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

[Scott Downey]

Acts 3

17 “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send [c]Jesus Christ, who was [d]preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since [e]the world began.

22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you.

23 And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’

24 Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also [f]foretold these days
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

v23, God will leave none alive worldwide when Christ returns who will not hear Christ

There is a false belief and teaching strongly believed that there will be ungodly, unbelieving survivors left alive after Christ returns to judge the world in righteousness.

 

[bdavidc]

BUT!!!
Look at all the divergent beliefs on this forum. God is not the author of confusion!
Someone who writes stuff on here is claiming to know the truth, see what I mean?
And they fight over doctrine, the flesh comes out strong, and sometimes anger.

That is exactly what the Bible says will happen when false teachers enter the picture. “God is not the author of confusion” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Confusion is the result when many teach what God did not say. Scripture even warns “There shall be false teachers among you” that “privily shall bring in damnable heresies” (2 Peter 2: 1) and that people will “not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers” to listen to fables (2 Timothy 4:3–4). The solution is simple, “test everything by Scripture.” “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1). Be a Berean, “search the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). If a teaching cannot be stood on clear, in context verses it does not fly. If it preaches another gospel reject it, “though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8–9). We are to contend for the faith, not with a fleshly heart, but a clean one, “earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 3) and “the servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach” (2 Timothy 2:24–25). Stick to the Word and the noise will take care of itself.

 

[nedsk]

Can Someone Sound Biblical and Still Be a False Teacher?

2 Corinthians 11:14 warns us that “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” That means not everything that looks good, sounds spiritual, or uses Bible verses is truly from God. Some of the most dangerous deceptions come from people who seem sincere, quote Scripture, and even talk about Jesus—yet lead people away from the truth.

So here’s the question I want to open up for discussion:

If Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, how can we be sure we're not following someone who appears “biblical” but is actually a false teacher?

What do you personally look for when testing a teacher? How do you compare their words to Scripture? Are there red flags that immediately make you cautious?

Let’s use the Bible and discernment to sharpen each other on this important topic.

Obedience is the only way. The devil can mimic anything, piety and humility etc but the one thing Satan can't mimic is obedience to the word of God and to his church.

 

[bdavidc]

Obedience is the only way. The devil can mimic anything, piety and humility etc but the one thing Satan can't mimic is obedience to the word of God and to his church.

Obedience is important, but we must be specific as to what obedience means. Satan can't duplicate obedience to God's Word, but he can duplicate outward obedience to men's systems and “church” structures. Jesus declared, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8–9). Following outward rules of obedience made by man may seem holy, but it's hollow without obedience to Scripture.

Obedience is to God's Word itself. Jesus declared, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31). Paul told us to “prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). John wrote, “He that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error” (1 John 4:6). The test is always the written Word of God, not an institution or a system calling itself “the church.”

So yes, the devil can't duplicate obedience to Scripture, but the only way we know what obedience is, is by the Scriptures. If a teacher's words line up with the Bible in context, they are speaking truth. If they add to it, twist it, or elevate tradition over it, that's a red flag no matter how "biblical" they may sound.

 

[nedsk]

Obedience is important, but we must be specific as to what obedience means. Satan can't duplicate obedience to God's Word, but he can duplicate outward obedience to men's systems and “church” structures. Jesus declared, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8–9). Following outward rules of obedience made by man may seem holy, but it's hollow without obedience to Scripture.

Obedience is to God's Word itself. Jesus declared, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31). Paul told us to “prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). John wrote, “He that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error” (1 John 4:6). The test is always the written Word of God, not an institution or a system calling itself “the church.”

So yes, the devil can't duplicate obedience to Scripture, but the only way we know what obedience is, is by the Scriptures. If a teacher's words line up with the Bible in context, they are speaking truth. If they add to it, twist it, or elevate tradition over it, that's a red flag no matter how "biblical" they may sound.

I was quite clear, God's church. Jesus established His church on the rock of Peter. Only one church can even remotely begin to trace it's history back to Peter.

 

[bdavidc]

I was quite clear, God's church. Jesus established His church on the rock of Peter. Only one church can even remotely begin to trace it's history back to Peter.

You are bringing tradition and history into the conversation instead of Scripture. Jesus never said His church was built on Peter as a man. He said, “upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). The rock was Peter’s confession of who Christ is (Matthew 16:16–17). Scripture interprets Scripture, and 1 Corinthians 3: 11 makes it clear, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Christ, not Peter, is the foundation.

The Bible never teaches that the true church is identified by tracing history back to a man. The Bible defines the church as all those who are truly born again and placed into the body of Christ by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). Jesus said His sheep hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27). The mark of the true church is obedience to Christ and His Word.

Yes, Satan can copy outward obedience. But he cannot copy true submission to God’s Word. The standard is always Scripture. If a system or teacher goes beyond the Bible or twists it, we are told to reject it (Galatians 1:8–9, 1 John 4:1). The “church” Jesus founded is not a man-made hierarchy. It is His people who continue in His Word (John 8:31).

 

[Reggie Belafonte]

You are bringing tradition and history into the conversation instead of Scripture. Jesus never said His church was built on Peter as a man. He said, “upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). The rock was Peter’s confession of who Christ is (Matthew 16:16–17). Scripture interprets Scripture, and 1 Corinthians 3: 11 makes it clear, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Christ, not Peter, is the foundation.

