If Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), how can we be sure we're not following someone who appears “biblical” but is ac

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bdavidc

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I actually said, "You assert 'Trusting feelings over Scripture opens the door to deception', while in the same breath also saying 'Satan can easily distort [Scripture]'. Do you see the problem with that?" That's problematic because there are souls who are deceived, blinded, robbed, and killed through the distortion of God's Word, one of Satan's countless tactics, because he and his servants are liars, deceivers, thieves, and murderers (Jn. 8:44;10:10, Cor. 2:4, Rom. 6:23, Rev. 12:9). Anecdote: My Christian co-worker is currently educating another co-worker about "scripture-supported" reincarnation, which is somehow proven, according to a short passage of Paul's. I hope that I don't have to explain to you how unscriptural that is, and we can leave this anecdote as that. Therefore, no one can reasonably say that comparing everything to Scripture in and of itself is always an unerring way to know the difference between what is and isn't of God. And, that further bolsters my argument about feelings testifying to words and works/deeds, and thus being an unerring way to find out whether x comes from God or not.



See the bold and underlined words in your quote. There's no peace [of God], despite the false prophets proclaiming "peace" (Jer. 6:14), because only those of God can produce the fruits of God, such as peace (Gal. 5:22). You unintentionally testified to the truth I speak.



It's not only written that Satan and his servants, be it a demon spirit or demon man, masquerade as an angel of light (a servant of righteousness), but also "whose end will be according to their works" (1 Cor. 11:14-15), which echoes Jesus Who said, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. Therefore, by their fruits you will know them." (Matt. 7:15-20)



Can you reasonably deny that words and works/deeds produce effects? And, if demons could produce what God and spirits of Light produce, they wouldn't be demons, would they? These questions have already gone unanswered by you once thus far.



I said that the peace of God comes from Him, and cited Gal. 5:22 and Phil. 4:7 to support that. Is that not so?



Not only that. You also said The Book of Azariah is "the apocryphal addition to Daniel" ("The Prayer of Azariah"), but it's not. You just read the name "Azariah" in the former book title and assumed it was "The Prayer of Azariah".
Your entire line of reasoning is flawed because you continue to trust your feelings over the authority of Scripture. That is not what the Bible teaches. Nowhere does Scripture say that feelings are an “unerring way” to know whether something is from God. In fact, the opposite is true. Proverbs 28:26 says, “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool.” The Bible repeatedly warns that the heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), and we are not to walk by what feels right, but by what God has actually spoken (Matthew 4:4).

You tried to create a contradiction by pointing out that Satan can distort Scripture. But Satan does not distort Scripture itself, he distorts the use of it when people twist it out of context, like you're doing. Jesus didn’t reject Scripture in response, He quoted it rightly (Matthew 4:1–11). The problem isn’t with the Word of God, it’s with people who mishandle it (2 Peter 3:16). That’s why we are commanded to rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), not to rely on inner sensations or emotional reactions as our guide.

Your attempt to support emotional discernment by quoting Galatians 5:22 and Philippians 4:7 ignores the context. Yes, the peace of God is a fruit of the Spirit, but that peace is the result of salvation and walking in obedience, not a tool for spiritual detection. It is never presented in Scripture as a method for testing spirits. The test of whether something is from God is doctrinal, “Hereby know ye the Spirit of God, Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God” (1 John 4:2). Not feelings, not inner peace, but whether it aligns with biblical truth.

As for your statement about “if demons could produce what God and spirits of Light produce, they wouldn’t be demons,” that is dead wrong. The Bible says plainly that Satan can and does imitate what appears to be good. He performs lying signs and wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9), and he presents himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). He deceives through appearances and emotional experiences, and many are fooled because they trusted their senses instead of the written Word.

And regarding the Book of Azariah, I said exactly what I meant. The link you posted led to The Book of Azariah, an apocryphal mystical text, not Scripture. The fact that it shares a name with a biblical figure doesn’t change what it is. Whether you admit it or not, you referenced a source outside the Bible and treated it as authoritative. That disqualifies your argument entirely.

I’ve answered your points with Scripture, and you’ve ignored clear truth every time. You’ve promoted extra-biblical writings, elevated emotions above the Word, and twisted multiple verses. I will not continue in circles with someone who refuses correction. Titus 3:10 says, “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject.” You’ve had more than enough chances. I’m putting you on ignore, so I won’t be seeing any more of your false teachings or your false accusations.
 
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Origen

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The problem isn’t with the Word of God [...]

