Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-spiritualism-exposed-10-6-summary/

10.5 Spiritualism in the Last Days: Part 2
Preserving Hope and Faith Amid End-Time Deceptions

Our hope of salvation is firmly anchored in Christ. His bloodstained hands, nailed to the cross for us, call us to accept the sacrifice He made for us—an infinitely precious and freely given sacrifice. This hope of redemption will be fulfilled by the second coming of Christ, which Titus 2:13 refers to as the “blessed hope.” Soon, Christ will return to gather the believers and fulfill the promise of eternal salvation.

Satan, on the other hand, has a clear goal: He seeks to destroy this hope. He will use supernatural events, signs, and wonders to lead people away from biblical truth and salvation in Christ. Through these deceptions, he tries to confuse people and distract them from their faith.

Revelation 14:12 says: “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.” These words remind us that in the final battle, Satan will do everything possible to prevent people from either keeping the “commands of God” or maintaining the “faith of Jesus”—or both. The saints who remain steadfast during this challenging time are distinguished by their adherence to both God’s commandments and their unwavering faith in Jesus.

Therefore, it is of utmost importance to beware of any teaching that diverts us from either of these two characteristics of the remnant, even if accompanied by signs, wonders, and supernatural acts. In an era where spiritualistic deceptions and false miracles are increasing, it is crucial to hold firmly to biblical truth and not let anything deter us from the hope of salvation in Christ. Only in this way can we resist Satan’s deception and preserve the blessed hope of Christ’s second coming.

Read Matthew 24:23–27; 2 Corinthians 11:13–14; and 2 Thessalonians 2:9–12. What do these verses tell us about the deceptive power and workings of Satan?

The cited Bible verses, along with additional insights from secondary literature, provide us with deep insights into the nature and methods of deception that Satan will use in the last days. Let us examine the verses and passage in detail:

Bible Verses:

Matthew 24:23–27: “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”

These verses warn us that in the last days many false Christs and false prophets will appear, performing great signs and wonders to deceive people. Jesus emphasizes that His coming will be obvious and unmistakable, like lightning in the sky.

2 Corinthians 11:13–14: “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”

This passage explains that false apostles and deceitful workers will pose as true servants of Christ. Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light to make his deceptions appear credible.

2 Thessalonians 2:9–12: “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

This section describes that the “lawless one” comes with the power of Satan, with false signs and wonders, to deceive those who did not accept the love of the truth. God allows this deception so that those who did not believe the truth may be condemned.

Commentary on Secondary Literature:

The cited passages from secondary literature (VSL 569–570) describe Satan’s final deception, where he will stage terrifying supernatural appearances and wonders to deceive people. Satan will influence the kings of the earth and the whole world, and people will pose as Christ and perform miraculous healings to deceive others. The climax of this deception will be Satan himself posing as Christ to create the illusion that the Savior has come.

Summary:

These Bible passages and the supplementary secondary literature clearly show the deceptive power and workings of Satan in the end times. Satan’s goal is to deceive people through false signs, wonders, and appearances, leading them away from true salvation in Christ. He and his servants disguise themselves as bringers of light to make their deceptions appear credible. Believers are urged to remain vigilant and firmly hold onto biblical truth to avoid falling prey to Satan’s lies and deceptions. The Bible emphasizes that Christ’s second coming will be unmistakable and obvious, in contrast to Satan’s hidden and deceptive appearances.

Why is it very important to understand the truth about the second coming of Christ and the state of the dead to avoid being deceived?

Understanding the truth about the second coming of Christ and the state of the dead is essential to avoid deceptions. Here are some key reasons why this knowledge is so important:

1. Preparation for Satan’s Final Deception: Satan will employ intense and impressive deceptions in the last days to lead people away from the truth. As mentioned in Matthew 24:23-27 and 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, false Christs and false prophets will appear, performing great signs and wonders. These deceptions could be so convincing that even the elect might be deceived. However, if believers understand the biblical truth about Christ’s second coming, they can recognize these false appearances as deceptions.

