Lesson 33:

The First Great Deception

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And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:4-5

Introduction

We are in the midst of the great controversy. In this struggle, the enemy spreads false doctrines and casts doubt about God’s character in order to get humanity on his side. Satan uses the same method that he did in heaven with the angels and in the garden with Eve: deception. We are to be vigilant, alert, knowledgeable, and deception-proof. 

What are the elements of this chapter?

 
 
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Concept: DECEPTION

The act of causing someone to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid.

Satan deceives mankind to believe that he can gain immortality, knowledge/ wisdom, and a higher state of existence. (Genesis 3:1-5):

 
 
 

“Yea, hath God said…?”

In his deception Satan is implying that God is not just and his government is arbitrary. 

Satan projects his own evil character onto God and asserts that he is the one who is wronged.

 
 
 
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Concept: WINE OF BABYLON

The Bible defines false doctrine as wine. (Revelation 14:8; 17:2, Ecclesiastes 9:5-6, 10; Psalm 115:17)

The Wine of Babylon teaches the natural immortality of the soul which has as a by-product the belief in eternal torment in hell or indefinite torment in purgatory which also leads to belief in paying indulgences and penance. (GC 537.1) see also Lesson 2, 3, and 7.

 
 

What the Bible says about Death and Immortality

The Bible defines what death is and who has immortality and how immortality can be obtained or taken away.

  • Romans 6:23; Ezekiel 18:4

  • John 3:36

  • Job 14:10-12

  • Ecclesiastes 9:5; Job 14:21

  • Genesis 3:19

  • 2 Timothy 1:10; 1 Corinthians 15:22

  • Hebrews 9:27

  • John 11: 21-26; Acts 24:15; Revelation 20:6

 
 
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Concept: GOD’S CHARACTER

God desires our salvation and does not want us to die. (Ezekiel 33:11)

God is merciful and long-suffering toward those who come to Him for forgiveness.(Exodus 34:6-7)

 
 
 
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Concept: THE JUDGMENT OF THE WICKED

Judgment will occur at a specified time appointed by God. (Genesis 6:5; Acts 17:31)

The wicked will be judged and will not be able to stand in God’s presence. (Jude 6:14-15)

 
 
 

Concept: THE JUDGMENT OF THE RIGHTEOUS

The judgment of the righteous is conducted by investigation and is based on the evidence written down in the book of life where the names of the righteous dead are judged according to their deeds. (Revelation 20:12; Revelation 3:5)

The righteous will be given rewards according to their works. They will be given judgment of the fallen angels by the saints in heaven (1 Corinthians 6:2-3)

God will then deliver the execution of judgment for the transgressors of His law, eternal death. (John 5:28-29)

 
 
 

How to Inherit the Kingdom of Heaven

We must overcome sin (Ephesians 5:5)

Fear God and give Him glory (Ecclesiastes 8:12-13; Revelation 14:6-7)

Follow after peace and holiness (Hebrews 12:14)

Keep God’s commandments (Revelation 22:14-15) 

Thirst after truth (Revelation 21:6)

 
 

What does this have to do with me today?

What was the condition of Adam and Eve before the fall?

What did Satan offer Adam and Eve? 

What does the Bible say about God's so-called cruelty?

How can the belief in the natural immortality of the soul lead to universalism?