Remaining in the Truth

We are living in a time when it is increasingly necessary to emphasise the supremacy of the Scripture over every other source of revelation or doctrine. We have already made reference to the great world-wide outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days and to the various supernatural manifestations which will accompany this outpouring.

However, the Scripture also warns us that, side by side with this increased activity and manifestation of the Holy Spirit, there will be a parallel increase in the activity of demonic forces, which always seek to oppose God’s people and God’s purposes in the earth.

Speaking about this same period of time, Christ Himself warns us:

“Then if anyone says to you, “Look, here is the Christ!” or “There!” do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.” (Matt. 24:23-25)

In the same way, the apostle Paul warns us:

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” (1 Tim. 4:1-3)

Paul here warns us that in these days there will be a great increase in the propagation of false doctrines and cults and that the unseen cause behind this will be the activity of deceiving spirits and demons. As examples, he mentions religious doctrines and practices which impose unnatural and unscriptural forms of asceticism in regard to diet and to the normal marriage relationship. Paul indicates that the safeguard against being deceived by these forms of religious error is to believe and know the truth – that is, the truth of God’s Word.

By this divine standard of truth we are enabled to detect and to reject all forms of satanic error and deception. But for the people who profess religion, without sound faith and knowledge of what the Scripture teaches, these are indeed perilous days.