2. Unmistakable Signs of Christ’s Second Coming: The Bible describes Christ’s second coming as an event that will be visible and unmistakable to all (Matthew 24:27). If someone claims that Christ has appeared secretly or in a specific location, it is a clear contradiction to biblical teaching. This understanding protects believers from falling for false claims and appearances.

3. Recognizing False Teachings about the State of the Dead: The truth about the state of the dead is also crucial. Many spiritualistic deceptions are based on false notions about life after death. According to the Bible, the dead are in a state of sleep, without consciousness, until the resurrection (Ecclesiastes 9:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). If people believe that the dead consciously continue to exist, they can be more easily deceived by alleged ghost appearances or messages from the deceased, which are actually of demonic origin.

4. Resisting Spiritualistic Deceptions: Spiritism and communication with the dead are, according to biblical understanding, forms of deception by demonic forces. When believers know the biblical truth about the state of the dead, they can recognize spiritualistic practices and supposed ghost appearances for what they are: Satan’s deceptions. This enables them to resist such temptations and remain in the truth.

5. Preserving the Purity of Faith: Holding to biblical truth helps believers maintain their faith pure and untainted by false teachings. By understanding the teachings about Christ’s second coming and the state of the dead, they remain firmly anchored in biblical truth and are not distracted by sensational but false teachings and appearances.

Conclusion:

Understanding the biblical truth about the second coming of Christ and the state of the dead protects believers from deceptions aimed at leading them away from true salvation and hope in Christ. It is a fundamental basis for remaining in the truth and being able to resist the temptations and deceptions of the end times.

The connection of our daily life and faith with the themes in “10.5 Spiritism in the End Times, Part 2” is that we must consciously and actively prepare for the challenges of the end times. The deceptions that Satan will use in the last days aim to lead us away from our faith in Jesus Christ and destroy our hope of salvation. Here are some practical applications and connections to our daily life and faith:

1. Vigilance and Discernment: In daily life, this means being constantly aware that not everything impressive and supernatural comes from God. It is important to cultivate spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers to sharpen our discernment.

2. Holding to Biblical Truth: Knowledge of the Bible and understanding of biblical teachings about Christ’s second coming and the state of the dead are crucial to protecting us from deceptions. Therefore, we should regularly study the Bible and engage deeply with the teachings of Scripture.

3. Preserving Hope and Faith: Our hope of salvation is anchored in Christ, and we must renew and strengthen this hope in our daily lives. This means relying on God’s promises and remembering that Christ will return to gather the believers.

4. Avoiding Spiritualistic Practices: Belief in the biblical truth about the state of the dead helps us recognize and avoid spiritualistic practices and supposed ghost appearances as deceptions. In daily life, this means staying away from all forms of spiritism and occultism.

5. Strengthening the Faith Community: Fellowship with other believers is an important source of encouragement and protection. By actively engaging in the church, we can support each other and warn against deceptions.

6. Patience and Steadfastness: Revelation 14:12 reminds us that the saints in the end times are characterized by patience and steadfastness. This means practicing patience in our daily lives and remaining firm in our faith, even when facing difficulties and temptations.

In summary, this means consciously and actively living our faith in daily life and holding firmly to biblical truths. Through vigilance, discernment, fellowship, and a deep understanding of Scripture, we can resist end-time deceptions and preserve the hope of Christ’s second coming.

Holding to biblical truth and vigilance in faith are our shields against the deceptions of the end times, preserving our hope of Christ’s second coming.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-spiritualism-exposed-10-5-spiritualism-in-the-last-days-part-2/

10.4 Spiritualism in the Last Days: Part 1
The Seductive Power of Supernatural Deceptions

Read Matthew 24:5, 11, 24; 2 Thessalonians 2:7–9; and Revelation 13:13–14; 16:13–14. What kinds of deceptions will people experience in the end times?

The Bible passages you mentioned describe various types of deceptions that people will experience in the end times:

Matthew 24:5, 11, 24

• Matthew 24:5: “For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.”

• Matthew 24:11: “And many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.”

• Matthew 24:24: “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”

In these verses, Jesus warns about false messiahs and false prophets who will perform impressive signs and wonders, deceiving many people. These deceptions will be so convincing that even the elect could be in danger of being deceived.

2 Thessalonians 2:7-9

• 2 Thessalonians 2:7-9: “For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie.”

This passage describes the revelation of the “lawless one,” who will operate through the power of Satan, performing all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders to deceive people.

Revelation 13:13-14

• Revelation 13:13-14: “And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people. Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.”

This describes how the beast will perform great signs and wonders, including bringing fire down from heaven, to deceive the inhabitants of the earth and lead them to worship the image of the beast.

Revelation 16:13-14

• Revelation 16:13-14: “Then I saw three impure spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are demonic spirits that perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.”

These verses describe three impure spirits like frogs coming out of the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. These are demonic spirits performing signs to deceive the kings of the earth and gather them for battle on the great day of God.

Summary of Deceptions:

• False Messiahs and Prophets: People will come in Jesus’ name, claiming to be the Messiah, accompanied by false prophets who will deceive many.

• Deceptive Signs and Wonders: The lawless one and demonic powers will perform impressive and deceptive miracles to mislead people.

• Spiritualistic Nature of Deceptions: Demons will use supernatural manifestations and signs to appeal to people’s emotions and irrational sides rather than their rational abilities.

Ángel Rodríguez describes the power of these demonic deceptions as highly convincing because they are based on supernatural phenomena that appeal to emotions and include spiritualistic elements. These deceptions are supported by the unbiblical doctrine of the immortality of the soul and are meant to mislead humanity and draw them away from God.

Why is it dangerous to trust our feelings? What role do they play—both positively and negatively—in our faith experience? How might Satan bypass our thinking processes and appeal to our emotions?

It is dangerous to trust our feelings because they are easily deceived and changeable. Feelings can be strongly influenced by external factors, personal experiences, or internal moods, making them an unreliable foundation for our decisions or faith convictions. Here are some points that illustrate this:

Dangers of Trusting Feelings:

1. Influenceability: Feelings can be easily manipulated by external circumstances or deceit. Those who rely solely on their feelings are more susceptible to being deceived by false teachings or charismatic personalities.

2. Subjectivity: Feelings are subjective and can vary greatly from person to person. What feels right to one person might feel entirely wrong to another, leading to confusion and uncertainty.

3. Instability: Feelings can change quickly and are often temporary. Decisions based solely on feelings can be regretted later when emotional states change.

Role of Feelings in Faith Experience:

• Positively:

  • Motivation and Commitment: Positive feelings like love, joy, and gratitude can strengthen our commitment and dedication to faith.

  • Experience and Expression of Faith: Feelings allow us to deeply and authentically experience and express our faith, such as through worship and fellowship.

• Negatively:

  • Deception and Delusion: Negative or misguided feelings can lead to deception and delusion, especially if manipulated by charismatic but misleading people or teachings.

  • Doubt and Despair: Feelings like fear, doubt, and despair can weaken our faith and lead us away from God if left unchecked.

Satan’s Use of Feelings for Deception: Satan can bypass our thinking processes and directly appeal to our feelings by:

• Emotional Manipulation: Using events or people that provoke strong emotional reactions, Satan can cloud our judgment and lead us to rash decisions.

• False Security: Satan can create a false sense of security or peace to distract us from true security in Christ. This can occur through seemingly spiritual experiences that are not based on biblical truth.

• Illusion of Truth: Through seemingly miraculous events or spiritualistic phenomena, Satan can evoke feelings of awe or reverence that lead us to believe false teachings.

Conclusion: Our only safety lies in Jesus and His Word. The Bible provides a solid and unchanging foundation on which to build our faith and decisions. It is important to examine our feelings and view them in light of Scripture to ensure they do not mislead us.

