p. 134 | BE NOT DECEIVED by A. L. Wilkinson

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 15, 1860

BE NOT DECEIVED.

By A. L. Wilkinson

How comprehensive, yet how plain, how easy to be understood, this caution. And what caution more necessary in these last days of peril and deceit, when the wicked join hand in hand to work wickedness, and are waxing worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived? Even Satan will transform himself into an angel of light that he may the more effectually deceive those who dwell on the earth. Many who are disposed to be skeptical will willingly be duped by him. Some are disposed to run after philosophy instead of going to the sure word of prophecy. To prove that the wicked will not be utterly destroyed and be as though they had not been, they say, "Why, it is a principle in philosophy that matter is indestructible. It must exist in some form, and therefore it is utterly impossible that the wicked should cease to exist." But what says the unfailing word of God? "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world and not after Christ." Col. ii, 8. Also, "Let no man deceive you with vain words; for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience." [Margin, unbelief.] Eph. v, 6. Let us beware of "the sleight of men and cunning craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive." Eph. iv, 14. Let us who speak, speak as the oracles of God and not after the custom of this world.

Satan has many devices whereby he will draw away unstable souls from the truth. But let us "put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil." Eph. vi, 11. How very important that we should examine our hearts by the light of God's word and ascertain whether our foundation will remain firm when the storm comes. Says the apostle, "Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves." 2 Cor. xiii, 5. How solemn the thought that many will be deceived and led on down to destruction. Says the Saviour [Matt. vii, 22, 23], "Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you, depart from me ye that work iniquity." Oh! awful word, Depart!

Must I be banished from my God, And mercy ne'er receive? And die beneath thy vengeful rod When I had hoped to live?

Dear reader, may the Lord help you and me to be wise for ourselves, and take heed to the admonition of God by his servant Paul: "Be not deceived. God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap." Gal. vi, 7. May the Lord help us so to believe and so to live, that we may hear the lovely voice of Jesus say, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." A. L. WILKINSON. Owasso, Mich.