As the teachings of spiritualism are accepted by the masses, the restraint imposed upon the carnal heart is removed, and the profession of religion will become a cloak to conceal the worst of sins. A belief in spiritual manifestations opens the door to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils, and thus the influence of evil angels will be felt in the churches.
Those who teach spiritualism will engage in controversy with those who teach the truth. They will quote Scripture, as did Satan to Christ. "Prove all things," they say. But their idea of proving is to listen to their deceptive reasoning's, and to attend their meetings. It is true that spiritualism is now changing its form, and, veiling some of its more objectionable features, and is assuming a Christian guise.
These teachings cannot be denied or hidden. The people of God should be able to meet Satan, as did our Savior, with the words: "It is written." Those who would stand in this time of peril must understand for themselves the truth of the Bible. This study will search out the Christians spiritual warfare.
1. What type of battle are we faced with?
Ephesians 6:12
Note: "Spiritual hosts of wickedness." Notice that not everything spiritual is good. We do not understand as we should the great conflict going on between invisible agencies, the controversy between loyal and disloyal angels. Over every man, good and evil angels strive. This is no make believe conflict.
2. What will happen to many professed Christians in the last days?
1 Timothy 4:1
Note: False teachers will arise among us, giving heed to deceiving spirits whose doctrines are of satanic origin. These teachers will draw away disciples after themselves. Creeping in unawares, they will use flattering words, and make skilful misrepresentations with seductive tact.
3. How does a Christian stand against doctrines of demons?
Isaiah 8:19, 20
Note: In these days of delusion, every variety of error will be brought out in the mysterious working of Satan, which would, if it were possible, deceive the very elect, and turn them from the truth. Everything must be tested by the Bible.
4. What is the danger in these last day deceptions?
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
5. Where does the desire to heap up false teachers come from?
2 Timothy 4:3, 4
Note: The time has come when people will be guided by their own desires and feelings rather than what God has said in His word. We must be guarded and not follow our own desires for they may lead us astray.
6. What have some crept into the church and done?
Jude 4
Note: Many who profess Christianity turn the grace of God into a license to sin. Those who make a profession of being Christians, and still live a life of sin cast dishonor upon the truth of God.
7. How do these teachers allure the people?
2 Peter 2:18, 19
8. What does the Bible call a person who turns people from the truth?
Acts 13:6-12
Note: Bar-Jesus means son of Jesus in the Greek. Today it would be the equivalent of calling yourself a Christian.
9. What do false teachers make no difference between?
Ezekiel 22:26
10. What will God's servants make a difference between?
Ezekiel 44:23
Note: "Therefore, "Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18. "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Corinthians 7:1
11. What has God called us to?
1 Thessalonians 4:7, 8
Note: To make no distinction between the holy and the unholy, between the clean and the unclean, is to reject not man but God.
12. How do we stand in the evil day?
Ephesians 6:13-17
Note: The deceptions will increase, and we are to call rebellion by its right name. We are to stand with the whole armor of God. In this conflict we do not battle against men but principalities and powers. We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against what is unseen. The only weapon for the Christian soldier is the sword of the word of God.
The warnings of the word of God regarding the perils surrounding the Christian church belong to us today. To many the Bible is as a lamp without oil. Personal opinions and religious traditions are destroying faith in the Bible as a divine revelation. They are robbing God's word of power to control, uplift, and inspire human lives. Through spiritualism, multitudes are taught to believe that desire is the highest law, that license to sin is liberty, and that man is accountable only to himself.