What common deceptions are those who know that the dead are asleep protected from even today?

Those who know that the dead are asleep are protected from several common deceptions that rely on the belief in an immediate existence of the soul after death. Here are some of the most common deceptions they are protected from:

1. Spiritualism and Occultism: They are less susceptible to spiritualistic practices or occult rituals that claim to communicate with the spirits of the dead. They recognize such practices as contrary to biblical teaching and potentially dangerous.

2. False Teachings about Heaven and Hell: They are less likely to be misled by teachings that claim the dead immediately go to heaven or hell after death. They understand that death is a state of sleep until the resurrection on the last day.

3. Misleading Spiritual Experiences: They are less likely to be deceived by misleading spiritual experiences that claim to provide direct encounters with the souls of the dead. They recognize such experiences as deceptions from Satan and remain grounded in the Word of God.

4. Misguided Comfort: They are less likely to rely on the supposed comfort of believing that the souls of the dead continue to live and interact with the living. Instead, they find comfort in the hope of the resurrection and eternal life in Christ.

5. Confusing Theological Concepts: They are less likely to be confused by theological concepts based on the assumption of an immortal soul, which can lead to an unclear understanding of death and the afterlife. They adhere to the clear biblical teaching about death as sleep and the resurrection on the last day.

By accepting the understanding of death as sleep, they are better protected from the deceptions Satan can spread regarding life after death. Instead, they remain firmly rooted in their hope in the return of Christ and the resurrection of the dead.

These deceptions have a direct connection to our daily lives and faith. Here are some aspects that illustrate this:

1. Preservation of Truth: In everyday life, we are constantly exposed to information and influences that can distract us from the truth. Belief in biblical teaching and knowledge of possible deceptions help us remain vigilant and critical of information and influences that could lead us away from God.

2. Decision Making: Our decisions should be based on biblical truth rather than feelings or deceptive appearances. By relying on the Bible, we can make informed and wise decisions that align with God’s will.

3. Spiritual Discipline: Awareness of the deceptions that will occur in the end times reminds us to maintain our spiritual discipline. Regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers strengthen our faith and help us remain steadfast.

In a world full of deceptions, it is dangerous to trust our feelings. Our only safety lies in being firmly rooted in Jesus and His Word.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-spiritualism-exposed-10-4-spiritualism-in-the-last-days-part-1/

10.3 Death in the New Testament
Hope for Resurrection and Eternal Life in Christ

Read John 11:11-14, 21-25; 2 Timothy 1:10; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. How can the descriptions of death by the authors of the New Testament be compared to those of the Old Testament?

The biblical authors of the New Testament, like their predecessors in the Old Testament, use the metaphor of sleep to describe death. This symbolism emphasizes the state of unconsciousness and the waiting for resurrection. Here are some comparisons and additional insights:

John 11:11-14, 21-25:

• Jesus describes Lazarus’s death as sleep and emphasizes His power to wake him, symbolizing the resurrection.

• This view supports the Old Testament perspective of death as a state of sleep and loss of consciousness.

2 Timothy 1:10:

• Paul emphasizes that Jesus Christ has defeated death and brought life and immortality to light.

• This statement builds on the Old Testament hope and adds the dimension of eternal life made possible through Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:51-54:

• Paul speaks of a mystery where not everyone will die, but all will be transformed. This describes the transformation of believers at Christ’s return.

• This passage highlights the transformation of believers and reinforces the hope of resurrection hinted at in the Old Testament.

1 Thessalonians 4:15-17:

• Paul describes Christ’s return and the resurrection of the dead in Christ. Believers will be caught up together with the resurrected in the clouds.

• This reinforces the hope of resurrection and the ultimate reunion with Christ, which the Old Testament addressed as a future hope.

Comparison between the Old and New Testament:

1. Metaphor of Sleep:

   • Old Testament: Often describes death as sleep (e.g., “lay down with his fathers” in 1 Kings).

