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

[Dash RipRock]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Ronald David Bruno]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Dash RipRock]

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:

 

[Jay Ross]

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

 

[Dash RipRock]

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.

The catching away of the church (rapture) sometime after the anti-christ is revealed is not the second coming of the Lord.

His second coming is at the end of the great Tribulation at which time He starts His 1000 Reign and ruler over the entire world and satan and his demons are locked up.

 

[Behold]

What really is the falling away?

Its a famine of the true Gospel being taught, preached, and understood, in the end times.
Its a famine of Paul's Doctrine, being taught, and understood, in the end time.

 

[Scott Downey]

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

While Christ continues to grow His church, evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse right until the end.
Which means evil times become more evil as the end approaches.

And we see this playing out every day.

2 Timothy 3
New King James Version
Perilous Times and Perilous Men
1 But know this, that in the last days [a]perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me.

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

 

[Scott Downey]

Galatians 1, Paul did not teach things were getting better with time. This evil age in which we find ourselves on earth does not end until the return of Christ. Then we get a new earth and heaven, in which dwells righteousness. The former things will not be remembered, they will pass away.

Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), 2 and all the brethren who are with me,

To the churches of Galatia:

3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

[Reggie Belafonte]

The Anti-Christ ! is simple to understand.
What the average Joe blow and athiest think is in line with some religious dribbler, most proberly they are all on the wrong track. or if one is a Socialist clearly they are an Anti-Christ !

Just remember that when You hear mentioned Anti-Christ ! and look around and see people pay no mined to them words at all, they are Anti-Christ ! for real people in Christ will take offence ! but this world payes no regard to such words in fact !

But watch Anti-Christ people jump to out right anger when they hear the words Anti-Semite ! for they have been conditioned to respond by this world !
90% say of Islamic Pepople are in fact Semites !
So around 10% of Semites are Jews in fact !
So where did They get the Anti-Semite from, seriously ! Such is pathetic nonsense in fact ! only a total fool would use the term ! It's an outright con job in fact !

Everyone who is not truly born again Saved ! is an Anti-Christ ! in fact ! for they do not know who they serve in fact !

Anti-Semite means nothing ! because such is not adressing the Issue at all, but truly only a deception and delusions !

We have people who are Anti-Christ who are so called Christian Priest in fact !

Judaism and Islam are clearly Lost ! for their foundations are only Religious !
Religion does not save ones Soul, never did and never will !

Only Christ Jesus Saves in fact !

 

[Big Boy Johnson]

Its a famine of Paul's Doctrine, being taught, and understood, in the end time.

Well that's a good thing because actual Christians follow the Lord Jesus and the Doctrine of Christ.

 

[walter]

If the majority of scripture agree and the surrounding context, wouldn't that be the Bible's view?

Google's AI Overview
Yes, determining the biblical view on a topic requires looking at the majority of scripture on that topic, read within its surrounding context. This approach is the foundation of biblical hermeneutics, which is the science and art of interpreting scripture. This methodology prevents the misinterpretation that can result from isolating single verses or passages.

 

[Behold]

If the majority of scripture agree and the surrounding context, wouldn't that be the Bible's view?

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".

 

[pandaflower]

This was a few years ago. False teacher? Oh,yes.

 

[Jericho]

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?

The Bible says to test the spirits. We do that by comparing and contrasting it against scripture. If it doesn't line up, then that's a big red flag.

 

[Scott Downey]

The Bible says to test the spirits. We do that by comparing and contrasting it against scripture. If it doesn't line up, then that's a big red flag.

That can work for people who have an anointing from God to know the truth, as in this.

Bible Gateway passage: 1 John 2 - New King James Version

The Test of Knowing Christ - My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. The...

www.biblegateway.com

Do Not Love the World​

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Deceptions of the Last Hour​

18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the[d] Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.
20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you[e] know all things. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

Let Truth Abide in You​

24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.
26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to [f]deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you [g]will abide in Him.

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.

SO THEN THIS IS THE REALITY OF MANY

Bible Gateway passage: 2 Timothy 3 - New King James Version

Perilous Times and Perilous Men - But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal...

www.biblegateway.com

13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

Perilous Times and Perilous Men​

3 But know this, that in the last days [a]perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, [b]unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

The Man of God and the Word of God​

10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [c]instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

 

[Scott Downey]

God is not fooled, John was writing to people who knew God, only they have an anointing to know the truth, and they will not fight against the truth, or if they do for a time, God will reveal to them His truth and they will repent of their unbelief.

John 14

Jesus Promises Another Helper​

15 “If you love Me, [d]keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another [e]Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.