Series THE GREAT CONTROVERSY with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 10.Spiritualism Exposed |
Biblical Truth Against End-Time Deceptions |
Lesson 10 delves into biblical teachings about death and the dangers of spiritism, especially in the end times. The Bible clearly states that death is a state of sleep, with no conscious existence until the resurrection. This lesson demonstrates how spiritism, based on the false doctrine of soul immortality, leads people astray. In the end times, Satan will intensify the use of supernatural signs and wonders to deceive believers. It is crucial for Christians to remain firmly rooted in God’s Word and faith in Jesus to resist these deceptions.
Memory Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:16.17 – “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
Content:
10.1 The Deadly Consequences of Spiritualism
The Dangerous Contradiction to Biblical Truth
The notion of the soul’s natural immortality and communication with the deceased, as practiced in spiritism, contradicts biblical teachings. The Bible emphasizes death as a state of unconsciousness (Ecclesiastes 9:5) and warns against all forms of occultism (Deuteronomy 18:11). Belief in soul immortality, derived from pagan traditions, can make people susceptible to satanic deceptions. These teachings divert from true worship of God and open doors to dangerous spiritual practices. Conversely, Jesus offers liberation and protection from such deceptions through His grace and power.
10.2 Death in the Old Testament
A Biblical Perspective on Life After Death
The Old Testament teaches that death is a state of sleep, where the dead rest until the resurrection. Psalms and Kings describe death as sleep or “joining one’s ancestors” (Psalm 6:6; 115:17; 1 Kings 2:10). This contradicts the notion of disembodied spirits wandering after death. Job and Daniel emphasize the resurrection as the next conscious experience of the dead (Job 14:12; Daniel 12:2). This biblical perspective guards against spiritist deceptions by showing that the dead know nothing and await their awakening. Believers should find comfort in the awareness of biblical truth and guard against occult deceptions.
10.3 Death in the New Testament
Hope for Resurrection and Eternal Life in Christ
The New Testament continues the Old Testament symbolism of death as sleep, as seen in John 11:11-14 and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. Both testaments teach that there is no conscious existence after death until the resurrection. In the New Testament, the resurrection at Christ’s return is emphasized, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:51-54. These texts underscore that eternal life is found only in Christ, and the resurrection is His ultimate victory over death. Paul argues that without Christ’s resurrection, our faith would be in vain, highlighting the central role of the resurrection in Christian hope. Believers in the New Testament eagerly awaited Christ’s return and the resurrection of the dead, strengthening their faithfulness and endurance in trials.
10.4 Spiritualism in the Last Days: Part 1
The Seductive Power of Supernatural Deceptions
In the end times, people will be seduced by great signs and wonders performed by demonic spirits (Matthew 24:5, 11, 24; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-9; Revelation 13:13-14; 16:13-14). These deceptions aim to manipulate people’s emotions rather than appeal to their rational thinking. Spiritism, based on the false doctrine of soul immortality, will play a central role in this deception, almost capturing the world. It is dangerous to trust our feelings, as Satan can exploit them to bypass our thought processes and deceive us. Our security lies solely in Jesus and His Word, which can protect us from these deceptions.
10.5 Spiritualism in the Last Days: Part 2
Preserving Hope and Faith Amid End-Time Deceptions
Our hope of redemption is rooted in Christ, and His sacrifice secures for us the “blessed hope” of His second coming (Titus 2:13). Satan seeks to destroy this hope by distracting people with supernatural signs and wonders from biblical truth. Matthew 24:23–27, 2 Corinthians 11:13–14, and 2 Thessalonians 2:9–12 warn of Satan’s deceptive power, even posing as Christ. These deceptions aim to hinder people from keeping the commandments of God and maintaining faith in Jesus (Revelation 14:12). We must remain vigilant and guard against teachings that divert us from these essential characteristics, regardless of accompanying supernatural phenomena.
10.6 Summary
The Biblical Truth About Spiritism and the Need to Stand Firm
Lesson 10, “Exposing Spiritism,” explores the biblical truth about the state of the dead and the dangers of spiritism. The Bible describes death as sleep, with no conscious existence until the resurrection at Christ’s return. Spiritist practices are based on the false doctrine of soul immortality and open doors to demonic deceptions. In the end times, Satan will use supernatural signs and wonders to divert people from truth and salvation in Christ. Believers must rely on God’s Word and faith in Jesus to resist these deceptions.
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