
This post is the “fifth” in a series of posts, that addresses the absolute Biblical requirement for Christians to exercise Biblical discernment.
It’s not possible, in these short posts, to cover all the numerous reasons why Biblical discernment is so vitally important. But what simply cannot be ignored is that Jesus warned us that in the last days, prior to His return, the world would be subjected to the greatest spiritual deception that it has ever seen.
In Matthew 24:3-4 NASB the warning precedes the specifics. “And as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you.”
There are a number of “birth pains” that Jesus identifies throughout Matthew 24 but with regard to the spiritual deception, they are specifically identified in Matthew 24:24-25 NASB “For false christs and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you in advance.” Jesus summarized the deception in three specific areas:
1. False prophets – deceptive false prophecies
2. False messiahs – deceptive false Gospels
3. False miracles – deceptive false validation
What we are dealing with here are false prophecies given by false prophets, false doctrines (Gospels) regarding the divinity and accomplished work of Jesus given by false teachers or preachers (wolves in sheep’s clothing) and false signs and wonders, as in not originating from God, initiated via the same false prophets and teachers/preachers. Each attack, and I don’t use that word lightly, is specifically focused on distorting or invalidating the truth that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. 1 John 4:1-3 refers. And this test that we are admonished to exercise is to compare what is being taught with the clear teaching of the Bible, regarding prophets and prophecy, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and signs and wonders that do not glorify God, but in actuality, glorify man and enrich their pockets. Think Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9-25 refers).
Admittedly, this is no small task but the Apostle Paul was no stranger to these attacks, and he more than adequately addresses them in Galatians 1:8-9 NASB when he says: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, even now I say again: if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!“
So when you read this statement from the Apostle Paul, what should be one of the first things that you would deem necessary to ascertain? In order to recognize what is “contrary“, would it not be “what is the gospel that Paul and the other Apostles preached”? And pardon me for asking this question but I do need to ask it; do you know what the gospel specifically is, that Paul and the other Apostles preached? And if not, why not? How are we to exercise spiritual discernment pertaining to what is “contrary”, if we are not conversant with what the Gospel of Jesus Christ actually is?
What would you think if I told you that Jesus was a spirit that was produced in heaven? And that He was the spirit brother of Lucifer, and His earthly birth was not by a virgin but came about through sexual intercourse with Mary by his father god who resides on a planet near a star called Kolob? What if this “Jesus” worked toward becoming a god by taking Mary, her sister Martha, and Mary Magdalene as wives, and thereby producing children necessary for him to become a god? And the godhood that this Jesus achieved enabled him to become the god of this world, taking his place among the multitude of gods ruling over numerous other worlds? Would any of this raise any red flags? It should, because that is what the Mormons or the Church of the Latter Day Saints believe. Would this qualify as a “contrary” Gospel? Is there any possible chance that we as Christians who diligently study God’s Word, would even remotely entertain the reality that we worship the same Jesus and that the believers of the Church of the Latter Day Saints are our brothers and sisters in the Lord? I’m going to go out on a limb here and say you would say “NO!”, but there are some who do. Click here if you would like more info. And what did the Apostle Paul advocate we do with anyone who advocated a gospel contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
In order to know what is “contrary”, one must know what the “contrary” contradicts and value the truths of our faith above those who would advocate any less. Considering what Jesus did and does for us, we owe Him no less.
More to follow.
Worthy is the Lamb! Blessings!
This is an excellent series Bruce. I relate to your closing comments regarding the Mormons, I remember one guy in my college years ago who sold himself as a brother in Christ…it didn’t go well when I explained to him that he wasn’t in Christ. We need to be on our guard for many such deceptions in these last days. May our Father God continue to guide and bless you today brother 🙏
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Hi Alan, thank you for the kind words. I’m trying to hold myself in check here with this series but it isn’t easy some times. God’s blessings to you and yours also Alan!
