation, moral relativism, and growing skepticism about religious truths.
One of the article’s most striking ideas is that deception is not outright falsehood, but the blending of truth with error, which makes it all the more dangerous. This nuanced take adds depth to the discussion and compels readers to reflect on the subtle ways deception may be operating in their lives or within religious institutions.
The call to “put on the whole armor of God” ties the piece together with an empowering message: we are not helpless in the face of deception but must be actively engaged in spiritual warfare with truth as our defense.
That said, while the article is deeply rooted in Scripture, it may benefit from addressing how believers can lovingly engage with those they believe are deceived, and how to navigate these challenges in community without fostering fear, paranoia, or spiritual elitism.
I have two questions for you: how can Christians balance discernment and humility when confronting teachings they believe are deceptive? And are we as individuals and communities adequately equipped to detect and respond to false teachings? Why or why not?
Thank you,
Mark
Greetings, Mark – Many thanks for your insightful questions.
To your first question, Christians can confront deceptive teachings with discernment and humility by following the Scripture found in Gal. 6:1, which reads:
1. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
If an individual is overtaken by a fault involving deception or otherwise, the goal must be to restore the person to the fellowship of believers. Mature (spiritual) believers should help get the person on the right track, encourage repentance and accountability, and offer assistance if needed. This goal should be done with “meekness” and gentleness.
These fellow believers should be humble and patient, acknowledging that everyone is susceptible to mistakes—even themselves. They must speak the truth while considering the other person’s feelings. They must always act in submission to God and his Word.
To your second question, individuals and communities are not equipped to detect and respond to false teachings independently. Only with the guidance of the Holy Spirit are we equipped with spiritual discernment.
The Scripture quotes Jesus in John 16:13 regarding the Spirit, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” NKJV
Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we adequately discern truth from falsehood and deception, “all truth.”
Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), and we are no match for Satan and his deception.
With the direction the world is headed, we must take every opportunity to get on our knees.
Thanks for commenting!
Catch us on YouTube! @TheChristianAdvocate
This was one of the most sobering and necessary reads I’ve come across in a long while. Thank you for pouring so much depth and urgency into this message. The connection between deception and rebellion really resonated with me—it’s such a subtle yet deadly slope. The way Scripture was layered throughout gave clarity and weight to the warning. It’s not just a “maybe someday” concern, it’s a present-day reality we must stay awake to.
What really hit me was the reminder that deception often contains a piece of truth. That’s what makes it so dangerous—so believable. Eve wasn’t fooled by an outright lie, but by a distorted half-truth. That pattern still holds today. Whether it’s teachings that downplay sin under the guise of “grace” or doctrines that cut and paste Scripture for convenience, the call to contend for the faith is louder than ever.
I also appreciate how you brought Ephesians 6 into focus—especially how every piece of the armor matters. Not just the sword. Not just the shield. All of it. Because the battle is layered—internal, external, emotional, spiritual.
A few thoughts and questions came up while reading:
> How can we, practically, “test the spirits” in a time when so much teaching sounds good but may not be good?
> What are some early signs that we ourselves might be slipping into deception?
> How do we strike the balance between calling out false doctrine and maintaining a spirit of humility and grace?
> And when confronting deception in the church, how do we ensure we’re contending for the faith without falling into legalism or pride?
This article isn’t just informative—it’s a wake-up call. A heart check. A challenge to be both discerning and deeply rooted in truth. I’m walking away from it more alert and more committed to staying grounded in the full counsel of God’s Word.
Greetings, Juan – I appreciate your insightful questions.
To your first question, take note of this Bible passage found in 1 John 4:1-3
1. Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3. and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. NKJV
This passage clarifies that Christians should not believe everything they hear just because someone pronounces it as a message from God. We should test the message to verify its authenticity and determine if it is genuinely from the Lord. One way is to check to see if it matches God’s Word, the Bible.
Other tests involve the teachers’ dedication to the community of believers. 1 John 2:19
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us. NKJV
In this passage, John made clear the distinct separation between those former church members and the true believers, using the pronouns “they” went out and “us” who remained. John stated that when they left us, it verified that they did not belong with us. Their departure from the fellowship showed that they never belonged in the first place.
Then, these individuals left the churches and evidently became promoters of false teachings about Jesus 1 John 4:1; 2 John 7).
Verse two tells us how to know the Spirit of God.
The test to determine if a prophet is from God is to evaluate their beliefs about Jesus Christ (1 John 2:22; 1 Corinthians 12:3). “Every spirit” refers to the speaker’s spirit, which could be the Holy Spirit or demonic. Apply this test: A true prophet confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. This truth has two parts:
1. Jesus is God’s Christ. A true teacher of God believes that Jesus of Nazareth, as revealed in the Gospels, is the Messiah of God, God’s only and unique incarnation of himself.
