As we look forward to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are told in scripture that one of the most diabolical issues that will happen is the departure of those leading the church and attending churches from the Word of God. 1 Timothy 4:1-2 tells us that, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,” We have already mentioned that there is a departure from the truth, with people saying, “don’t tell me what the Bible says, tell me what I want to believe. These “seducing spirits,” will deceive, mislead, or cause others to wander into error and delusion by directing people away from a relationship with Jesus Christ, and encourage people to come to God in other ways. Over the years many people have asked me, “Why are their so many “religions?” The reason is because people have attempted to figure out how to get to God from a human perspective rather than accepting the Biblical truth concerning a relationship with God which we see in John 14:16 and Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER BUT BY ME.” (emphasis mine) Satan deceives the whole and he does this not by making alternatives evil, but by making them palatable to those who follow. People will be pretenders to truth and piety, this will be manifested by either legalism, or license. These teachers will “have their conscience seared with a hot iron” They will have no moral standards, nor any feelings of guilt about their behavior. Interestingly, today we have explained away sin by calling it a genetic disorder that we cannot help. We are given excuses for our sinful choices, and then told that the reality is that we can not help our behavior, and that this is the way God mad me! The safety net of our conscience is being under-minded today by the philosophies of today. How do we combat that? We need to understand what the Word of God says, and we must find a local church that holds to the truths of God’s Word so that we can stand firm, and know that there are others who are standing firm with us. Know God, Know His Word, and watch for His return!
