Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 11
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
‘His ministers’ refers to Satan’s ministers. What a disturbing thing to think that there are ministers who are false and are working in accordance with Satan (whether they actually know it or not). There were true apostles and there were false apostles in Paul’s day. There will be false prophets and false teachers in our day. To be forewarned is to be prepared. Paul said there was a transformation of these false workers into the apostles of Christ. This does not mean that they were regenerated and stopped serving Satan so they could serve Jesus. It means they deceitfully disguised themselves to appear as though they were the apostles of Christ.
Paul says this should not surprise us because Satan does exactly the same thing. He transforms himself into an angel of light to deceive. He is a liar. I wonder how many of those ‘near death experiences’ people have had where they saw a bright light were actually encounters with a deceptive angel instead of the elect angels of God? How could you ever tell? The way to tell is by the doctrine they teach and the works they do.
1 John 4:1-2 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.
The doctrine someone teaches will tell you if they are true or not. A true minister of Jesus Christ will be open, honest and his doctrine will be Bible doctrine. Their end will be according to their works. They will not work the works of righteousness, but instead will show their true colors.
Make sure that you do not believe every spirit, but realize that there are false teachers in our world.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
In Christ,
Rody
