A VESSEL OF DECEPTION
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INTRODUCTION
A vessel of deception is prompted whenever there is a desire to promote an activity outside the norm; which would not otherwise be accepted. There are many voices of deception attempting to accomplish just that, but thank God for those who promulgate the truth, Scripture reveals: You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 3:32).
We live in a time in which the truth is being masked over to enhance believing a lie; so much in that it is extremely difficult to know who is telling the truth; unless one already has been exposed to the truth and stands firm in such knowledge. We live in an electronic age in which many soak in what is being introduced with little or no knowledge as to the merits of what is being revealed.
Scripture reveals: The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers (sexually impure), and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone (Hell); which is the second death (eternal death) (Revelation 21:8).
A Vessel of Deception
Calling Evil Good
A vessel of deception is adhering to what Isaiah prophesied against: Woe to them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter; woe to them that are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight (Isaiah 5:20-21); which justify the wicked for reward and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him (Isaiah 5:23).
The prophet Isaiah pronounced the result of such action: Therefore as the fire devours the stubble, and the flame consumes the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust; because they have cast away the law of the Lord, and despised the word of the Holy One (Isaiah 5:24).
A vessel of deception relishes in their achievement; oftentimes gaining popularity for their deceitful agenda, without regard, or even caring, the result of such. Isaiah not only gave warning towards promotion of evil verses good but also sounded the alarm of what would be the outcome of such action.
Bandwagon of Popularity
A vessel of deception often uses media promotion to enhance the lie being promulgated; because of that coverage many jump on the bandwagon without realizing truth is being disguised to promote the cause. There are times when justifiable causes are promoted which warrant public attention but without the violence and chaos caused by those who believe uproars help their cause.
Apostle Peter revealed the value of good behavior in that the hidden man of the heart, which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek (gentle) and quiet spirit, is in the sight of God of great price (precious) (1 Peter 3:4). Apostle James wrote: Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath; for the wrath of man works not (does not produce) the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20).
It was noted that talk inflames anger, and anger inflames talk, and distracts from listening. There are many who are domineering, opinionated, combative, fond of contention, given to angry debate, provoking dispute, and quarrelsome, contrary to what Apostle Peter was identifying. It would behoove one to check out what seems to be the popular thing to do, before jumping on the bandwagon of promotion.
Wickedness Exposed
A vessel of deception is pointed out by Scripture: You are forgers of lies; you are all physicians (vessels) of no value (Job 13:4). There is no faithfulness (uprightness) in their mouth; their inward part is wickedness; their throat is an open sepulcher (tomb); they flatter with their tongue (Psalm 5:9). Jesus warned of those who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves (Matthew 7:15). It was noted that this is a perfect description of those who have denied or distorted the truth.
We often see this in the political realm towards promotion of hidden agenda described as nourishing and healthy when in reality it is opposite of what one thinks they are voting on. We see this in daily promotion of ungodly agenda that would destroy the soul of man rather than bring wholesome nourishment and spiritual health.
The church is not excluded as we see end times rapidly descending upon mankind with prosperity preaching (a vessel of deception) and progressive social gospel continuing to hide the truthfulness of the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God.
Perilous Times
A vessel of deception can allure one into ungodly lifestyles, that they become adjusted too, and then encourage others to join them. Apostle Paul identified the traits of such thinking: This know that in the last days (which we are in) perilous (destructive) times shall come (2 Timothy 3:1).
Men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous (money lovers), boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent (without self-control), fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady (reckless), high-minded, lovers of pleasures, more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness (a vessel of deception), but denying the power thereof; from such turn away (2 Timothy 3:2-5).
A corrective message; identifying the truth, is often avoided with only the niceties of God’s Word being identified. God identified failure to do so, and the result, to the Prophet Ezekiel, in saying: When I say to the wicked, you shall surely die; and you give him not warning, nor warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life (soul); the same wicked shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at your hand (Ezekiel 3:18).
Destruction Forewarned
A vessel of deception would scoff at the ideal (2 Peter 3:3) of the world one day coming to an end. Apostle Peter wrote: Whereby the world that then was (pre-Flood days of Noah), being overflowed with water perished; but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against (until) the day of judgment and perdition (destruction) of ungodly men (2 Peter 3:6-7).
Peter identified why it has yet to happen, in writing: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (destruction of the ungodly), as some men count slackness (a vessel of deception); but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
Day of the Lord
A vessel of deception will continue to glorify lifestyles that are contrary to God’s Word, right to the end, as in the pre-Flood days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, Babylon the hold of every foul spirit, all of which judgment and destruction were noted. Apostle Peter wrote of what lies ahead: The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up (2 Peter 3:10).
Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation (conduct) and godliness (2 Peter 3:11). A promise to the believer in Christ, who walks according to His Word: Nevertheless we (the believer), according to His (God’s) promise, looks for new heavens, and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness (2 Peter 3:13).
Coming Judgment
A vessel of deception would like one to live as they please and still go to heaven at last; with no concern about a final resting place of either Heaven or Hell. Scripture reveals: It is appointed to men once to die but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27); a reality and pointed out in God’s Word. Apostle John wrote: I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged out of those things written in the books, according to their works (life) (Revelation 20:12).
Whosever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (Hell) (Revelation 20:15). It was noted that the unbelieving dead of all ages; were judged from two sets of books. The books contain the record of every unsaved person’s life. The book of life contains the name of every person who has received eternal life through Christ. The unsaved were shown that they did not take advantage of such an offer.
Salvation of the Soul
A vessel of deception, in tune to the world, would see no need for salvation, no remorse for living in sin. The saved are tuned in such that is still available today, towards the repentant in heart, seeking the mercy of God. Apostle Paul wrote: Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13). Scripture reveals: God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son (the Lord Jesus Christ), that whosoever believes in him should not perish (be lost without Christ), but have everlasting life (through Christ) (John 3:16).
This is the condemnation, that light (the Lord Jesus Christ) is come into the world, and men loved darkness (sinfulness) rather than light, because their deeds were evil (John 3:19). Apostle John wrote: He that believes on the Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) has everlasting life (a heavenly abode); and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides (remains) on him (a confinement in Hell) (John 3:36).
Never Too Late
Scripture reveals: Wherefore seeing (since) we are compassed (surrounded) about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, as the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
It would behoove one to listen to the Word of God, apply it to one's life, towards a heavenly gain; despite obstacles placed in one’s way, even by a vessel of deception, who would seek to lead one astray. As long as one is taking, the God-given, breathe of life there is opportunity to obtain eternal life through the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Jesus extended this invitation: I stand at the door and knock (door of one's heart); if any man hear my voice, and open the door (only you can), I will come in to him, and will sup (fellowship) with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20).
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