Agents of Satan
123
In this degenerate age many will be found who are so blinded to
the sinfulness of sin that they choose a licentious life because it suits
the natural and perverse inclination of the heart. Instead of facing the
mirror, the law of God, and bringing their hearts and characters up to
God’s standard, they allow Satan’s agents to erect his standard in their
hearts. Corrupt men think it easier to misinterpret the Scriptures to
sustain them in their iniquity than to yield up their corruption and sin
and be pure in heart and life.
There are more men of this stamp than many have imagined, and
they will multiply as we draw near the end of time. Unless they
are rooted and grounded in the truth of the Bible, and have a living
connection with God, many will be infatuated and deceived. Dangers
unseen beset our path. Our only safety is in constant watchfulness and
prayer. The nearer we live to Jesus, the more will we partake of His
pure and holy character; and the more offensive sin appears to us, the
more exalted and desirable will appear the purity and brightness of
Christ.
In order to cover his corrupt life and make his sins appear harmless,
this man will bring up instances recorded in the Bible where good men
have fallen under temptation. Paul met with just such men in his day,
and the church has been cursed with them in all ages. At Miletus Paul
called the elders of the church together and warned them in regard to
what they would meet: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to
[142]
all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers,
to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own
blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves
enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves
shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after
them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years
I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears.”
He who holds the truth in unrighteousness, who declares his belief
in it, and yet wounds it every day by his inconsistent life, is surren-
dering himself to the service of Satan and leading souls to ruin. This
class hold intercourse with fallen angels and are aided by them in
gaining the control of minds. When Satan’s bewitching power controls
a person, God is forgotten, and man who is filled with corrupt purposes
is extolled. Secret licentiousness is practiced by these deceived souls
as a virtue. This is a species of witchcraft. The question of the apostle