For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

The Angel Of Light

Apostasy is not new. Satan is the master of deceit with a powerful influence without peers. No one has a greater influential sway over the hearts of humanity than the dragon of old. Jesus said that only a few would be saved from the innumerable souls standing before His throne. This declares the vast majority of people will face eternal destruction through the deception of the devil. The wiles of Satan are subtle, persuasive, tempting, and overwhelming. He makes sin to be something wildly exciting and fun. Simple hearts are lured by the easiest of temptations through the lust of the flesh. Pride is a sickness that comes from the lips of the devil. Lusting through the eyes engulfs the heart with unattainable desires.

The work of Satan is never bold or declarative. If the devil really dressed in red with a pointed mask, pitchfork, and flames surrounding him, everyone would know who he was. He knows he would be easily identified for who and what he is, so he comes in another form. His visage is found in the deceitful image of an apostle of Christ, a prophet of God, and even an angel of light. From the beginning of the world, Satan has transformed himself into an image that appeals to man. In the Garden of Eden, the dragon came in the form of the serpent described by Moses as being the most subtle, crafty, clever, cunning, and shrewd creature of any animal. Eve was not alarmed by the presence of the talking serpent. She listened to the smooth voice of the deceiver and fell to his charms.

Paul warned the early Christians that everyone who looks like a disciple of Jesus may not be one. There were false apostles and deceitful workers in the early church. These were men who looked the part and talked the talk but inside were corrupted by the wiles of the devil. Satan himself would transform himself into an angel of light. His followers would show themselves to be servants of God, preachers of righteousness, and teachers of the gospel with the corruption of the devil’s breath. God is not unaware of false teachers and those who show themselves to be His ministers and are not. Their end is utter destruction.

Truth is older than error. Satan likes to let people think he is an angel of good. He is the father of lies. Hell is prepared for the devil and his angels. Tragically, he plans to take as many of God’s creation with him; and he is doing a powerful job of accomplishing that. The warning must be heeded: because a man acts like a servant of God, it does not make him such. Truth never changes, and the word of God is settled in heaven. If someone is teaching anything that is not according to the word of God, he will be condemned. Those who follow his pernicious ways will join him in perdition. Listening to an angel that teaches anything contrary to the word of God is apostasy. That angel has a name – Satan.

The sad reality is Satan has succeeded in making many people believe it does not matter how God is worshipped. Everyone can approach God in his own way. The proof is found in the churches that fill the earth, all proclaiming to follow Jesus Christ. If there is one church in the New Testament, how can there be so many today? Jesus is God’s Son, eliminating the need to follow any man. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation, not the teachings of men. Satan has convinced men today they should listen to an angel of light. And they do – by the thousands follow false teachers who lead them to destruction. Read the book, the word of God. Stop listening to the angel of light.