The question of whether the elect can be deceived is an important one that the Bible speaks about in several places. At its core, it involves understanding who the “elect” are according to Scripture, what it means for them to be “deceived,” and how God’s sovereignty relates to man’s free will. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches on this significant topic.
Who Are the Elect?
The “elect” refers to those God has chosen to receive salvation and eternal life. Several verses help shed light on who makes up the elect:
– “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” (Romans 8:29-30)
– “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” (Ephesians 1:3-4)
– “But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
These verses indicate that the elect refers to those God chose and predestined for salvation before the world began. It consists of people chosen by grace to believe in Christ and receive eternal life.
What Does It Mean for the Elect to Be “Deceived?”
When we talk about the elect being “deceived,” this does not refer to them losing their salvation or not making it to heaven. Scripture clearly teaches that all those predestined by God for salvation will indeed be saved (John 10:27-29; Romans 8:29-30). Instead, being “deceived” refers to being led astray in belief or practice for a period of time. It means adopting false teachings or ways of living that are contrary to God’s Word.
For example, in Matthew 24:24, where Jesus says that false prophets will arise who are able to deceive even the elect, the context is being led astray by false teaching and prophecy during the end times. Paul also warns the Corinthians not to be deceived and fall into sexual immorality (1 Cor 6:9-10). So deception involves straying from truth and righteousness into error and sin.
God’s Sovereignty and Man’s Free Will
A key to understanding how the elect can be deceived is recognizing that God’s sovereignty works together with man’s free will. God is completely sovereign and predestines who will be saved. Yet people are still responsible for the choices they make. As Augustine stated, “He who created you without your consent does not justify you without your consent.”
The Bible contains many examples of God’s people being deceived for a time because they willfully sinned:
– Eve was deceived by the serpent’s lies which led her to eat the forbidden fruit (Gen 3:1-7)
– Abraham deceived Pharaoh about Sarah being his sister (Gen 12:10-20)
– Jacob was deceived by Laban during his marriage to Leah (Gen 29:15-30)
– David was deceived by lust which led to adultery and murder (2 Sam 11)
– The prophet Nathan deceived David through the story about the rich man stealing the poor man’s lamb (2 Sam 12:1-7)
Yet God remained sovereign through it all and worked all things for His purposes and glory. But these examples show that even the righteous can be deceived for a time when they choose to sin.
Wise Counsel on How to Avoid Deception
Scripture offers much counsel on how God’s elect can avoid being deceived and straying from the truth. Here is a sampling of wise advice:
– “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
– “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
– “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them;” (Ephesians 5:6-7)
– “I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.” (1 John 2:21)
– “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father–Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” (1 John 2:1)
Abiding in God’s Word, renewing our mind, testing teachings, and walking in the truth and Spirit are vital safeguards against deception.
Biblical Examples of the Elect Being Deceived
Despite the wise counsel to avoid deception, Scripture contains multiple examples of believers who fell into temporary deception:
– Abraham deceived Abimelech by claiming Sarah was his sister (Gen 20:1-7)
– Isaac also deceived Abimelech by saying Rebekah was his sister (Gen 26:6-11)
– Jacob’s sons deceived him about Joseph’s death (Gen 37:31-35)
– Aaron led the people into idolatry with the golden calf (Ex 32)
– Samson was deceived by Delilah’s nagging and lies (Judges 16)
– David numbered the fighting men of Israel when he should have trusted God (2 Sam 24)
– Solomon was deceived by his many wives into idolatry (1 Kings 11:1-6)
– Peter temporarily ceased eating with Gentiles for fear of the circumcision party (Gal 2:11-16)
– Paul rebuked Peter for this hypocrisy which led others astray (Gal 2:11-16)
These examples show that even the most righteous can be deceived for a time. But God remains faithful even when we are faithless (2 Tim 2:11-13).
God’s Promises of Protection for His Sheep
While the elect can stray into deception, God promises to protect and guide His people:
– “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28)
– “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” (Isaiah 40:11)
– “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8)
– “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Our Good Shepherd promises to lead, instruct, and restore His wandering sheep.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible teaches that the elect can be temporarily deceived and led astray into false teaching or sinful living. This is illustrated by many examples of righteous followers of God who fell into deception for a period. Yet God in His sovereignty works through our free choices to accomplish His purposes. He provides wise counsel and makes promises to guide, protect, and restore His elect sheep. Though we may falter, He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).
