Persuasion vs. Deception
Can you have one without the other?
Satan uses both. Persuasion is on the way to deception.
If the truth is not clear in the first place, one can go straight to deception.
It is very possible persuasion will be a very big part of those who take the Mark of the Beast when the choice is there.
The choice will be hard. It may be persecution up to and including death. see Revelation 13
People may know it is wrong to take it, but could be persuaded to do so anyway.
I thought about a prophecy I heard several years ago. It was in 2020, during Covid.
The prophet said something to the effect:
You have to increase your time in My word and in Prayer, otherwise you will not make it.
That stuck with me. I asked the Lord immediately, “What do I need to do?”
He gave me specific instructions. They are not for everyone, so I don’t need to share,
Those of us who have a relationship with the Lord can ask
as Jesus has a tailor-made plan for each of us and our life and knows our daily responsibilities and routines.
The thing you do not want to do is not ask.
To guard ourselves from being deceived or to resist persuasion, we are in a world where Satan can tempt us. Others can be used to deceive us or persuade us into doing things we do not want to do.
Our best defense?
To know the word of God, to realize its importance and to resist the devil who will then flee from us.
There are many scriptures you can use when in the face of danger. To name a few:
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you,
than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
Start small and memorize the word of God so you can quote when you feel you are being pressured.
Memorize some that have given you comfort or that have given you boldness.
God’s word is powerful no matter which scriptures you use.
His word is full of working power to help guard against persuasion and deception.