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Chapter 32
Snares of Satan
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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