Classes of False gods

False gods are not just sources of life that are pleasurable. The other class of gods operate by fear of death. Both classes promise to give us life. The first class promises to enrich us with pleasure and happiness and satisfaction but when we indulge them we discover the death-effects of pain and guilt and bitterness masked by the lies.

The other class threaten us openly with pain and death and fear unless we conform to their demands. They promise to allow us permission to live if we will appease them and submit to their manipulation of our souls. Both kinds of gods promise life – the first positively and the second negatively and grudgingly. But both are diverting our loyalty and trust from the true God.