Thought for the Day

This verse speaks of deception, because choosing what only appears to be the right way can lead to death. Deceived people accept as truth what is actually a lie. Deception is the first thing Jesus warned against when the disciples asked what would be the sign of His coming at the end of the world (Matthew 24:4-8). We live in the last days. It is vital that we heed Christ's warning to beware of deception. False gospels are being preached and many precious Christians have been deceived and are involved with counterfeit gospels.

Man is a spiritual being created to worship God. If he does not worship God, he will worship something else; whether the demons of false religion, money, relationships, or his own intellect. Religion is Satan's counterfeit of the knowledge of God. True faith is not following a set of rules; it is a way of life that flows out of a relationship with God. Satan uses religion to enslave billions worldwide. The strands of truth woven into false religion make them sound convincing, and many even mention Jesus. Satan does not mind this as long as the truth about Jesus is not taught. Many cults deceive people through demonic feats, taking advantage of man's craving for the supernatural.

Participation in false religions represent the earnest attempt of millions of people to fulfill deep and legitimate needs of the human spirit which many seem not to have found in established churches (Matthew 7:13-14). One of the most dangerous lies is that all religions lead to heaven; that no matter which god you serve: whether it be the Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist or Christian deity, it is really all the same. This is a false teaching. The Bible tells us there is only one way to heaven: that is by believing upon the Lord Jesus Christ. All other gods and religions are false. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6).

Whoever accepts Jesus as Savior is assured of eternal life. The Holy Spirit will always attempt to lead people out of the bondage of false religion. God will answer the prayer of any honest seeker. We should not condemn, but love and pray for anyone whom we know is involved in a false religion. Satan has blinded them, but God loves them and desires that they come to the knowledge of the truth. Within Christianity, God's church is not a particular denomination or building. The true church is made up of all believers in Christ from all ages, and the true Kingdom of God is within. Satan seeks to lead people down any path except the one that leads to life in Christ.