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The great
controversy between Christ and Satan, that has been carried forward
for nearly six thousand years, is soon to close; and the wicked one
redoubles his efforts to defeat the work of Christ in man's behalf
and to fasten souls in his snares. To hold the people in darkness
and impenitence till the Saviour's mediation is ended, and there is
no longer a sacrifice for sin, is the object which he seeks to
accomplish.
When there is no special effort made
to resist his power, when indifference prevails in the church and the
world, Satan is not concerned; for he is in no danger of losing those
whom he is leading captive at his will. But when the attention is called
to eternal things, and souls are inquiring, "What must I do to be
saved?" he is on the ground, seeking to match his power against the
power of Christ and to counteract the influence of the Holy Spirit.
The Scriptures declare that upon one
occasion, when the angels of God came to present themselves before the
Lord, Satan came also among them (Job 1:6), not to bow before the
Eternal King, but to further his own malicious designs against the
righteous. With the same object he is in attendance when men assemble
for the worship of God. Though hidden from sight, he is working with all
diligence to control the minds of the worshipers. Like a skillful
general he lays his plans beforehand. As he sees the messenger of God
searching the Scriptures, he takes note of the subject to be
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presented to the people. Then he employs
all his cunning and shrewdness so to control circumstances that the
message may not reach those whom he is deceiving on that very point. The
one who most needs the warning will be urged into some business
transaction which requires his presence, or will by some other means be
prevented from hearing the words that might prove to him a savor of life
unto life.
Again, Satan sees the Lord's servants
burdened because of the spiritual darkness that enshrouds the people. He
hears their earnest prayers for divine grace and power to break the
spell of indifference, carelessness, and indolence. Then with renewed
zeal he plies his arts. He tempts men to the indulgence of appetite or
to some other form of self-gratification, and thus benumbs their
sensibilities so that they fail to hear the very things which they most
need to learn.
Satan well knows that all whom he can
lead to neglect prayer and the searching of the Scriptures, will be
overcome by his attacks. Therefore he invents every possible device to
engross the mind. There has ever been a class professing godliness, who,
instead of following on to know the truth, make it their religion to
seek some fault of character or error of faith in those with whom they
do not agree. Such are Satan's right-hand helpers. Accusers of the
brethren are not few, and they are always active when God is at work and
His servants are rendering Him true homage. They will put a false
coloring upon the words and acts of those who love and obey the truth.
They will represent the most earnest, zealous, self-denying servants of
Christ as deceived or deceivers. It is their work to misrepresent the
motives of every true and noble deed, to circulate insinuations, and
arouse suspicion in the minds of the inexperienced. In every conceivable
manner they will seek to cause that which is pure and righteous to be
regarded as foul and deceptive.
But none need be deceived concerning
them. It may be readily seen whose children they are, whose example they
follow, and whose work they do. "Ye shall know them by
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their fruits." Matthew 7:16. Their course
resembles that of Satan, the envenomed slanderer, "the accuser of our
brethren." Revelation 12:10.
The great deceiver has many agents
ready to present any and every kind of error to ensnare souls--heresies
prepared to suit the varied tastes and capacities of those whom he would
ruin. It is his plan to bring into the church insincere, unregenerate
elements that will encourage doubt and unbelief, and hinder all who
desire to see the work of God advance and to advance with it. Many who
have no real faith in God or in His word assent to some principles of
truth and pass as Christians, and thus they are enabled to introduce
their errors as Scriptural doctrines.
The position that it is of no
consequence what men believe is one of Satan's most successful
deceptions. He knows that the truth, received in the love of it,
sanctifies the soul of the receiver; therefore he is constantly seeking
to substitute false theories, fables, another gospel. From the beginning
the servants of God have contended against false teachers, not merely as
vicious men, but as inculcators of falsehoods that were fatal to the
soul. Elijah, Jeremiah, Paul, firmly and fearlessly opposed those who
were turning men from the word of God. That liberality which regards a
correct religious faith as unimportant found no favor with these holy
defenders of the truth.
