I am still looking for the verse, from what I remember when reading the Bible with a teacher he showed me a verse that said those who are deceived will also be in the lake of fire along with the deceiver. So there is no excuse for ignorance?
What are some things to help not be deceived by a wolf in sheep's clothing?
I do not know the full truth, I am 20 and recently begun my journey without blindly believing in man alone. However, from warnings in the Bible, it doesn't seem as if either JW or the Catholic Church would be a good choice as it contradicts the Bible and fulfilled The Beast from the Sea prophesy.
I do not know everything but this is what I have learned this far.
1. There is excuse for all men that have never heard of the Law of Christ or of Christ Himself . But they are a law unto themselves(Romans 2:12-16). Those who are deceived by Lucifer and take the mark of the beast are all willingly accepting damnation( Revelation 14:9-11; Revelation 13) and cannot repent or be saved. That is their choice.
2. You should only believe something if itis based solely on the word of God and has strong doctrine behind it. You should study everything daily to show yourself approved. And you should not hate or turn away from those who seek to instruct you but you should consider the end of their conversation and try it against the word of God on your own at home to see if it is true.
1 Thess 5:21
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
2 timothy 3:16-17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
2 timothy 4:1-2, 5
1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Romans 12:2
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Acts 17:11
11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Proverbs 12:1
1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
Proverbs 8:33
33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
2 Timiothy 2:15
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
And you should also remember that the Apostles and Christ fully preached the doctrine and traditions of Christ. If a change was to be made to the doctrine or if it were only for a time then it would have been stated in the word that was written down and given to us in the bible, but no change was spoken of neither was there a time limit given. Instead we are told that if any man or any angel preach anything other than what we have been given he is to be accursed, and that we are to continue in the things we have learned and have been assured of knowing of whom we have learned them. That is to say we should believe everything the Apostles and Christ said as the Law of Christ and if any man preach any other doctrine than that of the Apostles they are not of God.
Declared all the counsel of God(Acts 20:26-28)
Continued in Doctrine of the Apostles(Acts 2:42)
Hold Fast to the Doctrine(Titus 1:9)
Paul has Planted the word(2 Thess 3:6)
Hold Fast to the word and Tradtions we have been taught(2 Thess 2:14-17)
Doctrine of Christ(2 John 9-10)
Oberserve these things(2 Tim 5:21)
Be mindful of the words spoken by the prophets and the commandments of the Apostles and Christ(2 Peter 3:1-2, 15-18)
Keep the sound words given by Paul(1 Timohty 1:13-14)
Fully known the Doctrine, continue in things learned(2 Tim 3:10, 14-15)
Laws of God (Rom 13:2,9-10)
Stablish according to the Gospel and preaching of Christ(Romans 16:25-27)
Fully preached the Gospel of Christ(Romans 15:19,29)
Acknowledge things spoken as commandments of the Lord(1 Cor 14:37)
Gospel received by Revelation of Christ(Gal 1:6-12)
Christ the same today yesterday and tomorrow, so to is the word of God the same. (Hebrews 13:8-9)
Keep the Commandments given by Christ(John 14:21,23, Matt 28:20)
Holy word of God is of no private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20-21)
3. It's good that you already understand that the Catholics and the JWs are not the Lord's church, and I hope that neither of them come to deceive you concerning God's word. But I do warn you that every mainstream religion( Baptist, Pentecostal, Mainstream Apostolic, Evangelical, Church of Christ, Seventh Day Adventist, Davidian Seventh Day Adventist, Etc) has holes in their doctrine that cannot be proven out of God's word. I would advise to seek out the truth on your own first and then the Davidan Seventh day Adventists(Don Adair would be the best to speak to)/SDA as they have the most truth(out of the mainstream) with the fewest lies. But again they still have many things wrong, just not as wrong as everybody else.
4. If you have any questions and you feel you can trust me, then you can message me and I will answer to the best of my ability. But again I advise that you seek out the truth of the word trusting in the Holy spirit to guide you as you pray to God for the Truth and Light of his word.
May the Lord God YHWH Guide you brother.
