There is a reason Satan is called the deceiver and the father of lies and why we should avoid deceptions like the plague.
In previous posts we have looked in Scripture at the personal responsibility we each have to love and actively seek truth. We have seen that choosing to believe error and deception is a serious sin with grave consequences. Along that same line, here are warnings from three more important Scriptures.
Teachings of demons
Shockingly, Paul wrote, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times [which began then and continue now] some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared” (1 Tim. 4:1–2, ESV here and elsewhere, italics added).
According to this verse, false teachers and prophets have demons working in and around them. The people they deceive “devote themselves” primarily to that spirit and secondarily to the false teacher led by that spirit. These teachers who use lies actually sear their consciences, deadening their soul’s moral decision-making ability to avoid feeling guilt or shame. No one in this verse is an innocent victim.
All wicked deception
Elsewhere Paul described the deceptive powers of the antichrist and why he will someday be able to deceive most people in the world. “The coming of the lawless one [the antichrist] is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved” (2 Thess. 2:9–10, italics added).
They made a moral choice; they deliberately “refused to love the truth,” which made them easy marks for the deceiver. Paul underlines the moral issue for which sinners are responsible: do they love truth or lies? A person who dislikes truth is not an innocent victim.
Deceiving and being deceived
Paul told Timothy, “Evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Tim. 3:13, italics added).
Deception cuts both ways. Those who choose to use lies enter the realm and power of lies and thus themselves are easily deceived. Those who choose the covering of darkness lose the ability to see. Those who live by the sword die by the sword. They are not innocent victims.
Continued next week