"...The Serpent Deceived Me..."

Synonyms for deceive in the Old Testament include lie, beguiled, delude, or to seduce. The meanings of deceive in the New Testament are nearly the same; however, it includes ‘to lead away from the truth’. Truth from the Greek aletheia simply means reality. Thus the war between good vs. evil can also be expressed as truth vs. the lie.

The truth is succinctly defined in the Bible as the deity of Christ, the incarnate Son of God.

“Jesus said to him (Thomas), ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him… ‘And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” John 8:31-32

The Bible reveals that lies and deception were used by the serpent to lead Eve away from the truth. Deception will be found at an increasing rate as the end of this age approaches, along with blasphemy and hypocrisy.

The ‘serpent’ who deceived Eve is clearly identified in the final book of the Bible.

“So the great dragon was cast out (of heaven), that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world…” Revelation 12:9

Jesus described the devil as the father of lies, i.e. ‘there is no truth in him’. Thus Satan’s overarching lie is the denial of Christ as the Son of God. Such denial is to reject God’s plan of redemption for man.

Jesus warned of the approaching war on the truth.

“Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.” Matthew 24:11

The Apostle John also warned about deceit and the basis of it.

“Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either…These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you.” I John 2:21-22, 26

Sadly; however, many will believe the lie. The Apostle Paul also addressed the issue of deceit, or the rejection of Jesus as the Son of God.

“The coming of the lawless one (antichrist) is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth…” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

In the final book of the Bible it is clearly stated that those who receive the mark of the beast (antichrist) will also believe the lie.

“Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse…” Revelation 19:20-21

In the above scripture passage the One who kills those that received the mark of the beast is Christ Himself. The irony is that Christ is the object of Satan’s deception which centered on the lie that Jesus wasn’t deity. Yet Christ will emerge the victor by defeating not only the one who devised the lie, but also those that believed it.

“…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the Devil.” I John 3:8

During one’s lifetime, all must address the issue of who Jesus is. That issue is at the heart of the battle of good vs. evil and truth vs. the lie. It will become increasingly difficult to cling to the truth as Satan will exert his total, but restricted, power to perpetuate the lie. The Bible is explicitly clear on the person of Christ as the Son of God, and as the future Judge, King, and Lawgiver over the whole earth.

Christians will be required to take a stand.

Blasphemy

Synonyms for blasphemy include revile, scorn, despise, reject, and condemn. It was primarily used in a religious context and was usually directed towards God. As such blasphemy was a grave sin in the Old Testament.

“And whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall certainly stone him…” Leviticus 24:16

Blasphemy in the New Testament gospels was primarily directed towards Jesus and focused on His claim of deity.

Jesus healed a paralytic, but before He healed his broken body, He noted the faith of those who brought the man to Him.

“When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven you.’ And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, ‘Why does this Man speak blasphemies…? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’” Mark 2:5-6

Jesus knew what they were thinking and He replied:

“But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins – He said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you, arise, take up your bed and go to your house.’” Mark 2:10-11

One would have thought the question of Jesus’ deity would have been settled with such public display of His powers, but such was not the case. Jesus was accused of blasphemy right up to His last hours on earth. In fact right before Jesus’ crucifixion the high priest, scribes, and elders accused Jesus of blasphemy and used that as the reason to have him put to death.

“And the high priest…said to Him, ‘I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘it is as you said’…Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, ‘He has spoken blasphemy! …’” Matthew 26:63-65

Jesus’ deity was questioned in another instance when He proclaimed that ‘I and My Father are one’.

“Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him… ‘For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.’” John 10:31-33

Ironically, it was a Roman centurion, one of those who crucified Jesus who acknowledged His deity.

“So when the centurion and those with him…saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, ‘Truly this was the Son of God!’” Matthew 27:54

Jesus taught that blasphemy against Him could be forgiven, but blasphemy against the invisible Spirit by which He was empowered to perform great miracles could never be forgiven. The Pharisees, even when witnessing Jesus’ miracles attributed His power to Satan.

“Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him…” Matthew 12:32

Blasphemer was also the title given to those who simply spoke the truth about the Godhead. Recall the account of Stephen who recounted Jewish history to a group of dissenting Jews in the first century.

