In the 1930’s, Swedish artist Oscar Reutersvärd drew and made public a series of what came to be called impossible figures. A modern example is shown at left. At a quick glance, these drawings seem to make believable what clearly violates all rules of common sense. When examined carefully, however, they can be seen as clever tricks invented by the artist to confuse or deceive the eye and mind of the beholder.
Impossible figures are not the only things that appear different from what they really are. Some two thousand years ago, the Bible warned: “Look out: perhaps there may be someone who will carry you off as his prey through the philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ.”—Colossians 2:8.
What adds weight to this warning is that the writer of those words himself had been a victim of deceit. Having been educated at the feet of one of the most renowned religious teachers of his time and having connections in high places, he was the type least likely to be deceived.—Acts 22:3.
This man—Saul of Tarsus—had been led to believe that anyone who did not share his religious traditions and customs was condemned. Empowered by the Jewish religious leaders, he considered it his God-given duty to prosecute any who refused to recant. He even supported the murder of one of his countrymen on the mistaken charge of blasphemy.—Acts 22:4, 5, 20.
In time, Saul was helped to see the distinction between what is right and what is wrong, what God approves and what He disapproves. Once Saul realized that he was wrong, this zealous man changed his ways and became known as Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ. No longer a victim of deception, Paul found the true way of worship.—Acts 22:6-16; Romans 1:1.
Like Paul, many sincere people were once deceived by teachings that might be likened to impossible figures—beliefs that seem plausible but are not based on God’s Word. (Proverbs 14:12; Romans 10:2, 3) Then they were helped to see the beliefs and the fruits of their religion for what they really are. (Matthew 7:15-20) As they gained accurate knowledge of the Bible, they made changes in their beliefs and lifestyle in order to have God’s approval.
Would you be willing to follow the example of the apostle Paul and examine your beliefs in the light of God’s Word, the Bible?
The Watchtower September 1, 2010 pgs. 11-13 “Guard against Being Deceived”
I firmly believe that everything stated in the above article is reasonable and scriptural and, for that reason, cannot be faulted. Everything presented is a direct quote with no additions or changes made, except one. The last sentence of the article reads:
“Jehovah’s Witnesses will be glad to help you.”
The question is, would Jehovah’s Witnesses be willing to follow the example of the apostle Paul and examine their beliefs in the light of God’s Word, the Bible? Or do they consider themselves to be exempt from being measured by the same standard as all other religions?