Deception Warnings From The Bible

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matt. 24:4-5 (This is not talking about people that claim themselves to be the Messiah, because “many” are not deceived that way. This is talking about those that profess Christ to be the Messiah, these are the people we should beware of because “many” will be deceived by these false teachers.)

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matt. 24:24

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 2 Tim. 3:13

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. 2 Cor. 11:13-15 (Satan and his ministers do not look like bad, evil people. They present themselves as righteous people and Satan as an “angel of light.”)

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Is. 14:12-14 (Satan doesn’t reveal himself as the “bad guy.” He reveals himself as being the most High. Only he is not, but will be “like the most High.” He will be a counterfeit to the real thing. But many will follow after him deceived into believe they are worshipping the God of the Bible. Satan seeks worship in place of the most High.)

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily(secretly) shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: 2 Pet. 2:1-3 (These false prophets and teachers are not just out among the secular world, but also among the people of God and “many” will follow after them.)

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 1 John 2:18

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Gal. 6:7

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Cor. 4:2-4

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20 (In the last days, good will be regarded as evil, and evil as good. Only a large deception could accomplish that.)

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matt. 7:15

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Gal. 1:6-9 (If deception was not a concern, there would be no need to give this very serious warning about knowing and preaching the one and only true gospel.)

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Acts 20:29-30 (These “wolves” have indeed entered in the church and not spared the flock just as Paul warned would happen.)

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Col. 2:8

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Rev. 12:9

Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, Gen. 3:1-6 (Satan makes you question “did God really say?” Did God really say you must observe the Sabbath or his Holy Days? Did God really say his law was good and to be obeyed? And Satan’s way will appear good by sight, feelings, and experience, but we are to follow God’s word.)