There are deceptions which millions of people fall for every day. They are the work of the master illusionist, Satan. He is called “the father of lies” in the Bible.
John 8:44 NLT – For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.
He has been tricking people into disobeying God since the beginning of time, and is an experienced deceiver.
Have you fallen for any of Satan’s illusions?
ILLUSION #1: This life is all that matters.
We can get so caught up in this life that we pay no attention to eternal realities. God says that is foolish:
Mark 8:36 NLT – And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
ILLUSION #2: If it feels good, do it.
Should we care about what we do? Is there such a thing as right and wrong? God says we will reap what we sow:
Galatians 6:7 NLT – Don’t be misled-you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.
ILLUSION #3: There is no Hell.
If you start to ponder what comes after this life, Satan may try to convince you that there is nothing to worry about. God says otherwise:
Matthew 10:28 NLT – “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell:
ILLUSION #4: Everyone goes to Heaven.
Another much-believed lie is that no people will ever have to go to Hell. While it’s true that Hell was created for Satan and his angels, the Bible says that those who fall under Satan’s deceptions will go there as well:
Matthew 25:41 NLT – “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.
ILLUSION #5: You’re not that bad.
Every time we answer one of Satan’s lies, you can be sure that he has another one ready to go. Are we really bad enough to go to Hell? God’s Word says:
Romans 3:23 NLT – For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
ILLUSION #6: You can earn Heaven.
Once we admit that we have sinned, the next lie we often fall for is that we have probably done enough good to overcome our faults. However, in God’s eyes:
Isaiah 64:6 NLT – We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.
ILLUSION #7: You’re too bad.
Sadly, lots of people fall for this one, too. Yes, it’s true that we have all messed up. But it’s also true that God stands ready to help us:
John 6:37 NLT – However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.
Why does God want us to come to Him? Because He loves us. He loves you, and He loves me – not because we have earned it, but because He chooses to. God proved His love for us when He sent His only Son, Jesus, into the world because of our sins:
Romans 5:8 NLT – But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
When Jesus died on the cross, He made the way for sinners like you and me to be brought back to God. Our sin was like a debt that needed to be paid; Jesus paid it. Our sin was like a sentence that need to be served; Jesus served it. Our sin was like a burden that needed to be lifted; Jesus lifted it.
Now He is using messages like this to awaken people to their need of Him:
Acts 26:18 NLT – to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’
TURN TO GOD AND PUT YOUR FAITH IN SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST – JESUS CHRIST – TODAY
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Note: The above was extracted from the “Illusions” tract published by “Moments with the Book” [MWTB]. Click on the references tab for contact information.