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Can Your Bible Deceive You? Part Two

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Ephesians 5:6 — Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

The answer is “an emphatic yes,” a forceful and convincing affirmation that has far-reaching significance. The original text of the Bible does not lie or deceive, but misinterpretation, twisting and misapplying it can seriously deceive you.

Jeremiah 29:8 — For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.

A painting of a bronze brazier on a stone floor in a dark room, a column of smoke rising from its coals, carrying Jeremiah 29:8 — let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you
A warning to God's own people Jeremiah wrote these words in a letter to the exiles in Babylon, where prophets among them were promising that the captivity would be short.

Prior to and at the first advent of Christ, religious teachers set forth strange ideas that were so mingled with portions of truth that they were full of deception, and led many souls away from God, even though they preserved the appearance of being credible. We find a similar condition of society in these last days, and those who depart from the faith, mingle with their belief diversity of human opinion. The Bible is brought into criticism.

— Signs of the Times, June 4, 1894; This Day With God, page 164

Religious teachers are in the same condition as were the Pharisees of whom He said, “Ye are both ignorant of the Scriptures and of the power of God” (see Matthew 22:29).

There are people today who are doing the same as they did in the time of Christ and are teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. With craft and subtlety, they are rewriting the Bible.

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Not the text, but what is done to it All three work on words that are true in themselves — the danger lies in how they are read, bent and used.

Ephesians 5:6 — Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

“Take heed that no man deceive you” — this statement is conclusive, but Paul amplified it so we can know where to look and how best to understand the subtle nature of deception.

The world is full of false theories, attractive and tempting spiritualistic ideas, which tend to destroy clear spiritual perception, and to lead away from truth and holiness. Especially at this time do we need to heed the warning, “Let no man deceive you with vain words.”

— Our Upward Look, 316.5

For the followers of Christ to escape being ruined by deception, they must be alert and aware of the subtle craft of the enemy. Most Bible versions are full of distortion and false translations. The original Scriptures are not vague and inconsistent. The foundation of conflicting opinions and various perceptions and doctrines is laid out by the master of deception and finds acceptance in the religious world.

The original manuscripts were tampered with to create doubts in the Divine origin and inspiration of the Scripture. The original scripture of some manuscripts was corrupted by multiple changes that led people to come to diverse opinions and questions. Those who undertake to interpret the Bible have corrupted the Word of God and wrested the Scripture from its true meaning, by seeking to harmonize the truth of God with the inventions and doctrines of men. The Scriptures are perverted and misapplied during the translation of many manuscripts, and the gems of truth are set in the framework of error.

Can your Bible deceive you?

The question remains, “Can your Bible deceive you?” Yes!

A lady was out shopping and saw what appeared to be genuine laundry detergent on sale. The price was so attractive and competitive that she could hardly resist her desire to purchase it. She purchased the beautiful-looking box of laundry detergent, but when she was ready to do her washing, she discovered that her beautiful detergent box was full of sawdust. She was deceived!

Let no one deceive you with vain words … or let no man deceive you by any means … — 2 Thessalonians 2:3

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Before that day Paul wrote this to believers being told the day of Christ was already at hand — a falling away, he said, had to come first.

In this our day, the attempts to deceive have increased one hundredfold. It is of great importance for Christians to be on their guard. There is almost no subject on which caution is more urged and more proper than the subject of deception.

In the next episode, you’ll see where deception has made its way into the Christian Bible. The necessity for caution cannot be overemphasized — let no one deceive you by any means.

Thanks for reading — God bless you always until next time.

Maranatha.

This is the second part. Can Your Bible Deceive You? Part One defines deception, sets Christ’s warning in Matthew 24:24 beside Revelation 13:14, and asks the question this part answers. The series continues in Part Three, which sets the King James text beside the modern versions — Lucifer’s name in Isaiah 14:12, the Lord’s Prayer in Luke 11:2, and 1 John 5:7.

If this study has raised something you would like to talk through, the team reads every message: ask a Bible question, or send a prayer request.

On the master of deception this article names, Origins of Evil traces how Lucifer, created an upright angel, became the enemy — and how his works will be destroyed. On keeping the truth whole in a divided religious world, The Church and Its Mission sets out the church as the pillar and ground of the truth.

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A painting of an old leather-bound Bible lying closed on a dark wooden table in a single shaft of light from a high window, carrying the article title and the Time Is At Hand name and address

Matthew 24:24

Can Your Bible Deceive You? Part One

Matthew 24:24 warns that false Christs and false prophets will work great signs and wonders, so convincing that, if it were possible, they would deceive the very elect. This first part defines deception, reads the warning beside Revelation 13:14, and poses the question the series will answer: can your Bible deceive you?

A painting of a wide sunlit country seen from a high threshold, carrying the article title and the Time Is At Hand name and address

Revelation 21:7

Overcoming Obstacles: Part Nine

Revelation 21:7 carries the promise past the seven churches to the new earth itself: he that overcometh shall inherit all things, and be called a son of God. This part takes up the warfare that stands between the promise and the one who is to receive it.