LUCIFER’S COUNTERFEIT TRUTH – 1
(This is blog 6 in the series “Names of Satan.”)
We have been looking at the names of Satan. “Lucifer” means “bright, shining one” (Isaiah 14:12). Ezekiel 28:11-19 say he is exceedingly beautiful. He is the “Deceiver” (Revelation 12:9) and the Father of Lies (John 8:44). He tries to make his false truth look good and appealing. Those without God’s Spirit and who don’t know the Word of God can be easily fooled, and many are. Here are examples of how he works.
It should be no surprise when we see Satan and his forces presenting their immorality and lies as truth today. They make it seem beautiful, full of light and progressiveness, opening everything to everyone and removing any thing that seemingly holds people back. This human wisdom does not line up with Scripture (1 Corinthians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 11:4; 1 John 4:5-6). This is clearly seen in the LGBTQ community where lie upon lie has been believed, thinking real freedom can be found in following various alternative lifestyles. Unfortunately, though, the result is often pain and death. The suicide rate in this group is very high and growing higher.
This is also seen in many churches who turn from the truth of God’s Word and instead follow the world’s ‘enlightenment’ into sin. Liberalism in churches, which denies the inspiration of the Bible, is a wonderful tool for Satan. It seems to promote “light and beauty” – love for everyone and acceptance of all beliefs and lifestyles. However, it is based on man’s assumptions without the Bible. The absolutes of the Bible are rejected and man’s opinion is made the final authority. When man’s opinion is based on Satan’s lies then we know it is wrong. Man’s presuppositions are that there is no such thing as sin and guilt, no need of a Savior and no right or wrong. Put that under the guise of ‘religion’ and it is one of Satan’s most deceptive tools.
Satan doesn’t try to contradict all God says, instead he substitutes false doctrine (1 John 4:1-3; 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Kings 22:22; Revelation 16:13), counterfeits the truth (2 Corinthians 10:20-21), promotes hypocrisy (1 Timothy 4:2), promotes legalism (1 Timothy 4:3), uses false prophets and false teachers (1 John 4:1; 1 Kings 22:22-23; 2 Chronicles 18:20-23), uses fortunetelling and occult practices (Acts 16:16-18) and promotes idolatry while receiving the worship of idols (Leviticus 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:17; Psalm 106:37; Revelation 9:20; Hosea 4:10-12; 5:4; Acts 16:16; 1 Corinthians 10:20). He tries to infiltrate the church through false teaching (1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Thessalonians 2:9), false teachers (1 Timothy 4:1-3; 1 John 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1-2) and false ‘Christians’ (Matthew 13:38-40). More damage is done in this way than we realize.
If a person isn’t ‘religious,’ Satan feeds them the same lies in different packaging. New Age is one of the most popular ways this happens. The New Age Movement is a loosely knit group of individuals and organizations that fundamentally believe people will all evolve into ‘God’ and achieve a global unity that will transcend religious, racial, cultural and political ideologies.
New age beliefs are subtly interwoven into all aspects of society today without being recognized as such. The beliefs that mankind and creation are all one and that ‘god’ is the force also known as ‘Mother Nature’ are part of New Age teachings. Humanism, where man is elevated to god-like status, is part of this error. This movement looks forward to a time when this higher elevation of man becomes accepted everywhere so all the problems of the human race will be left behind.
Another part of New Age thought is there are powers in the universe we can contact and can connect with us. These ‘more highly evolved beings’ can show us the way out of our current situation. This includes such things as OBE (out of body experiences), ASC (altered state of consciousness) which is a trance or trance-like state of mind, normally induced by specific techniques, rituals, or other sorts of efforts. It is ‘relaxed passivity.’ Others talk about ‘channeling’ such things as ‘spirit guides’ which is a blending, merging, touching between humans and disincarnate spirits. Familiar spirits, they say, are counselors or inner friends who communicate invisibly with the person during an altered state of consciousness. Clearly these are demonic entities masquerading as angels of life, like Satan (2 Corinthians 11:13-14).
Recognize that just because they use nice-sounding words, deep conviction, and even displays of power, doesn’t mean a thing is from God. “False Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you in advance” (Matthew 24:24-25).
In the next blog well see how Satan presents his truth as “light” in the occult, martial arts and secret societies.
Who do you know who are believing some of these lies? Pray for them now. What else can you do to help them se truth instead of lies? Ask God to help lead you to show them His truth.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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