The Bible says that in the last days, many will be deceived and will have their faith shipwrecked. This is a terrible but sober warning of the truth that some will surely fall away when deceiving spirits come – and they already have.
Signs of the Times
If we take a closer look at what's happening, we can't deny the fact that many Christians today are swayed left and right by many things. Some Christians say this, others say another, but one thing for sure is that many have their consciences seared and their discerning skills blurred.
To those who are worried that they are already deceived, take heart: the fact that you're wondering about it is a sign that you aren't deceived just yet. There's still hope.
Here are three signs that will identify a deceived person. Take note that this is not exhaustive.
1. A Love For Christ That Has Grown Cold
Jesus Himself said that deception causes sin to go rampant and a love for Him to grow cold. "And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold." (Matthew 24:11-12)
Ask yourself if your love for Christ has grown cold. If you view sin as allowable and as not having consequences, then be careful – you might have been deceived. God hates sin, so in everything we do we must hate sin as well.
Ask yourself also if you don't have love for fellow Christians and compassion for people. If you don't have Christ's love for others, better ask God for a heart that has.
2. Following Christ Without Renouncing Sin
Christ also said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (see Matthew 16:24).
If you think that you can follow Christ without denying yourself, you're mistaken.
There are many nowadays who profess to be followers of Christ but don't renounce their sins. Friends, as Christians we aren't sinless, but we choose to sin less. We can't have pet sins and follow Christ at the same time.
We can't excuse our sins, saying "God wants me to be happy." He does want us happy, but more than that, He wants us holy. (see 1 Peter 1:16)
3. When Man's Opinions Are More Important to You Than the Word of God
Do you honour man's opinion more than you do the Word of God? Careful – you could already be deceived.
God's Word should always be above every other thing that is said, even if the person saying it is a church or government leader. Jesus said in Matthew 24:4-5 that the deceivers will come in His name, meaning they could very well portray themselves to be Christian or "God-appointed." Whatever they say, choose to search the Word of God yourself.
Consider the Berean Christians who, after listening to Paul and Silas preach, would go home and search the Scriptures to confirm if what they said was true. (see Acts 17:10-12)
Paul even urges us, "If anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:9)
We must not receive any gospel other than the real gospel.
