Doctrines of Demons

1Ti 4:1-5 NLT  Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.  (2)  These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.  (3)  They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth.  (4)  Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks.  (5)  For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.

Unfortunately, this prophecy came true in the late first and early second century. But more than that, these doctrines of demons, of which there are many, were brought forth into orthodoxy. So let's identify within Christian History this prophecy. They forbid marriage and eating certain foods. Interestingly, Roman Catholic Priests were forbidden to marry, and fish was the only meat that could be eaten on Friday's and throughout Lent. I mention this because it merely frames the times when doctrines of demons would be brought into orthodoxy. How is this turning away from the true faith? It is merely an example of making rules and regulations, having a legal constitutional reading of scripture, and moving away from the solely redemptive purpose that was taught by Jesus and the first century apostles.

Paul makes a similar claim in 2Co 11:13-15 KJV  "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  (14)  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.  (15)  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." Here is a prophecy that definitely declares that Satan will be able to influence ministers. Isn't it interesting that today that most pastors and ministers are so concerned with self-righteousness. They may say they are primarily talking about imputed righteousness, but their sermons, actions, and demands betray them. They do not understand the catalyst for true righteousness and holiness is the gospel of grace, and imputed righteousness.

The point of this is that the doctrine of devils, the leaven of the Pharisees, and the deception of Satan over ministers is clearly prophesied. The most pernicious doctrine that has infiltrated the church is the demand for self righteousness. Many will argue that the Spirit enables people to live righteously and cite that as the reason for demanding read and do righteousness. All I can say is (buzzer sound) False! It is actually imputed righteousness APART from the demand for personal righteousness that will over time be the catalyst for real true righteousness. That is how the Holy Spirit aids the believer to attain righteousness. It it is from the love generated by having imputed righteousness without the demand for personal read and do righteousness, that brings about true love for God and true love for God is what generates righteous living.

Yet, there are so few congregations that believe this that the real true righteousness is never birthed. Rather self righteousness is imposed out of fear based upon the erroneous legal constitutional reading of scripture. Of all the doctrine of devils that has permeated church doctrine, this one is the most spiritually damaging. It is so clear that Jesus and his first century followers changed the hermeneutic to be solely redemptive, redefined the phrase word of God to mean gospel rather than scripture, and meant for GRACE ALONE to be the catalyst for righteousness. Still millions of Christ followers are in bondage to the doctrine of devils.