Enmity Between Man and Satan
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heaven and fill the earth with woe and desolation. And he points to all
this evil as the result of God’s work in creating man.
It is the grace that Christ implants in the soul which creates in
man enmity against Satan. Without this converting grace and renewing
power, man would continue the captive of Satan, a servant ever ready to
do his bidding. But the new principle in the soul creates conflict where
hitherto had been peace. The power which Christ imparts enables man
to resist the tyrant and usurper. Whoever is seen to abhor sin instead of
loving it, whoever resists and conquers those passions that have held
sway within, displays the operation of a principle wholly from above.
The antagonism that exists between the spirit of Christ and the
spirit of Satan was most strikingly displayed in the world’s reception
of Jesus. It was not so much because He appeared without worldly
wealth, pomp, or grandeur that the Jews were led to reject Him. They
saw that He possessed power which would more than compensate for
the lack of these outward advantages. But the purity and holiness of
Christ called forth against Him the hatred of the ungodly. His life of
self-denial and sinless devotion was a perpetual reproof to a proud,
sensual people. It was this that evoked enmity against the Son of God.
Satan and evil angels joined with evil men. All the energies of apostasy
conspired against the Champion of truth.
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The same enmity is manifested toward Christ’s followers as was
manifested toward their Master. Whoever sees the repulsive character
of sin, and in strength from above resists temptation, will assuredly
arouse the wrath of Satan and his subjects. Hatred of the pure principles
of truth, and reproach and persecution of its advocates, will exist as
long as sin and sinners remain. The followers of Christ and the servants
of Satan cannot harmonize. The offense of the cross has not ceased.
“All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
2
Timothy 3:12
.
Satan’s agents are constantly working under his direction to es-
tablish his authority and build up his kingdom in opposition to the
government of God. To this end they seek to deceive Christ’s fol-
lowers and allure them from their allegiance. Like their leader, they
misconstrue and pervert the Scriptures to accomplish their object. As
Satan endeavored to cast reproach upon God, so do his agents seek
to malign God’s people. The spirit which put Christ to death moves
the wicked to destroy His followers. All this is foreshadowed in that