Be Not Deceived

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Mar 22, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 12.

"Be Not Deceived."—That the embellishment of error adds nothing to its value, but only to its power for deception, is tersely stated by the prophet Habakkuk: "What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?" Chapter 2:18. Not only is the ornamentation worse than superfluous, but believing in them makes them no better. There are two points worthy of note: (1). While false doctrine is more attractive and more seductive when presented in flowery language and accompanied by brilliant display, its power for good is not thereby enhanced; but only made more productive of evil. (2). Belief in false doctrine, however conscientious or deeply grounded, is no evidence of the value of the doctrine, or of virtue on the part of the credulous believer. The law of God is the truth (Ps. 119:142), and that is the "way" of Christ (John 14:6; 15:10; 17:17). Any departure from this Way of Truth is falsehood, and leads to death, no matter how fluently or earnestly it may be expressed, or how beautifully its temples may be garnished.