The Deceptive Preacher: A Warning from the Garden of Eden
The Origin of Deception
The holy Scriptures offer a unique fund of instruction, revealing the origin of creation, the primitive state of man, and his fall from God. In the Garden of Eden, humanity’s first pair enjoyed unparalleled freedom, with one exception: the tree of knowledge. God’s warning was clear: eat from it, and death would be the consequence. However, a cunning preacher arrived, seeking to reverse the Almighty’s prohibition.
The Character of the Preacher
This preacher, known by many names in sacred writings, is none other than the devil. With a history spanning over 5,800 years, he has acquired unparalleled skill in deception. His characteristics are striking: old, cunning, laborious, heterogeneous, presumptuous, and successful. He has been preaching falsehoods since the dawn of humanity, often mixing truth with error to achieve his goals.
The Doctrine of Deception
The preacher’s central message is a bold assertion: “Ye shall not surely die.” This doctrine denies the existence of hell and eternal punishment, instead promising eternal life as the wages of sin. This false promise has led countless individuals down the path of destruction, as seen in the stories of the old world, Sodom, and Gomorrah.
The Hearer Addressed
The preacher’s target audience is often the vulnerable and inexperienced. In the case of Eve, her lack of experience made her an ideal target. The devil’s strategy is to prey on the weak, using darkness and ignorance to his advantage.
The Instrument of Deception
The medium used by the preacher is often subtle and deceitful. In the case of the serpent, it was a clever disguise, allowing the devil to deceive Eve and ultimately lead humanity astray. Today, this preacher continues to use cunning tactics, creeping into homes and leading people captive with false promises and deceitful words.
A Warning to the Faithful
As believers, it is essential to recognize the tactics of this deceptive preacher and avoid his snares. We must be vigilant, marking those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine of Christ. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the enemy’s schemes and remain faithful to the truth.
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