April 27, 2022

… the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.” John 7:15-17

Jesus humbly emphasized that any authority He possessed had been given to Him by His heavenly Father. He did indeed teach with authority, upholding the Scriptures and frequently quoting from them. “It is written…” was His first line of defense against the temptations of Satan. Jesus has provided an unshakable foundation upon which to build faith and character.

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11

A growing phenomenon of our day is that of spiritualism, which stems from ancient occult pagan practices of divination and ancestor worship. The practice of “conversing” with those who have died is central to occultism. All of these practices are derived from the devil’s first lie: “You will not surely die [if you disobey God].” The basic concept presented over and over is that of inherent immortality.

There are stories of those who have “seen” and “spoken with” spirits of those who have died. But the Bible teaches that Satan and his demons are capable of impersonating whomever they wish. Anyone engaging in the practices of spiritualism is in communion with demons. Those who are building their faith upon God’s Word will neither take part nor be deceived by any such manifestation. But the unsuspecting who participate in occultism are enchanted and ensnared by delusions.

If you think this is rare or “on the fringe,” think again! The Catholic church and most mainstream Protestant churches are continuously teaching that dead people are alive. This false doctrine alone lays a treacherous foundation for massive deceptions in the days just before the return of Jesus. While we have examples of special resurrections in Scripture, they are there to demonstrate the Lord’s power over death. We even have the examples of Enoch and Elijah who were translated without seeing death.

Even though no pastor or speaker would introduce him- or herself as a false prophet, people are indeed unwittingly used as instruments of Satan to spread his doctrines in the world, especially among the people of God.

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14

To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:20

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. 1 Timothy 4:1

For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24

The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10