The vague and fanciful interpretations
of Scripture, and the many conflicting theories concerning religious
faith, that are found in the Christian world are the work of our great
adversary to confuse minds so that they shall not discern the truth. And
the discord and division which exist among the churches of Christendom
are in a great measure due to the prevailing custom of wresting the
Scriptures to support a favorite theory. Instead of carefully studying
God's word with humility of heart to obtain a knowledge of His will,
many seek only to discover something odd or original.
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In order to sustain erroneous
doctrines or unchristian practices, some will seize upon passages of
Scripture separated from the context, perhaps quoting half of a single
verse as proving their point, when the remaining portion would show the
meaning to be quite the opposite. With the cunning of the serpent they
entrench themselves behind disconnected utterances construed to suit
their carnal desires. Thus do many willfully pervert the word of God.
Others, who have an active imagination, seize upon the figures and
symbols of Holy Writ, interpret them to suit their fancy, with little
regard to the testimony of Scripture as its own interpreter, and then
they present their vagaries as the teachings of the Bible.
Whenever the study of the Scriptures
is entered upon without a prayerful, humble, teachable spirit, the
plainest and simplest as well as the most difficult passages will be
wrested from their true meaning. The papal leaders select such portions
of Scripture as best serve their purpose, interpret to suit themselves,
and then present these to the people, while they deny them the privilege
of studying the Bible and understanding its sacred truths for
themselves. The whole Bible should be given to the people just as it
reads. It would be better for them not to have Bible instruction at all
than to have the teaching of the Scriptures thus grossly misrepresented.
The Bible was designed to be a guide
to all who wish to become acquainted with the will of their Maker. God
gave to men the sure word of prophecy; angels and even Christ Himself
came to make known to Daniel and John the things that must shortly come
to pass. Those important matters that concern our salvation were not
left involved in mystery. They were not revealed in such a way as to
perplex and mislead the honest seeker after truth. Said the Lord by the
prophet Habakkuk: "Write the vision, and make it plain, . . . that he
may run that readeth it." Habakkuk 2:2. The word of God is plain to all
who study it with a prayerful
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heart. Every truly honest soul will come
to the light of truth. "Light is sown for the righteous." Psalm 97:11.
And no church can advance in holiness unless its members are earnestly
seeking for truth as for hid treasure.
By the cry, Liberality, men are
blinded to the devices of their adversary, while he is all the time
working steadily for the accomplishment of his object. As he succeeds in
supplanting the Bible by human speculations, the law of God is set
aside, and the churches are under the bondage of sin while they claim to
be free.
To many, scientific research has
become a curse. God has permitted a flood of light to be poured upon the
world in discoveries in science and art; but even the greatest minds, if
not guided by the word of God in their research, become bewildered in
their attempts to investigate the relations of science and revelation.
Human knowledge of both material and
spiritual things is partial and imperfect; therefore many are unable to
harmonize their views of science with Scripture statements. Many accept
mere theories and speculations as scientific facts, and they think that
God's word is to be tested by the teachings of "science falsely so
called." 1 Timothy 6:20. The Creator and His works are beyond their
comprehension; and because they cannot explain these by natural laws,
Bible history is regarded as unreliable. Those who doubt the reliability
of the records of the Old and New Testaments too often go a step further
and doubt the existence of God and attribute infinite power to nature.
Having let go their anchor, they are left to beat about upon the rocks
of infidelity.
Thus many err from the faith and are
seduced by the devil. Men have endeavored to be wiser than their
Creator; human philosophy has attempted to search out and explain
mysteries which will never be revealed through the eternal ages. If men
would but search and understand what God had made known of Himself and
His purposes, they would obtain such a view of the glory, majesty, and
power of Jehovah that
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they would realize their own littleness
and would be content with that which has been revealed for themselves
and their children.
It is a masterpiece of Satan's
deceptions to keep the minds of men searching and conjecturing in regard
to that which God has not made known and which He does not intend that
we shall understand. It was thus that Lucifer lost his place in heaven.
