Many Deceivers

2 John 1:7-11  For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.  (8)  Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things, which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.  (9)  Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.  (10)  If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:  (11)  For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

                       

            I had to look up the word “deceivers” to be sure I wasn’t thinking “outa the box.”  I had the correct concept.  A “deceiver” is a liar.  (The lies may not be bold “up front lies,” but hidden contextual, sneaky lies.)  We must also note that the use of “antichrist” (in this text) is not a reference to “the antichrist” of the “Tribulation” period.  It is a more complete definition of “deceiver” in that a “deceiver” is a liar and is against Christ Jesus.  (Now we know a “deceiver” is a liar and he is against Christianity.)

            So, where do we look for these “deceivers?”  If we are a “born again” believer, and we walk within our belief as a Christian, then we do not have to look very far.

John 3:3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

            First, “Look within your own Church.  Has there been compromise on The Word of God?  Has there been compromise on the music? Has there been compromise on dress?  Has there been compromise on repentance?  Has there been compromise on sin?  Is the preaching salvation by faith, or by works?”

            I honestly could go on with this line of questions, but this also relates to you. 

Second, “Look to see where you stand.  Have you become a “deceiver” to yourself, to your heart and to your family?”  We periodically must just stop and give ourselves a “spiritual checkup.”  “Are you saved?  Do you have eternal life with Jesus and our Father in Heaven?   If you died today, this very moment, would heaven be your home?  If you cannot answer this question with a resounding “YES,” God wants you to know where your eternal home will be.”

1 John 5:13  These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

God wants you to know that you can know you will have “eternal life.”   If we know Jesus, and have accepted Him as our personal Savior, we will have “eternal life” with Jesus.

Romans 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Confess to others that you do believe that God has raised His Son Jesus from the grave, and God will have saved you.

However, “If you have accepted the “deceivers” doctrine, (his teaching, and not the Bible’s) where and how do you give yourself that “spiritual checkup?” 

The answer is found in The King James Bible.  In order for you to “KNOW” your Bible, you must be the ONE that “READS” your Bible.  “[D]eceivers” thrive on our ignorance.  (Ignorance = lack of knowledge of a subject.)  “If you don’t read and study your King James Bible, your “ignorance” makes you a likely candidate for the “deceivers.”  “Cults” love ignorant people.  They thrive as their followers die and burn in Hell because of your lack of knowledge concerning The Bible.

            Another “deceiver” to take a hard look at is the “healer.”  There is no question in my mind God heals.  When He heals, He does the healing, not men.  If we take a honest, realistic look at these “faith healers” and realize if they were of God and God was healing through them, “Why do we have Doctors, Nursing Homes (full of the infirmed), and hospitals.  It would behoove our Federal Government to put these men on staff and pay them an outrageous wage to heal our physically ill.  (ObamaCare could be eliminated as could MediCare.  There would be no need for hospitals, just emergency care to hold us until a healer could lay his hand on us.) 

I know this might be a bit of a stretch, but all that “deceivers” do is a mighty stretch also.   They rely on our ignorance of The Bible.

            Another “deceiver” that has changed God’s Salvation Plan is known as “speaking in tongues.”  The Apostles spoke in their own language and the congregation heard the message in their native language.  The “speaking of tongues” was a hearing experience.

Acts 2:11  Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

            I know I have not given a complete exegesis (a critical explanation or interpretation of a text) on the subject of “deceivers.”  That would be near impossible as they pick new lies, (new twists on the same subjects,) to keep those who are ignorant of The Bible confused. 

Take your King James Bible to church.  Look up the verses given, read along, and write them down and go home and read them, study them.  If what was said from the pulpit and what The Bible says is different, The Bible is your authority.  Then find a Bible (King James Bible) preaching Church, and study to show yourself approved of God.

2 Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Do it now, don’t wait, don’t hesitate.  Move away from the “deceivers.”

Bro John R. E Chastain

Baptist Evangelist

Wylie, Texas