April 26, 2025 - Exodus 7:11 - "Imitators of The Truth"

Exodus 7:11

"Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments."

In verse 10 of Exodus 7, we find Aaron casting down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent. Moses represents the law, Aaron represents the priesthood—both foreshadowing the work of Christ. The casting down of the rod, which became a serpent, typifies something of Christ's coming and His power even over Satan, whom the serpent represents. Doesn’t all religion offer some sort of remedy to sin and Satan? That’s what we see next in the verse: “Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers.” The magicians of Egypt were the religious leaders and priests of that day. This was a convocation of the chief religious authorities, and it says, “they also did in like manner with their enchantments.” But notice the difference—with their enchantments.

There is a passage in the New Testament that uses similar language and gives a strong warning. In Galatians 3:1, we read: “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?” The religious world gets upset when you use language like this, but it is precisely what the Scripture calls it. Anything that is not of Christ, by Christ, through Christ, and to Christ is nothing but enchantment—no matter how it is dressed up.

How were they bewitched? Is it someone performing literal incantations? It might be. But it could just as easily be someone who is an eloquent speaker, skilled in forming persuasive words, convincing the mind, and—like a magician—drawing your attention away from Christ and His finished work. The danger is that you’re left with the impression that by believing what you are told, you have some hope and some assurance. But unless the foundation is Christ and Him crucified alone, it is a false hope and a false assurance.

That’s why Paul is warning the Galatians. What was the bewitching? That they should not obey the truth, that they were turning to other doctrines—doctrines other than Christ. They were being drawn aside from the message that declares righteousness solely upon the accomplished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, unmixed with any contribution of man or his works. “Before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you.” Paul is speaking of when he preached to them, setting forth Christ crucified as the very heart of the message. The cross is the only message of the One True Gospel (Galatians 1:6-10). Yet men, not taught by the Spirit, cannot rest at the cross and the One crucified there. They may dabble in things pertaining to the cross, but eventually, they tire and move on. Sooner or later, what truly occupies their mind will show—and it is not Christ alone.

In 2 Timothy 3:8, we read of two men who opposed Moses: “Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.” This is the only indication we have in Scripture as to the names of the men mentioned in Exodus 7. Notice how the apostle Paul draws a direct parallel. He describes them as men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith—that is, without sound judgment concerning the doctrine of Christ. “The Faith” refers to God’s revealed truth in connection with Christ—His Person, His death, and His finished work for the salvation and justification of His people. This was far more than a mere magic show. According to Scripture, it was a bold resistance to the truth. How so? Simply by attempting to imitate the glory and power that belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ alone.

Opposition to the Truth takes many forms. Often, we think of Cain versus Abel, where it ended in murder. Certainly, throughout church history, opposition has led to persecution and death. But more often, the greatest form of opposition is found in how men attempt to pervert or imitate the truth, rather than bow to it. They come close to it. They use scriptural terms and may speak of grace, Christ, and salvation, but they give those words completely different meanings, springing from a completely different doctrines.

All worship falls into one of two categories: it is either of grace—wholly conditioned on Christ alone—or it is of works in some form or fashion. It doesn’t have to be blatant rebellion. All error is in opposition to the Truth, though it may not appear hostile. Many of us have experienced being isolated from family, friends or acquaintances, not because of any personal animosity, but because of a difference over the Truth. Even though we may attend separate places of worship, it’s not due to bitterness. It’s over the Truth God has revealed in our hearts. And because of that, a line has been drawn—a line we cannot ignore—and it has led us to separate ourselves from them.

Many do not understand the reason for this division. They are like the magicians confronting Moses, trying to prove there was no real difference between their religion and the God of Moses. Many will say, “Why can’t we just get along?” That’s exactly where Pharaoh’s arguments went. First, he told them to go and sacrifice, but to stay in the land. Then, he said, “Go, but don’t go far” (Exodus 8:28). Then, “Go, but leave your children and your flocks” (Exodus 10:24). There was always some compromise to keep them tied to Egypt. That’s what the religious world always tries to keep you close, to keep you from being fully separated unto Christ.

In the end, we can’t just get along. The idea of cooperation and unity sounds appealing, but not when it means compromising the Truth. God sent Moses to bring Israel out of bondage—to separate them—and they could not remain. Nor can those who are taught by the Lord in Truth. As the Lord declares: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17).