Favorite books in the Bible...

[Fear_nam_Beanntan]

I wouldn't say that they were written for the purpose of keeping people from the truth, though that is often their effect.

[Theja]

Thanks, FNB, for articulating it.

Yes, so-called new revelations or rediscovered doctrines contrary to written scriptures are what these 'false prophets' formulate to deceive the gullible. And in the process become very entrenched because there is organizational structure and wealth involved. People coming out of such groups need to unlearn a lot of 'favorite concepts'.

[Fear_nam_Beanntan]

I agree. Our understanding of the Bible and of Christian doctrine can grow and develop, but none of the new ideas can contradict the original deposit of faith. They must follow directly from it. That was the whole thesis of The Development of Christian Doctrine by John Henry Cardinal Newman.

[Theja]

Jesus was God (Hebrews 1) before He became man (Hebrews 2). Incarnation (John 1:1,14).

No man can become God. The devil has been deceiving some people on this one (Genesis 3:5). Hence to think one can become God is a doctrine of the devil (1 Timothy 4:1).

The devil is a liar (John 8:44).