Jasper County Democrat, Volume 16, Number 89, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 February 1914 — BROOKLYN TABERNACLE [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

BROOKLYN TABERNACLE

BIBLE'STUDY'ON • PRINCE OF DARKNESS VS PRINCE OF LIGHT. LuLa 11:14-26, 33-36—Feb. 8. “look thetefore ichether the light that i* it thee be not darkness."—Luke tI:SS. much the worldlvwise may scoff at tae idea JL J that there is a personal devil, prince over a demon host of spirit beings—rebels against God’s government —let us always remember that this is the Bible teaching from Genesis to Revelation. The Bible explains that Satan was the first transgressor; that he was a cherub, who lost his loyalty to God through pride; and that he seduced into disobedience those whom the Bible designates a demon host. Everywhere the Scriptures set

forth that this demon host are associated with our earth, and are not in some far-off fiery furnace torturing dead. The Bible indicates that God does not lack power to deal with these rebels; but that He is permitting them for a time to manifest the fruitage of sin. anger, malice.

hatred, envy, strife, as a lesson for angels and men. They are under certain limitations. Seripturally styled “chains of darkness ’’ Since the Deluge they have not been permitted to materialize as men. But they have sought intercourse with humanity; and their victims are said to be obsessed. When their victory is complete, the victims are said to be possessed of the demon and insane. It is estimated that fully one-half of the insane are demon-possessed. As in the past intercourse was sought through witches, necromancers, etc., so today intercourse with humanity is sought through ouija boards, plancbettes and mediums. Deceived by de-

mon doctrines inculcated in the Dark 'Ages (1 Timothy 4:1). humanity neg Ject God's testimony that the dead are asleep and “know not anything.’’ “Their thoughts perish.’’ until their awakening in the morning of the New Dispensation. Today’s study introduces the Master delivering a man from demon possession. The people rightly understood the difficulty; but being opposed to Jesus some declared that the demons obeyed Him because He Himself was the Prince of Devils. Others said. Your miracles are all earthly; show us some sign from Heaven. Jesus showed that for Satan to cast out his own hosts would signify warfare in the demon camp, which would imply that Satan's house was divided and would, soon fall; consequently such an argument should have no weight. To those who realized that He was casting out demons by the fin ger of God, the power of God. there should he no doubt that this was evi denee of special favor from God. cor roboration of His testimony that the power of God's Kingdom was being exercised in their midst. When Israel rejected Christ, the Kingdom offer was taken from them, and they were set aside for a time

The Message has since gathered another Israel—drawing first all "Israelites indeed.” and then the saintlj of every nation. Jesus' power in casting out demon* showed that He was able to deal with Satan; and that, had the Kingdom then been set up. Satan and his angels would have been restrained. However. In view, of the foretold rejection of bus and the Kingdom, the work of binding Satan delayed until Jesus' Second Coming. Then He will deal with Satan and all who have cultivated sin and Satan’s spirit The Binding of Satar. Jesus pictures Satan's control or the world, likening him to a strong m n armed and guarding his palace. 11. can maintain control until a stronger overcomes him and takes possession Thus Jesus foretold that His Messianic Kingdom will be stronger than that of Satan and will bind him. The result will be the deliverance of mankind from the curse of sin and death, which has been upon humanity for six thou sand years. Jesus likened the world to the poor demoniac whom He had released from

Satan's grasp. Similarly. all who accept Christ are delivered. But Jesus declares that Satan will seek to regain eo u trot of such through the spirit of the world—pride, anger, hatred, strife, works of the flesh and the Devil If Satan be not resisted. the blessings received from the knowledge of God

will become an injury; and such a person will be worse than before he came into relationship with Christ. The Master emphasized this, declaring that the light of Truth, the grace of God received, must be let shine to the glory bf God. Otherwise, the light would become extinguished and the darkness would prevail. The eye represents intelligence; and so long as we have the true enlightenment, or intelligence. the whole body is blessed thereby. The eye, the light, here represents the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, which has the greatest power to bless. Its loss would mean even greater darkness than we experienced before coming to a knowledge of God.

Satan—Prince Over a Demon Host.

Jesus Casting Out a Demon.