The Truth verses To Deception

Children, it is the last hour [the end of this age]; and just as you heard that the antichrist is coming [the one who will oppose Christ and attempt to replace Him], even now many antichrists (false teachers) have appeared, which confirms our belief that it is the last hour.

They went out from us [seeming at first to be Christians], but they were not really of us [because they were not truly born again and spiritually transformed]; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out [teaching false doctrine], so that it would be clearly shown that none of them are of us. (1 John 2:18-19)

People like these are not serving Christ our Lord. They are serving their own desires. By their smooth talk and flattering words they deceive unsuspecting people. (Romans 16:18) Beloved, do not believe every spirit [speaking through a self-proclaimed prophet]; instead test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons,

[misled] by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared as with a branding iron [leaving them incapable of ethical functioning]. (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

So I tell you and encourage you in the Lord's name not to live any longer like other people in the world, the foolishness and emptiness of their souls],

for their [moral] understanding is darkened and their reasoning is clouded; [they are] alienated and self-banished from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the [willful] ignorance and spiritual blindness that is [deep-seated] within them, because of the hardness and insensitivity of their heart. (Ephesians 4:17-18) And by unlimited seduction to evil and with all the deception of wickedness for those who are perishing, because they did not welcome the love of the truth [of the gospel] so as to be saved [they were spiritually blind, and rejected the truth that would have saved them]. Because of this God will send upon them a misleading influence, [an activity of error and deception] so they will believe the lie, in order that all may be judged and condemned who did not believe the truth [about their sin, and the need for salvation through Christ], but instead took pleasure in. (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12) Jesus answered, I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God.

Flesh and blood give birth to flesh and blood, but the Spirit gives birth to things that are spiritual.

Do not be surprised that I have told you, You must be born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified]. (John 3:5-7) But the testimony I receive is not from man [a merely human witness]; but I say these things so that you may be saved [that is, have eternal life]. (John 5:34)

Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God concerning them is for their salvation, that they may be saved. (Romans 10:1)