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/

10.2 Death in the Old Testament
A Biblical Perspective on Life After Death

Read Psalm 6:6; 115:17; and 1 Kings 2:10; 11:43; 14:20. What do these verses teach about the state of the dead?

The verses Psalm 6:6; 115:17; and 1 Kings 2:10; 11:43; 14:20 provide important insights into the state of the dead according to the Bible.

• Psalm 6:6: “For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who will give you praise?” This verse emphasizes that the dead are not able to praise or remember God, indicating that death is a state of loss of consciousness.

• Psalm 115:17: “The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence.” Again, this underscores that the dead cannot praise God and that death is a state of silence and stillness.

• 1 Kings 2:10; 11:43; 14:20: These verses use the phrase “slept with his fathers” or “rested with his fathers” to describe the death of kings. This metaphor depicts death as a form of sleep, suggesting that the dead are in a state of rest.

These biblical passages teach us that death is a state of sleep, where the dead have no consciousness, no ability to worship, and no contact with the world of the living. The Old Testament does not support the idea of the immortality of the soul or the notion that the dead go to heaven or hell to reside there eternally.

The biblical teaching of death as sleep helps us understand the true nature of death and protects us from spiritual deceptions. The Old Testament clearly shows that the dead have no conscious state and are incapable of communicating with the living. This truth shields us from false teachings inspired by spiritualistic practices and pagan concepts.

When we know the biblical truth about death, we are better equipped to resist Satan’s deceptions. The Bible warns that evil spirits can appear in the guise of beloved deceased individuals to spread misleading and dangerous teachings. Therefore, it is crucial to be firmly grounded in biblical doctrine to counter such deceptions and protect our faith.

Read Daniel 12:2 and Job 19:25–26. What additional elements about the state of the dead do these verses add?

• Daniel 12:2: “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”

• Job 19:25-26: “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God.”

These verses add important elements to the understanding of the state of the dead and the resurrection:

1. Resurrection: Daniel 12:2 speaks of a future resurrection of the dead. This underscores the biblical teaching that death is not the end, but that there will be a resurrection in which the dead will be brought back to life. Some will rise to everlasting life, others to everlasting shame and contempt.

2. Physical Restoration: Job 19:25-26 emphasizes the hope of physical restoration in the resurrection. Job expresses his confidence that he will see God in his flesh, even after his body has been destroyed. This indicates that the resurrection involves not just a spiritual but also a physical restoration.

These verses confirm the view of death as sleep, lasting until the resurrection. There are no disembodied spirits roaming around and communicating with the living. Rather, death is a state of waiting for the resurrection, where believers will see God in renewed bodies.

Commentary

Daniel 12:2 and Job 19:25-26 complement the understanding of death as a temporary state of sleep until the resurrection. They reinforce the hope and trust in the return of Christ and the resurrection of the dead. For those who die in Christ, death is but a moment of sleep, after which they will be raised at the return of Jesus in a renewed body.

This biblical hope provides comfort and assurance, especially in times of grief. Believers can trust that their loved ones who have died in Christ will be brought back to life in the resurrection and stand before God in a renewed body. This affirms the biblical teaching that death is not the end, but a transition to a future state of renewal and eternal life with God.

The verses from the Old Testament, particularly from the Psalms and the Kings, provide insights into the state of the dead as described in the Bible. They emphasize that death is seen as a state of sleep, where the dead have no consciousness and no ability to worship or communicate with the living. This teaching has direct implications for our daily life and faith:

1. Loss of Consciousness: The concept of death as sleep teaches us that death is not the end but a temporary state of non-existence. This can help us understand and accept our own death and the loss of loved ones better.

2. Protection from Deceptions: The biblical teaching of death as sleep warns us against spiritualistic practices and false teachings that claim to communicate with the dead. By being firmly rooted in biblical truth, we can protect ourselves from deceptions and maintain our faith.

3. Hope of Resurrection: The verses from Daniel and Job expand our understanding by emphasizing the hope of a future resurrection of the dead. This resurrection is depicted as a physical restoration, where believers will stand before God in a renewed state. This hope can provide comfort and encourage us to live a life of faith.

Overall, the biblical teaching of death as sleep shows that our faith has direct implications for our daily life by offering comfort, protection from deceptions, and hope for a future resurrection. By relying on God’s Word and guarding against misleading teachings, we can strengthen our faith and live a life that honors God.

Death is a sleep until the resurrection, where believers will see God in a renewed body.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-spiritualism-exposed-10-2-death-in-the-old-testament/

Lesson 10.Spiritualism Exposed
Biblical Truth Against End-Time Deceptions

In a world increasingly characterized by spiritual deceptions and supernatural phenomena, it is becoming ever more important to understand the truth about spiritism and its dangers. Lesson 10, “Exposing Spiritism,” provides an in-depth examination of the deadly consequences of spiritism and how the Bible describes death in both the Old and New Testaments. Furthermore, the lesson highlights the role of spiritism in the end times and the challenges believers will face during this critical phase.

This lesson reminds us of the importance of steadfastly adhering to biblical truth and not losing sight of the hope of Christ’s return. While Satan seeks to deceive people through false signs and wonders, we are called to remain vigilant and to strengthen our faith through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. Only through a deep understanding of Scripture and trust in God’s promises can we resist the deceptions of the end times and maintain our eternal hope.

