Many people have imagined that they will easily be able to discern the last great deceptions that Satan will bring on the world. They know what the Bible says about the manner of Christ’s second coming; they know which day is the Bible Sabbath; they know what happens to a person when he dies. So they think that they are safe from being deceived. This was the exact condition and mindset of the Jews at the first advent of Christ.
If you have felt that you were safe because of your familiarity with the word of God, hopefully the following inspired statements should help you to realize that unless the Lord shields you by His Holy Spirit and unless you are a serious Bible student, you will be deceived. Remember that the person who is deceived does not know that he is deceived. If he did know, he would no longer be deceived.
“Only those who have been diligent students of the Scriptures and who have received the love of the truth will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive.” The Great Controversy, 625.
“If permitted, he [Satan] would sweep the entire race into his net. Were it not for the interposition of divine power, not one son or daughter of Adam would escape.” Ibid., 534.
“The path of error often appears to lie close to the path of truth. It is hardly distinguishable from the path that leads to holiness and heaven. But the mind enlightened by the Holy Spirit may discern that it is diverging from the right way. After a while the two are seen to be widely separated.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 290, 291.
“If there was ever a time when we should watch and pray in real earnest, it is now. Many apparently good things will need to be carefully considered with much prayer, for they are specious devices of the enemy to lead souls in a path which lies so close to the path of truth that it will be scarcely distinguishable from it. But the eye of faith may discern that it is diverging, though almost imperceptibly, from the right path. At first it may be thought positively right, but after a while it is seen to be widely divergent from the way which leads to holiness and heaven. My brethren, I warn you to make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way.” Evangelism, 590.