96
The Desire of Ages
love would save them from the consequence of their sin. It is not faith
that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions
on which mercy is to be granted. Genuine faith has its foundation in
the promises and provisions of the Scriptures.
Often when Satan has failed of exciting distrust, he succeeds in
leading us to presumption. If he can cause us to place ourselves
unnecessarily in the way of temptation, he knows that the victory is
his. God will preserve all who walk in the path of obedience; but to
depart from it is to venture on Satan’s ground. There we are sure to
fall. The Saviour has bidden us, “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into
temptation.”
Mark 14:38
. Meditation and prayer would keep us from
rushing unbidden into the way of danger, and thus we should be saved
from many a defeat.
Yet we should not lose courage when assailed by temptation. Often
when placed in a trying situation we doubt that the Spirit of God has
been leading us. But it was the Spirit’s leading that brought Jesus into
the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. When God brings us into trial,
He has a purpose to accomplish for our good. Jesus did not presume
on God’s promises by going unbidden into temptation, neither did He
give up to despondency when temptation came upon Him. Nor should
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we. “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that
ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape,
that ye may be able to bear it.” He says, “Offer unto God thanksgiving;
and pay thy vows unto the Most High: and call upon Me in the day of
trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.”
1 Corinthians
10:13
;
Psalm 50:14, 15
.
Jesus was victor in the second temptation, and now Satan manifests
himself in his true character. But he does not appear as a hideous
monster, with cloven feet and bat’s wings. He is a mighty angel,
though fallen. He avows himself the leader of rebellion and the God
of this world.
Placing Jesus upon a high mountain, Satan caused the kingdoms
of the world, in all their glory, to pass in panoramic view before Him.
The sunlight lay on templed cities, marble palaces, fertile fields, and
fruit-laden vineyards. The traces of evil were hidden. The eyes of
Jesus, so lately greeted by gloom and desolation, now gazed upon a
scene of unsurpassed loveliness and prosperity. Then the tempter’s
voice was heard: “All this power will I give Thee, and the glory of