Absolutely. Our belief or disbelief has no impact on God's True whatsoever.
The Holy Scriptures, that some believe were inspired by God (of Abraham) Himself, prophesy of an end time when "MANY"
SHALL "SAY" they are Christ's People (Come in Christ's Name, Call Jesus Lord, Lord, etc.) but are actually deceived. This doesn't mean there are folks who are purposely trying to promote false teaching. Jesus Himself, according to the Holy Scriptures, said there "WILL" be "MANY" deceivers who come in HIS name. But isn't a deceiver simply a person who is convinced, and then teaches others, things about God which are not true, according to Scriptures.
Eve held no malice towards Adam when she promoted a religious "work" to him, which transgressed God's Commandments. The creators of the Talmud didn't hand write these commandments for the purpose of deceiving people or turning them away from the One True God. They were simply deceived, which means they were convinced of things about God that are not true.
The members of the RCC truly believe they are teaching God's Truth. The Mormon's truly believe they teach the truth. So do the Baptist's, and SDA, and Pentecostals and Calvinist's and JW's and all the rest.
Jesus knew this would happen, and warned His People of this very thing. It is even written that satan deceives the whole world. And how would it do that? By coming in Christ's Name, or as Paul says, "disguising itself as an apostle of Christ". It has from the very beginning used God's Word to deceive. "Hath God not said"?
So given these Scriptural prophesies, how can we know what is Truth? How can we "Take Heed" we are not also deceived?
For me it is shutting out ALL the other voices in the garden God placed me in. Don't listen to any "MAN" teach about God. We have His Oracles in our own homes. HIS Prophets, HIS disciples, HIS Hand Picked teachers. Can God not reveal Himself to me through them, without me having to choose one of the literally hundreds of differing sects and religious franchises whose doctrines differ according to the religious philosopher they have chosen to follow?
Paul tell us this very thing?
2 Tim. 3:
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Hard to believe given we are born into a world where religious tradition dictates we must pick from the smorgasbord of religious options in order to be accepted by God. And what would happen if these traditions are exposed? No more man made religious high days, impacting every business in the entire world. No more religious franchise opportunity. No more powerful religious political force to influence differing political ideologies.
No more religious social clubs and "wonderful works in Christ's Name". Instead, we would have personal relationships with the God who inspired HIS Word to teach us. A people who placed their trust in HIM and His Word, not the religious philosopher's of this world who all preach a different doctrine.
And isn't that what God's True church has always been?
Mal. 3:
16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
Great points Mr. E. Great perspective.
