A Voice in the Wilderness
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*** MORSEL EXTRAS***
Re: Angel of Light
These are sad times, in which we live; nay, truly, there is more
danger now than in the time of our fathers, who suffered death for the
testimony of the Lord...for then Satan came openly...as a roaring
lion...[and] his chief design then was to destroy the body: but now he
comes as in the night...to destroy the soul...[to] annihilate entirely,
if this were possible, the only saving Christian faith...[and] to
destroy the true separated Christian life which is the outgrowth of
faith.
He reveals himself on the one hand as an angel of light (2Cor11:14-15),
as a kind, pleasant, yea, even divine messenger, with a humble
countenance...[as] the martyrs of God formerly did. His words are
modest...seemingly coming from deep meditation...lest he might speak
amiss or untruthfully. Meanwhile...he seizes hold and tears like a wolf
in sheep's clothing, robbing the innocent lambs of Christ of their
precious faith, which he pretends to be of small importance, but without
which faith it is impossible to please God (Heb11:6), nay, without which
we, according to the words of Christ, shall be condemned (Mark
16:16)....
It grieves us to the heart that we must live to see these times, and
therefore speak in this wise. O Lord, strengthen our faith! Help Thy
weak, trusting lambs, that they may not be led into error, nor moved
from the foundations of the most holy faith.
On the other hand, through his [Satan's] instigation, the world now
reveals itself very beautiful and glorious, more than at any preceding
time....Almost all men run after her, to worship her as a queen supreme;
but all are deceived thereby....Who shall escape these snares? He that
would at no time be taken unawares by it, must indeed be cautious and
watchful. But our very flesh seems prone to it. Here must be fasting,
watching, praying, and calling upon God for help, otherwise there is no
escape. --Thieleman J. van Braght (July,1659)
Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it
is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into
ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
(2 Cor 11:14-15)
"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is
willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mat 26:41)
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. (1 Cor 16:13)
...lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of
his devices. (2 Cor 2:11)
(VW)
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