Satan Personates Christ--I

[devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org]

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Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 16
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Satan Personates Christ--I

Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name,
saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore
after them. Luke 21:8. 


"In this age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law
of God will be fully made void in the nations of our world. Rebellion
against God's holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all
this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of light. Men will be
deceived and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But
Omnipotence will interpose, and to the apostate churches that unite in
the exaltation of Satan, the sentence will go forth, `Therefore shall
her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she
shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who
judgeth her.'" 

Disguised as an angel of light, he [Satan] will walk the earth as a
wonder-worker. In beautiful language he will present lofty sentiments.
Good words will be spoken by him, and good deeds performed. Christ will
be personified, but on one point there will be a marked distinction.
Satan will turn the people from the law of God. 

He will declare that the Sabbath has been changed from the seventh to
the first day of the week; and as lord of the first day of the week he
will present this spurious Sabbath as a test of loyalty to him. 

It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God
who shall be alive upon the earth when celestial glory and a repetition
of the persecutions of the past are blended. They will walk in the light
proceeding from the throne of God. By means of the angels there will be
constant communication between heaven and earth. And Satan, surrounded
by evil angels, and claiming to be God, will work miracles of all kinds,
to deceive, if possible, the very elect. God's people will not find
their safety in working miracles, for Satan will counterfeit the
miracles that will be wrought. God's tried and tested people will find
their power in the sign spoken of in Exodus 31:12-18. They are to take
their stand on the living word: "It is written." This is the only
foundation upon which they can stand securely.

>From Maranatha - Page 205