When a cause is being advanced by lies, it cannot tolerate truth. Those who advance the fraudulent cause not only do not want the truth, they also actively oppose it. Throughout all human history, Satan, the father of lies, and his followers have employed specific methods, strategies, and practices designed to divert minds away from truth.
Two thousand years ago, Jesus went around doing good, healing people, casting out demons, and presenting the truth of God’s kingdom of love, which can only be advanced by truth. His influence was rising in the region, causing more and more people to ask questions; thus, truth was advancing, lies and false theologies were being exposed, evil practices stood in contrast to the righteousness of Christ, and those whose positions and practices were threatened did not repent because “everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed” (John 3:20 NIV).
The methods of the crucifiers stand in contrast to the methods of Christ. As we approach the second coming, the saints will be tempted to cast down the principles and practices of Jesus and take up the sword of Satan, embracing and practicing the methods of the crucifiers of our Savior. In society today, the father of lies is deceiving millions into embracing and practicing his methods under the guise of pursuing justice. But the Bible tells us to “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them (Ephesians 5:11 NIV).
In this blog, we will do just that—expose the methods used by those who crucified Christ. Do you notice any of the following methods being used in society today? Have you been tempted to use any?
Name Calling and Character Assassination
But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons” (Matthew 12:24 NIV).
“You are demon-possessed,” the crowd answered (John 7:20 NIV).
The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?” (John 8:48 NIV).
At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed!” (John 8:52 NIV).
Accusing the Righteous of the Evil that They Are Doing
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” (Matthew 26:65-66 NIV).
Twisting Words and Perjury
Finally two came forward and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days’” (Matthew 26:60-61 NIV).
Appeal to Expert Opinions Rather than the Truth to Intimidate the Uneducated
Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and the Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?”
“No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards replied.
“You mean he has deceived you also?” the Pharisees retorted. “Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them” (John 7:45–49 NIV).
Intimidation via Sanctions and Restricting Liberties
His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue (John 9:22 NIV).
Rejection and Mob Violence
All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff (Luke 4:28–29 NIV).
Betrayal Under the Guise of Blessing
Judas went straight to Jesus and said, “Peace be with you, Teacher,” and kissed him (Matthew 26:49 GNT).
Shouting Down Voices of Truth to Silence, Intimidate, and Incite Riots
When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together. Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater.
The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” (Acts 19:28–34 NIV).
Mocking and Physical Abuse
They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him (Mark 15:17–20 NIV).
Refusing to Listen and Murdering Voices of Truth
At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep (Acts 7:57–60 NIV).
Don’t get tricked into joining with the crucifiers by embracing their practices, for we can never win God’s cause by using Satan’s methods.
As the final events preceding the second coming of Christ occur, the righteous will be sorely tried and tempted. It is only by clinging to Jesus, trusting Him, and practicing His methods in how we treat others, including those who are against us, that we will be victorious. If you are a Christian—real and true, Christian in heart, mind, soul, and strength—then you will do exactly as Jesus has taught us. You will “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44, 45 GNT).
Get ready, for Jesus is coming soon!
* A Version of this article originally appeared on Dr. Tim’s Website, ComeandReason.com