He became dissatisfied because all the secrets of God's purposes were
not confided to him, and he entirely disregarded that which was revealed
concerning his own work in the lofty position assigned him. By arousing
the same discontent in the angels under his command, he caused their
fall. Now he seeks to imbue the minds of men with the same spirit and to
lead them also to disregard the direct commands of God.
Those who are unwilling to accept the
plain, cutting truths of the Bible are continually seeking for pleasing
fables that will quiet the conscience. The less spiritual, self-denying,
and humiliating the doctrines presented, the greater the favor with
which they are received. These persons degrade the intellectual powers
to serve their carnal desires. Too wise in their own conceit to search
the Scriptures with contrition of soul and earnest prayer for divine
guidance, they have no shield from delusion. Satan is ready to supply
the heart's desire, and he palms off his deceptions in the place of
truth. It was thus that the papacy gained its power over the minds of
men; and by rejection of the truth because it involves a cross,
Protestants are following the same path. All who neglect the word of God
to study convenience and policy, that they may not be at variance with
the world, will be left to receive damnable heresy for religious truth.
Every conceivable form of error will be accepted by those who willfully
reject the truth. He who looks with horror upon one deception will
readily receive another. The apostle Paul, speaking of a class who
"received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,"
declares: "For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they
should believe a lie: that they
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all might be damned who believed not the
truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.
With such a warning before us it behooves us to be on our guard as to
what doctrines we receive.
Among the most successful agencies of
the great deceiver are the delusive teachings and lying wonders of
spiritualism. Disguised as an angel of light, he spreads his nets where
least suspected. If men would but study the Book of God with earnest
prayer that they might understand it, they would not be left in darkness
to receive false doctrines. But as they reject the truth they fall a
prey to deception.
Another dangerous error is the
doctrine that denies the deity of Christ, claiming that He had no
existence before His advent to this world. This theory is received with
favor by a large class who profess to believe the Bible; yet it directly
contradicts the plainest statements of our Saviour concerning His
relationship with the Father, His divine character, and His
pre-existence. It cannot be entertained without the most unwarranted
wresting of the Scriptures. It not only lowers man's conceptions of the
work of redemption, but undermines faith in the Bible as a revelation
from God. While this renders it the more dangerous, it makes it also
harder to meet. If men reject the testimony of the inspired Scriptures
concerning the deity of Christ, it is in vain to argue the point with
them; for no argument, however conclusive, could convince them. "The
natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are
foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are
spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. None who hold this error can
have a true conception of the character or the mission of Christ, or of
the great plan of God for man's redemption.
Still another subtle and mischievous
error is the fast-spreading belief that Satan has no existence as a
personal being; that the name is used in Scripture merely to represent
men's evil thoughts and desires.
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The teaching so widely echoed from
popular pulpits, that the second advent of Christ is His coming to each
individual at death, is a device to divert the minds of men from His
personal coming in the clouds of heaven. For years Satan has thus been
saying, "Behold, He is in the secret chambers" (Matthew 24:23-26); and
many souls have been lost by accepting this deception.
Again, worldly wisdom teaches that
prayer is not essential. Men of science claim that there can be no real
answer to prayer; that this would be a violation of law, a miracle, and
that miracles have no existence. The universe, say they, is governed by
fixed laws, and God Himself does nothing contrary to these laws. Thus
they represent God as bound by His own laws--as if the operation of
divine laws could exclude divine freedom. Such teaching is opposed to
the testimony of the Scriptures. Were not miracles wrought by Christ and
His apostles? The same compassionate Saviour lives today, and He is as
willing to listen to the prayer of faith as when He walked visibly among
men. The natural cooperates with the supernatural. It is a part of God's
plan to grant us, in answer to the prayer of faith, that which He would
not bestow did we not thus ask.
