Spiritual Influences and the Mind
29
light and life, could say, “I have power to lay down My life, and I have
power to take it again.”—
Manuscript 131, 1897.
(
The S.D.A. Bible
Commentary 5:1113
.)
Satan Uses Influences of Mind on Mind—Cast out of heaven,
Satan set up his kingdom in this world, and ever since he has been
untiringly striving to seduce human beings from their allegiance to
God. He uses the same power that he used in heaven—the influence of
mind on mind. Men become tempters of their fellowmen. The strong,
corrupting sentiments of Satan are cherished, and they exert a masterly,
compelling power. Under the influence of these sentiments, men bind
up with one another in confederacies, in trade unions, and in secret
societies. There are at work in the world agencies that God will not
much longer tolerate.—
Letter 114, 1903
Satan’s Studied Purpose to Employ Powers for Selfish Ends—
Satan has nets and snares, like the snares of the fowler, all prepared
to entrap souls. It is his studied purpose that men shall employ their
God-given powers for selfish ends rather than yield them to glorify
God. God would have men engage in a work that will bring them
[29]
peace and joy and will render them eternal profit; but Satan wants us
to concentrate our efforts for that which profiteth not, for the things
that perish with the using.—
The Present Truth, September 1, 1910
.
(HC 200.)
Transgression Brought No New Order of Energies and Pas-
sions—We are not to suppose that since the transgression of Adam,
God has given to human beings a new order of energies and passions,
for then it would appear that God had interfered to implant in the
human race sinful propensities. Christ began His work of conversion
as soon as man transgressed, that through obedience to the law of
God and faith in Christ they might regain the lost image of God.—
Manuscript 60, 1905.
Each Must Choose One of Two Banners—Here is the great is-
sue. Here are the two great powers confronting each other, the Prince
of God, Jesus Christ, and the prince of darkness, Satan. Here comes
the open conflict. There are but two classes in the world, and every
human being will range under one of the two banners, the banner of
the prince of darkness or the banner of Jesus Christ.—
Letter 38, 1894
Sin Affects Entire Being—Sin affects the entire being; so also
does grace.—
Letter 8, 1891