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Self Delusion

/self-dih-LOO-zhun/

Summary

The characteristic sin of wicked persons who believe themselves spiritually secure while remaining in rebellion against God.

☩Causes

Prosperity frequently leads to self-delusion: 'Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease.' Obstinate sinners are given up to delusion as judgment—believing lies because they refused to love the truth. The heart is 'deceitful above all things.'

Key verses:Psalm 30:6Hosea 12:8Luke 12:17-192 Thessalonians 2:10-11Jeremiah 17:9

☩Manifestations

Self-delusion manifests in believing our own ways are right, that we are pure, better than others, rich in spiritual things though spiritually bankrupt. It convinces us we may have peace while in sin, that God will not punish, that Christ will not come, that our lives will be prolonged.

Key verses:Proverbs 14:12Proverbs 30:12Luke 18:11Revelation 3:17Deuteronomy 29:19Jeremiah 5:12

☩Fatal Consequences

Self-delusion is frequently persevered in to the end: 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?' Yet Christ will answer: 'I never knew you.' Examples include Ahab, the Israelites, the Jews who claimed Abraham as father, and the Laodicean church who thought themselves rich when spiritually wretched.

Key verses:Matthew 7:22-23Matthew 25:11-12Luke 13:24-251 Kings 20:27, 34John 8:33, 41Revelation 3:17

Related Verses26 mentions

Matthew· 6 verses

3:97:217:227:2325:11

Psalms· 5 verses

10:630:649:1881:1181:12

Hosea· 2 verses

4:1712:8

2 Thessalonians· 2 verses

2:102:11

See Also

The Adoration of the Golden Calf
False Confidence
Security
Security

References

  1. 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Self Deception," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  2. 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Self Deception," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  3. 3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Self Deception," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  4. 4.Charles Buck, "Self-Deception," in A Theological Dictionary (Charles Buck (London), 1802).
  5. 5.Charles Buck, "Self-Deception," in A Theological Dictionary (Charles Buck (London), 1802).
  6. 6.Charles Buck, "Self-Deception," in A Theological Dictionary (Charles Buck (London), 1802).
  7. 7.John McClintock and James Strong, "Self Deception," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).