Fundamental Principles Involved

Back of the opposition is revealed the shrewd plotting of that master mind of evil, the enemy of all righteousness. The very fact of his determination to neutralize the message and its inevitable effects, is evidence of its great value and importance; and how terrible must be the results of any victory of his in defeating it! Concerning Satan’s shrewd planning, we are given plain warning:COR 53.13

“The enemy of man and God is not willing that this truth [justification by faith] should be clearly presented; for he knows that if the people receive it fully, his power will be broken. If he can control minds so that doubt and unbelief and darkness shall compose the experience of those who claim to be the children of God, he can overcome them with temptation.”-The Review and Herald, September 3, 1889.COR 54.1

“Our present position is interesting and perilous. The danger of refusing light from heaven should make us watchful unto prayer, lest we should any of us have an evil heart of unbelief. When the Lamb of God was crucified on Calvary, the death knell of Satan was sounded; and if the enemy of truth and righteousness can obliterate from the mind the thought that it is necessary to depend upon the righteousness of Christ for salvation, he will do it. If Satan can succeed in leading man to place value upon his own works as works of merit and righteousness, he knows that he can overcome him by his temptations, and make him his victim and prey. Lift up Jesus before the people. Strike the doorposts with the blood of Calvary’s Lamb, and you are safe.”-The Review and Herald, September 3, 1889.COR 54.2

Once more let us summarize these statements, because of their far-reaching importance:COR 55.1

1. It is Satan who is unwilling that the truth of Righteousness by Faith shall be presented.COR 55.2

2. The reason is that, if this truth is fully received by the people, his power will be broken.COR 55.3

3. If Satan can throw about the people doubt and unbelief, he can overcome them through temptation.COR 55.4

4. It is Satan’s endeavor to obliterate from the mind that it is necessary to depend upon the righteousness of Christ for salvation.COR 55.5

5. Satan knows that if he can lead men to depend upon their own works for righteousness, they will be his victims.COR 55.6

6. Therefore the call is sounded: Lift up the crucified Saviour, and place your trust in His blood.COR 55.7

What a challenge to prayer is here presented! How we should seek God in humility for the anointing of the heavenly eyesalve! Only by the full acceptance and appropriation of these glorious provisions can a people be prepared to stand without spot or wrinkle before a holy God at His coming. Only thus may His commandments be truly kept, and only by this divine power can the church finish its great commission.COR 55.8