The Agony of Deceit is a book edited by Michael Horton written to expose the fraud of so many televangelists out there. Yet, his book is not entirely written in fury and rage against the perpetrators of the deceit. He also focuses on the responsibility hearers have in being discerning. Horton writes, "A lot of people, I think, who watch Benny Hinn or watch the TV evangelists more generally, think that what they're saying is authoritative--after all they're on TV and they've written books. And we've lost the capacity to think critically and to weigh people in light of what the scriptures teach" (as quoted in www.religionnewsblog.com). It is all the more amazing that Horton edited this book 20 years ago. Televangelism may have lost some steam, but Horton's observation is timeless. Any time and place where people are not in the Book and do not see the Bible as an objective, authoritative standard that could not be more relevant and meaningful to their lives, people are rife to be religiously deceived.
Look at how often New Testament writers warn churches and individuals about the danger of being deceived. Paul warns Ephesus, "Let no one deceive you with empty words" (Eph. 5:6). Paul warns Thessalonica, "Let no one in any way deceive you" (2 Th. 2:3). Paul warns Timothy, "But evil men and imposters will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived" (2 Ti. 3:13). Paul tells Titus, "For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers" (Ti. 1:10). John tells the chosen lady and her children, "Many deceivers have gone out into the world" (2 Jn. 7).
Why all the warning? God knows that intellectual laziness regarding scripture makes us quick and easy prey for deceivers. He knows the agony that falling for such will bring into our lives, especially in light of eternity. The antidote to deception is reception (Js. 1:21--"in humility receive the word implanted") and conception (Ps. 119:104--"From Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way"). Maybe we would not ever think ourselves capable of falling for a Benny Hinn, but we must guard against those much more subtle, crafty, and nearer to biblical truth who nonetheless are teaching error. Information and perspiration leads to transformation and away from spiritual deformation.
Look at how often New Testament writers warn churches and individuals about the danger of being deceived. Paul warns Ephesus, "Let no one deceive you with empty words" (Eph. 5:6). Paul warns Thessalonica, "Let no one in any way deceive you" (2 Th. 2:3). Paul warns Timothy, "But evil men and imposters will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived" (2 Ti. 3:13). Paul tells Titus, "For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers" (Ti. 1:10). John tells the chosen lady and her children, "Many deceivers have gone out into the world" (2 Jn. 7).
Why all the warning? God knows that intellectual laziness regarding scripture makes us quick and easy prey for deceivers. He knows the agony that falling for such will bring into our lives, especially in light of eternity. The antidote to deception is reception (Js. 1:21--"in humility receive the word implanted") and conception (Ps. 119:104--"From Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way"). Maybe we would not ever think ourselves capable of falling for a Benny Hinn, but we must guard against those much more subtle, crafty, and nearer to biblical truth who nonetheless are teaching error. Information and perspiration leads to transformation and away from spiritual deformation.
--Neal Pollard
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