Satanic Miracles--I

[devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org]

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Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 18
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Satanic Miracles--I

There shall be arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew
great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall
deceive the very elect. Matt. 24:24. 


The enemy is preparing to deceive the whole world by his miracle-working
power. He will assume to personate the angels of light, to personate
Jesus Christ. So far as his power extends, he will perform actual
miracles. Says the Scripture: "He . . . deceiveth them that dwell on the
earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do," not
merely those which he pretends to do. Something more than mere
impostures is brought to view in this scripture. But there is a limit
beyond which Satan cannot go, and here he calls deception to his aid and
counterfeits the work which he has not power actually to perform. In the
last days he will appear in such a manner as to make men believe him to
be Christ come the second time into the world. He will indeed transform
himself into an angel of light. He will come personating Jesus Christ,
working mighty miracles; and men will fall down and worship him as Jesus
Christ. We shall be commanded to worship this being, whom the world will
glorify as Christ. Just before us is "the hour of temptation, which
shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."
Revelation 3:10. All whose faith is not firmly established upon the word
of God will be deceived and overcome. Satan works "with all
deceivableness of unrighteousness" to gain control of the children of
men, and his deceptions will continually increase. But he can gain his
object only as men voluntarily yield to his temptations. Those who are
earnestly seeking a knowledge of the truth and are striving to purify
their souls through obedience, thus doing what they can to prepare for
the conflict, will find, in the God of truth, a sure defense. "Because
thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee" (verse
10), is the Savior's promise. He would sooner send every angel out of
heaven to protect His people than leave one soul that trusts in Him to
be overcome by Satan.

>From Maranatha - Page 207