Conversation with a Former Christian

This is an interesting scenario. We must first recognize that Ephesians 6:12 says, For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. The goal is not to win the argument, but to demonstrate the love of Christ and point him back to Christ. I Corinthians 3:6-9, references that some plant, some water, but ultimately God grows. We cannot save anyone, we are only the vessel that God uses. From my perspective, three spirits that are influencing him are the spirit of error, the spirit of pride, and a seducing spirit. In sharing the gospel, the scriptures I would share would be Colossians 2:8, See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Another scripture would be Matthew 24:24, For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. And finally the last scripture might be, John 14:6, Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. In the end, I would have to remember that it is the Holy Spirit that convicts (John 16:8) and deliverance comes from God, but requires humility and repentance (2 Timothy 2:25-26).

I appreciate how you centered the goal on demonstrating the love of Christ rather than winning an argument, that posture reflects both wisdom and maturity. Grounding your approach in Ephesians 6:12 rightly reframes the issue as spiritual, not personal, and your use of 1 Corinthians 3:6–9 clearly shows an understanding of our role as vessels while trusting God with the outcome. The identification of the spirit of error, pride, and a seducing spirit aligns well with scripture, and the passages you chose effectively warn against deception while still pointing directly back to Christ as the only way. Ending with the reminder that conviction and deliverance come through the Holy Spirit underscores humility and dependence on God, which is essential in situations like this.