Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

After having sown his seed, Satan disappears. Did he appear as
himself, few would receive solicitation to sin; but he is seldom
discovered in evil thoughts.
Satan has a shoot of iniquity for every shoot of grace and when God
revives his work, Satan revives his also. No marvel, therefore, if we find
scandals arising suddenly to discredit a work of grace where God has
begun to pour out his Spirit.
It is the interest of Satan to introduce hypocrites and wicked persons
into religious societies, in order to discredit the work of God, and to
favour his own designs.
Men, through sin, are become the very house and dwelling place of
Satan, having, of their own accord, surrendered themselves to this unjust
possessor; for, whoever gives up his soul to sin gives it up to the devil. It
is Jesus, and Jesus alone, who can deliver from the power of this
bondage. When Satan is cast out, Jesus purifies and dwells in the heart.
Since a demon cannot enter even into a swine without being sent by
God himself, how little is the power or malice of any of them to be
dreaded by those who have God for their portion and protection.
The devil himself has his chains; and he who often binds others is
always bound himself.
A man must consent to sin before he can sin. God has so constituted
the human will that it cannot be forced. Satan may present false images
to the imagination, darken the mind, and confound the memory; but he
cannot force the will. He may flatter, sooth, and promise pleasure in order
to gain over the will, but before he can ruin us he must have our consent.
Were the case otherwise, we could not possibly be saved.
Satan is never permitted to block up our way without the providence
of God making a way through the wall. God ever makes a breach in his