False Revelation

As we begin looking at receiving Revelation from God, I must give a warning. Not all revelation comes from God and there are definitely things that God warns us to stay away from. The apostle John gives clear direction on the matter. He says.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

There are so many voices calling for our attention. As believers in Christ we do not have to be fearful of the enemy but we must be wise and discerning. The Bible is filled with warnings about the kind of things that we should be aware of. Here are a few of the things we are warned about in the Scripture.

False Christs

And He [Jesus] said, “See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not go after them. (Luke 21:8)

24 For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. 25 Behold, I have told you in advance. (Matthew 24:24-25)

13 But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:13-15)

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8)

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.
4 “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. (Exodus 20:2-3)

This also includes seeking wisdom from other religions and their teachers. Much of the teaching of Eastern religions have been repackaged into New Age teachings adding in Scriptures to make them sound Christian.

For more information on this you can read the post No Other Gods at experiencinghisvictory.com.

False Apostles and Angels of Light

13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, (1 Timothy 4:1)

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! (Galatians 1:8)

9 “When you enter the land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall not learn to imitate the detestable things of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord; and because of these detestable things the Lord your God will drive them out before you. (Deuteronomy 18:9-12)

It is clear from this Scripture that as believers in Christ we should not be seeking direction for our lives apart from God. Here are some of the common ways that people are trying to find insight into the future. You should avoid all of the following:

• Horoscopes and astrology
• Seances
• Tarot cards
• Palm Reading
• Physics
• Messages from angels

I am pointing these things out because I see too many Christians getting caught up in them. We are never to seek direction or revelation apart from God and the Bible. It will only lead to deception and bondage.

With that said, we do not have to be afraid to seek after God. God will make Himself known to us and reveal the truth through His word and through the Holy Spirit. We never have to be fearful, but we do not want to be gullible and believe everything that comes into our minds.

We must simply test the spirits to see if they come from God. If you have a question the best thing to do is ask someone who is a strong believer in the Lord or leave a comment below.

True Revelation

I want to leave you with some wonderful words from the Scripture:

7 I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;
Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.
8 I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely.
10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol;
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.
11 You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (Psalm 16:7-11)

4 Make me know Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day. (Psalm 25:4-5)

12 Who is the man who fears the Lord?
He will instruct him in the way he should choose.
13 His soul will abide in prosperity,
And his descendants will inherit the land.
14 The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him,
And He will make them know His covenant. (Psalm 25:12-14)