10.1 The Deadly Consequences of Spiritualism
The Dangerous Contradiction to Biblical Truth

The belief in the natural immortality of the soul and the idea that death is merely a transition to a new phase of life is deeply rooted in history and has its origins in paganism. This notion was early on adopted by the church as it sought to adapt its faith to the broader Roman world, thereby straying from its biblical foundations. Ellen G. White emphasizes in “The Desire of Ages” that “the theory of the immortality of the soul is one of the false doctrines that Rome borrowed from paganism and incorporated into the Christian religion” (DA 500).

A look at Matthew 10:28 reveals the biblical perspective on the immortality of the soul: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” This verse makes it clear that the soul does not exist independently of God’s judgment and power. The supposed immortality of the soul is questioned here, as only God has the power to destroy both body and soul.

God expressly forbade the Israelites from engaging in any form of occultism and spiritism. Deuteronomy 18:11 emphasizes that no one among them was to practice divination, sorcery, interpretation of omens, or consult the dead. These prohibitions were strictly enforced, as shown in Leviticus 20:27, where the death penalty was prescribed for such practices. This harsh punishment was meant to protect Israel from the seduction of false gods and the loss of true faith.

Spiritism and witchcraft are clearly depicted in the Bible as demonic and deceptive. They offer a deceptive form of worship and supposed spiritual fulfillment but can never satisfy the deepest needs of the human heart. Spiritism is a central part of Satan’s plan to deceive and enslave humanity. However, there is hope and deliverance through Jesus Christ, who breaks the chains of evil through His grace and power and frees the captives. In Him, we find true freedom and the fulfillment of our deepest longings.

Read Ecclesiastes 9:5, Job 7:7-9, and Isaiah 8:19-20. What do these Bible passages teach us about death and communication with the dead?

The Bible passages Ecclesiastes 9:5, Job 7:7-9, and Isaiah 8:19-20 offer clear teachings about death and the impossibility of communication with the dead.

Ecclesiastes 9:5 states: “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.” This verse underscores that the dead have no consciousness and no knowledge of the world of the living. This refutes any notion that the deceased can actively participate in the lives of the living or communicate with them.

Job 7:7-9 describes the transience of human life: “Remember that my life is a breath; my eye will never again see good. The eye of him who sees me will behold me no more; while your eyes are on me, I shall be gone. As the cloud fades and vanishes, so he who goes down to Sheol does not come up.” Job emphasizes that after death, there is no return to life and that the dead do not come back. This clearly contradicts the idea that the deceased continue to exist and exert influence after death.

Isaiah 8:19-20 warns against seeking advice from mediums: “And when they say to you, ‘Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,’ should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.” Isaiah admonishes that one should seek God and His teaching instead of seeking advice from the dead. This makes it clear that any communication with the dead is not only useless but also against God’s commandments.

In summary, these Bible passages teach that the dead have no consciousness, cannot interfere in the lives of the living, and that any form of communication with them is against God’s will. The belief that the dead immediately go to heaven after death and can continue to exert influence is unbiblical. This false teaching makes people susceptible to deceptions by Satan, especially in times of crisis. Biblical faith emphasizes the necessity of relying solely on God’s teaching and revelation to find truth and protection.

The biblical teachings about death and the impossibility of communication with the dead have profound implications for our daily life and faith:

1. Truth and Clarity in Matters of Faith: By relying on the Bible as the source of truth, we avoid the confusion and deceptions that arise from false teachings. This strengthens our faith and helps us live more clearly and decisively.

2. Protection from Spiritism and Occultism: Knowing that the deceased have no consciousness and cannot communicate with the living protects us from the dangerous influence of spiritism and occultism. These practices are not only unbiblical but also open doors to harmful spiritual influences.

3. Focus on God and His Teaching: The admonition in Isaiah 8:19-20 to adhere to God’s teaching and revelation directs our focus towards a trusting relationship with God. Instead of seeking answers from spiritualistic sources in times of need or uncertainty, we learn to bring our questions and concerns to God and find guidance in His word.

4. Comfort and Hope in the Resurrection: The biblical belief in the resurrection of the dead at Christ’s return gives us comfort and hope. Death is not the end but a temporary state until the resurrection. This gives us a positive perspective on life after death and encourages us to live a life in accordance with God’s will.

5. Responsibility for Our Lives: The awareness that we have only this life to shape our character and make our decisions strengthens our sense of responsibility. It motivates us to live meaningfully and act consciously in accordance with our faith convictions.

6. Community and Support: A shared understanding of biblical teachings strengthens the community among believers. By encouraging and supporting each other, we create an environment based on truth and love that helps us overcome the challenges of life.

Overall, these teachings influence our daily life and faith by providing us with guidance, protection, comfort, and a deeper understanding of our responsibility and our relationship with God. They encourage us to live a life in truth and close communion with God.

The biblical truth about death protects us from spiritualistic deceptions and directs our focus towards a trusting relationship with God.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-spiritualism-exposed-10-1-the-deadly-consequences-of-spiritualism/