If the Devil is the Great Deceiver, how would I know that he's not deceiving me through Christianity?
Upvote:3
By their fruits ye shall know them
Your question is very valid. Satan is the great deceiver, he's been leading people down the wrong path for thousands of years, and he knows that the most elaborate deceptions are 90% truth. Satan discovered long ago that the most effective way to cause people to commit sin, was to make them believe that their actions are done in righteousness, so he sent false prophets to establish false churches that teach the doctrines of men mingled with scripture. He leads them astray with by luring them in with the truth, and then feeding them the doctrines of men.
Christ warned us about deception:
15 ¶Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Matt 7:15;)
Satan has certainly used the name of God to lead many people to do the devils work. Of this there is no doubt, those that blindly followed him were typically deceived by the flattering words of charismatic leaders, many who professed authority from God, who they themselves were most likely also deceived.
Christ told his disciples how they can know a true prophet:
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matt 7:16-20;)
How shall we know them by their fruits? In Galatians chapter 5, Paul explains that a true disciple of Christ is led by the Spirit, and lists the fruits of the spirit.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Gal 5:22;)
Satan CANNOT bring forth good fruit, for "a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit." Therefor you can know with a surety whether a church is led by a true prophet of God through prayer. Only the Spirit can testify of the truthfulness of all things.
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26;)
Trust Only God
You must not trust any man that claims to know the truth without first receiving confirmation from the Spirit that their words are true, you must come to a knowledge of the truth by yourself, through prayer, the Lord will not deceive you. Men will use clever arguments and reason to try to persuade your mind, but you must listen only to your heart for those comforting feelings of love, joy, peace and gentleness. Be careful not to confuse the feelings of the Spirit with pleasure, excitement, pride, or satisfaction, or the like, these are not fruits of the Spirit. Learn to recognize the promptings of the Spirit, and ye shall know the truth of all things.
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