“Then they secretly induced men to say, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’… They also set up false witnesses who said, ‘This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words…’ Acts 6:11-13

These Jews then killed Stephen for his alleged blasphemy.

“…and they cast him out of the city and stoned him…” Acts 7:57-58

Finally at the end of the present age the greatest blasphemer will rise up against God but only under God’s sovereign authority.

“…And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name…And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was give authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name…” Revelation 13:1-6

It is certain, however, that Jesus, the One put to death for His alleged blasphemy by claiming to be the Son of God, will at the appointed time destroy the greatest blasphemer of all times.

“Then the beast was captured, and…cast alive into the lake of fire…” Revelation 19:20

"Woe to you ...hypocrites!"

Jesus labeled scribes and Pharisees hypocrites. Hypocrisy in the New Testament can be defined as ‘an outward show or appearance, a pretense put forth in order to cover one’s real intent, i.e. the saying of the thing that pleased (men), and not the thing that was true’. A synonym for hypocrisy is dissimulation which means to hide under false appearance. Another is ‘pretender’ as illustrated below.

“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent to Him their disciples…saying, ‘Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth…’” Matthew 22:15-16

Hypocrisy is not limited to the New Testament, but was discussed in the Old as well. The Hebrew base could be translated to polluted, defiled, and even godless. The end result, however, is the same in both Old and New Testaments.

“For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he may gain much, if God takes away his life?” Job 27:8

Jesus vehemently condemned hypocrisy and minced no words. We recently discussed the Pharisees relative to their denial of Jesus’ deity. They, however, as hypocrites were also great pretenders. They were more interested in making a good impression with other men than learning the truth.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.” Matthew 23:14-15

The Pharisees really did illustrate the hypocrisy of presenting false appearances.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!…For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones…so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy…” Matthew 23:25-28

As Jesus was ending this conversation with the Pharisees He replaced the word hypocrite with serpent which meant He equated the two terms.

“Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of Hell?” Matthew 23:33

In the Bible the word ‘serpent’ is used symbolically for Satan. Recall from the final book of the Bible:

“So the great dragon…that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world…” Revelation 12:9

Therefore, Satan is the great deceiver, blasphemer, liar and now hypocrite. And while the sin of hypocrisy may not appear to be deadly, it will bring on the wrath of God as taught by Jesus.

Other New Testament writers warned of the sin of hypocrisy.

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits... speaking lies in hypocrisy…” 1 Timothy 4:1-2

“Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy…desire the pure milk of the word…” I Peter 2:1-2

Perhaps the ultimate act of hypocrisy will occur during the great tribulation when the antichrist presents himself to be God. The title ‘antichrist’ amply describes the nature and agenda of this future leader.

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come (return of Jesus) unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

One might think that leaders of a great Christian nation such as America would never knowingly participate in hypocrisy in the normal course of governance. Let’s, however, briefly restate the primary definition of hypocrisy, i.e. the saying of a thing that pleased (men), but not the thing that was true. Today we simply call in ‘political correctness’.

Political correctness can be defined broadly as refraining from offending anyone at nearly all cost. One of the major targets of political correctness is the suppression of the person and deity of Christ. Political correctness suppresses the truth which in turn results in deceit and lying.

We’re guilty as charged.

Fate of the Pharisees - Descendants of Abraham

After the 70 years of Babylonian captivity when the Judeans returned to their home land, there arose two major Jewish religious sects i.e. the Sadducees and the Pharisees. The Pharisees were deeply entrenched in Jewish tradition in addition to the law given to Moses. They considered such religious traditions to be as binding as the law itself.

According to the Bible during the life of Christ the Pharisees refused to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God. They were also flagrantly opposed to the concept of grace and the dialog between them and Jesus was anything but politically correct. The Pharisees believed that being descendants of Abraham was sufficient for God’s approval and acceptance. They would not budge from their belief that God’s favor was attained exclusively by obeying the law and adhering to the hundreds of additional traditions.

The Pharisees rejected Jesus’ claim of being the Son of God even though He was announced by several prophets in the Old Testament, even detailing His genealogy and birth place.

