TITLE: Deceived until their End
TEXT: 2Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
INTRO: This is not an original title. I was reading the writing of another preacher who told of His trip to Israel. He said that he had went to see the sites of biblical significance. However, it was a non-biblical related site that stirred his heart. Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum on top of the Mount of Remembrance in the Holy Land. It wasn’t its size or the art work their to describe the significance of what had happened, but it was a model of a concentration camp and above that model was inscribed a quote that read, “The camp’s law is that those going to their death should be deceived until their end.” Written by a non Jewish prisoner named Tadeusz Borowski. He recounted what would happen as they would bring in prisoners. They would be divided by those who were strong enough to immediately begin forced labor and those who would be brought to the gas chambers. Most of these being the sick, weak, women and children. To control them mass number of people they were told that they were headed to the showers to be de-liced, never realizing what was happening until the gas coming from the so called shower-heads began to take affect. The preacher goes on to say, “This tactic did not originate with hitler and his henchmen. It came right out of the playbook of the very one who inspires all such destruction. Satan. It is Satan’s law. It is satan who keeps all of humanity blinded from seeing that the road he has encouraged them to travel is headed for destruction and eternal torment. His goal is to keep them deceived until their end. Until it is to late. Until the day of salvation has passed!”
I. Satan’s Plan!
Satan’s plan since he was thrown out of heaven has been to destroy humanity. The bible says that He cometh not but to steal, kill, and destroy! His desire is to make sure every person goes to hell with Him! He preys upon the weak and unexpecting to devour them as a roaring lion does! He hates you! We in church often say that he doesn’t need to hinder the lost , because they are already lost, but our text says that He blinds their eyes so they cannot see the truth! He is evil, wicked, and destructive! His plan is that we all go to hell with him!
He paints a pretty picture of the pleasure sin can bring. He promises the world and riches and power, just like he did with Christ! He lies and tells you everything is ok and this or that isn’t bad. But beware sinner and Christian, His devices are deadly! Beware lest you are deceived until your end!
II. Christ’s Desire!
The bible tells us that he came to give us life and have it more abundantly! It is not is desire that any person perishes in their sins. He has come to open the blinded eyes that the devil has blinded. He has come to reveal the truth of the enemies plan! He preached repentance (Turning) from sin! He preached hope to the hopeless! He preached truth to those who had been lied to! He showed people the error of their ways, but also told them of the love and mercy of the Father! He came to die in our place to redeem (buy back) us from the chains of sin and to give us the freedom that comes from salvation!
III. Your Choice!
However, it all comes down to you! It all comes down to your choice! God is a gentleman and He will never force you to be saved from sin and hell! The devil is not a gentleman and will do everything within his power to cause you die in your sin! You can either enjoy the pleasure of sin for a season, which will bring death. Or you can turn from sin and turn towards the love, grace, mercy, and eternal life of God!
THE LAMPLIGHTERS PROJECT 