Self-indulgence in Religion’s Garb
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encourage and engage in these lotteries and scenes of festivities, and
connect them with sacred things, why may not they be safe in taking
an interest in lotteries and in engaging in gambling to win money for
special objects.
It is Satan’s studied plan to clothe sin with garments of light to
hide its deformity and make it attractive. And ministers and people
professing righteousness unite with the adversary of souls to help him
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in his plans. Never was there a time when every member of the church
should feel his responsibility to walk humbly and circumspectly before
God as at the present. Vain philosophy, false creeds, and infidelity are
on the increase. And many who bear the name of Christ’s followers
are, through pride of heart, seeking popularity, and are drifting away
from the established landmarks. The plain commands of God in His
Word are discarded because they are so plain and old-fashioned, while
vain and vague theories attract the mind and please the fancy. In these
scenes of church festivities there is a union with the world that the
Word of God does not justify. Christians and worldlings are united in
them.
But the apostle inquires:—
“What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and
what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath
Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the
temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and
walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the
Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will
be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the
Lord Almighty.”
When we are able to comprehend the temptations and victories of
the Son of God while in severe conflict with Satan, we shall have a
more correct idea of the greatness of the work before us in overcoming.
Satan knew that if he failed his case was hopeless. If he succeeded he
had gained a victory over the entire race, and his life and kingdom he
thought would be established.
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In professedly Christian gatherings Satan throws a religious gar-
ment over delusive pleasures and unholy revelings to give them the
appearance of sanctity, and the consciences of many are quieted be-