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On The Edge of Time
We Are Not Alone
The existence of Satan and the agency of evil spirits are
facts fully established by both the Old and the New Testament. From the days of
Adam to Moses, and through all the succeeding ages to John, the latest gospel
writer, Satan is recognized as an active, personal agent, the originator of
evil, the enemy of God and man. It is true that imagination and superstition
have given their own coloring to these facts and have linked them with legends
and traditions of heathen, Jewish, and even Christian nations; but as revealed
in the word of God they are of the utmost solemnity and importance. The
connection of the visible with the invisible world, the ministration of angels
of God, and the agency of evil angels, are inseparably interwoven with human
history. We are told of the fall of the angels from their purity, of Lucifer
their leader, the instigator of rebellion, of their confederacy and government,
of their various orders, of their great intelligence and subtlety, and of their
malicious designs against the innocence and happiness of men. We are told of One
mightier than the fallen foe,— One by whose authority Satan’s power is limited
and controlled; and we are told, also, of the punishment prepared for the
originator of iniquity.
During the time when Christ was upon the earth, evil spirits
manifested their power in a most striking manner. And why was this? Christ had
come to enter upon the plan devised for man’s redemption, and Satan therefore
determined to assert his right to control the world. He had succeeded in
establishing idolatry in every part of the earth except the land of Palestine.
To the only land that had not fully yielded to the tempter’s sway, Christ came
to shed upon the people the light of heaven. Here two rival powers claimed
supremacy. Jesus was stretching out his arms of love, inviting all who would to
find pardon and peace in Him. The hosts of darkness understood that if His
mission should be successful, their rule was soon to end. Satan raged like a
chained lion, and defiantly exhibited his power over the bodies as well as the
souls of men.
The fact that men have been possessed with demons is clearly
stated in the New Testament. The persons thus afflicted were not merely
suffering with disease from natural causes. Christ had perfect understanding of
that with which He was dealing, and He recognized the direct presence and agency
of evil spirits.
None are in greater danger from the influence of evil spirits
than are those who, notwithstanding the direct and ample testimony of the
Scriptures, deny the existence and agency of the devil and his angels. So long
as we are ignorant of their wiles, they have almost inconceivable advantage;
many give heed to their suggestions while they suppose themselves to be
following the dictates of their own wisdom. This is why, as we approach the
close of time, when Satan is to work with greatest power to deceive and destroy,
he spreads everywhere the belief that he does not exist. It is his policy to
conceal himself and his manner of working.
There is nothing that the great deceiver fears so much as
that we shall become acquainted with his devices. The better to disguise his
real character and purposes, he has caused himself to be so represented as to
excite no stronger emotion than ridicule or contempt. He is well pleased to be
painted as a ludicrous or loathsome object, misshapen, half animal and half
human. He is pleased to hear his name used in sport and mockery by those who
consider themselves intelligent and well-informed.
It is because he has masked himself with consummate skill
that the question is so widely asked, “Does such a being really exist?” It is an
evidence of his success that theories giving the lie to the plainest testimony
of the Scriptures are so generally received in the religious world. And it is
because Satan can most readily control the minds of those who are unconscious of
his influence that the word of God gives us so many examples of his malignant
work, unveiling before us his secret forces, and thus placing us on our guard
against his assaults.
The power and malice of Satan and his host might justly alarm
us, were it not that we may find shelter and deliverance in the superior power
of our Redeemer. We carefully secure our houses with bolts and locks to protect
our property and our lives from evil men; but we seldom think of the evil angels
who are constantly seeking access to us, and against whose attacks we have no
method of defense. If permitted, they can distract our minds, disorder, torment
our bodies, destroy our possessions and our lives. Their only delight is in
misery and destruction. Fearful is the condition of those who resist the divine
claims and yield to Satan’s temptations until God gives them up to the control
of evil spirits. But those who follow Christ are ever safe under His watchcare.
Angels that excel in strength are sent from heaven to protect them. The wicked
one cannot break through the guard which God has stationed about His people.
Chapter 3
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