第14章

Atthetimeappointedforthejudgment——thecloseofthe2300days，in1844——begantheworkofinvestigationandblottingoutofsins。AllwhohaveevertakenuponthemselvesthenameofChristmustpassitssearchingscrutiny。Boththelivingandthedeadaretobejudged"outofthosethingswhichwerewritteninthebooks，accordingtotheirworks。"

Sinsthathavenotbeenrepentedofandforsakenwillnotbepardonedandblottedoutofthebooksofrecord，butwillstandtowitnessagainstthesinnerinthedayofGod。Hemayhavecommittedhisevildeedsinthelightofdayorinthedarknessofnight；buttheywereopenandmanifestbeforeHimwithwhomwehavetodo。AngelsofGodwitnessedeachsinandregistereditintheunerringrecords。Sinmaybeconcealed，denied，coveredupfromfather，mother，wife，children，andassociates；noonebuttheguiltyactorsmaycherishtheleastsuspicionofthewrong；butitislaidbarebeforetheintelligencesofheaven。Thedarknessofthedarkestnight，thesecrecyofalldeceptivearts，isnotsufficienttoveilonethoughtfromtheknowledgeoftheEternal。Godhasanexactrecordofeveryunjustaccountandeveryunfairdealing。Heisnotdeceivedbyappearancesofpiety。HemakesnomistakesinHisestimationofcharacter。Menmaybedeceivedbythosewhoarecorruptinheart，butGodpiercesalldisguisesandreadstheinnerlife。

Howsolemnisthethought！Dayafterday，passingintoeternity，bearsitsburdenofrecordsforthebooksofheaven。Wordsoncespoken，deedsoncedone，canneverberecalled。Angelshaveregisteredboththegoodandtheevil。Themightiestconquerorupontheearthcannotcallbacktherecordofevenasingleday。Ouracts，ourwords，evenourmostsecretmotives，allhavetheirweightindecidingourdestinyforwealorwoe。Thoughtheymaybeforgottenby487

us，theywillbeartheirtestimonytojustifyorcondemn。

Asthefeaturesofthecountenancearereproducedwithunerringaccuracyonthepolishedplateoftheartist，sothecharacterisfaithfullydelineatedinthebooksabove。Yethowlittlesolicitudeisfeltconcerningthatrecordwhichistomeetthegazeofheavenlybeings。Couldtheveilwhichseparatesthevisiblefromtheinvisibleworldbesweptback，andthechildrenofmenbeholdanangelrecordingeverywordanddeed，whichtheymustmeetagaininthejudgment，howmanywordsthataredailyutteredwouldremainunspoken，howmanydeedswouldremainundone。

Inthejudgmenttheusemadeofeverytalentwillbescrutinized。HowhaveweemployedthecapitallentusofHeaven？WilltheLordatHiscomingreceiveHisownwithusury？Haveweimprovedthepowersentrustedus，inhandandheartandbrain，tothegloryofGodandtheblessingoftheworld？

Howhaveweusedourtime，ourpen，ourvoice，ourmoney，ourinfluence？

WhathavewedoneforChrist，inthepersonofthepoor，theafflicted，theorphan，orthewidow？GodhasmadeusthedepositariesofHisholyword；

whathavewedonewiththelightandtruthgivenustomakemenwiseuntosalvation？NovalueisattachedtoamereprofessionoffaithinChrist；

onlythelovewhichisshownbyworksiscountedgenuine。YetitislovealonewhichinthesightofHeavenmakesanyactofvalue。Whateverisdonefromlove，howeversmallitmayappearintheestimationofmen，isacceptedandrewardedofGod。

Thehiddenselfishnessofmenstandsrevealedinthebooksofheaven。Thereistherecordofunfulfilleddutiestotheirfellowmen，offorgetfulnessoftheSaviour’sclaims。TheretheywillseehowoftenweregiventoSatanthetime，thought，andstrengththatbelongedtoChrist。Sadistherecordwhichangelsbeartoheaven。Intelligentbeings，professedfollowersofChrist，areabsorbedintheacquirementofworldlypossessionsortheenjoymentofearthlypleasures。Money，time，andstrengtharesacrificedfordisplayand488

self-indulgence；butfewarethemomentsdevotedtoprayer，tothesearchingoftheScriptures，tohumiliationofsoulandconfessionofsin。

Sataninventsunnumberedschemestooccupyourminds，thattheymaynotdwellupontheveryworkwithwhichweoughttobebestacquainted。Thearchdeceiverhatesthegreattruthsthatbringtoviewanatoningsacrificeandanall-powerfulmediator。HeknowsthatwithhimeverythingdependsonhisdivertingmindsfromJesusandHistruth。

ThosewhowouldsharethebenefitsoftheSaviour’smediationshouldpermitnothingtointerferewiththeirdutytoperfectholinessinthefearofGod。

Theprecioushours，insteadofbeinggiventopleasure，todisplay，ortogainseeking，shouldbedevotedtoanearnest，prayerfulstudyofthewordoftruth。ThesubjectofthesanctuaryandtheinvestigativejudgmentshouldbeclearlyunderstoodbythepeopleofGod。AllneedaknowledgeforthemselvesofthepositionandworkoftheirgreatHighPriest。OtherwiseitwillbeimpossibleforthemtoexercisethefaithwhichisessentialatthistimeortooccupythepositionwhichGoddesignsthemtofill。Everyindividualhasasoultosaveortolose。EachhasacasependingatthebarofGod。EachmustmeetthegreatJudgefacetoface。Howimportant，then，thateverymindcontemplateoftenthesolemnscenewhenthejudgmentshallsitandthebooksshallbeopened，when，withDaniel，everyindividualmuststandinhislot，attheendofthedays。

AllwhohavereceivedthelightuponthesesubjectsaretobeartestimonyofthegreattruthswhichGodhascommittedtothem。ThesanctuaryinheavenistheverycenterofChrist’sworkinbehalfofmen。Itconcernseverysoullivingupontheearth。Itopenstoviewtheplanofredemption，bringingusdowntotheverycloseoftimeandrevealingthetriumphantissueofthecontestbetweenrighteousnessandsin。Itisoftheutmostimportancethatallshouldthoroughlyinvestigatethesesubjectsandbeabletogiveananswerto489

everyonethataskeththemareasonofthehopethatisinthem。

TheintercessionofChristinman’sbehalfinthesanctuaryaboveisasessentialtotheplanofsalvationaswasHisdeathuponthecross。ByHisdeathHebeganthatworkwhichafterHisresurrectionHeascendedtocompleteinheaven。Wemustbyfaithenterwithintheveil，"whithertheforerunnerisforusentered。"Hebrews6:20。TherethelightfromthecrossofCalvaryisreflected。Therewemaygainaclearerinsightintothemysteriesofredemption。Thesalvationofmanisaccomplishedataninfiniteexpensetoheaven；thesacrificemadeisequaltothebroadestdemandsofthebrokenlawofGod。JesushasopenedthewaytotheFather’sthrone，andthroughHismediationthesinceredesireofallwhocometoHiminfaithmaybepresentedbeforeGod。

"Hethatcoverethhissinsshallnotprosper:butwhosoconfessethandforsakeththemshallhavemercy。"Proverbs28:13。IfthosewhohideandexcusetheirfaultscouldseehowSatanexultsoverthem，howhetauntsChristandholyangelswiththeircourse，theywouldmakehastetoconfesstheirsinsandtoputthemaway。Throughdefectsinthecharacter，Satanworkstogaincontrolofthewholemind，andheknowsthatifthesedefectsarecherished，hewillsucceed。ThereforeheisconstantlyseekingtodeceivethefollowersofChristwithhisfatalsophistrythatitisimpossibleforthemtoovercome。ButJesuspleadsintheirbehalfHiswoundedhands，Hisbruisedbody；andHedeclarestoallwhowouldfollowHim:"Mygraceissufficientforthee。"

2Corinthians12:9。"TakeMyyokeuponyou，andlearnofMe；forIammeekandlowlyinheart:andyeshallfindrestuntoyoursouls。ForMyyokeiseasy，andMyburdenislight。"Matthew11:29，30。Letnone，then，regardtheirdefectsasincurable。Godwillgivefaithandgracetoovercomethem。

Wearenowlivinginthegreatdayofatonement。Inthetypicalservice，whilethehighpriestwasmakingthe490

atonementforIsrael，allwererequiredtoafflicttheirsoulsbyrepentanceofsinandhumiliationbeforetheLord，lesttheybecutofffromamongthepeople。Inlikemanner，allwhowouldhavetheirnamesretainedinthebookoflifeshouldnow，inthefewremainingdaysoftheirprobation，afflicttheirsoulsbeforeGodbysorrowforsinandtruerepentance。Theremustbedeep，faithfulsearchingofheart。Thelight，frivolousspiritindulgedbysomanyprofessedChristiansmustbeputaway。Thereisearnestwarfarebeforeallwhowouldsubduetheeviltendenciesthatstriveforthemastery。

Theworkofpreparationisanindividualwork。Wearenotsavedingroups。

Thepurityanddevotionofonewillnotoffsetthewantofthesequalitiesinanother。ThoughallnationsaretopassinjudgmentbeforeGod，yetHewillexaminethecaseofeachindividualwithascloseandsearchingscrutinyasiftherewerenotanotherbeingupontheearth。Everyonemustbetestedandfoundwithoutspotorwrinkleoranysuchthing。

