Lesson 11 Review: End-Time Deceptions

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “And no wonder! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is not strange if his ministers also disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness. Their end will match their deeds” (2 Corinthians 11:14, 15, NKJV).

We live in a contemporary world that believes in the supernatural and mystical, this belief has inspired many books, movies, video games and others. The most deceptive of these beliefs is “near death” experiences (NDEs), but this week’s lesson will serve to enlighten us on what the Bible says about this.

Why should we not let the Devil deceive us into relying on our personal feelings and tastes when interpreting the word of God?

‘He knows that the truth, received in the love of it, sanctifies the soul of the receiver; therefore he is constantly seeking to substitute false theories, fables, another gospel.’ – Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 520.

What is common in all resurrection accounts in the bible as it patterns to “Near Death” Experiences?

No afterlife experience that has to do with paradise, purgatory, or in hell was mentioned by either Lazarus or any resurrected person in the bible.

What should we do when we are faced with believing in the false teaching about “near death” experiences?

‘It is crucial that we stick firmly to the teaching of the word of God, despite whatever experiences we or others might have that go against what the Bible teaches.'

Why should the theory of reincarnation be completely disregarded?

First, it contradicts the biblical teaching of the mortality of the “soul” and the resurrection of the body (1 Thess. 4:13-18).

Second, it negates the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in the redemptive work (Eph. 2:8-10) and replaces it with human works.

Third, the theory contradicts the biblical teaching that one’s eternal destiny is decided forever by one’s decision in this life (Matt. 22:1-14, Matt. 25:31-46).

Fourth, this theory downplays the meaning and relevance of Christ’s second coming (John 14:1-3).

And fifth, the theory proposes after-death opportunities for someone still to overcome his or her own life’s pitfalls, which is unbiblical (Heb. 9:27).

Why should Necromancy and Ancestor worship be put away?

Spiritists, mediums, sorcerers, and necromancers were abominations to the Lord and should be put to death by stoning (Lev. 19:31; Lev. 20:6, 27; Deut. 28:9-14). The Prophet Isaiah writes thus, “Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter’ should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony if they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isa. 8:19, 20, NKJV; also Isa. 19:3).

What should be our safeguard against the demonic deceptions of personations and other appearances?

Our safeguard is in the “whole armor of God” (Eph. 6:13, NKJV), we must put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to withstand in the evil day. Putting on the whole armor of God means being grounded in the word of God which will help us to distinguish between truth and deception.

In Conclusion,

We must put on the whole armor of God if we must withstand the deceptions of the evil one, there are many false doctrines and teachings that the devil brings before us, but we can only stand firm in God’s word to avoid being deceived. I pray the whole armor of God upon us all in Jesus’ name.