The deadliest form of evil to beware of, is that which has the appearance of good. The deception of a demonic doctrine is that it appears to lead you toward holiness, but eventually leads you astray. The Devil is a smart enemy. Demon-possession is repulsive. Demon-teaching, however, is attractive to the flesh, it tickles the ear. What the Serpent offered Adam and Eve was evil in the appearance of godliness. There is a “being like God in knowing good and evil” that will kill you (Genesis 3:4,5,22). The Devil’s deception is to present a way to “godliness” that still allows you to live for your Self. If we believe his lie, we end up with a form of godliness, but lacking real power against him. It’s like trying to fight him with a paper sword. When you try to earn godliness by offering God something other than the sacrifice He desire — i.e., your body as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) — then you’re trying to offer a “replacement sacrifice”, which He cannot accept. There is only one sacrifice that God accepts now — the perfect sacrifice of His Son Jesus. So, you must be united with Jesus in His death in order for God to accept your body as a living sacrifice. “Just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust Him, too, for each day’s problems; live in vital union with Him” (Colossians 2:6 TLB). Not the labor of my hands can fulfill Thy law’s demands; could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow; all for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone. Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling; naked, come to Thee for dress; helpless look to Thee for grace; foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die. Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.