Deception
And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.” – Matthew 24:4-5 NKJV.
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NKJV.
Moral deception is becoming more and more common. Instead of adultery we have an “affair.” Instead of homosexuals we have the “alternative lifestyle,” or the “gay,” or the “trans,” or the “LGBTQ+.” Drug addicts are “substance abusers.” Drunks are “intoxicated.” Pornographers are “movie producers.” Trash has become “art.”
To more fully understand the nature of deception here are some synonyms for deception and their definitions:
Fraud – Always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice.
Double-dealing – Suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude.
Subterfuge – Suggests the adoption of a stratagem or the telling of a lie in order to escape guilt or to gain an end.
Trickery – Implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat.
1 Peter 5:8 tells us to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” We must be vigilant and aware that the devil uses fraud, double-dealing, subterfuge, and trickery to capture and devour his prey.
What should we do? “Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you (1 Peter 5:9-10).”