The Bible records several lively discourses between Jesus and the Pharisees relative to Jesus’ deity and His purpose.

“‘I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father’… Then they said to Him, ‘We were not born of fornication; we have one Father – God.’” John 8:37-41

“Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God…You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth…for he is a liar and the father of it…’” John 8:42-44

At the end of this particular discussion Jesus firmly proclaimed His deity.

“Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM’. Then they took up stones to throw at Him…” John 8:58-59

There were, however, many other Jews who witnessed this conversation that believed. Such believers were in fact the beginning of the ‘Church’ on the day of Pentecost.

Jesus had much more to say about the doctrine and influence of the Pharisees in other gospel records.

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” Matthew 23:13

When Jesus began His earthly ministry, He introduced the teaching that sin is not limited to outwardly acts, but includes the innermost thoughts of one’s heart. He taught that no one could ever fulfill the ‘law’ except the Son of God.

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets, I did not come to destroy but to fulfill…For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:17, 20

The Apostle Paul when writing to the Roman Christians after the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus expounded on Jesus’ teachings.

“…they are not all Israel who are of Israel, nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, ‘In Isaac your seed shall be called.’ That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed.” Romans 9:6-8

Israel’s greatest days lie ahead when Christ returns. At that time Israel will reap all the blessings of the covenant God originally made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The descendants of the Pharisees will have a change of heart.

“Also the sons of those who afflicted you (City of Zion) shall come bowing to you, and all those who despised you shall fall prostrate at the soles of your feet; and they shall call you the City of the LORD…the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 60:14

Biblical Credibility

Multiple sources confirm that the Bible is the most popular book of all time with an estimated printing and distribution of 6 billion copies. The Bible outlines the battle of good vs. evil and provides details of the outcome of that battle. The Bible was written over a period of 1500 years ending in the first century AD. The Bible presents a seamless presentation of the redemption of man after the fall in the Garden of Eden. The Bible is accepted by Christians as the infallible word of God and contains no abrogations. While the Old Testament was written primarily for the benefit of the Jews, the New Testament was written for all peoples of the earth.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

Without a doubt Jesus Christ is the major player in the Bible. He was introduced in the third chapter of the first book in the Bible. He was revealed as the One who would be the victor of the battle of good vs. evil. After deceiving Eve in the Garden, the father of evil, i.e. Satan was cursed and told that he would be defeated by the Seed of the woman whom he had deceived.

“Because you have done this, you are cursed…and I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:14-15

And so it was, Jesus Christ was born of a woman from the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah…..David et al. His Father was God Himself. Therefore, the deity of Christ is undeniable.

There are countless scripture references attesting to Jesus’ deity but perhaps the most succinct is:

“I and My Father are one.” John 10:30

Thus as the Seed of the woman and the Son of God, Jesus has been given great authority.

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.’” Matthew 28:18

Therefore, when Jesus speaks, He is speaking on behalf of the Father. Jesus utters the final words in the Bible.

“For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book...” Revelation 22:18

God has, however, given all mankind freedom of choice to accept the Bible as the word of God or to reject it. In addition the constitution of this great nation provides everyone the freedom to practice any and all religions whether or not they accept the Bible as the word of God.

However, why is the Bible the most popular book in history? Many study the Bible for more than just religious reasons. The Bible has proven to be infallible regarding prophetic fulfillment not only as it relates to Israel, but to many other issues such as the rise and fall of gentile world powers.

Considering the accuracy of Biblical prophecies many consult the Bible to study the numerous unfulfilled prophecies relating to the end of this present age. The Bible stresses that the God/Man Jesus paid the redemptive price for not only mankind, but the whole creation. Therefore, the prophecies relating to future events describe in detail how Christ will reclaim and restore all that He paid for on the cross. The emphasis on the love of God detailed in the gospels will be refocused on the wrath of God during the latter days of this age.

The return of Jesus Christ the Judge is described thusly:

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him…judges and makes war…Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” Revelation 19:11-15

It appears that the readers of those 6 billion Bibles will renew their search for answers to the future.