Danger in Speculative Knowledge
279
Past Experiences to be Repeated
The experience of the past will be repeated. In the future, Satan’s
superstitions will assume new forms. Errors will be presented in a
pleasing and flattering manner. False theories, clothed with garments
of light, will be presented to God’s people. Thus Satan will try to
deceive, if possible, the very elect. Most seducing influences will be
exerted; minds will be hypnotized.
Corruptions of every type, similar to those existing among the
antediluvians, will be brought in to take minds captive. The exaltation
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of nature as God, the unrestrained license of the human will, the
counsel of the ungodly—these Satan uses as agencies to bring about
certain ends. He will employ the power of mind over mind to carry
out his designs. The most sorrowful thought of all is that under his
deceptive influence men will have a form of godliness, without having
a real connection with God. Like Adam and Eve, who ate the fruit
from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, many are even now
feeding upon the deceptive morsels of error.
Satanic agencies are clothing false theories in an attractive garb,
even as Satan in the Garden of Eden concealed his identity from our
first parents by speaking through the serpent. These agencies are
instilling into human minds that which in reality is deadly error. The
hypnotic influence of Satan will rest upon those who turn from the
plain word of God to pleasing fables.
It is those who have had the most light that Satan most assiduously
seeks to ensnare. He knows that if he can deceive them, they will,
under his control, clothe sin with garments of righteousness, and lead
many astray.
I say to all: Be on your guard; for as an angel of light Satan is
walking in every assembly of Christian workers, and in every church,
trying to win the members to his side. I am bidden to give to the people
of God the warning: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked.”
Galatians
6:7
.