Why will so many people zealously follow Satan's deceptive ways to their
death? There are two primary causes. The first arises from human nature
and man's innate hostility toward God's ways (Romans 8:7). The second cause
is Satan's mastery in deceiving people.
How does Satan achieve his deception? He uses people to deceive other
people. He especially likes to use people who appear to be trustworthy.
A faithful follower of God must exercise care that he is "a worker who
does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). In other words, he must know what the Bible really teaches
and use it correctly. He must refuse to gullibly accept a religious practice
just because everyone else does it or because it appears right on the surface.
Otherwise he is likely to be deceived.
Paul lamented what was happening to some in his day. "For if someone comes
to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you
receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel
from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough" (2 Corinthians 11:4, NIV). When false teachers distort the message of the
Scriptures, sincere people often fail to see through their deceptions.
Paul continues: "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming
themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades
as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade
as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions
deserve" (verses 13-15, NIV).
