From the Book
Sacred Deceptions asks readers to examine familiar Christian teachings in the light of Scripture. The selections below offer a glimpse into the questions, arguments, and biblical study found throughout the book. We invite you to read an excerpt—and, as always, keep your Bible open and examine the Scriptures for yourself.
In Christ
The Bible tells us, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Cor 5:17) But what is this verse saying? Look at it closely. To be in Christ is to be closely connected to Him. This person lives according to the Word of God and follows His commandments. He is committed to obedience and repentance, so much so that he is seen as a new creature or creation, with a new heart and a new nature, new principles, new habits, new rules, new purpose.
Behold, the Lamb of God
The Passover was different from all other animal sacrifices because the blood of this sacrifice was to be used in a way unlike any other. God told Moses and Aaron, “Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house.” (Ex 12:3) God also told them that, “Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats.” (Ex 12:5)
Are You Truly Saved?
Because of sin, man is destined to die, but God offers us restoration to eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ. (Rom 6:23) While many in the world believe that there are many roads to salvation, the Bible teaches that there is only one way, the Lord Jesus. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) Indeed, Jesus Himself proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
The Rapture?
Most of us have heard many sermons on the rapture, and we have eagerly awaited its arrival while continuing to do the Lord’s work in anticipation of that day. However, what if I told you that what the Bible teaches about the resurrection of the just and what today’s churches teach about the rapture are not the same thing? What if your Bible teaches a completely different version from what you have learned or heard about? What if billions of unsuspecting believers and nonbelievers have embraced yet another one of Satan’s deceptions about the most important day in human history?
House of Merchandise
If today’s ministers and religious leaders thought like the believers did right after Pentecost, and taught the believers accordingly, we would see the movement of the Holy Spirit just like in the days of Pentecost. Unfortunately, what we see more and more today is the selling of the gospel and the doctrines of Christ through books, personal appearances, concerts, and paid access.
The issue is not merely the medium. The issue is when the gospel itself becomes the product.