Satan An Accuser of the Brethren
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perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” It is dangerous to delay this
work. Satan is even now seeking by disasters upon sea and land to seal
the fate of as many as possible. What is the defense of the people of
God at this time? It is a living connection with heaven. If we would
dwell in safety from the noisome pestilence, if we would be preserved
from dangers seen and unseen, we must hide in God; we must secure
the protecting care of Jesus and holy angels. In these days of peril, the
Lord would have us walk before him in humility. Instead of trying to
cover our sins, he would have us confess them, as Joshua confessed
the sins of ancient Israel. We profess to be the depositaries of God’s
law. We profess to be building up “the old waste places,” and to be
raising up “the foundations of many generations.” If this great and
solemn work has indeed been committed to us, how important that we
depart from all iniquity!
We may be followed with testimony after testimony of reproof;
but if we do not overcome the disposition in us to do evil, if we do
not respond to the light, we shall be in a state of condemnation before
God. If, on the other hand, we live up to all the light that shines upon
us, that light will continue to increase, and we shall have a clean record
in heaven. The third angel’s message is to lighten the earth with its
glory; but only those who have withstood temptation in the strength of
the Mighty One will be permitted to act a part in proclaiming it when
it shall have swelled into the loud cry.
As the intercession of Joshua was accepted, the command was
given to those that stood by, “Take away the filthy garments from him.”
And unto Joshua the Angel said, “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity
to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” “So
they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments.”
Even so will all those who come to Jesus in penitence and faith receive
the robe of Christ’s righteousness.
As we approach the perils of the last days, the temptations of the
enemy become stronger and more determined. Satan has come down in
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great power, knowing that his time is short; and he is working “with all
deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish.” The warning
comes to us through God’s word, that, if it were possible, he would
deceive the very elect.
Wonderful events are soon to open before the world. The end of
all things is at hand. The time of trouble is about to come upon the