The Danger of False Religion and the Deception of Satan

False religion is one of the most dangerous deceptions in the world. The Bible warns us repeatedly about its presence and its influence, describing it as the “doctrines of demons.” This is because Satan, who disguises himself as an angel of light, operates within the realm of religion. His ministers also present themselves as messengers of truth, but in reality, they spread deception and spiritual destruction.

False religion is everywhere, and Scripture not only warns us about its existence but also about those who promote it—false teachers and prophets who lead many astray. However, the greatest warning in the Bible is about the peril of false religion. Nothing is more spiritually destructive or eternally dangerous than being misled by false beliefs.

The world is naturally drawn to false religion. Many people readily embrace its deception, but why? Why is false religion so attractive? Why do so many people have little resistance to it? The answer is found in 1 John 5:19, which says, “The whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” The world is under Satan’s influence, making it easy for people to believe religious lies and difficult for them to accept the truth.

Jesus addressed this reality in John 8:43-44 when He said:

“Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot hear My word. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Jesus made it clear that those who reject the truth do so because they belong to the devil’s kingdom. They are not resistant to lies, but they are resistant to the truth. This is why false religion thrives worldwide—it is easy for people to follow Satan’s deception, but it is incredibly difficult for them to embrace God’s truth.

The Hardness of Accepting True Religion

The greatest concern is not how easily people are led into false religion, but how hard it is for them to embrace true faith. It is natural for the unsaved to follow deception, but it is unnatural for them to seek God’s truth. In other words, following Satan’s lies leads to destruction, while following God’s truth leads to eternal life—but the latter is much harder.

In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus contrasts true religion with false religion. What is striking is that He does not compare true faith with paganism or idolatry; instead, He exposes a distorted form of biblical religion. This is one of the most dangerous deceptions—when truth is twisted into a false gospel.

False religion is not always easy to recognize. It can be labeled as Judaism, Christianity, or even evangelicalism. It may mention Christ and the gospel, yet still be a counterfeit faith. The purpose of the Sermon on the Mount is to unmask the corruption of true biblical faith, specifically the false system promoted by the Pharisees and scribes.

True Righteousness vs. False Righteousness

The key message of Jesus’ sermon is found in Matthew 5:20:

“Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

The Pharisees were the religious elite of their time. They followed the Old Testament meticulously and prided themselves on their strict legalism. Yet, their righteousness was not enough for salvation because it was based on works rather than faith in God.

Jesus set the ultimate standard in Matthew 5:48:

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

This verse reveals that human effort alone is not sufficient to enter God’s kingdom. True righteousness comes not from legalistic rule-keeping, but from a transformed heart through faith in Christ. Only through Him can we attain the righteousness required to enter heaven.