“13. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
“Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” When we think of Satan, we don’t usually think of him as having a form of holiness but more a leader of murdering, adultery, and an evil government. Recently, there was a man that was very prideful to show me the picture of a nice buck he had taken last season. Along the conversation he mentioned that he actually took it on a Sunday. I asked him if it was a blessing from God or the devil! He was a bit sensitive in his response when he said it was from God. I prayed for God to bless me with a buck and he answered my prayer. He then went to say he does a lot for his church and how he is always there. Excuse, excuse, excuse! “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”
When we begin to say this is acceptable, we are deceiving ourselves. When the man mentioned his background of doctrine it was apparent, he is among the teachings that God chose those He wanted to be saved and those He wanted to send to hell. It could be that this man is not saved. So, what happens when we approach the house of God with this type of attitude? This man has now justified to himself that skipping church is ok for pleasure. There are more important and pleasurable things to do on Sunday rather than worship God. “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”
Whether this man is saved or not, there are many born again believers that think this is acceptable, but again, “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” II Timothy 3 says that in the last days “perilous times shall come.” This word perilous means dangerous. There are 19 things listed among these perilous times, but the last two are found in verses 4 and 5: “…lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” The New Testament established the first day of the week for believers to come together to worship God in the church house! When we live in direct disobedience to the Word of God, we cannot have a true healthy relationship with our Creator. Stop justifying your sin! “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”(James 4:17)
“Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.”(Matthew 23:25-26) The problem with the Pharisees is that they were very religious but very lost. Are you saved today? Maybe you justify so much sin in your life because salvation is not real! Jesus said, “…repent, and believe the gospel.” Maybe you are saved! Is the Word of God your light today? Is it your final authority? Don’t live like a Pharisee!
“When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still and with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
Memory Verse
II Corinthians 11:14
“And no marvel, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”
