The Powers behind Deception and Tempation (Part 2)

"After all, changing a belief requires having an experience, not just getting some information or logic, and it's not surprising if imaginative and experiental writing sometimes prove more effective than argument." Peter Elbow

We are deceived when we feel like something is very much true or real.  Even though it clearly is not!

We are tempted when we feel like we can’t live without something or someone.  Even though this is only true of God.  (This also  is a deception.)

I emphasize the word ---FEEL.

We tend to think of the truth as information, logic, and reason.  But this is absolutely not the case! 

Satan knows the power of passion and imagination.

For example:  What if you had to defend the “truth” about abortion?  What is more powerful:  Statistics, or pictures of babies aborted, obviously killed?  What makes the biggest impression?  The most powerful persuasion!?

Or consider what Solomon says to his son about adultery:

“Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.  May her breast satisfy you at all times.  May you be intoxicated by her love always.  Why be intoxicated by the embrace of an adulteress?” 

Solomon appeals to the sexual passion and imagination of his son.  The truth that arms his son against an adulteress is his wife’s intoxicating love and satisfying breasts.  The truth for his son IS A PERSON! “The lie” is also a person, or a false relationship.    Both the adulteress and the wife are intoxicating, but one leads to death and hell, while the other leads to genuine fulfillment.  Emotional fulfillment! 

Effective deception always arouses passion and imagination. 

So does effective temptation. 

So does effectively communicated truth!

Take the truth of Jesus’ crucifixion.

Which makes the most impact:  A theological abstract discussion about the real meaning of the cross, or watching Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ??” Or hearing a believer tell how she encountered Jesus and He saved her life?

What impacts you?

What causes you to firmly believe anything?

Isn’t it significant experiences?  Significant Emotional Events!?

The gospel is the good news about THE SIGNIFICANT EMOTIONAL EVENT:  Jesus dying an excruciating death, because He loves us, and wants us to live forever!

Whatever the truth is, it will impact spirit, soul, and body.  Because THE TRUTH is a Spirit, who has a Soul, and is in a Body—The truth is a Person, The Lord Jesus Christ, The God Man!  Fully Divine.  Fully Human.  The one who was seen, heard, and touched by His followers.  The One who ate, drank, slept, and lived on earth.   

The Truth is Alive!