Would you know a counterfeit bill if you saw one? Unless it was the proverbial $3 bill, I know I wouldn't! Because counterfeiters are very sophisticated these days and though there are always mistakes—wrong color, texture, paper type, watermarks, symbols, etc.—if you had to obtain and study each variant, it would be a nearly impossible and never-ending task.

But if you were trained by the FBI, you wouldn't often be fooled. They use a method that makes most counterfeits stand out like that $3 bill, no matter what the differences may be.

And what is the basis of this clever scheme? To simply study the real thing! A great deal of their schooling is spent memorizing every square millimeter; every nuance of color and texture; every mark and symbol on actual bills. Then, even if they don't spot the actual mistake right away, because they've spent so much time with the genuine article, something that's fishy will look and feel—well, fishy!

There's a lesson here for Christians. The Bible tells us that Satan himself can appear as an "angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14 2 Corinthians 11:14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
American King James Version×) and deceives many. And we are to beware of the "'commandments of men" (Mark 7:7 Mark 7:7However, in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
American King James Version×), "false teachers" (Matthew 7:15 Matthew 7:15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
American King James Version×) and "heresies" (1 Corinthians 11:19 1 Corinthians 11:19For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
American King James Version×, King James Version). But how? By searching out and studying every false doctrine and heresy out there? Like the search for counterfeiter's mistakes, that would be a nearly impossible and never-ending task.

Instead, we should take a leaf out of the pages of the FBI and study the real thing—the Bible, the very Word of God. In Acts 17:11 Acts 17:11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
American King James Version×the Bereans were commended for they "…searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." We're told to "be diligent [study, King James Version] to present yourself approved to God" (2 Timothy 2:15 2 Timothy 2:15Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
American King James Version×); and to "prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21 1 Thessalonians 5:21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
American King James Version×).

I don't know about you, but I simply don't have time to read all kinds of treatises on other people's beliefs to see if they're true. The Bible says that in the end times many shall be deceived (Matthew 24:5 Matthew 24:5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
American King James Version×, 11). Knowing the truth—studying the genuine article—is the only way to be prepared for counterfeits!

Keep your nose in the Bible—know it, love it, be sure of the truth of it—then when you encounter falsehoods in any guise, you will recognize the fake.