Satan’s deceptions have deceived the many while only the few can truly see them for what they are. Once someone is deceived, Satan now has them under his control. He will then use them to deceive others. Let us read about just such a scheme.
Acts 5:1-11 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife's full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles' feet.
This story took place very early in the life of the church. Satan didn’t waste any time to try and penetrate the church with deceivers.
But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? "While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it. The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.
Ananias and Sapphira had seen the selfless donations of others and the praise they had received. They desired the praise but not at that cost. So Satan had deceived them into trying to deceive the Apostles. This proved to be false, as God was protecting the development of His church and would not let Satan gain this early foothold. Unfortunately, Satan has persisted and perfected his deceptive schemes and the ‘church’ today is completely deceived.
Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter responded to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?" And she said, "Yes, that was the price." Then Peter said to her, "Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well." And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
Sapphira had memorized her part, but did not know that God has exposed their deception and taken her husband’s life. Peter gave her the opportunity to tell the truth, but she clung to the lie.
And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things.
Fear can be a very good thing. Fear can keep us from danger and even death. God doesn’t kill every sinner immediately. But, all sin will be accounted for on the terrible Day of the Lord. Escaping earthly punishment is not a sign of innocence.
God will not be mocked and will punish all unrepentant sinners. This was a very vivid example of God’s knowledge and displeasure with sin.