I never said that the problem is with Scripture, because it isn't. In fact, you and I agree that one of the problems lies with Satan and his servants distorting Scripture, and at times successfully deceiving souls into believing what they say. What's problematic for you is that in the same breath you also say one should only trust Scripture, or more accurately one's interpretation of it, which could be influenced by Satan or his servants. Thousands of Christian denominations exist now—which flies in the face of Jesus's desire of one flock under one shepherd (Jn. 10:16)—each differing in their interpretation of Scripture. Satan is the cause of that, for God isn't a God of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33). Anecdote: My Christian co-worker is currently educating another co-worker about "scripture-supported" reincarnation, which is somehow proven, according to a short passage of Paul's. I hope that I don't have to explain to you how unscriptural that is, and we can leave this anecdote as that. Therefore, how can it be reasonably said that comparing everything to Scripture, or more accurately one's interpretation of it, in and of itself, is always an unerring way to find out the difference between what is and isn't of God?

You’ve [...] twisted multiple verses.

You accused me of twisting Matt. 7:15-20, so I asked "Can you reasonably deny that words and works/deeds produce effects?", but that question has gone unanswered by you twice thus far.

You accused me of twisting and misrepresenting Gal. 5:22 and Phil. 4:7, so I asked, "I said that the peace of God comes from Him, and cited Gal. 5:22 and Phil. 4:7 to support that. Is that not so?", and you answered in the affirmative, saying, " Yes, the peace of God is a fruit of the Spirit [...]".

As for your statement about “if demons could produce what God and spirits of Light produce, they wouldn’t be demons,” that is dead wrong. The Bible says plainly that Satan can and does imitate what appears to be good. He performs lying signs and wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9), and he presents himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). He deceives through appearances and emotional experiences, and many are fooled because they trusted their senses instead of the written Word.

Observe the following words in italics: "appear to be good", "masquerade as an angel of light (servant of righteousness)", "lying signs and wonders", and understand that means they aren't good, aren't truly performing the signs and wonders of God, and thus aren't truly producing the effects of them. If they were, they would be angels, not demons.

Yes, the peace of God is a fruit of the Spirit [...]

And, regarding Jer. 6:14, there was no peace of God, despite the false prophets proclaiming "peace", because the fruit of peace comes from Him, and only those of God can produce the fruits of God (Matt. 7:15-20, Gal. 5:22, Phil. 4:7). Is that not so?

And regarding the Book of Azariah, I said exactly what I meant. The link you posted led to The Book of Azariah, an apocryphal mystical text, not Scripture.

If that's what you meant, then you would've just said, "The link you posted led to The Book of Azariah, an apocryphal mystical text, not Scripture", but you didn't. Rather, you said The Book of Azariah is "the apocryphal addition to Daniel" ("The Prayer of Azariah"), but it's not. You just read the name "Azariah" in the former book title and assumed it was "The Prayer of Azariah".

Whether you admit it or not, you referenced a source outside the Bible and treated it as authoritative. That disqualifies your argument entirely.

I've repeatedly and openly considered The Book of Azariah as authoritative, since it contains the words of an angel of God, which isn't a non-admission. And, good luck finding a scriptural verse that says, "Referencing a book other than The Bible disqualifies an argument entirely", Mr. Scripture Says.

I’m putting you on ignore [...]

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it." (Jn. 1:5)
 

PGS11

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Jesus has come who else do you want to follow there is only one Savior.Doesn't matter who comes no one should follow them until Christ returns. Why is everyone looking for someone to follow - I'm not. Its that simple have faith in Christ.
 

Dash RipRock

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Yes, just the other day during a thunder storm a bolt of lightening came down from the heavens 200 feet from me right as I stuck my head outside my back door. Bomb. I not only saw it, I heard it too.

Some people have seen things the devil has done similar to the lightening you saw and have seen the effects of what angels of lights have done who are demons
 

Manasseh

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The Holy Spirit always brings Glory to Christ. If a message does not glorify Christ, it is from another spirit.
 

Dash RipRock

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The Holy Spirit always brings Glory to Christ. If a message does not glorify Christ, it is from another spirit.

