How to Know True and Fake Accounts

How would you know someone you are in contact with is the right person as they claim to be? Those with social media accounts notice the information about fake accounts. It has become easier to create such accounts to deceive others.

Those who are counterfeiting are looking for easier ways to mimic the originals. Deception, distortions, and fake news have always been around, even before the world of social media. This is particularly applicable to the world of religion and truths about God. The Devil knew God, and so he knew how to use peoples and cultures to come up with spiritual practices that continue to deceive. A proven way of knowing the truth is perhaps to reach out to the person itself and check out the descriptions.

Speaking of the word of life apostle John writes in his first epistle:

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us
- 1 John 1:1-2 ESV

The word apostles declare to us is that which they have lived with and tested out. So if we need to know the truth about the life of Jesus the best and right place is to first hear from the accounts in the Bible. Check it out and know it firsthand to hear what God himself has to say about himself.

Speaking of the reality of the resurrection and hope in Christ apostle Paul writes First Corinthians 15 verse 3 onwards

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

These descriptions are powerful in at least two ways. First, it again speaks about multiple witnesses of Jesus Christ on different occasions. All of them knew Him well and spent time with Him, so they knew it was the real Jesus who appeared to them. Another important thing is that it is all according to the scriptures, not something that randomly happened and was later compiled by someone who did not know about it.

Next time if you happen to see or suspect a fake account, you could consider getting a more detailed description of the person to ensure that he is the right person. Moving on to the world of truths about God, the first place you should be seeking and knowing is the revealed word of God. To counter the fake, you should know the truths about God. Counterfeits in all their forms come to take away life, freedom, and joy. They are trying to tap into your vulnerabilities and weaknesses. But look at what Jesus who is the great shepherd says:

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
-  John 10 9 -11

One another big test you can consider with fake practices is to see if someone or something is trying to take advantage. How can a system or person demonstrate that they have my best interests at heart? Counterfeits do not generally like or entertain questions knowing that their face could be exposed. But truth prevails because it is not scared of questions.