Bible -- Theology; Theology, Doctrinal -- Popular works
Matt. 4:3--"And when the tempter came to him." See Gen. 3:1-6.
None escape his temptations. He is continually soliciting men to
sin.
In this connection we may speak of the cunning and malignity of
Satan (Gen. 3:1). Satan transforms himself into an angel of light
(2 Cor. 11:14). This phase of his work is well illustrated in the
temptation of Christ (Matt. 4:1-11), and the temptation of Eve (Gen.
3). He fain would help Christ's faith, stimulate His confidence
in the divine power, and furnish an incentive to worship. The
Scriptures speak of the "wiles" or subtle methods of the devil (Eph.
6:11, 12). The "old serpent" is more dangerous than the "roaring
lion."
Satan's subtlety is seen in tempting men in their weak moments
(Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 22:40-46); after great successes (John 6:15,
cf. vv. 1-14); by suggesting the use of right things in a wrong way
(Matt. 4:1-11); in deluding his followers by signs and wonders (2
Thess. 2:9, 10).
IV. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS SATAN.
1. SO FAR AS THE BELIEVER IS CONCERNED HIS POWER IS LIMITED.
Job 1:9-12; 2:4-6. Satan had to ask leave of God to try Job. John
12:31; 16:11. Satan hath been already judged, i.e., his power and
dominion over believers was broken at the cross, by reason of Christ's
victory there. He had to ask permission to enter even swine (Matt.
8:30-32). Satan is mighty, but not almighty.
2. HE IS TO BE RESISTED.
1 Pet. 5:8, 9--"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the
devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour;
whom resist steadfast in the faith." James 4:7--"Resist the devil,
and he will flee from you." This resistance is best accomplished
by submitting to God (Rom. 6:17-33; James 4:7), and by putting on
the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:10-20).
V. THE DESTINY OF SATAN.
1. HE IS A CONQUERED ENEMY.
That is, so far as the believer is concerned; John 12:31; 16:9,10;
1 John 3:8; Col. 2:15.
2. HE IS UNDER A PERPETUAL CURSE.
Gen. 3:14, cf. Isa. 65:25. There is no removal of the curse from
Satan.
3. HE IS FINALLY TO BE CAST ALIVE INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE, THERE TO
BE TORMENTED FOR EVER AND EVER.
Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10--"And the devil that deceived them was
cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the
false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever
and ever."
VI. DEMONS.
(See under "Fallen Angels," p. 217.)
THE DOCTRINE OF THE LAST THINGS.
A. THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.
B. THE RESURRECTION.
C. THE JUDGMENT.
D. THE DESTINY OF THE WICKED.
E. THE REWARD OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
THE DOCTRINE OF THE LAST THINGS.
Under this caption are treated such doctrines as the Second Coming
of Christ, the Resurrection of both the righteous and wicked, the
Judgments, Final Awards, and Eternal Destiny.
A. THE SECOND COMING OF CHEIST.
I. ITS IMPORTANCE.
1. PROMINENCE IN THE SCRIPTURES.
2. THE CHRISTIAN HOPE.
3. THE CHRISTIAN INCENTIVE.
4. THE CHRISTIAN COMFORT.
II. ITS NATURE.
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