Imagine 2 car salesmen. Both say, "Buy from me... NOT from the OTHER salesman."

Dishonest salesmen use false advertising and hype ("It's the biggest sales event in the past 500 years!" Etc.).

There is no truly forthright salesman who will point out the problems of owning a car (any car) - that you'll have to change the oil, fix the occasional flat tire, and replace many of the engine parts over time. But a good salesman may, indeed, emphasize the value and make enticing promises about his good service at a fair price.

Now imagine Satan as the salesman, trying to persuade you to live for him. He uses false advertising ("It won't cost you anything." "It won't hurt anyone." Etc. "You will not surely die," Genesis 3:4; "All these things I will give you if you will fall down and worship me." Matthew 4:9) and hype (exaggerating the pleasure involved, e.g., sexual desire, 2 Samuel 13:1-16).

God, on the other hand, is very "up front" about the problems that will come in this world from obeying Him. (E.g., "They think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you ." 1 Peter 5:4; "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12; "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me." Matthew 10:38)

At the same time, God makes solid and lasting promises:

"He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6

"There is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time --houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions -- and in the age to come, eternal life." Mark 10:29-30

"He who believes and is baptized will be saved." Mark 16:16; Etc.

And God goes to great lengths to warn us against following Satan ("buying from the other salesman," if you please). He points out the dangers and the punishment, supporting the warning with examples of those who didn't listen.

Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. ... 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did.... 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed.... 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained.... 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape , that you may be able to bear it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 1 Corinthians 10:6-13

(The "car" that Satan has for sale won't even run - It just looks good on the lot! )

So now you're facing a choice, as to whether or not to "buy" what God is offering. You know there will be problems - but every car has problems! - and you've heard the warnings against "buying" from Satan and have seen the misery suffered by people who do. You hear the great promises from God, and know that He keeps His promises.

Maybe you're indecisive, thinking it better for now not to make a decision. Perhaps you don't want to rush in headlong after Satan - good! But if Satan can simply persuade you to wait on making a decision, he has won. By following yourself, you are as lost as if following Satan. The only way to enjoy God's promises is to give yourself, body and soul, to following Jesus. If you'll "buy" from Jesus and allow Him to be Lord of your life, you'll NEVER regret it... and that's no hype!