The Bible warns us about doctrines that we can be deceived on. In every single one the warning is in the midst of a discussion about sin.
–Deceit about the second coming is covered with warnings about iniquity, lawlessness and the mystery of iniquity already at work.
–Deceit about consequences is all about sin and being with sinful people.
–Deceit about reaping is a warning about doing sin or doing what is good.
–Deceit about righteousness is about sin and how truly righteous people are those who do actual righteousness.
Satan’s main point with all this is to convince you that sin isn’t bad. Why? Because people who sin go to hell. He doesn’t want you to view it so simply.
“Did God really say?” was the substance of Satan’s first deception on this earth, and he just keeps using the same line. What is sin? Sin is anything that violates God’s revealed will, what goes against His Word.
And Satan doesn’t want you to listen to God’s word. Why? Because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
Many charge me with legalism and works righteousness when I point out these verses, “We’re saved by faith, not works!” Agreed, and faith hears and does what God says. Faith is first, action follows. If the action never follows there is no basis to claim faith.
This is simple, straightforward Bible teaching. Yet we live in an age where the traditions of men and deceptive visions rule our teaching rather than the eternally solid rock of God’s Word. No one knows the Bible. No one reads it.
If we did, we’d see how clear it was. Be not deceived, those who don’t hear God’s Word do not have faith. Oh, read the word, read the word, read the word.