And those deceived in to believing they don't need to know what the Lord teaches in His Word, are easy prey for demons

1 Timothy 4:1,2 - Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron

("depart from the faith" is not referring to sinners in the world who never came to faith in the first place)
 

Ronald David Bruno

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Some people have seen things the devil has done similar to the lightening you saw and have seen the effects of what angels of lights have done who are demons
Let'sbe clear about demons( fallen angels). They did not have the power and ability of their boss, Satan. If they had the ability to appear as angels of light, we would be in trouble. Jesus cast out demons who possessed people. As far as I know,the Bible doesn't mention even demons appearing as people. Angels have and do appear as people unbeknownst us. So I presume that God took away that ability from them when they fell. But possession I know still exists. I have seen people that I believe have company inside them. And they sometimes possess a person temporarily to do their evil deed then leave. The person is left with the crime and not knowing or realizing they did it or understand.
 

Dash RipRock

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Let'sbe clear about demons( fallen angels). They did not have the power and ability of their boss, satan. If they had the ability to appear as angels of light, we would be in trouble.

They are empowered by satan himself and they do have the ability to appear as angels of light so you are actually in trouble.

Their favorite way to appear as angels of light is to work thru preachers who teach mostly good stuff to lure people in so the devil can use them to put poison (false doctrine) in to people

1 Timothy 4:1,2 - Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron

2 Timothy 4:3,4 - For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine (teaching); but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
 
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Ronald David Bruno

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1 Timothy 4:1,2 - Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron
Yes, many will fall away from faith, be seduced ...
Well, I have nothing to worry about, I feel pretty secure in my faith.
 

Jay Ross

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Yes, many will fall away from faith, be seduced ...

The great falling away spoken of in the Book of Revelation is speaking of a time over 1,000 years into our future after the Beast and the False Prophet are released from the Bottomless Pit.

That does not exclude Saints falling way during this present time period because of the cares of this present world. From my searching of the scriptures, the care of this present world will continue for around 44 years from this present time until the promised peace covenant takes effect.

Shalom
 

Ronald David Bruno

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The great falling away spoken of in the Book of Revelation is speaking of a time over 1,000 years into our future after the Beast and the False Prophet are released from the Bottomless Pit.

That does not exclude Saints falling way during this present time period because of the cares of this present world. From my searching of the scriptures, the care of this present world will continue for around 44 years from this present time until the promised peace covenant takes effect.

Shalom
What really is the falling away? Is it Christians, losing hope and faith and abandoning Christ? Born again Christians will not do this. Those whose seed was planted in shallow soil and did not take deep root, yes. But let's further define this phrase, " falling away", the "apostasy". It is also translated as a "great rebellion". Against what? Truth.
2 Thes. 2:3 (KJV) and a dozen others translate it as either "apostasy" or “falling away,” about thirty translate it as “the rebellion.” And that’s what an apostasy is: a rebellion, an abandonment of the truth. It will be a wholesale, abject rejection God’s revelation, a further “falling away” of an already fallen world. And this is happening NOW, just prior to the Second Coming, (a few years away at best).
We see countless godless rebellions, protests on our streets, a fake news media promoting lawlessness and lies. A massive deception called Globalism disguised and promoted as Climate Change. All this wokeness is a rebellion against the truth.
 
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Dash RipRock

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Yes, many will fall away from faith, be seduced ...
Well, I have nothing to worry about, I feel pretty secure in my faith.

None the less we need to be on the look out:

1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
 
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Jay Ross

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What really is the falling away? Is it Christians, losing hope and faith and abandoning Christ? Born again Christians will not do this. Those whose seed was planted in shallow soil and did not take deep root, yes. But let's further define this phrase, " falling away", the "apostasy". It is also translated as a "great rebellion". Against what? Truth.
2 Thes. 2:3 (KJV) and a dozen others translate it as either "apostasy" or “falling away,” about thirty translate it as “the rebellion.” And that’s what an apostasy is: a rebellion, an abandonment of the truth. It will be a wholesale, abject rejection God’s revelation, a further “falling away” of an already fallen world. And this is happening NOW, just prior to the Second Coming, (a few years away at best).
We see countless godless rebellions, protests on our streets, a fake news media promoting lawlessness and lies. A massive deception called Globalism disguised and promoted as Climate Change. All this wokeness is a rebellion against the truth.

I am seeing reports of revivals happening around the world.

Some see a glass half empty and the liquid level sinking while other see a glass half full and the liquid level rising.

As for your claim that Christ's Second Coming will occur in a few years from now at best, many Saints do not have your understanding as to when Christ's second coming will be. These Saints tend to have Christ's second coming as a distant future event, i.e. over 1,000 or so years from now, based on their reading of the scriptures.

Perhaps, we will see what the situation will be in a few years from now as to whether or not Christ's second coming has actually happened in our near future.

Shalom
 
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