   • New Testament: Jesus and the apostles use the same metaphor (John 11:11-14; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15).

2. State of the Dead:

   • Old Testament: The dead have no consciousness and cannot praise God (Psalm 6:5; 115:17).

   • New Testament: Confirms this state and emphasizes the resurrection as the awakening from this sleep (1 Corinthians 15:51-54).

3. Hope of Resurrection:

   • Old Testament: Hints of resurrection (Daniel 12:2).

   • New Testament: Clear and detailed teaching about the resurrection at Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

4. Eternal Life through Christ:

   • Old Testament: Expects a resurrection and future life (Job 19:25-26).

   • New Testament: Emphasizes Christ’s role in the resurrection and the gift of eternal life through Him (2 Timothy 1:10).

Summary: The Old and New Testaments agree that death is to be viewed as sleep and that there is no conscious existence after death until the resurrection. The New Testament builds on Old Testament teachings and adds the crucial dimension of resurrection and eternal life made possible through Christ. This hope of resurrection at Christ’s return offers comfort and assurance and is a central element of the Christian faith.

Why is the Resurrection such a Strong Hope for the Christian Faith?

The resurrection is a central and transformative truth of the Christian faith, giving it its power and hope. Here are some reasons why the resurrection is such a strong hope for Christians:

1. Confirms Jesus’ Divine Nature: The resurrection of Jesus Christ confirms His divine nature and His power over death. It shows that Jesus is truly the Son of God and that His sacrifice on the cross defeated sin.

2. Gives Hope of Eternal Life: The resurrection promises believers that death is not the final destiny. Through Jesus’ resurrection, they have the assurance that they too will one day rise to eternal life with God.

3. Reconciles with God: The resurrection enables believers to be reconciled with God. By overcoming death, Jesus offers forgiveness and a new life in fellowship with God to those who believe in Him.

4. Provides Comfort in Suffering and Grief: The hope of resurrection offers comfort and hope in times of suffering and grief. Believers can trust that their loved ones who died in faith will one day be resurrected and they will be reunited.

If the cross remained without the resurrection, the hope of the Christian faith would be incomplete and uncertain. The cross alone would not break the power of death or offer the promise of eternal life. Without the resurrection, faith in Jesus Christ would be merely faith in a moral teacher or martyr, without the assurance of forgiveness and new life.

Therefore, the resurrection is an indispensable and very important part of the Christian faith, giving it its hope, power, and certainty. It is the foundation of the Christian faith and provides a basis for the relationship with God and the hope of a fulfilled and eternal life.

The resurrection is not just an abstract theological doctrine but has direct impacts on our daily life and faith:

1. Hope and Comfort in Times of Grief: The hope of resurrection gives us comfort and confidence, especially when we face the loss of a loved one. We can be sure that death is not the final end and that we will see our loved ones again.

2. Motivation for a Purposeful Life: The certainty of the resurrection encourages us to live our lives in accordance with Christ’s teachings. We strive to do good and honor God, knowing that our life is not limited to this earthly existence.

3. Overcoming Fear of Death: The resurrection gives us the assurance that death is not the final destiny. We can overcome the fear of death and live with confidence and peace, knowing that we have eternal life in Christ.

4. Faith in God’s Power: The resurrection of Jesus Christ testifies to God’s immeasurable power over death. This conviction strengthens our faith and our trust in God in all areas of our lives.

5. Future Hope and Perspective: The prospect of resurrection gives us a perspective for the future. We live in the hope of eternal life with God and align our lives accordingly.

Without the resurrection, the Christian faith would be meaningless, as it forms the foundation of our faith and gives us the hope of a fulfilled, eternal life with God. The resurrection is therefore an integral part of our faith that shapes us in all areas of life and encourages us to live in accordance with God’s will.

The resurrection is the foundation of our faith and the source of our hope for a fulfilled and eternal life with God.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-spiritualism-exposed-10-3-death-in-the-new-testament/