How To Spot a Fake

 How To Spot a Fake

For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, "This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased"— and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God (2 Peter 1:16-21 NAS95).

Peter said they did not follow cleverly devised tales. The world is full of counterfeit gospels and antichrist. 

Peter testifies that God’s word is trustworthy for two reasons. One, God the Father called Jesus His beloved Son which Peter heard as an eye witness. This eliminated any question as to Who Christ is. Two, the Scriptures are God-breathed by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the Word is without error.

How shall we spot all the counterfeits that seek to take us captive? It won’t be by learning about all the false religions. Cashiers and bank tellers are not shown counterfeit bills when taught to spot fakes. Instead, they are taught what real bills look like. They are made so familiar with the real thing that phoney bills stand out.

If you don’t want to be taken in by false teachers and cleverly devised schemes, become intimate with Christ’s Word. Let God’s Word become so familiar to you that the phonies stand out.

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers (Psalms 1:1-3 NAS95).