Being deceived

The phrase, “Be not deceived,” is found in three places in the New Testament. The first occurrence is in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: “Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” The second is in 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” The third occurrence is in Galatians 6:7, where Paul writes, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

One of the purposes of the Bible is to keep us from falling into evil. This is the reason that we have warnings such as the three listed above. If we are tempted to fall, we cannot blame God for the temptation (James 1:13). James 1:16-17 says, “Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

People often try to justify what they do, but do not be deceived. Do not believe in Calvinism, Premillennialism, Catholicism, changes in the teachings of salvation, alterations of the doctrine of the church, compromises in morality (dancing, smoking, drinking, gambling, immodest apparel) etc. All of these are “doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1), and will cause you to be lost if you believe in them and follow them.

Kyle Campbell