Satan Gains Foothold Through False Doctrines
Error Draws Its Life From Truth—Satan has wrought with de-
ceiving power, bringing in a multiplicity of errors that obscure the
truth. Error cannot stand alone, and would soon become extinct if it
did not fasten itself like a parasite upon the tree of truth. Error draws
its life from the truth of God. The traditions of men, like floating
germs, attach themselves to the truth of God, and men regard them as
a part of the truth. Through false doctrines, Satan gains a foothold,
and captivates the minds of men, causing them to hold theories that
have no foundation in truth. Men boldly teach for doctrines the com-
mandments of men; and as traditions pass on, from age to age, they
acquire a power over human mind. But age does not make error truth,
neither does its burdensome weight cause the plant of truth to become a
parasite. The tree of truth bears its own genuine fruit, showing its true
origin and nature. The parasite of error also bears its own fruit, and
makes manifest that its character is diverse from the plant of heavenly
origin.
It is through false theories and traditions that Satan gains his power
over the human mind. We can see the extent to which he exercises
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his power by the disloyalty that is in the world. Even the churches
that profess to be Christian have turned from the law of Jehovah, and
have erected a false standard. Satan has had his hand in all this; for by
directing men to false standards, he misshapes the human character,
and causes humanity to acknowledge him as supreme. He works
counter to the holy law of God, and denies God’s jurisdiction. It is at
his throne that every evil work finds its starting point and obtains its
support.—
The Review and Herald, October 22, 1895
.
Diverging Paths of Truth and Error—Satan’s angels are wise to
do evil, and they will create that which some will claim to be advanced
light, and will proclaim it as new and wonderful; yet while in some
respects the message may be truth, it will be mingled with human
inventions, and will teach for doctrine the commandments of men. If
there was ever a time when we should watch and pray in real earnest,
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