Guarding The Truth

Guarding the Truth

Read: Mark 13:5-23

“False Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect— if that were possible.”

Mark 13:22

“The best pro- tection against Satan’s lies is to know God’s truth.”

—Anonymous

IN WORD Jesus warns of false Christs and prophets— deceivers who are subtle and impressive enough to lead true believers away, at least for a time. It’s a sobering thought. We like to think we are so devoted to Jesus that we’re immune to the deceptive spirits of this age. Not so, says Jesus. Even His well-trained disciples, who saw Him in the flesh and learned straight from the words of His mouth, are given strong warning. The false saviors are coming, armed with miracles and signs. And we are their prey.

In fact, many of them have already come. Jesus’ prediction is frighteningly accurate. There are those who have already said, “Look, there he is!” (v. 21), and many have believed them. There are cults all over this planet, many of which have begun by someone speaking lies in the name of Jesus. Their membership consists primarily of those who have once sat in the pews of our respected, faithful congregations. If these have been led astray, so can others. How can we protect ourselves against deception?

IN DEED Jesus gives us the answer in verse 23: “Be on your guard.” Deception usually comes to those who were not wary of their vulnerability. Perhaps they started adding a little unbiblical philosophy to their biblical faith. Perhaps they saw quick results that their patient discipleship would not match. Perhaps they assumed they knew enough of God’s Word to put it on the shelf and safely entertain competing worldviews, never noticing their foundation eroding beneath them. Whatever the case, they thought they were safe. But they weren’t.

What are you doing to be on guard? Deception can have eternal consequences for you and those you influence. Pray earnestly for discernment. Cling to Jesus’ Word as if your life depends on it. In many ways, it does.