The Bible never teaches that the true church is identified by tracing history back to a man. The Bible defines the church as all those who are truly born again and placed into the body of Christ by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). Jesus said His sheep hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27). The mark of the true church is obedience to Christ and His Word.

Yes, Satan can copy outward obedience. But he cannot copy true submission to God’s Word. The standard is always Scripture. If a system or teacher goes beyond the Bible or twists it, we are told to reject it (Galatians 1:8–9, 1 John 4:1). The “church” Jesus founded is not a man-made hierarchy. It is His people who continue in His Word (John 8:31).

Pope Francis was an Anti-Christ to be sure !

One who fears to openly say Christ Jesus regardless, is clearly not worthy !
Pope Frances did not want to offend the Jews and Islam by using the words Christ Jesus !

So the fact is, who ever does not look up to, that Christ is the Saviour ! is in fact an abomination ! anyone who is Saved, knows that for a fact !

 

[gpresdo]

What most Christians dont understand is that the Devil knows all about the scriptures.

But He can't discern them.. The Devil is a total Legalist..... So, He creates false Theology...twisting the verses....and this becomes many many cults that claim to be "chrisitan".

The Devil's ministers, will talk about righteousness, and heaven, and love, and sin .......however, they can't talk about God's Grace as the ""Free Gift of Salvation""", becasuse they dont understand it.
And that is what a Christian must learn to understand, ... is the correct understanding of being "made righteous" through Christ...... or a "doctrine of devils"... Heb 13:9, will capture your mind, deceive you, and ruin your faith and your discipleship.

A cultist.....a HERETIC.........can not understand God's Grace.......so, they change it into....>"water baptism, works, self effort, enduring, abiding, and commandment keeping".......as that is their gospel of : SELF Righteousness and Self Effort.

"Self righteousness" is ......trying to make your-SELF right with God by .....doing things., vs, believing that God makes you righteous and keeps you so, by/through = Faith and the Blood of Jesus, which is God's GRACE. = "the GIFT of Salvation".."The Gift of Righteousness", and "THe Gift of Eternal Life".

What most Christians dont understand is that the Devil knows all about the scriptures.

But He can't discern them.. The Devil is a total Legalist..... So, He creates false Theology...twisting the verses....and this becomes many many cults that claim to be "chrisitan".

The Devil's ministers, will talk about righteousness, and heaven, and love, and sin .......however, they can't talk about God's Grace as the ""Free Gift of Salvation""", becasuse they dont understand it.
And that is what a Christian must learn to understand, ... is the correct understanding of being "made righteous" through Christ...... or a "doctrine of devils"... Heb 13:9, will capture your mind, deceive you, and ruin your faith and your discipleship.

A cultist.....a HERETIC.........can not understand God's Grace.......so, they change it into....>"water baptism, works, self effort, enduring, abiding, and commandment keeping".......as that is their gospel of : SELF Righteousness and Self Effort.

"Self righteousness" is ......trying to make your-SELF right with God by .....doing things., vs, believing that God makes you righteous and keeps you so, by/through = Faith and the Blood of Jesus, which is God's GRACE. = "the GIFT of Salvation".."The Gift of Righteousness", and "THe Gift of Eternal Life".

Bible is clear...baptism is required.

What most Christians dont understand is that the Devil knows all about the scriptures.

But He can't discern them.. The Devil is a total Legalist..... So, He creates false Theology...twisting the verses....and this becomes many many cults that claim to be "chrisitan".

The Devil's ministers, will talk about righteousness, and heaven, and love, and sin .......however, they can't talk about God's Grace as the ""Free Gift of Salvation""", becasuse they dont understand it.
And that is what a Christian must learn to understand, ... is the correct understanding of being "made righteous" through Christ...... or a "doctrine of devils"... Heb 13:9, will capture your mind, deceive you, and ruin your faith and your discipleship.

A cultist.....a HERETIC.........can not understand God's Grace.......so, they change it into....>"water baptism, works, self effort, enduring, abiding, and commandment keeping".......as that is their gospel of : SELF Righteousness and Self Effort.

"Self righteousness" is ......trying to make your-SELF right with God by .....doing things., vs, believing that God makes you righteous and keeps you so, by/through = Faith and the Blood of Jesus, which is God's GRACE. = "the GIFT of Salvation".."The Gift of Righteousness", and "THe Gift of Eternal Life".

Baptism is required.
Faith without works is dead.

What scripture{s} am I missing that you are using to support your remarks?

 

[Muna]

Pope Francis was an Anti-Christ to be sure !

One who fears to openly say Christ Jesus regardless, is clearly not worthy !
Pope Frances did not want to offend the Jews and Islam by using the words Christ Jesus !

So the fact is, who ever does not look up to, that Christ is the Saviour ! is in fact an abomination ! anyone who is Saved, knows that for a fact !

If thats true, that is shameful, and cowardly, that is what Jesus is for

Isaiah 8:14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

It does speak of being ashamed of him in various places

1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence,
and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

Who said,

Mark 3:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation;
of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Unlike the pope, Paul said,

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;
to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Confessing him before men

Matt 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

And denying him before men

Matt 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

 

[Writer]

Pray continually in the spirit. Don't follow anyone except Jesus. Trust no one except Jesus. Have a deep question and you're not getting quenched, aske the holy spirit, He will lead you in all truth. When you begin to realize that Jesus is relaying answer's to you, you will never be duped by anyone. Pray to Jesus for guidence, and expect an answer.