“Many deceivers have gone out into the world,” says II John 1:7. We encounter deception all the time—in business, in politics, and in religion. We are constantly subjected to lies.

But lies only work on us if they can masquerade as truth, which is why deception is a major concern in the New Testament. Jesus warned about “false messiahs and false prophets,” and the apostles Peter, Paul, and John all likewise warned about the problem of spiritual deception—lies masquerading as religious truth.

We are seeing a prime example of spiritual deception today in radical Islamist terrorism—a virtual web of huge lies masquerading as religious truth.

How do people fall prey to such lies? It happens because spiritual deception plays not so much to the head as it does to the heart. Hate movements such as the Islamic state appeal to people’s desires for revenge and power and domination over others that they despise. In short, deception works on human sin.

Deception can also work on us, particularly as it comes, in our society, in more subtle ways. The materialism of our society appeals to our inner desire for more, and would deceive us into thinking that we can find fulfillment in endless grasping. The unbelief all around plays on our weaknesses—our doubts and fears—and would deceive us into thinking that God simply is not real. We are continually subjected to lies.

The answer to deception is Jesus Christ, who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6) Jesus shows us clearly what is true; and Jesus enlightens not only our minds but our hearts. Through Christ our hearts are cleansed from sin and opened to God, so that by God’s power we can stand firm against all the lies of the world around us.

There are many deceivers in the world, but we can live securely in God’s Truth, as we put our trust in Christ.

Sunday’s Scripture Readings:
John 8:42–44
II John 1:7–8
II Peter 2:1–3, 3:17–18

Related posts:

Know the Truth Who Enters Heaven? Many Deceivers What We Believe