2. Jesus came in a human body. A true teacher must also teach that Jesus became a man. He did not merely “appear” to be a man; He actually became a man with a human body. God the Son is forever fully God and fully man, though in immortal, incorruptible flesh. A prophet who denies Jesus’ complete and true humanity proves that they are not “from God.”
To your second question, an early sign of slipping into deception is when we begin to fail to test the spirits. The Scripture states that we should test every spirit. Take note of this additional exhortation. 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
NKJV
To your third question, we can strike a balance between calling out false doctrine and maintaining humility and grace by following the advice found in Gal 6:1, which reads, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” NKJV
We must speak the truth with love and grace.
To your fourth question, we avoid falling into legalism and pride by emphasizing what the Scriptures teach. James 2:17 reads, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
Legalism teaches that works save us, which is inaccurate. However, works are part of the equation. We are not required to perform works to be saved but because
we are saved.
Above all, we must pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help us discern truth from falsehood.
I pray that I have answered your questions. If you need more explanation, please get in touch.
Catch us on YouTube—@TheChristianAdvocate in the search field.
Dear Nathaniel,
Thank you for this insightful and well-crafted article on biblical deception. Your thoughtful exploration of how false teachings can subtly infiltrate our understanding really resonates, and I appreciate the way you’ve grounded your points in scripture to highlight the importance of discernment. It’s clear you’ve put a lot of heart into this, and I’m deeply grateful for the time and effort you devote to spreading the Word of God to the world. Your work is a blessing to those seeking clarity in their faith. I did have one question: in your view, what’s one practical step believers can take daily to strengthen their ability to discern truth from deception in today’s complex world? Thanks again for this powerful piece!
Sincerely,
Steve
Greetings, Steve– I thank you for your question. There is only one other way besides scriptural knowledge to attain discernment: prayer. We must ask for it in prayer. James 1:5-6 reads, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
NKJV We must exercise our faith and ask God through prayer for the power of the Spirit to guide us, and He will grant it.
The Scripture says in John 16:13 regarding the Spirit, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” NKJV
Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we adequately discern truth from falsehood and deception. Satan himself masquerades as an angel, and we are no match for satan. With the direction the world is headed, we must take every opportunity to get on our knees.
Prayer is the only practical way to strengthen our faith, discernment, and wisdom. As Jesus said in Luke 11:9-10 “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (10) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
Spend time with the Lord!
Thanks for commenting, Steve
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The Bible says that, as we approach the last days, the love of many will grow cold, and even in the church, people will not seek truth but will have itching ears, chasing after what pleases them. Christians are here to make a difference for the few who have an ear to hear what the Spirit says. We should not grow weary in doing good. Big numbers or ‘notoriety’ are not a measure of success–faithfulness in our service to the Lord is!
Amen, Nigel!
Thanks for commenting!
It’s funny reading this. The state of the world is in such disarray that the truth of the Word gets muddled resulting in false belief/teachings. There are so many examples of leadership corrupting God’s message to fit their own narrative. Making the word fit their agenda while deceiving God’s people into joining in their corruption. Christianity has on one hand has been hijacked by groups of people who are full of hate and do not walk in God’s love, and on the other hand It has been taken over by those who use it to feed their ego and their pockets. In these cases not only is the wolf among the sheep, but also can be disguised as the shepherd. The devil has deceived many to think that they are doing God’s will while treating his brother with disdain; and these shepherds are the ones preaching this message. In addition, the whole “name it and claim it” thing while having some biblical foundation, has been totally corrupted and is still being spread among believers as if God is our own personal ATM machine. I say this to say the further we get away from the root of scripture, the more we lean on our own understanding, leaving the door open for false teachings and deceptive practices. Good article!
Amen, Kevin! Thanks for commenting!
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Wow, I am kind of ashamed to admit that I didn’t realize the difference between deception and a straight-out lie. There is so much deception in the world today that sometimes it is so overwhelming. This article is great because it shows a lot of examples from the bible of how deception was used and the outcomes. I can see myself using this article as a kind of reprieve when the deceptions of today get to be too much for me.
Greetings, Christine – When the deceptions begin to overwhelm you, meditate on this passage of Scripture, Philippians 4:6-7
6. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7. and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. NKJV
We are not to worry and carry our concerns on our own, but take them to the Lord and leave them there and enjoy His peace.
Thanks for commenting!
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