Snares of Satan
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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 wor****p of God. Though hidden from sight, he is working
with all diligence to control the minds of the wor****pers. 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 cir***stances 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 unim****tant 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 sup****t 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 ****tion
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 ****tions 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 im****tant 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
522
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
523
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 ****eld 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
524
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 relation****p 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.
525
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.
526
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
fa****onable 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
accompli****ng 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
527
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 op****tunity 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
528
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 ****nes
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, ****eld 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
530
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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