Solemnarethescenesconnectedwiththeclosingworkoftheatonement。

Momentousaretheinterestsinvolvedtherein。Thejudgmentisnowpassinginthesanctuaryabove。Formanyyearsthisworkhasbeeninprogress。

Soon——noneknowhowsoon——itwillpasstothecasesoftheliving。IntheawfulpresenceofGodourlivesaretocomeupinreview。AtthistimeaboveallothersitbehooveseverysoultoheedtheSaviour’sadmonition:"Watchandpray:foryeknownotwhenthetimeis。"Mark13:33。"Ifthereforethoushaltnotwatch，Iwillcomeontheeasathief，andthoushaltnotknowwhathourIwillcomeuponthee。"Revelation3:3。

Whentheworkoftheinvestigativejudgmentcloses，thedestinyofallwillhavebeendecidedforlifeordeath。ProbationisendedashorttimebeforetheappearingoftheLordinthecloudsofheaven。ChristintheRevelation，lookingforwardtothattime，declares:"Hethatisunjust，lethimbeunjuststill:andhewhichisfilthy，lethimbefilthystill:andhethatisrighteouslethimberighteousstill:andhethatis491

holy，lethimbeholystill。And，behold，Icomequickly；andMyrewardiswithMe，togiveeverymanaccordingashisworkshallbe。"Revelation22:11，12。

Therighteousandthewickedwillstillbelivingupontheearthintheirmortalstate——menwillbeplantingandbuilding，eatinganddrinking，allunconsciousthatthefinal，irrevocabledecisionhasbeenpronouncedinthesanctuaryabove。BeforetheFlood，afterNoahenteredtheark，Godshuthiminandshuttheungodlyout；butforsevendaysthepeople，knowingnotthattheirdoomwasfixed，continuedtheircareless，pleasure-lovinglifeandmockedthewarningsofimpendingjudgment。"So，"saystheSaviour，"shallalsothecomingoftheSonofmanbe。"Matthew24:39。Silently，unnoticedasthemidnightthief，willcomethedecisivehourwhichmarksthefixingofeveryman’sdestiny，thefinalwithdrawalofmercy’soffertoguiltymen。

"Watchyetherefore:……lestcomingsuddenlyHefindyousleeping。"Mark13:35，36。Perilousistheconditionofthosewho，growingwearyoftheirwatch，turntotheattractionsoftheworld。Whilethemanofbusinessisabsorbedinthepursuitofgain，whilethepleasureloverisseekingindulgence，whilethedaughteroffashionisarrangingheradornments——itmaybeinthathourtheJudgeofalltheearthwillpronouncethesentence:

"Thouartweighedinthebalances，andartfoundwanting。"Daniel5:27。

(492)

Chapter29

TheOriginofEvilTomanymindstheoriginofsinandthereasonforitsexistenceareasourceofgreatperplexity。Theyseetheworkofevil，withitsterribleresultsofwoeanddesolation，andtheyquestionhowallthiscanexistunderthesovereigntyofOnewhoisinfiniteinwisdom，inpower，andinlove。Hereisamysteryofwhichtheyfindnoexplanation。AndintheiruncertaintyanddoubttheyareblindedtotruthsplainlyrevealedinGod’swordandessentialtosalvation。Therearethosewho，intheirinquiriesconcerningtheexistenceofsin，endeavortosearchintothatwhichGodhasneverrevealed；hencetheyfindnosolutionoftheirdifficulties；andsuchasareactuatedbyadispositiontodoubtandcavilseizeuponthisasanexcuseforrejectingthewordsofHolyWrit。Others，however，failofasatisfactoryunderstandingofthegreatproblemofevil，fromthefactthattraditionandmisinterpretationhaveobscuredtheteachingoftheBibleconcerningthecharacterofGod，thenatureofHisgovernment，andtheprinciplesofHisdealingwithsin。

Itisimpossibletoexplaintheoriginofsinsoastogiveareasonforitsexistence。YetenoughmaybeunderstoodconcerningboththeoriginandthefinaldispositionofsintomakefullymanifestthejusticeandbenevolenceofGodinallHisdealingswithevil。Nothingismoreplainlytaughtin493

ScripturethanthatGodwasinnowiseresponsiblefortheentranceofsin；

thattherewasnoarbitrarywithdrawalofdivinegrace，nodeficiencyinthedivinegovernment，thatgaveoccasionfortheuprisingofrebellion。Sinisanintruder，forwhosepresencenoreasoncanbegiven。Itismysterious，unaccountable；toexcuseitistodefendit。Couldexcuseforitbefound，orcausebeshownforitsexistence，itwouldceasetobesin。OuronlydefinitionofsinisthatgiveninthewordofGod；itis"thetransgressionofthelaw；"itistheoutworkingofaprincipleatwarwiththegreatlawoflovewhichisthefoundationofthedivinegovernment。

Beforetheentranceofeviltherewaspeaceandjoythroughouttheuniverse。

AllwasinperfectharmonywiththeCreator’swill。LoveforGodwassupreme，loveforoneanotherimpartial。ChristtheWord，theOnlyBegottenofGod，wasonewiththeeternalFather，——oneinnature，incharacter，andinpurpose，——theonlybeinginalltheuniversethatcouldenterintoallthecounselsandpurposesofGod。ByChristtheFatherwroughtinthecreationofallheavenlybeings。"ByHimwereallthingscreated，thatareinheaven，……whethertheybethrones，ordominions，orprincipalities，orpowers"(Colossians1:16)；andtoChrist，equallywiththeFather，allheavengaveallegiance。

ThelawoflovebeingthefoundationofthegovernmentofGod，thehappinessofallcreatedbeingsdependedupontheirperfectaccordwithitsgreatprinciplesofrighteousness。GoddesiresfromallHiscreaturestheserviceoflove——homagethatspringsfromanintelligentappreciationofHischaracter。Hetakesnopleasureinaforcedallegiance，andtoallHegrantsfreedomofwill，thattheymayrenderHimvoluntaryservice。

Buttherewasonethatchosetopervertthisfreedom。Sinoriginatedwithhimwho，nexttoChrist，hadbeenmosthonoredofGodandwhostoodhighestinpowerandgloryamongtheinhabitantsofheaven。Beforehisfall，Luciferwas494

firstofthecoveringcherubs，holyandundefiled。"ThussaiththeLordGod；

Thousealestupthesum，fullofwisdom，andperfectinbeauty。ThouhastbeeninEdenthegardenofGod；everypreciousstonewasthycovering……Thouarttheanointedcherubthatcovereth；andIhavesettheeso:thouwastupontheholymountainofGod；thouhastwalkedupanddowninthemidstofthestonesoffire。Thouwastperfectinthywaysfromthedaythatthouwastcreated，tilliniquitywasfoundinthee。"Ezekiel28:12-15。

LucifermighthaveremainedinfavorwithGod，belovedandhonoredbyalltheangelichost，exercisinghisnoblepowerstoblessothersandtoglorifyhisMaker。But，saystheprophet，"Thineheartwasliftedupbecauseofthybeauty，thouhastcorruptedthywisdombyreasonofthybrightness。"Verse17。Littlebylittle，Lucifercametoindulgeadesireforself-exaltation。

"ThouhastsetthineheartastheheartofGod。""Thouhastsaid，……I

willexaltmythroneabovethestarsofGod:Iwillsitalsouponthemountofthecongregation……Iwillascendabovetheheightsoftheclouds；IwillbeliketheMostHigh。"Verse6；Isaiah14:13，14。InsteadofseekingtomakeGodsupremeintheaffectionsandallegianceofHiscreatures，itwasLucifer’sendeavortowintheirserviceandhomagetohimself。AndcovetingthehonorwhichtheinfiniteFatherhadbestoweduponHisSon，thisprinceofangelsaspiredtopowerwhichitwastheprerogativeofChristalonetowield。

AllheavenhadrejoicedtoreflecttheCreator’sgloryandtoshowforthHispraise。AndwhileGodwasthushonored，allhadbeenpeaceandgladness。Butanoteofdiscordnowmarredthecelestialharmonies。Theserviceandexaltationofself，contrarytotheCreator’splan，awakenedforebodingsofevilinmindstowhomGod’sglorywassupreme。TheheavenlycouncilspleadedwithLucifer。TheSonofGodpresentedbeforehimthegreatness，thegoodness，andthejusticeoftheCreator，andthesacred，unchangingnatureofHislaw。GodHimselfhadestablishedtheorderofheaven；

495

andindepartingfromit，LuciferwoulddishonorhisMaker，andbringruinuponhimself。Butthewarning，givenininfiniteloveandmercy，onlyarousedaspiritofresistance。LuciferallowedjealousyofChristtoprevail，andhebecamethemoredetermined。

Prideinhisownglorynourishedthedesireforsupremacy。ThehighhonorsconferreduponLuciferwerenotappreciatedasthegiftofGodandcalledforthnogratitudetotheCreator。Hegloriedinhisbrightnessandexaltation，andaspiredtobeequalwithGod。Hewasbelovedandreverencedbytheheavenlyhost。Angelsdelightedtoexecutehiscommands，andhewasclothedwithwisdomandgloryabovethemall。YettheSonofGodwastheacknowledgedSovereignofheaven，oneinpowerandauthoritywiththeFather。InallthecouncilsofGod，Christwasaparticipant，whileLuciferwasnotpermittedthustoenterintothedivinepurposes。"Why，"questionedthismightyangel，"shouldChristhavethesupremacy？WhyisHethushonoredaboveLucifer？"

LeavinghisplaceintheimmediatepresenceofGod，Luciferwentforthtodiffusethespiritofdiscontentamongtheangels。Workingwithmysterioussecrecy，andforatimeconcealinghisrealpurposeunderanappearanceofreverenceforGod，heendeavoredtoexcitedissatisfactionconcerningthelawsthatgovernedheavenlybeings，intimatingthattheyimposedanunnecessaryrestraint。Sincetheirnatureswereholy，heurgedthattheangelsshouldobeythedictatesoftheirownwill。HesoughttocreatesympathyforhimselfbyrepresentingthatGodhaddealtunjustlywithhiminbestowingsupremehonoruponChrist。Heclaimedthatinaspiringtogreaterpowerandhonorhewasnotaimingatself-exaltation，butwasseekingtosecurelibertyforalltheinhabitantsofheaven，thatbythismeanstheymightattaintoahigherstateofexistence。

GodinHisgreatmercyborelongwithLucifer。Hewasnotimmediatelydegradedfromhisexaltedstationwhenhefirstindulgedthespiritofdiscontent，norevenwhenhe496

begantopresenthisfalseclaimsbeforetheloyalangels。Longwasheretainedinheaven。Againandagainhewasofferedpardononconditionofrepentanceandsubmission。Sucheffortsasonlyinfiniteloveandwisdomcoulddeviseweremadetoconvincehimofhiserror。Thespiritofdiscontenthadneverbeforebeenknowninheaven。Luciferhimselfdidnotatfirstseewhitherhewasdrifting；hedidnotunderstandtherealnatureofhisfeelings。Butashisdissatisfactionwasprovedtobewithoutcause，Luciferwasconvincedthathewasinthewrong，thatthedivineclaimswerejust，andthatheoughttoacknowledgethemassuchbeforeallheaven。Hadhedonethis，hemighthavesavedhimselfandmanyangels。HehadnotatthistimefullycastoffhisallegiancetoGod。Thoughhehadforsakenhispositionascoveringcherub，yetifhehadbeenwillingtoreturntoGod，acknowledgingtheCreator’swisdom，andsatisfiedtofilltheplaceappointedhiminGod’sgreatplan，hewouldhavebeenreinstatedinhisoffice。Butprideforbadehimtosubmit。Hepersistentlydefendedhisowncourse，maintainedthathehadnoneedofrepentance，andfullycommittedhimself，inthegreatcontroversy，againsthisMaker。

Allthepowersofhismastermindwerenowbenttotheworkofdeception，tosecurethesympathyoftheangelsthathadbeenunderhiscommand。EventhefactthatChristhadwarnedandcounseledhimwaspervertedtoservehistraitorousdesigns。Tothosewhoselovingtrustboundthemmostcloselytohim，Satanhadrepresentedthathewaswronglyjudged，thathispositionwasnotrespected，andthathislibertywastobeabridged。FrommisrepresentationofthewordsofChristhepassedtoprevaricationanddirectfalsehood，accusingtheSonofGodofadesigntohumiliatehimbeforetheinhabitantsofheaven。Hesoughtalsotomakeafalseissuebetweenhimselfandtheloyalangels。Allwhomhecouldnotsubvertandbringfullytohissideheaccusedofindifferencetotheinterestsofheavenlybeings。Theveryworkwhichhehimselfwasdoinghechargeduponthose497

whoremainedtruetoGod。AndtosustainhischargeofGod’sinjusticetowardhim，heresortedtomisrepresentationofthewordsandactsoftheCreator。ItwashispolicytoperplextheangelswithsubtleargumentsconcerningthepurposesofGod。Everythingthatwassimpleheshroudedinmystery，andbyartfulperversioncastdoubtupontheplaineststatementsofJehovah。Hishighposition，insuchcloseconnectionwiththedivineadministration，gavegreaterforcetohisrepresentations，andmanywereinducedtounitewithhiminrebellionagainstHeaven’sauthority。

GodinHiswisdompermittedSatantocarryforwardhiswork，untilthespiritofdisaffectionripenedintoactiverevolt。Itwasnecessaryforhisplanstobefullydeveloped，thattheirtruenatureandtendencymightbeseenbyall。Lucifer，astheanointedcherub，hadbeenhighlyexalted；hewasgreatlylovedbytheheavenlybeings，andhisinfluenceoverthemwasstrong。God’sgovernmentincludednotonlytheinhabitantsofheaven，butofalltheworldsthatHehadcreated；andSatanthoughtthatifhecouldcarrytheangelsofheavenwithhiminrebellion，hecouldcarryalsotheotherworlds。Hehadartfullypresentedhissideofthequestion，employingsophistryandfraudtosecurehisobjects。Hispowertodeceivewasverygreat，andbydisguisinghimselfinacloakoffalsehoodhehadgainedanadvantage。Eventheloyalangelscouldnotfullydiscernhischaracterorseetowhathisworkwasleading。

Satanhadbeensohighlyhonored，andallhisactsweresoclothedwithmystery，thatitwasdifficulttodisclosetotheangelsthetruenatureofhiswork。Untilfullydeveloped，sinwouldnotappeartheevilthingitwas。

HeretoforeithadhadnoplaceintheuniverseofGod，andholybeingshadnoconceptionofitsnatureandmalignity。Theycouldnotdiscerntheterribleconsequencesthatwouldresultfromsettingasidethedivinelaw。

Satanhad，atfirst，concealedhisworkunderaspeciousprofessionofloyaltytoGod。HeclaimedtobeseekingtopromotethehonorofGod，thestabilityofHisgovernment，andthegoodofalltheinhabitantsof498

heaven。Whileinstillingdiscontentintothemindsoftheangelsunderhim，hehadartfullymadeitappearthathewasseekingtoremovedissatisfaction。WhenheurgedthatchangesbemadeintheorderandlawsofGod’sgovernment，itwasunderthepretensethatthesewerenecessaryinordertopreserveharmonyinheaven。

InHisdealingwithsin，Godcouldemployonlyrighteousnessandtruth。

SatancouldusewhatGodcouldnot——flatteryanddeceit。HehadsoughttofalsifythewordofGodandhadmisrepresentedHisplanofgovernmentbeforetheangels，claimingthatGodwasnotjustinlayinglawsandrulesupontheinhabitantsofheaven；thatinrequiringsubmissionandobediencefromHiscreatures，HewasseekingmerelytheexaltationofHimself。Thereforeitmustbedemonstratedbeforetheinhabitantsofheaven，aswellasofalltheworlds，thatGod’sgovernmentwasjust，Hislawperfect。Satanhadmadeitappearthathehimselfwasseekingtopromotethegoodoftheuniverse。Thetruecharacteroftheusurper，andhisrealobject，mustbeunderstoodbyall。Hemusthavetimetomanifesthimselfbyhiswickedworks。

Thediscordwhichhisowncoursehadcausedinheaven，SatanchargeduponthelawandgovernmentofGod。Allevilhedeclaredtobetheresultofthedivineadministration。HeclaimedthatitwashisownobjecttoimproveuponthestatutesofJehovah。Thereforeitwasnecessarythatheshoulddemonstratethenatureofhisclaims，andshowtheworkingoutofhisproposedchangesinthedivinelaw。Hisownworkmustcondemnhim。Satanhadclaimedfromthefirstthathewasnotinrebellion。Thewholeuniversemustseethedeceiverunmasked。

Evenwhenitwasdecidedthathecouldnolongerremaininheaven，InfiniteWisdomdidnotdestroySatan。SincetheserviceoflovecanalonebeacceptabletoGod，theallegianceofHiscreaturesmustrestuponaconvictionofHisjusticeandbenevolence。Theinhabitantsofheavenandofotherworlds，beingunpreparedtocomprehendthenatureorconsequencesofsin，couldnotthenhaveseenthejusticeand499

mercyofGodinthedestructionofSatan。Hadhebeenimmediatelyblottedfromexistence，theywouldhaveservedGodfromfearratherthanfromlove。

Theinfluenceofthedeceiverwouldnothavebeenfullydestroyed，norwouldthespiritofrebellionhavebeenutterlyeradicated。Evilmustbepermittedtocometomaturity。ForthegoodoftheentireuniversethroughceaselessagesSatanmustmorefullydevelophisprinciples，thathischargesagainstthedivinegovernmentmightbeseenintheirtruelightbyallcreatedbeings，thatthejusticeandmercyofGodandtheimmutabilityofHislawmightforeverbeplacedbeyondallquestion。

Satan’srebellionwastobealessontotheuniversethroughallcomingages，aperpetualtestimonytothenatureandterribleresultsofsin。TheworkingoutofSatan’srule，itseffectsuponbothmenandangels，wouldshowwhatmustbethefruitofsettingasidethedivineauthority。ItwouldtestifythatwiththeexistenceofGod’sgovernmentandHislawisboundupthewell-beingofallthecreaturesHehasmade。Thusthehistoryofthisterribleexperimentofrebellionwastobeperpetualsafeguardtoallholyintelligences，topreventthemfrombeingdeceivedastothenatureoftransgression，tosavethemfromcommittingsinandsufferingitspunishments。

Totheverycloseofthecontroversyinheaventhegreatusurpercontinuedtojustifyhimself。Whenitwasannouncedthatwithallhissympathizershemustbeexpelledfromtheabodesofbliss，thentherebelleaderboldlyavowedhiscontemptfortheCreator’slaw。Hereiteratedhisclaimthatangelsneedednocontrol，butshouldbelefttofollowtheirownwill，whichwouldeverguidethemright。Hedenouncedthedivinestatutesasarestrictionoftheirlibertyanddeclaredthatitwashispurposetosecuretheabolitionoflaw；that，freedfromthisrestraint，thehostsofheavenmightenteruponamoreexalted，moregloriousstateofexistence。

Withoneaccord，SatanandhishostthrewtheblameoftheirrebellionwhollyuponChrist，declaringthatifthey500

hadnotbeenreproved，theywouldneverhaverebelled。Thusstubbornanddefiantintheirdisloyalty，seekingvainlytooverthrowthegovernmentofGod，yetblasphemouslyclaimingtobethemselvestheinnocentvictimsofoppressivepower，thearchrebelandallhissympathizerswereatlastbanishedfromheaven。

Thesamespiritthatpromptedrebellioninheavenstillinspiresrebelliononearth。Satanhascontinuedwithmenthesamepolicywhichhepursuedwiththeangels。Hisspiritnowreignsinthechildrenofdisobedience。LikehimtheyseektobreakdowntherestraintsofthelawofGodandpromisemenlibertythroughtransgressionofitsprecepts。Reproofofsinstillarousesthespiritofhatredandresistance。WhenGod’smessagesofwarningarebroughthometotheconscience，Satanleadsmentojustifythemselvesandtoseekthesympathyofothersintheircourseofsin。Insteadofcorrectingtheirerrors，theyexciteindignationagainstthereprover，asifhewerethesolecauseofdifficulty。FromthedaysofrighteousAbeltoourowntimesuchisthespiritwhichhasbeendisplayedtowardthosewhodaretocondemnsin。

BythesamemisrepresentationofthecharacterofGodashehadpracticedinheaven，causingHimtoberegardedassevereandtyrannical，Sataninducedmantosin。Andhavingsucceededthusfar，hedeclaredthatGod’sunjustrestrictionshadledtoman’sfall，astheyhadledtohisownrebellion。

ButtheEternalOneHimselfproclaimsHischaracter:"TheLordGod，mercifulandgracious，long-suffering，andabundantingoodnessandtruth，keepingmercyforthousands，forgivinginiquityandtransgressionandsin，andthatwillbynomeanscleartheguilty。"Exodus34:6，7。

InthebanishmentofSatanfromheaven，GoddeclaredHisjusticeandmaintainedthehonorofHisthrone。Butwhenmanhadsinnedthroughyieldingtothedeceptionsofthisapostatespirit，GodgaveanevidenceofHislovebyyieldingupHisonly-begottenSontodieforthefallenrace。

501

IntheatonementthecharacterofGodisrevealed。ThemightyargumentofthecrossdemonstratestothewholeuniversethatthecourseofsinwhichLuciferhadchosenwasinnowisechargeableuponthegovernmentofGod。

InthecontestbetweenChristandSatan，duringtheSaviour’searthlyministry，thecharacterofthegreatdeceiverwasunmasked。NothingcouldsoeffectuallyhaveuprootedSatanfromtheaffectionsoftheheavenlyangelsandthewholeloyaluniverseasdidhiscruelwarfareupontheworld’sRedeemer。ThedaringblasphemyofhisdemandthatChristshouldpayhimhomage，hispresumptuousboldnessinbearingHimtothemountainsummitandthepinnacleofthetemple，themaliciousintentbetrayedinurgingHimtocastHimselfdownfromthedizzyheight，theunsleepingmalicethathuntedHimfromplacetoplace，inspiringtheheartsofpriestsandpeopletorejectHislove，andatthelasttocry，"CrucifyHim！crucifyHim！——allthisexcitedtheamazementandindignationoftheuniverse。

ItwasSatanthatpromptedtheworld’srejectionofChrist。TheprinceofevilexertedallhispowerandcunningtodestroyJesus；forhesawthattheSaviour’smercyandlove，Hiscompassionandpityingtenderness，wererepresentingtotheworldthecharacterofGod。SatancontestedeveryclaimputforthbytheSonofGodandemployedmenashisagentstofilltheSaviour’slifewithsufferingandsorrow。ThesophistryandfalsehoodbywhichhehadsoughttohindertheworkofJesus，thehatredmanifestedthroughthechildrenofdisobedience，hiscruelaccusationsagainstHimwhoselifewasoneofunexampledgoodness，allsprangfromdeep-seatedrevenge。Thepent-upfiresofenvyandmalice，hatredandrevenge，burstforthonCalvaryagainsttheSonofGod，whileallheavengazeduponthesceneinsilenthorror。

Whenthegreatsacrificehadbeenconsummated，Christascendedonhigh，refusingtheadorationofangelsuntilHehadpresentedtherequest:"Iwillthattheyalso，whomThouhastgivenMe，bewithMewhereIam。"John17:24。

Then502

withinexpressibleloveandpowercameforththeanswerfromtheFather’sthrone:"LetalltheangelsofGodworshipHim。"Hebrews1:6。NotastainresteduponJesus。Hishumiliationended，Hissacrificecompleted，therewasgivenuntoHimanamethatisaboveeveryname。

NowtheguiltofSatanstoodforthwithoutexcuse。Hehadrevealedhistruecharacterasaliarandamurderer。Itwasseenthattheverysamespiritwithwhichheruledthechildrenofmen，whowereunderhispower，hewouldhavemanifestedhadhebeenpermittedtocontroltheinhabitantsofheaven。

HehadclaimedthatthetransgressionofGod’slawwouldbringlibertyandexaltation；butitwasseentoresultinbondageanddegradation。

Satan’slyingchargesagainstthedivinecharacterandgovernmentappearedintheirtruelight。HehadaccusedGodofseekingmerelytheexaltationofHimselfinrequiringsubmissionandobediencefromHiscreatures，andhaddeclaredthat，whiletheCreatorexactedself-denialfromallothers，HeHimselfpracticednoself-denialandmadenosacrifice。Nowitwasseenthatforthesalvationofafallenandsinfulrace，theRuleroftheuniversehadmadethegreatestsacrificewhichlovecouldmake；for"GodwasinChrist，reconcilingtheworlduntoHimself。"2Corinthians5:19。Itwasseen，also，thatwhileLuciferhadopenedthedoorfortheentranceofsinbyhisdesireforhonorandsupremacy，Christhad，inordertodestroysin，humbledHimselfandbecomeobedientuntodeath。

GodhadmanifestedHisabhorrenceoftheprinciplesofrebellion。AllheavensawHisjusticerevealed，bothinthecondemnationofSatanandintheredemptionofman。LuciferhaddeclaredthatifthelawofGodwaschangeless，anditspenaltycouldnotberemitted，everytransgressormustbeforeverdebarredfromtheCreator’sfavor。Hehadclaimedthatthesinfulracewereplacedbeyondredemptionandwerethereforehisrightfulprey。ButthedeathofChristwasanargumentinman’sbehalfthatcouldnotbeoverthrown。The503

penaltyofthelawfelluponHimwhowasequalwithGod，andmanwasfreetoaccepttherighteousnessofChristandbyalifeofpenitenceandhumiliationtotriumph，astheSonofGodhadtriumphed，overthepowerofSatan。ThusGodisjustandyetthejustifierofallwhobelieveinJesus。

ButitwasnotmerelytoaccomplishtheredemptionofmanthatChristcametotheearthtosufferandtodie。Hecameto"magnifythelaw"andto"makeithonorable。"Notalonethattheinhabitantsofthisworldmightregardthelawasitshouldberegarded；butitwastodemonstratetoalltheworldsoftheuniversethatGod’slawisunchangeable。Coulditsclaimshavebeensetaside，thentheSonofGodneednothaveyieldedupHislifetoatoneforitstransgression。ThedeathofChristprovesitimmutable。AndthesacrificetowhichinfiniteloveimpelledtheFatherandtheSon，thatsinnersmightberedeemed，demonstratestoalltheuniverse——whatnothinglessthanthisplanofatonementcouldhavesufficedtodo——thatjusticeandmercyarethefoundationofthelawandgovernmentofGod。

Inthefinalexecutionofthejudgmentitwillbeseenthatnocauseforsinexists。WhentheJudgeofalltheearthshalldemandofSatan，"WhyhastthourebelledagainstMe，androbbedMeofthesubjectsofMykingdom？"theoriginatorofevilcanrendernoexcuse。Everymouthwillbestopped，andallthehostsofrebellionwillbespeechless。

ThecrossofCalvary，whileitdeclaresthelawimmutable，proclaimstotheuniversethatthewagesofsinisdeath。IntheSaviour’sexpiringcry，"Itisfinished，"thedeathknellofSatanwasrung。Thegreatcontroversywhichhadbeensolonginprogresswasthendecided，andthefinaleradicationofevilwasmadecertain。TheSonofGodpassedthroughtheportalsofthetomb，that"throughdeathHemightdestroyhimthathadthepowerofdeath，thatis，thedevil。"Hebrews2:14。Lucifer’sdesireforself-exaltationhadledhimtosay:"IwillexaltmythroneabovethestarsofGod:……IwillbeliketheMostHigh。"Goddeclares:"Iwillbring504

theetoashesupontheearth，……andnevershaltthoubeanymore。"

Isaiah14:13，14；Ezekiel28:18，19。When"thedaycometh，thatshallburnasanoven；……alltheproud，yea，andallthatdowickedly，shallbestubble:andthedaythatcomethshallburnthemup，saiththeLordofhosts，thatitshallleavethemneitherrootnorbranch。"Malachi4:1。

Thewholeuniversewillhavebecomewitnessestothenatureandresultsofsin。Anditsutterextermination，whichinthebeginningwouldhavebroughtfeartoangelsanddishonortoGod，willnowvindicateHisloveandestablishHishonorbeforetheuniverseofbeingswhodelighttodoHiswill，andinwhoseheartisHislaw。Neverwillevilagainbemanifest。SaysthewordofGod:"Afflictionshallnotriseupthesecondtime。"Nahum1:9。

ThelawofGod，whichSatanhasreproachedastheyokeofbondage，willbehonoredasthelawofliberty。AtestedandprovedcreationwillneveragainbeturnedfromallegiancetoHimwhosecharacterhasbeenfullymanifestedbeforethemasfathomlessloveandinfinitewisdom。

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Chapter30

EnmityBetweenManandSatan"Iwillputenmitybetweentheeandthewoman，andbetweenthyseedandherseed；itshallbruisethyhead，andthoushaltbruisehisheel。"Genesis3:15。ThedivinesentencepronouncedagainstSatanafterthefallofmanwasalsoaprophecy，embracingalltheagestothecloseoftimeandforeshadowingthegreatconflicttoengagealltheracesofmenwhoshouldliveupontheearth。

Goddeclares:"Iwillputenmity。"Thisenmityisnotnaturallyentertained。

Whenmantransgressedthedivinelaw，hisnaturebecameevil，andhewasinharmony，andnotatvariance，withSatan。Thereexistsnaturallynoenmitybetweensinfulmanandtheoriginatorofsin。Bothbecameevilthroughapostasy。Theapostateisneveratrest，exceptasheobtainssympathyandsupportbyinducingotherstofollowhisexample。Forthisreasonfallenangelsandwickedmenuniteindesperatecompanionship。HadnotGodspeciallyinterposed，SatanandmanwouldhaveenteredintoanallianceagainstHeaven；andinsteadofcherishingenmityagainstSatan，thewholehumanfamilywouldhavebeenunitedinoppositiontoGod。

Satantemptedmantosin，ashehadcausedangelstorebel，thathemightthussecureco-operationinhiswarfareagainstHeaven。TherewasnodissensionbetweenhimselfandthefallenangelsasregardstheirhatredofChrist；whileonall506

otherpointstherewasdiscord，theywerefirmlyunitedinopposingtheauthorityoftheRuleroftheuniverse。ButwhenSatanheardthedeclarationthatenmityshouldexistbetweenhimselfandthewoman，andbetweenhisseedandherseed，heknewthathiseffortstodepravehumannaturewouldbeinterrupted；thatbysomemeansmanwastobeenabledtoresisthispower。

Satan’senmityagainstthehumanraceiskindledbecause，throughChrist，theyaretheobjectsofGod’sloveandmercy。Hedesirestothwartthedivineplanforman’sredemption，tocastdishonoruponGod，bydefacinganddefilingHishandiwork；hewouldcausegriefinheavenandfilltheearthwithwoeanddesolation。AndhepointstoallthisevilastheresultofGod’sworkincreatingman。

ItisthegracethatChristimplantsinthesoulwhichcreatesinmanenmityagainstSatan。Withoutthisconvertinggraceandrenewingpower，manwouldcontinuethecaptiveofSatan，aservanteverreadytodohisbidding。Butthenewprincipleinthesoulcreatesconflictwherehithertohadbeenpeace。ThepowerwhichChristimpartsenablesmantoresistthetyrantandusurper。Whoeverisseentoabhorsininsteadoflovingit，whoeverresistsandconquersthosepassionsthathaveheldswaywithin，displaystheoperationofaprinciplewhollyfromabove。

TheantagonismthatexistsbetweenthespiritofChristandthespiritofSatanwasmoststrikinglydisplayedintheworld’sreceptionofJesus。ItwasnotsomuchbecauseHeappearedwithoutworldlywealth，pomp，orgrandeurthattheJewswereledtorejectHim。TheysawthatHepossessedpowerwhichwouldmorethancompensateforthelackoftheseoutwardadvantages。ButthepurityandholinessofChristcalledforthagainstHimthehatredoftheungodly。Hislifeofself-denialandsinlessdevotionwasaperpetualreprooftoaproud，sensualpeople。ItwasthisthatevokedenmityagainsttheSonofGod。Satanandevilangelsjoinedwithevilmen。

AlltheenergiesofapostasyconspiredagainsttheChampionoftruth。

507

ThesameenmityismanifestedtowardChrist’sfollowersaswasmanifestedtowardtheirMaster。Whoeverseestherepulsivecharacterofsin，andinstrengthfromaboveresiststemptation，willassuredlyarousethewrathofSatanandhissubjects。Hatredofthepureprinciplesoftruth，andreproachandpersecutionofitsadvocates，willexistaslongassinandsinnersremain。ThefollowersofChristandtheservantsofSatancannotharmonize。

Theoffenseofthecrosshasnotceased。"AllthatwilllivegodlyinChristJesusshallsufferpersecution。"2Timothy3:12。

Satan’sagentsareconstantlyworkingunderhisdirectiontoestablishhisauthorityandbuilduphiskingdominoppositiontothegovernmentofGod。

TothisendtheyseektodeceiveChrist’sfollowersandallurethemfromtheirallegiance。Liketheirleader，theymisconstrueandperverttheScripturestoaccomplishtheirobject。AsSatanendeavoredtocastreproachuponGod，sodohisagentsseektomalignGod’speople。ThespiritwhichputChristtodeathmovesthewickedtodestroyHisfollowers。Allthisisforeshadowedinthatfirstprophecy:"Iwillputenmitybetweentheeandthewoman，andbetweenthyseedandherseed。"Andthiswillcontinuetothecloseoftime。

Satansummonsallhisforcesandthrowshiswholepowerintothecombat。Whyisitthathemeetswithnogreaterresistance？WhyarethesoldiersofChristsosleepyandindifferent？BecausetheyhavesolittlerealconnectionwithChrist；becausetheyaresodestituteofHisSpirit。Sinisnottothemrepulsiveandabhorrent，asitwastotheirMaster。Theydonotmeetit，asdidChrist，withdecisiveanddeterminedresistance。Theydonotrealizetheexceedingevilandmalignityofsin，andtheyareblindedbothtothecharacterandthepoweroftheprinceofdarkness。ThereislittleenmityagainstSatanandhisworks，becausethereissogreatignoranceconcerninghispowerandmalice，andthevastextentofhiswarfareagainstChristandHischurch。Multitudesaredeludedhere。Theydonotknowthattheirenemyisamightygeneralwhocontrolsthemindsofevilangels，508

andthatwithwell-maturedplansandskillfulmovementsheiswarringagainstChristtopreventthesalvationofsouls。AmongprofessedChristians，andevenamongministersofthegospel，thereisheardscarcelyareferencetoSatan，exceptperhapsanincidentalmentioninthepulpit。

Theyoverlooktheevidencesofhiscontinualactivityandsuccess；theyneglectthemanywarningsofhissubtlety；theyseemtoignorehisveryexistence。

Whilemenareignorantofhisdevices，thisvigilantfoeisupontheirtrackeverymoment。Heisintrudinghispresenceineverydepartmentofthehousehold，ineverystreetofourcities，inthechurches，inthenationalcouncils，inthecourtsofjustice，perplexing，deceiving，seducing，everywhereruiningthesoulsandbodiesofmen，women，andchildren，breakingupfamilies，sowinghatred，emulation，strife，sedition，murder。

AndtheChristianworldseemtoregardthesethingsasthoughGodhadappointedthemandtheymustexist。

SataniscontinuallyseekingtoovercomethepeopleofGodbybreakingdownthebarrierswhichseparatethemfromtheworld。AncientIsraelwereenticedintosinwhentheyventuredintoforbiddenassociationwiththeheathen。InasimilarmanneraremodernIsraelledastray。"Thegodofthisworldhathblindedthemindsofthemwhichbelievenot，lestthelightofthegloriousgospelofChrist，whoistheimageofGod，shouldshineuntothem。"2

Corinthians4:4。AllwhoarenotdecidedfollowersofChristareservantsofSatan。Intheunregenerateheartthereisloveofsinandadispositiontocherishandexcuseit。Intherenewedheartthereishatredofsinanddeterminedresistanceagainstit。WhenChristianschoosethesocietyoftheungodlyandunbelieving，theyexposethemselvestotemptation。Satanconcealshimselffromviewandstealthilydrawshisdeceptivecoveringovertheireyes。Theycannotseethatsuchcompanyiscalculatedtodothemharm；

andwhileallthetimeassimilatingtotheworldincharacter，words，andactions，theyarebecomingmoreandmoreblinded。

509

Conformitytoworldlycustomsconvertsthechurchtotheworld；itneverconvertstheworldtoChrist。Familiaritywithsinwillinevitablycauseittoappearlessrepulsive。HewhochoosestoassociatewiththeservantsofSatanwillsoonceasetofeartheirmaster。Wheninthewayofdutywearebroughtintotrial，aswasDanielintheking’scourt，wemaybesurethatGodwillprotectus；butifweplaceourselvesundertemptationweshallfallsoonerorlater。

Thetempteroftenworksmostsuccessfullythroughthosewhoareleastsuspectedofbeingunderhiscontrol。Thepossessorsoftalentandeducationareadmiredandhonored，asifthesequalitiescouldatonefortheabsenceofthefearofGodorentitlementoHisfavor。Talentandculture，consideredinthemselves，aregiftsofGod；butwhenthesearemadetosupplytheplaceofpiety，when，insteadofbringingthesoulnearertoGod，theyleadawayfromHim，thentheybecomeacurseandasnare。Theopinionprevailswithmanythatallwhichappearslikecourtesyorrefinementmust，insomesense，pertaintoChrist。Neverwasthereagreatermistake。ThesequalitiesshouldgracethecharacterofeveryChristian，fortheywouldexertapowerfulinfluenceinfavoroftruereligion；buttheymustbeconsecratedtoGod，ortheyalsoareapowerforevil。Manyamanofculturedintellectandpleasantmanners，whowouldnotstooptowhatiscommonlyregardedasanimmoralact，isbutapolishedinstrumentinthehandsofSatan。Theinsidious，deceptivecharacterofhisinfluenceandexamplerendershimamoredangerousenemytothecauseofChristthanarethosewhoareignorantanduncultured。

ByearnestprayeranddependenceuponGod，Solomonobtainedthewisdomwhichexcitedthewonderandadmirationoftheworld。ButwhenheturnedfromtheSourceofhisstrength，andwentforwardrelyinguponhimself，hefellapreytotemptation。Thenthemarvelouspowersbestowedonthiswisestofkingsonlyrenderedhimamoreeffectiveagentoftheadversaryofsouls。

510

WhileSatanisconstantlyseekingtoblindtheirmindstothefact，letChristiansneverforgetthatthey"wrestlenotagainstfleshandblood，butagainstprincipalities，againstpowers，againsttherulersofthedarknessofthisworld，againstwickedspiritsinhighplaces。"Ephesians6:12，margin。Theinspiredwarningissoundingdownthecenturiestoourtime:"Besober，bevigilant；becauseyouradversarythedevil，asaroaringlion，walkethabout，seekingwhomhemaydevour。"1Peter5:8。"PutonthewholearmorofGod，thatyemaybeabletostandagainstthewilesofthedevil。"

Ephesians6:11。

FromthedaysofAdamtoourowntime，ourgreatenemyhasbeenexercisinghispowertooppressanddestroy。Heisnowpreparingforhislastcampaignagainstthechurch。AllwhoseektofollowJesuswillbebroughtintoconflictwiththisrelentlessfoe。ThemorenearlytheChristianimitatesthedivinePattern，themoresurelywillhemakehimselfamarkfortheattacksofSatan。AllwhoareactivelyengagedinthecauseofGod，seekingtounveilthedeceptionsoftheeviloneandtopresentChristbeforethepeople，willbeabletojoininthetestimonyofPaul，inwhichhespeaksofservingtheLordwithallhumilityofmind，withmanytearsandtemptations。

SatanassailedChristwithhisfiercestandmostsubtletemptations，buthewasrepulsedineveryconflict。Thosebattleswerefoughtinourbehalf；

thosevictoriesmakeitpossibleforustoconquer。Christwillgivestrengthtoallwhoseekit。NomanwithouthisownconsentcanbeovercomebySatan。Thetempterhasnopowertocontrolthewillortoforcethesoultosin。Hemaydistress，buthecannotcontaminate。Hecancauseagony，butnotdefilement。ThefactthatChristhasconqueredshouldinspireHisfollowerswithcouragetofightmanfullythebattleagainstsinandSatan。

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Chapter31

AgencyofEvilSpiritsTheconnectionofthevisiblewiththeinvisibleworld，theministrationofangelsofGod，andtheagencyofevilspirits，areplainlyrevealedintheScriptures，andinseparablyinterwovenwithhumanhistory。Thereisagrowingtendencytodisbeliefintheexistenceofevilspirits，whiletheholyangelsthat"ministerforthemwhoshallbeheirsofsalvation"

(Hebrews1:14)areregardedbymanyasspiritsofthedead。ButtheScripturesnotonlyteachtheexistenceofangels，bothgoodandevil，butpresentunquestionableproofthatthesearenotdisembodiedspiritsofdeadmen。

Beforethecreationofman，angelswereinexistence；forwhenthefoundationsoftheearthwerelaid，"themorningstarssangtogether，andallthesonsofGodshoutedforjoy。"Job38:7。Afterthefallofman，angelsweresenttoguardthetreeoflife，andthisbeforeahumanbeinghaddied。Angelsareinnaturesuperiortomen，forthepsalmistsaysthatmanwasmade"alittlelowerthantheangels。"Psalm8:5。

WeareinformedinScriptureastothenumber，andthepowerandglory，oftheheavenlybeings，oftheirconnectionwiththegovernmentofGod，andalsooftheirrelationtotheworkofredemption。"TheLordhathpreparedHisthroneintheheavens；andHiskingdomrulethoverall。"And，saystheprophet，"Iheardthevoiceofmanyangelsroundaboutthethrone。"InthepresencechamberoftheKingofkings512

theywait——"angels，thatexcelinstrength，""ministersofHis，thatdoHispleasure，""hearkeninguntothevoiceofHisword。"Psalm103:19-21；

Revelation5:11。Tenthousandtimestenthousandandthousandsofthousands，weretheheavenlymessengersbeheldbytheprophetDaniel。TheapostlePauldeclaredthem"aninnumerablecompany。"Daniel7:10；Hebrews12:22。AsGod’smessengerstheygoforth，like"theappearanceofaflashoflightning，"

(Ezekiel1:14)，sodazzlingtheirglory，andsoswifttheirflight。TheangelthatappearedattheSaviour’stomb，hiscountenance"likelightning，andhisraimentwhiteassnow，"causedthekeepersforfearofhimtoquake，andthey"becameasdeadmen。"Matthew28:3，4。WhenSennacherib，thehaughtyAssyrian，reproachedandblasphemedGod，andthreatenedIsraelwithdestruction，"itcametopassthatnight，thattheangeloftheLordwentout，andsmoteinthecampoftheAssyriansanhundredfourscoreandfivethousand。"Therewere"cutoffallthemightymenofvalor，andtheleadersandcaptains，"fromthearmyofSennacherib。"Sohereturnedwithshameoffacetohisownland。"2Kings19:35；2Chronicles32:21。

AngelsaresentonmissionsofmercytothechildrenofGod。ToAbraham，withpromisesofblessing；tothegatesofSodom，torescuerighteousLotfromitsfierydoom；toElijah，ashewasabouttoperishfromwearinessandhungerinthedesert；toElisha，withchariotsandhorsesoffiresurroundingthelittletownwherehewasshutinbyhisfoes；toDaniel，whileseekingdivinewisdominthecourtofaheathenking，orabandonedtobecomethelions’prey；toPeter，doomedtodeathinHerod’sdungeon；totheprisonersatPhilippi；toPaulandhiscompanionsinthenightoftempestonthesea；toopenthemindofCorneliustoreceivethegospel；todispatchPeterwiththemessageofsalvationtotheGentilestranger——thusholyangelshave，inallages，ministeredtoGod’speople。

AguardianangelisappointedtoeveryfollowerofChrist。Theseheavenlywatchersshieldtherighteousfromthepower513

ofthewickedone。ThisSatanhimselfrecognizedwhenhesaid:"DothJobfearGodfornought？HastnotThoumadeanhedgeabouthim，andabouthishouse，andaboutallthathehathoneveryside？"Job1:9，10。TheagencybywhichGodprotectsHispeopleispresentedinthewordsofthepsalmist:

"TheangeloftheLordencampethroundaboutthemthatfearHim，anddelivereththem。"Psalm34:7。SaidtheSaviour，speakingofthosethatbelieveinHim:"Takeheedthatyedespisenotoneoftheselittleones；forIsayuntoyou，ThatinheaventheirangelsdoalwaysbeholdthefaceofMyFather。"Matthew18:10。TheangelsappointedtoministertothechildrenofGodhaveatalltimesaccesstoHispresence。

ThusGod’speople，exposedtothedeceptivepowerandunsleepingmaliceoftheprinceofdarkness，andinconflictwithalltheforcesofevil，areassuredoftheunceasingguardianshipofheavenlyangels。Norissuchassurancegivenwithoutneed。IfGodhasgrantedtoHischildrenpromiseofgraceandprotection，itisbecausetherearemightyagenciesofeviltobemet——agenciesnumerous，determined，anduntiring，ofwhosemalignityandpowernonecansafelybeignorantorunheeding。

Evilspirits，inthebeginningcreatedsinless，wereequalinnature，power，andglorywiththeholybeingsthatarenowGod’smessengers。Butfallenthroughsin，theyareleaguedtogetherforthedishonorofGodandthedestructionofmen。UnitedwithSataninhisrebellion，andwithhimcastoutfromheaven，theyhave，throughallsucceedingages，co-operatedwithhiminhiswarfareagainstthedivineauthority。WearetoldinScriptureoftheirconfederacyandgovernment，oftheirvariousorders，oftheirintelligenceandsubtlety，andoftheirmaliciousdesignsagainstthepeaceandhappinessofmen。

OldTestamenthistorypresentsoccasionalmentionoftheirexistenceandagency；butitwasduringthetimewhenChristwasupontheearththatevilspiritsmanifestedtheirpowerinthemoststrikingmanner。Christhadcometoenter514

upontheplandevisedforman’sredemption，andSatandeterminedtoasserthisrighttocontroltheworld。HehadsucceededinestablishingidolatryineverypartoftheearthexceptthelandofPalestine。Totheonlylandthathadnotfullyyieldedtothetempter’ssway，Christcametosheduponthepeoplethelightofheaven。Heretworivalpowersclaimedsupremacy。JesuswasstretchingoutHisarmsoflove，invitingallwhowouldtofindpardonandpeaceinHim。Thehostsofdarknesssawthattheydidnotpossessunlimitedcontrol，andtheyunderstoodthatifChrist’smissionshouldbesuccessful，theirrulewassoontoend。Satanragedlikeachainedlionanddefiantlyexhibitedhispoweroverthebodiesaswellasthesoulsofmen。

Thefactthatmenhavebeenpossessedwithdemons，isclearlystatedintheNewTestament。Thepersonsthusafflictedwerenotmerelysufferingwithdiseasefromnaturalcauses。ChristhadperfectunderstandingofthatwithwhichHewasdealing，andHerecognizedthedirectpresenceandagencyofevilspirits。

Astrikingexampleoftheirnumber，power，andmalignity，andalsoofthepowerandmercyofChrist，isgivenintheScriptureaccountofthehealingofthedemoniacsatGadara。Thosewretchedmaniacs，spurningallrestraint，writhing，foaming，raging，werefillingtheairwiththeircries，doingviolencetothemselves，andendangeringallwhoshouldapproachthem。Theirbleedinganddisfiguredbodiesanddistractedmindspresentedaspectaclewellpleasingtotheprinceofdarkness。Oneofthedemonscontrollingthesufferersdeclared:"MynameisLegion:forwearemany。"Mark5:9。IntheRomanarmyalegionconsistedoffromthreetofivethousandmen。Satan’shostsalsoaremarshaledincompanies，andthesinglecompanytowhichthesedemonsbelongednumberednolessthanalegion。

AtthecommandofJesustheevilspiritsdepartedfromtheirvictims，leavingthemcalmlysittingattheSaviour’sfeet，subdued，intelligent，andgentle。Butthedemonswere515

permittedtosweepaherdofswineintothesea；andtothedwellersofGadarathelossoftheseoutweighedtheblessingswhichChristhadbestowed，andthedivineHealerwasentreatedtodepart。ThiswastheresultwhichSatandesignedtosecure。BycastingtheblameoftheirlossuponJesus，hearousedtheselfishfearsofthepeopleandpreventedthemfromlisteningtoHiswords。SatanisconstantlyaccusingChristiansasthecauseofloss，misfortune，andsuffering，insteadofallowingthereproachtofallwhereitbelongs——uponhimselfandhisagents。

ButthepurposesofChristwerenotthwarted。HeallowedtheevilspiritstodestroytheherdofswineasarebuketothoseJewswhowereraisingtheseuncleanbeastsforthesakeofgain。HadnotChristrestrainedthedemons，theywouldhaveplungedintothesea，notonlytheswine，butalsotheirkeepersandowners。ThepreservationofboththekeepersandtheownerswasduealonetoHispower，mercifullyexercisedfortheirdeliverance。

Furthermore，thiseventwaspermittedtotakeplacethatthedisciplesmightwitnessthecruelpowerofSatanuponbothmanandbeast。TheSaviourdesiredHisfollowerstohaveaknowledgeofthefoewhomtheyweretomeet，thattheymightnotbedeceivedandovercomebyhisdevices。ItwasalsoHiswillthatthepeopleofthatregionshouldbeholdHispowertobreakthebondageofSatanandreleasehiscaptives。AndthoughJesusHimselfdeparted，themensomarvelouslydelivered，remainedtodeclarethemercyoftheirBenefactor。

OtherinstancesofasimilarnaturearerecordedintheScriptures。ThedaughteroftheSyrophoenicianwomanwasgrievouslyvexedwithadevil，whomJesuscastoutbyHisword。(Mark7:26-30)。"Onepossessedwithadevil，blind，anddumb"(Matthew12:22；ayouthwhohadadumbspirit，thatofttimes"casthimintothefire，andintothewaters，todestroyhim"(Mark9:17-27)；themaniacwho，tormentedby"aspiritofanuncleandevil"(Luke4:33-36)，disturbedtheSabbathquietofthesynagogueatCapernaum——allwere516

healedbythecompassionateSaviour。Innearlyeveryinstance，Christaddressedthedemonasanintelligententity，commandinghimtocomeoutofhisvictimandtotormenthimnomore。TheworshipersatCapernaum，beholdingHismightypower，"wereallamazed，andspakeamongthemselves，saying，Whatawordisthis！forwithauthorityandpowerHecommandeththeuncleanspirits，andtheycomeout。"Luke4:36。

Thosepossessedwithdevilsareusuallyrepresentedasbeinginaconditionofgreatsuffering；yettherewereexceptionstothisrule。Forthesakeofobtainingsupernaturalpower，somewelcomedthesatanicinfluence。Theseofcoursehadnoconflictwiththedemons。Ofthisclasswerethosewhopossessedthespiritofdivination，——SimonMagus，Elymasthesorcerer，andthedamselwhofollowedPaulandSilasatPhilippi。

Noneareingreaterdangerfromtheinfluenceofevilspiritsthanthosewho，notwithstandingthedirectandampletestimonyoftheScriptures，denytheexistenceandagencyofthedevilandhisangels。Solongasweareignorantoftheirwiles，theyhavealmostinconceivableadvantage；manygiveheedtotheirsuggestionswhiletheysupposethemselvestobefollowingthedictatesoftheirownwisdom。Thisiswhy，asweapproachthecloseoftime，whenSatanistoworkwithgreatestpowertodeceiveanddestroy，hespreadseverywherethebeliefthathedoesnotexist。Itishispolicytoconcealhimselfandhismannerofworking。

Thereisnothingthatthegreatdeceiverfearssomuchasthatweshallbecomeacquaintedwithhisdevices。Thebettertodisguisehisrealcharacterandpurposes，hehascausedhimselftobesorepresentedastoexcitenostrongeremotionthanridiculeorcontempt。Heiswellpleasedtobepaintedasaludicrousorloathsomeobject，misshapen，halfanimalandhalfhuman。Heispleasedtohearhisnameusedinsportandmockerybythosewhothinkthemselvesintelligentandwellinformed。

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Itisbecausehehasmaskedhimselfwithconsummateskillthatthequestionissowidelyasked:"Doessuchabeingreallyexist？"ItisanevidenceofhissuccessthattheoriesgivingthelietotheplainesttestimonyoftheScripturesaresogenerallyreceivedinthereligiousworld。AnditisbecauseSatancanmostreadilycontrolthemindsofthosewhoareunconsciousofhisinfluence，thatthewordofGodgivesussomanyexamplesofhismalignantwork，unveilingbeforeushissecretforces，andthusplacingusonourguardagainsthisassaults。

ThepowerandmaliceofSatanandhishostmightjustlyalarmuswereitnotthatwemayfindshelteranddeliveranceinthesuperiorpowerofourRedeemer。Wecarefullysecureourhouseswithboltsandlockstoprotectourpropertyandourlivesfromevilmen；butweseldomthinkoftheevilangelswhoareconstantlyseekingaccesstous，andagainstwhoseattackswehave，inourownstrength，nomethodofdefense。Ifpermitted，theycandistractourminds，disorderandtormentourbodies，destroyourpossessionsandourlives。Theironlydelightisinmiseryanddestruction。FearfulistheconditionofthosewhoresistthedivineclaimsandyieldtoSatan’stemptations，untilGodgivesthemuptothecontrolofevilspirits。ButthosewhofollowChristareeversafeunderHiswatchcare。Angelsthatexcelinstrengtharesentfromheaventoprotectthem。ThewickedonecannotbreakthroughtheguardwhichGodhasstationedaboutHispeople。

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Chapter32

SnaresofSatanThegreatcontroversybetweenChristandSatan，thathasbeencarriedforwardfornearlysixthousandyears，issoontoclose；andthewickedoneredoubleshiseffortstodefeattheworkofChristinman’sbehalfandtofastensoulsinhissnares。ToholdthepeopleindarknessandimpenitencetilltheSaviour’smediationisended，andthereisnolongerasacrificeforsin，istheobjectwhichheseekstoaccomplish。

Whenthereisnospecialeffortmadetoresisthispower，whenindifferenceprevailsinthechurchandtheworld，Satanisnotconcerned；forheisinnodangeroflosingthosewhomheisleadingcaptiveathiswill。Butwhentheattentioniscalledtoeternalthings，andsoulsareinquiring，"WhatmustIdotobesaved？"heisontheground，seekingtomatchhispoweragainstthepowerofChristandtocounteracttheinfluenceoftheHolySpirit。

TheScripturesdeclarethatupononeoccasion，whentheangelsofGodcametopresentthemselvesbeforetheLord，Satancamealsoamongthem(Job1:6)，nottobowbeforetheEternalKing，buttofurtherhisownmaliciousdesignsagainsttherighteous。WiththesameobjectheisinattendancewhenmenassemblefortheworshipofGod。Thoughhiddenfromsight，heisworkingwithalldiligencetocontrolthemindsoftheworshipers。Likeaskillfulgeneralhelayshisplansbeforehand。AsheseesthemessengerofGodsearchingtheScriptures，hetakesnoteofthesubjecttobe519

presentedtothepeople。Thenheemploysallhiscunningandshrewdnesssotocontrolcircumstancesthatthemessagemaynotreachthosewhomheisdeceivingonthatverypoint。Theonewhomostneedsthewarningwillbeurgedintosomebusinesstransactionwhichrequireshispresence，orwillbysomeothermeansbepreventedfromhearingthewordsthatmightprovetohimasavoroflifeuntolife。

Again，SatanseestheLord’sservantsburdenedbecauseofthespiritualdarknessthatenshroudsthepeople。Hehearstheirearnestprayersfordivinegraceandpowertobreakthespellofindifference，carelessness，andindolence。Thenwithrenewedzealheplieshisarts。Hetemptsmentotheindulgenceofappetiteortosomeotherformofself-gratification，andthusbenumbstheirsensibilitiessothattheyfailtoheartheverythingswhichtheymostneedtolearn。

SatanwellknowsthatallwhomhecanleadtoneglectprayerandthesearchingoftheScriptures，willbeovercomebyhisattacks。Thereforeheinventseverypossibledevicetoengrossthemind。Therehaseverbeenaclassprofessinggodliness，who，insteadoffollowingontoknowthetruth，makeittheirreligiontoseeksomefaultofcharacterorerroroffaithinthosewithwhomtheydonotagree。SuchareSatan’sright-handhelpers。

Accusersofthebrethrenarenotfew，andtheyarealwaysactivewhenGodisatworkandHisservantsarerenderingHimtruehomage。Theywillputafalsecoloringuponthewordsandactsofthosewholoveandobeythetruth。

Theywillrepresentthemostearnest，zealous，self-denyingservantsofChristasdeceivedordeceivers。Itistheirworktomisrepresentthemotivesofeverytrueandnobledeed，tocirculateinsinuations，andarousesuspicioninthemindsoftheinexperienced。Ineveryconceivablemannertheywillseektocausethatwhichispureandrighteoustoberegardedasfoulanddeceptive。

Butnoneneedbedeceivedconcerningthem。Itmaybereadilyseenwhosechildrentheyare，whoseexampletheyfollow，andwhoseworktheydo。"Yeshallknowthemby520

theirfruits。"Matthew7:16。TheircourseresemblesthatofSatan，theenvenomedslanderer，"theaccuserofourbrethren。"Revelation12:10。

Thegreatdeceiverhasmanyagentsreadytopresentanyandeverykindoferrortoensnaresouls——heresiespreparedtosuitthevariedtastesandcapacitiesofthosewhomhewouldruin。Itishisplantobringintothechurchinsincere，unregenerateelementsthatwillencouragedoubtandunbelief，andhinderallwhodesiretoseetheworkofGodadvanceandtoadvancewithit。ManywhohavenorealfaithinGodorinHiswordassenttosomeprinciplesoftruthandpassasChristians，andthustheyareenabledtointroducetheirerrorsasScripturaldoctrines。

ThepositionthatitisofnoconsequencewhatmenbelieveisoneofSatan’smostsuccessfuldeceptions。Heknowsthatthetruth，receivedintheloveofit，sanctifiesthesoulofthereceiver；thereforeheisconstantlyseekingtosubstitutefalsetheories，fables，anothergospel。FromthebeginningtheservantsofGodhavecontendedagainstfalseteachers，notmerelyasviciousmen，butasinculcatorsoffalsehoodsthatwerefataltothesoul。Elijah，Jeremiah，Paul，firmlyandfearlesslyopposedthosewhowereturningmenfromthewordofGod。Thatliberalitywhichregardsacorrectreligiousfaithasunimportantfoundnofavorwiththeseholydefendersofthetruth。

ThevagueandfancifulinterpretationsofScripture，andthemanyconflictingtheoriesconcerningreligiousfaith，thatarefoundintheChristianworldaretheworkofourgreatadversarytoconfusemindssothattheyshallnotdiscernthetruth。AndthediscordanddivisionwhichexistamongthechurchesofChristendomareinagreatmeasureduetotheprevailingcustomofwrestingtheScripturestosupportafavoritetheory。

InsteadofcarefullystudyingGod’swordwithhumilityofhearttoobtainaknowledgeofHiswill，manyseekonlytodiscoversomethingoddororiginal。

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Inordertosustainerroneousdoctrinesorunchristianpractices，somewillseizeuponpassagesofScriptureseparatedfromthecontext，perhapsquotinghalfofasingleverseasprovingtheirpoint，whentheremainingportionwouldshowthemeaningtobequitetheopposite。Withthecunningoftheserpenttheyentrenchthemselvesbehinddisconnectedutterancesconstruedtosuittheircarnaldesires。ThusdomanywillfullypervertthewordofGod。

Others，whohaveanactiveimagination，seizeuponthefiguresandsymbolsofHolyWrit，interpretthemtosuittheirfancy，withlittleregardtothetestimonyofScriptureasitsowninterpreter，andthentheypresenttheirvagariesastheteachingsoftheBible。

WheneverthestudyoftheScripturesisentereduponwithoutaprayerful，humble，teachablespirit，theplainestandsimplestaswellasthemostdifficultpassageswillbewrestedfromtheirtruemeaning。ThepapalleadersselectsuchportionsofScriptureasbestservetheirpurpose，interprettosuitthemselves，andthenpresentthesetothepeople，whiletheydenythemtheprivilegeofstudyingtheBibleandunderstandingitssacredtruthsforthemselves。ThewholeBibleshouldbegiventothepeoplejustasitreads。ItwouldbebetterforthemnottohaveBibleinstructionatallthantohavetheteachingoftheScripturesthusgrosslymisrepresented。

TheBiblewasdesignedtobeaguidetoallwhowishtobecomeacquaintedwiththewilloftheirMaker。Godgavetomenthesurewordofprophecy；

angelsandevenChristHimselfcametomakeknowntoDanielandJohnthethingsthatmustshortlycometopass。Thoseimportantmattersthatconcernoursalvationwerenotleftinvolvedinmystery。Theywerenotrevealedinsuchawayastoperplexandmisleadthehonestseekeraftertruth。SaidtheLordbytheprophetHabakkuk:"Writethevision，andmakeitplain，……

thathemayrunthatreadethit。"Habakkuk2:2。ThewordofGodisplaintoallwhostudyitwithaprayerful522

heart。Everytrulyhonestsoulwillcometothelightoftruth。"Lightissownfortherighteous。"Psalm97:11。Andnochurchcanadvanceinholinessunlessitsmembersareearnestlyseekingfortruthasforhidtreasure。

Bythecry，Liberality，menareblindedtothedevicesoftheiradversary，whileheisallthetimeworkingsteadilyfortheaccomplishmentofhisobject。AshesucceedsinsupplantingtheBiblebyhumanspeculations，thelawofGodissetaside，andthechurchesareunderthebondageofsinwhiletheyclaimtobefree。

Tomany，scientificresearchhasbecomeacurse。Godhaspermittedafloodoflighttobepouredupontheworldindiscoveriesinscienceandart；buteventhegreatestminds，ifnotguidedbythewordofGodintheirresearch，becomebewilderedintheirattemptstoinvestigatetherelationsofscienceandrevelation。

Humanknowledgeofbothmaterialandspiritualthingsispartialandimperfect；thereforemanyareunabletoharmonizetheirviewsofsciencewithScripturestatements。Manyacceptmeretheoriesandspeculationsasscientificfacts，andtheythinkthatGod’swordistobetestedbytheteachingsof"sciencefalselysocalled。"1Timothy6:20。TheCreatorandHisworksarebeyondtheircomprehension；andbecausetheycannotexplainthesebynaturallaws，Biblehistoryisregardedasunreliable。ThosewhodoubtthereliabilityoftherecordsoftheOldandNewTestamentstoooftengoastepfurtheranddoubttheexistenceofGodandattributeinfinitepowertonature。Havingletgotheiranchor，theyarelefttobeataboutupontherocksofinfidelity。

Thusmanyerrfromthefaithandareseducedbythedevil。MenhaveendeavoredtobewiserthantheirCreator；humanphilosophyhasattemptedtosearchoutandexplainmysterieswhichwillneverberevealedthroughtheeternalages。IfmenwouldbutsearchandunderstandwhatGodhadmadeknownofHimselfandHispurposes，theywouldobtainsuchaviewoftheglory，majesty，andpowerofJehovahthat523

theywouldrealizetheirownlittlenessandwouldbecontentwiththatwhichhasbeenrevealedforthemselvesandtheirchildren。

ItisamasterpieceofSatan’sdeceptionstokeepthemindsofmensearchingandconjecturinginregardtothatwhichGodhasnotmadeknownandwhichHedoesnotintendthatweshallunderstand。ItwasthusthatLuciferlosthisplaceinheaven。HebecamedissatisfiedbecauseallthesecretsofGod’spurposeswerenotconfidedtohim，andheentirelydisregardedthatwhichwasrevealedconcerninghisownworkintheloftypositionassignedhim。Byarousingthesamediscontentintheangelsunderhiscommand，hecausedtheirfall。NowheseekstoimbuethemindsofmenwiththesamespiritandtoleadthemalsotodisregardthedirectcommandsofGod。