As we draw closer to the time of Christs' return, it will become more and more difficult to discern who and what to believe. That's why it's so important for you to study the Word for yourself, so that if a time of testing comes, you will not be deceived. Unless noted, all scripture references have been taken from the New International Version (NIV). 1 John 2:18 says:

"Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour."

The Bible makes it very clear that many false teachers (antichrists) will come in order to deceive believers until the time that the Antichrist stands in the temple proclaiming himself to be god.

Deception comes in many forms, but for the sake of brevity we are going to discuss the three main vehicles that are usually used to spread false doctrine. These three forms of deception are also the criteria that is typically used to determine if a group can be categorized as a cult.

The deception is often cloaked in truth.

Any person or group who wants to deceive you will not come right out and tell you their intentions. If someone walked up to you and said, "Let's go worship Satan," you would be able to figure that one out pretty quickly.

On the other hand, if someone came up to you and said, "We believe that Jesus was a wise teacher with a kind heart, but he was only a man," you had better understand what you believe as a Christian and why, because you just got hit with a big dose of false doctrine. 2 Corinthians 11:3 says:

"But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ."

1 Timothy 4:1-3 also warns us of the dangers of deceptive teaching that is often cloaked in good intentions and man made religiosity:

"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. "

Next... How To Avoid Being Deceived by False Teachers Part 2