The Platters have a classic song called The Great Pretender. The song was remade by several other artists over the years; including Dolly Parton and Freddie Mercury.
There is a real life, genuine great pretender and he is also the great deceiver. This being deceived Adam and Even in the Garden of Eden and he has deceived billions of people and he is currently deceiving billions more today. This great pretender is known as Satan, the Devil (Revelation 12:4), Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12), the father of lies (John 8:44) and many other names.
Unfortunately, Satan pretends to be an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). But do not be deceived: the devil is actually a thief whose purpose is to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). 1 Peter 5:8 says that we should “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.”
Satan even antagonizes true believers and unfortunately he doesn’t need much of a foothold to negatively influence you. Ephesians 4:26-27 warns us that we should “Be angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” Anger, bitterness and unforgiveness allow Satan to interfere with your relationship with God.
Unbelievers should especially be wary of Satan. Do not be deceived, don’t follow any false religions. Don’t let any pretenders such as Satan or anyone else deceive you. In 2 Corinthians 11:4, the apostle Paul tells us that we should be wary of false preachers who preach another Jesus besides the Jesus of the Bible and he warns us to be wary of deceiving spirits and false gospels.
Jesus Christ died for the sins of guilty sinners, He was buried and rose from the grave on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). You may have been deceived by the god of this world – Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4), but if God has now revealed Himself to you, please repent by turning away from your sins and put your faith in Jesus. Surrender your will to Him. Don’t be deceived any more by the great pretender – the devil. Follow the one true Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ.