Beware the Counterfeits
49
no example of any such manifestations in connection with those upon
whom He pours out His Spirit. It is clear that distempered fancies,
wild outbursts, and contorted bodily exercises are the workings of the
enemy.
Yet many think that the disorder of the mind, which is intensified
by the power of Satan, is a warrant that God is causing these deceived
souls to act in so uncomely a manner. The whole spirit and tone of the
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Bible condemns men in acting without reason or intelligence. When
the Spirit of God moves upon the heart, it causes the faithful, obedient
child of God to act in a manner that will commend religion to the
good judgment of sensible-minded men and women. [
The Signs of
the Times, February 28, 1895
.]
Pretending
Said Christ: “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall
enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My
Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord,
Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have
cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And
then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye
that work iniquity.”
These may profess to be followers of Christ, but they have lost
sight of their Leader. They may say, “Lord, Lord”; they may point to
the sick who are healed through them, and to other marvelous works,
and claim that they have more of the Spirit and power of God than
is manifested by those who keep His law. But their works are done
under the supervision of the enemy of righteousness, whose aim it is
to deceive souls, and are designed to lead away from obedience, truth,
and duty.
In the near future there will be still more marked manifestations of
this miracle-working power; for it is said of him, “And he doeth great
wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth
in the sight of men.”
We are surprised to see so many ready to accept these great preten-
sions as the genuine work of the Spirit of God; but those who look to
wonderful works merely, and are guided by impulse and impressions,
will be deceived....
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