Series THREE COSMIC MESSAGES with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 10: A City Called Confusion |
End-Time Deceptions and the Call to Vigilance |
This lesson focuses on end-time deceptions and false teachings that can divert people from God’s truth. We will examine how certain false doctrines, particularly from the Babylonian system, influence the faith practices of many. It emphasizes the importance of being vigilant, using the Bible as our primary source of truth, and steering clear of Satan’s deceptions. This lesson challenges us to examine our beliefs and remain firmly rooted in our faith in God’s Word.
Memory Text: John 17:17 – Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
Contents:
10.1 The Way That Seems Right in a Man’s Eyes
Beware of Human Convictions: The Necessity of Relying on God’s Word
The way that “seems right to man” is not always God’s way. Jesus warned of false Christs and prophets who would arise in the end times to deceive even the believers. The Bible emphasizes that we are all sinners and our own conscience can mislead us. Therefore, it is crucial to rely on God’s Word and discern truth from deception through the Holy Spirit. Those who rely solely on their own feelings risk being overwhelmed by Satan’s deceptions.
10.2 The Old Lie of Immortality
The Biblical Truth About Death: Protection Against the Deceptions of Spiritism
The notion of the immortality of the soul and the associated practice of spiritism are ancient deceptions that have persisted throughout history. Biblical texts like Revelation 16:13-14 and 18:2,23 warn of demonic activities that could increase in the end times. Despite the widespread belief in the Christian world that the soul is immortal and the deceased go directly to heaven or hell, the Bible teaches a different truth. Scripture emphasizes that the dead are in a state of sleep until the return of Jesus. Therefore, it is crucial to rely on biblical teaching and not on the misleading practices of spiritism, which can easily lead to deception.
10.3 Babylon: The Center of Sun Worship
From Babylon to the Early Church: Sun Worship and Its Influences on the Worship of God
Sun worship, practiced in Babylon and other ancient civilizations, even influenced the worship practices of the people of Israel, as described by prophets like Ezekiel. It is noteworthy that such pagan practices later infiltrated the early Christian church, particularly through the influence of Constantine the Great, who had an affinity for sun worship. The first “Sunday law” of 321 AD was a step towards establishing Sunday as a Christian holiday, with subsequent emperors and popes solidifying this day through state decrees and church councils. This shows that majority opinion or practice is not necessarily biblically correct and warns against being distracted by popular beliefs.
10.4 A Call to Faithfulness
Faithfulness in the End Times: A Call to Truth and Sabbath as a Sign of Dedication
Revelation reveals a grim picture of Babylon, uniting church and state in spiritual unity with the world and deceiving people with errors. Despite persecution and oppression by these powers, God’s people remain faithful and unwavering in their devotion to Christ. In the midst of the end times, God calls His people to hold fast to His Word, considered the ultimate truth. History shows that even traditional Christian practices like Sunday can have a pagan origin, emphasizing the importance of always adhering to biblical doctrine rather than human traditions. The Sabbath, as God’s holy day, is highlighted as a central element in this call to faithfulness, as also seen in Ezekiel’s message to Israel to turn away from pagan practices and worship the true God.
10.5 Grace for Obedience
Grace, Obedience, and the Way Out of Babylon: A Call to Truth and Faithfulness
The false teachings of Babylon, especially the false Sabbath doctrine and the immortality of the soul, have led many astray. God calls His people, still anchored in these false teachings, to turn away from them and not participate in the sins of fallen religious organizations. Sin is defined in the Bible as transgression of God’s law, and the only solution for humanity is faith in Christ and acceptance of His grace. Instead of relying on human obedience, believers should lead a life in faith in the redeeming grace of Christ. Our faithfulness to God’s commandments can be a powerful testimony to the world and help lead people out of Babylonian deceptions.
10.6 Summary
Recognize, Resist, Preserve: Against Satan’s Final Deceptions
Lesson 10 highlights the warning against final deceptions and false teachings at the end of time. It emphasizes how Babylon’s false teachings, like the immortality of the soul and the false Sabbath doctrine, have led many believers astray. God calls His people to distance themselves from these deceptions and firmly hold onto His Word. Sin is defined as transgression of God’s law, and redemption comes solely through faith in Christ and His grace. In conclusion, it emphasizes that faithfulness to God’s commandments is a strong testimony to the world and helps lead people out of Satan’s deceptions.
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