Innumerable are the erroneous
doctrines and fanciful ideas that are obtaining among the churches of
Christendom. It is impossible to estimate the evil results of removing
one of the landmarks fixed by the word of God. Few who venture to do
this stop with the rejection of a single truth. The majority continue to
set aside one after another of the principles of truth, until they
become actual infidels.
The errors of popular theology have
driven many a soul to skepticism who might otherwise have been a
believer in the Scriptures. It is impossible for him to accept doctrines
which outrage his sense of justice, mercy, and benevolence; and since
these are represented as the teaching of the Bible, he refuses to
receive it as the word of God.
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And this is the object which Satan
seeks to accomplish. There is nothing that he desires more than to
destroy confidence in God and in His word. Satan stands at the head of
the great army of doubters, and he works to the utmost of his power to
beguile souls into his ranks. It is becoming fashionable to doubt. There
is a large class by whom the word of God is looked upon with distrust
for the same reason as was its Author--because it reproves and condemns
sin. Those who are unwilling to obey its requirements endeavor to
overthrow its authority. They read the Bible, or listen to its teachings
as presented from the sacred desk, merely to find fault with the
Scriptures or with the sermon. Not a few become infidels in order to
justify or excuse themselves in neglect of duty. Others adopt skeptical
principles from pride and indolence. Too ease-loving to distinguish
themselves by accomplishing anything worthy of honor, which requires
effort and self-denial, they aim to secure a reputation for superior
wisdom by criticizing the Bible. There is much which the finite mind,
unenlightened by divine wisdom, is powerless to comprehend; and thus
they find occasion to criticize. There are many who seem to feel that it
is a virtue to stand on the side of unbelief, skepticism, and
infidelity. But underneath an appearance of candor it will be found that
such persons are actuated by self-confidence and pride. Many delight in
finding something in the Scriptures to puzzle the minds of others. Some
at first criticize and reason on the wrong side, from a mere love of
controversy. They do not realize that they are thus entangling
themselves in the snare of the fowler. But having openly expressed
unbelief, they feel that they must maintain their position. Thus they
unite with the ungodly and close to themselves the gates of Paradise.
God has given in His word sufficient
evidence of its divine character. The great truths which concern our
redemption are clearly presented. By the aid of the Holy Spirit, which
is promised to all who seek it in sincerity, every man may
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understand these truths for himself. God
has granted to men a strong foundation upon which to rest their faith.
Yet the finite minds of men are
inadequate fully to comprehend the plans and purposes of the Infinite
One. We can never by searching find out God. We must not attempt to lift
with presumptuous hand the curtain behind which He veils His majesty.
The apostle exclaims: "How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways
past finding out!" Romans 11:33. We can so far comprehend His dealings
with us, and the motives by which He is actuated, that we may discern
boundless love and mercy united to infinite power. Our Father in heaven
orders everything in wisdom and righteousness, and we are not to be
dissatisfied and distrustful, but to bow in reverent submission. He will
reveal to us as much of His purposes as it is for our good to know, and
beyond that we must trust the Hand that is omnipotent, the Heart that is
full of love.
While God has given ample evidence for
faith, He will never remove all excuse for unbelief. All who look for
hooks to hang their doubts upon will find them. And those who refuse to
accept and obey God's word until every objection has been removed, and
there is no longer an opportunity for doubt, will never come to the
light.
Distrust of God is the natural
outgrowth of the unrenewed heart, which is at enmity with Him. But faith
is inspired by the Holy Spirit, and it will flourish only as it is
cherished. No man can become strong in faith without a determined
effort. Unbelief strengthens as it is encouraged; and if men, instead of
dwelling upon the evidences which God has given to sustain their faith,
permit themselves to question and cavil, they will find their doubts
constantly becoming more confirmed.
But those who doubt God's promises and
distrust the assurance of His grace are dishonoring Him; and their
influence, instead of drawing others to Christ, tends to repel
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them from Him. They are unproductive
trees, that spread their dark branches far and wide, shutting away the
sunlight from other plants, and causing them to droop and die under the
chilling shadow. The lifework of these persons will appear as a
never-ceasing witness against them. They are sowing seeds of doubt and
skepticism that will yield an unfailing harvest.
