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Enmity Between Man and Satan
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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
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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.
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
establish his authority and build up his kingdom in opposition to
the government of God. To this end they seek to deceive Christ’s
followers, 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 first prophecy, “I will put enmity between thee
and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed.” Such is the
work that will be carried forward in the great controversy between
Christ and Satan to the close of time.
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