How can believers discern truth from deception as instructed in Ezekiel 13:21? Seeing the Setting • Ezekiel 13 addresses false prophets and prophetesses who covered people with “veils” of counterfeit visions. • Verse 21 declares God’s response: “I will tear off your veils and deliver My people out of your hands, and they will no longer be prey. Then you will know that I am the LORD.” (Ezekiel 13:21) • The Lord promises two things: exposure of deception and rescue of His people. Those same certainties guide believers today. Core Principle from Ezekiel 13:21 When God tears away man-made coverings, truth is revealed and freedom follows. Discerning believers cooperate with that divine unveiling by refusing anything that obscures God’s word or God’s character. Recognizing Modern-Day “Veils” • Teachings that add mystical practices or human traditions to Scripture • Promises of blessing detached from repentance and obedience • Messages that flatter rather than confront sin • Selective Bible use that avoids hard passages • Charismatic personalities who demand loyalty instead of pointing to Christ Practices for Discernment • Examine every claim against the whole counsel of Scripture. (Acts 17:11) • Test the spirit behind a message. (1 John 4:1) • Look for the fruit—godliness, humility, love of truth. (Matthew 7:15-20) • Seek the witness of the Holy Spirit who leads into all truth. (John 16:13) • Stay accountable within a Bible-anchored church community. (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Refuse secrecy; truth welcomes the light. (Ephesians 5:11) Scriptures That Sharpen Discernment • “All Scripture is God-breathed … so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception.” (Colossians 2:8) • “Test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) • “For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14) Signs That Truth Has Prevailed • Increased clarity about God’s character and will • Freedom from fear-based control or manipulation • A growing appetite for unfiltered Scripture • Repentance and restored obedience • Gratitude that points back to the Lord, not to human leaders Encouragement to Walk in Light God still tears off veils. Stay under the open light of His word, keep testing every voice by that fixed standard, and confidence will replace confusion. The more firmly you cling to revealed truth, the less power deception holds—just as He promised through Ezekiel long ago. |
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