Jesus spoke strongly in Mark about the coming deception, in that it will be so intense that even the elect might be deceived. This will happen when "false messiahs and false prophets ... appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." (Mark 13:22)
Although that is a fearful thing, God has given us the key to avoid being deceived: the very Word of God. "So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time," Jesus said (see Mark 13:23).
Are you ready to face the deception that is coming or that which has already come? Here are some things you can do to "be on your guard" and "be alert" (v. 33) against the enemy's schemes.
1) Build good foundations
Consider the story of the wise and foolish builder in Matthew 7:24-27.
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
The Word of God is still the best and only good foundation wherein we should anchor ourselves upon. Like engineers that carefully and precisely build foundations, we should carefully examine the teachings we build our lives upon. Nothing can ever beat the Word of God – the very same thing that created everything in existence.
2) Use the Word of God as your standard
Hebrews 4:12-13 tells us, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
Nothing deceiving or misleading can ever hide and never be revealed by the Word of God. Using the Word of God as your standard in every thought, choice, plan and desire will protect you from being deceived, and free you when you are misled.
3) Don't take deception with a grain of salt
Lastly, do not think you cannot be deceived. Keep going back to the Word of God always. Remember, Jesus used it as His weapon against Satan's temptations (see Luke 4:1-13). We should, too.