There is but one course for those to
pursue who honestly desire to be freed from doubts. Instead of
questioning and caviling concerning that which they do not understand,
let them give heed to the light which already shines upon them, and they
will receive greater light. Let them do every duty which has been made
plain to their understanding, and they will be enabled to understand and
perform those of which they are now in doubt.
Satan can present a counterfeit so
closely resembling the truth that it deceives those who are willing to
be deceived, who desire to shun the self-denial and sacrifice demanded
by the truth; but it is impossible for him to hold under his power one
soul who honestly desires, at whatever cost, to know the truth. Christ
is the truth and the "Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into
the world." John 1:9. The Spirit of truth has been sent to guide men
into all truth. And upon the authority of the Son of God it is declared:
"Seek, and ye shall find." "If any man will do His will, he shall know
of the doctrine." Matthew 7:7; John 7:17.
The followers of Christ know little of
the plots which Satan and his hosts are forming against them. But He who
sitteth in the heavens will overrule all these devices for the
accomplishment of His deep designs. The Lord permits His people to be
subjected to the fiery ordeal of temptation, not because He takes
pleasure in their distress and affliction, but because this process is
essential to their final victory. He could not, consistently with His
own glory, shield them from temptation; for the very object of the trial
is to prepare them to resist all the allurements of evil.
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Neither wicked men nor devils can
hinder the work of God, or shut out His presence from His people, if
they will, with subdued, contrite hearts, confess and put away their
sins, and in faith claim His promises. Every temptation, every opposing
influence, whether open or secret, may be successfully resisted, "not by
might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."
Zechariah 4:6.
"The eyes of the Lord are over the
righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers. . . . And who is he
that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?" 1 Peter
3:12, 13. When Balaam, allured by the promise of rich rewards, practiced
enchantments against Israel, and by sacrifices to the Lord sought to
invoke a curse upon His people, the Spirit of God forbade the evil which
he longed to pronounce, and Balaam was forced to exclaim: "How shall I
curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the Lord hath
not defied?" "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end
be like his!" When sacrifice had again been offered, the ungodly prophet
declared: "Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and He hath
blessed; and I cannot reverse it. He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob,
neither hath He seen perverseness in Israel: the Lord his God is with
him, and the shout of a King is among them." "Surely there is no
enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against
Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel,
What hath God wrought!" Yet a third time altars were erected, and again
Balaam essayed to secure a curse. But from the unwilling lips of the
prophet, the Spirit of God declared the prosperity of His chosen, and
rebuked the folly and malice of their foes: "Blessed is he that blesseth
thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee." Numbers 23:8, 10, 20, 21, 23;
24:9.
The people of Israel were at this time
loyal to God; and so long as they continued in obedience to His law, no
power in earth or hell could prevail against them. But the curse which
Balaam had not been permitted to pronounce against
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God's people, he finally succeeded in
bringing upon them by seducing them into sin. When they transgressed
God's commandments, then they separated themselves from Him, and they
were left to feel the power of the destroyer.
Satan is well aware that the weakest
soul who abides in Christ is more than a match for the hosts of
darkness, and that, should he reveal himself openly, he would be met and
resisted. Therefore he seeks to draw away the soldiers of the cross from
their strong fortification, while he lies in ambush with his forces,
ready to destroy all who venture upon his ground. Only in humble
reliance upon God, and obedience to all His commandments, can we be
secure.
No man is safe for a day or an hour
without prayer. Especially should we entreat the Lord for wisdom to
understand His word. Here are revealed the wiles of the tempter and the
means by which he may be successfully resisted. Satan is an expert in
quoting Scripture, placing his own interpretation upon passages, by
which he hopes to cause us to stumble. We should study the Bible with
humility of heart, never losing sight of our dependence upon God. While
we must constantly guard against the devices of Satan, we should pray in
faith continually: "Lead us not into temptation."
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