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I haven’t read many posts lately but decided to read this, and will certainly read the rest if the series. As always. You shine the light when you write. Excellent discernment here my friend. Keep it coming.
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Thanks Pete, sincerely appreciated. You’ve been a little quiet as of late, trusting all is well with you! Blessings!
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preaching., all is well. Just busy
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Good to know! Blessings!
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I’m enjoying the series, Bruce. And me being me, I would also ask the readers of this excellent post, “What would you say if a person told you salvation was by baptism, receiving the other sacraments, and obeying the Ten Commandments?,” the Roman Catholic false gospel.
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I’d be lying to you if I said that those very things didn’t cross my mind! Holding myself in check on this one. Blessings Tom!
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I’ve alluded to it many, many times over the years, but I don’t think I’ve ever written a post about the history of how evangelicalism’s attitude towards the RCC has changed from that of opposition to undiscerning accommodation in the last sixty years. I need to write that post soon.
Blessings to you, Bruce.
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Agreed, about both! Blessings Tom.
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As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I’m saddened to see opinions called doctrine. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, my Redeemer. He was the only sinless man and died for me. He was resurrected. He lives. He is the way, the truth, and the light. Salvation is only through Him, following Him all the days of my life. “If in the end, you have not chosen Jesus Christ, it won’t matter what you have chosen.” ~ Neal A. Maxwell
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Well Judy, I’m truly sorry to hear that but some of those opinions are doctrines of the LDS Church and biblical discernment would definitely be called for. Sometimes, actually all times, it behooves us to actually know and understand what we believe and why we believe it, which includes taking into consideration, opposing perspectives and evidence. If the Apostle Paul would have a problem with LDS doctrine, which he definitely would, perhaps you should reconsider the foundations of the LDS doctrines and teachings. Blessings Judy.
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Hi Judy, I don’t know if you have heard of J. Warner Wallace of Cold Case Christianity fame but Jim has extensively investigated the background and doctrines of the LDS Church and is known for his thoroughness. I would respectfully ask you to check out this link and validate for yourself the evidence he summarizes in this post: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/investigating-the-evidence-for-mormonism-in-six-steps/ – Blessings.
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May God bless you, Bruce.
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Likewise Judy. If there is anything that I can do to help, please let me know.
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And I would be remiss Judy if I did not provide you with the link to the Mormonism Research Ministry website, which I would put forward to you, may assist you greatly. Here is the link: https://www.mrm.org/
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Here is a prime example of your haughty and opinionated self. Always pushing your narcissistic bull into the faces of people who think differently than yourself. You are a terrible example of a Christian
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Judy, you are a beautiful soul. Don’t let this blog rob you of your joy. It’s a bias view here, and there is nothing you can do to change Bruce’s view. Discernment to you in your beliefs is just as valid as Bruce’s in his.
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Thank you kindly.
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You’re welcome Judy 💛
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Reblogged this on For Such A Time As This.
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[…] in the comments section of “Don’t Be Deceived – Part Five“ Judy let me publicly know that she is a member of The Church of the Latter Days Saints. I […]
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[…] Be Deceived – Part TwoDon’t Be Deceived – Part ThreeDon’t Be Deceived – Part FourDon’t Be Deceived – Part FiveDon’t Be Deceived – Part […]
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Bruce, I know the backlash that can come when you stand up for the Truth. This is spiritual warfare: loving the Truth. Be strong in the Lord, Brother! This series is so necessary. I am grateful for your spiritual encouragement and so are many others. Thank you!
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Thank you for the words of encouragement, it definitely gets you wondering at times! Blessings Cindy!
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Bruce a good biblical post. I’m struck by the guy in your comment that attribute the worst about your motive; its ironic
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That would be Damon. You can’t say he doesn’t move on an opportunity when he sees one! Blessings Jim!
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He seems to be incarnating himself to be the caricature he accuses you of being
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Well Jim, to be candid with you, that thought did cross my mind.
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