Illusions are fun because they challenge our sense of reality. We see them everywhere, from tricks in magic shows to special effects in movies, and can usually tell the difference between what is real and what is not.
But did you know that there are some deceptions which millions of people fall for every day? They are the work of the master illusionist, Satan, who is called “the father of lies” in the Bible (John 8:44). He has been tricking people into disobeying God since the beginning of time, and is an experienced deceiver. Have you fallen for any of Satan’s illusions?
Illusion #1: This life is all that matters
We can get so caught up in this life that we pay no attention to eternal realities. God says that is foolish: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).
Illusion #2: If it feels good, do it
Should we care about what we do? Is there such a thing as right and wrong? God says we will reap what we sow: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
Illusion #3: There is no Hell
If you start to ponder what comes after this life, Satan may try to convince you that there is nothing to worry about. God says otherwise: “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
Illusion #4: Everyone goes to Heaven
Another much-believed lie is that no people will ever have to go to Hell. While it’s true that Hell was created for Satan and his angels, the Bible says that those who fall under Satan’s deceptions will go there as well: “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).
Illusion #5: You’re not that bad
Every time we answer one of Satan’s lies, you can be sure that he has another one ready to go. Are we really bad enough to go to Hell? God’s Word says: “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Illusion #6: You can earn Heaven
Once we admit that we have sinned, the next lie we often fall for is that we have probably done enough good to overcome our faults. However, in God’s eyes “we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses [good works] are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).
Illusion #7: You’re too bad
Sadly, lots of people fall for this one, too. Yes, it’s true that we have all messed up. But it’s also true that God stands ready to help us: “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).
Why does God want us to come to Him? Because He loves us. He loves you, and He loves me—not because we have earned it, but because He chooses to. God proved His love for us when He sent His only Son, Jesus, into the world because of our sins (Romans 5:8).
When Jesus died on the cross, He made the way for sinners like you and me to be brought back to God. Our sin was like a debt that needed to be paid; Jesus paid it. Our sin was like a sentence that needed to be served; Jesus served it. Our sin was like a burden that needed to be lifted; Jesus lifted it.
Now He is using messages like this to awaken people to their need of Him, to “turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins” (Acts 26:18). Don’t fall for Satan’s illusions any more. Turn to God and put your faith in someone you can trust—Jesus Christ—TODAY!
Source: mwtb.org
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