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Satan and the Threefold Union, July 2
And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast.
Revelation 13:4
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“He had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.” Though
professing to be followers of the Lamb of God, men become imbued with
the spirit of the dragon. They profess to be meek and humble but they speak
and legislate with the spirit of Satan, showing by their actions that they are
the opposite of what they profess to be. This lamb-like power unites with
the dragon in making war upon those who keep the commandments of God
and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. And Satan unites with Protestants
and Papists, acting in consort with them as the God of this world, dictating
to men as if they were the subjects of his kingdom, to be handled and
governed and controlled as he pleases. If men will not agree to trample
under foot the commandments of God, the spirit of the dragon is revealed.
They are imprisoned, brought before councils, and fined. “He causeth all,
both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their
right hand, or in their foreheads.” “He had power to give life unto the image
of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as
many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” Thus
Satan usurps the prerogatives of Jehovah. The man of sin sits in the seat of
God, proclaiming himself to be God, and acting above God.
There is a marked contrast between those who bear the seal of God and
those who worship the beast and his image. The Lord’s faithful servants
will receive the bitterest persecution from false teachers, who will not hear
the word of God, and who prepare stumbling blocks to put in the way of
those who would hear. But God’s people are not to fear. Satan cannot go
beyond his limit. The Lord will be the defense of His people. He regards
the injury done to His servants for the truth’s sake as done to Himself.
When the last decision has been made, when all have taken sides, either for
Christ and the commandments or for the great apostate, God will arise in
His power, and the mouths of those who have blasphemed against Him will
be forever stopped. Every opposing power will receive its punishment.
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