Schemes of Satan

[Thompson, Darryl]

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Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 19
Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org
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Schemes of Satan

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring
lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8.

It is unsafe to trust to feelings or impressions; these are unreliable
guides. God's law is the only correct standard of holiness. It is by
this law that character is to be judged. If an inquirer after salvation
were to ask, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" the modern
teachers of sanctification would answer, "Only believe that Jesus saves
you." But when Christ was asked this question He said, "What is written
in the law? how readest thou?" And when the questioner replied, "Thou
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, ... and thy neighbour as
thyself," Jesus said, "Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt
live." Luke 10:26-28.

No value is attached to a mere profession of faith in Christ; only the
love which is shown by works is counted genuine. Yet it is love alone
which in the sight of Heaven makes any act of value. . . . 

The hidden selfishness of men stands revealed in the books of heaven. .
. . Sad is the record which angels bear to heaven. Intelligent beings,
professed followers of Christ, are absorbed in the acquirement of
worldly possessions or the enjoyment of earthly pleasures. Money, time,
and strength are sacrificed for display and self-indulgence; but few are
the moments devoted to prayer, to the searching of the Scriptures, to
humiliation of soul and confession of sin.

Satan invents unnumbered schemes to occupy our minds, that they may not
dwell upon the very work with which we ought to be best acquainted. The
archdeceiver hates the great truths that bring to view an atoning
sacrifice and an all-powerful Mediator. He knows that with him
everything depends on his diverting minds from Jesus and His truth.

Those who would share the benefits of the Saviour's mediation should
permit nothing to interfere with their duty to perfect holiness in the
fear of God. 

>From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 78, 79.