Evil

It is strange; It is interesting. It is maybe chance, or coincidence, that in an agonizing, groaning world, that the words evil, forces of evil, are so commonly used today by the news media: “Evil is Upon Us,” “A Day of Evil”, “An Evil Outrage”, “Spotting Evil,” “The Evil that Struck Us,” “Forces of Evil,”, “Evil in Mans’ Nature”, “Denial of Evil,”, “The Satanic West,” “Fighting for a Moral Planet,”. These are fundamentally Biblical terms and concepts, Biblical language, yet they are openly and clearly used in reference to the Sept. 11-th horrific attacks on New York City, and Washington.

Yes, this is interesting for the children<i>[ God, and believers; another sign of the times, although deplorable and grievously sad, yet, this should not entirely come to believers as some great surprise. It is not chance or coincidence, as the faithful do not believe in this as some strange unknown phenomenon as a circumstance or luck, as chance or coincidence is not applicable or existent in .the believer’s life. His trust is in Jesus Christ. In Peter 4:12 we see, “Dear Friend, do not e surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.”

The use of the word “evil” in the secular worldly world most likely refers to a dictionary definition: anything that causes harm, pain, misery, disaster, calamity, unlucky, unfortunate…an evil hour. Yes, this in great part is true. Many are merely “nibbling around the edges”, (of evil), trying to make sense of something non-sensible for them. The book of Genesis 41:3-4, treats evil as anything that’s repulsive, or unpleasant or distorted. Many even speak and write today of a predominant righteous anger; others of rage. 1-fThe mood, the attitudes of the world are rapidly changing, innocents are bewildered, panicking, depressed, haunted with fear, grieving, unable to recover. Others are horrified, and disgusted. Why? The nature of evil seems to elude humanity. Evil has cast a grotesque shadow across the globe. Mankind universally is indescribably worried. Again, why? Because of unseen evil.

We’re entering a new’ and quite different evil climate of opinion’ in which security of life and property’ for many will be given absolute precedence over pity in the framing and execution of law and order,” “Peace and security” is not the by-word for today, but in place ,of this is, “Wars and rumors of war.” (Matt. 24:6) Evil words are on the increase predominating the new quips, and conversation: retaliation, attack, vengeance, no appeasement, bestiality, treachery, heinously, cowardice, perpetrators, terrorism, threats, foes, etc., are finding popularity in a jittery world.

Why is it so vitally important to know the true cause and source or origin of evil in the present time for believers and unbelievers alike? Also, how can we resist evil, battle -evil, and even prevent evil? Firstly, God is love. The evil that is in the world comes not from His hands, but from our great adversary, Satan, whose work first bas been to deprave man, and enfeeble and prevent his faculties. (FE 429)

God is in no way responsible for the entrance of sin, nor created sin. Sin is an intruder, for whose presence no reason can be given. It is mysterious, unaccountable; to excuse it is to defend it. Our only definition of sin as written in the word of God is “the transgression of the Law.” (1 John 3:4) This is the great law of love, which is the foundation of the divine government. Sin originated with him who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God and who stood highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven. Before his fall, Lucifer, was first among the covering Cherubs, holy and undefiled. (Ezek 28:12- 15, 17, 6; Isa. 14: 13, 14) Lucifer came to earth to indulge the desire for self- exaltation; the desire to secure the service and allegiance of all created beings and loyalty only to himself and not his creator. Satan (Lucifer) is author, originator, and instigator of sin, all sin.

We are living in the last great crisis. The signs of the times are fast fulfilling. The spirit of God is gradually being withdrawn from the earth. Plagues, calamities, and judgments are already falling on the despisers of the grace of God. The calamities by land, sea and air, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, and barbarous, suicidal wars are portentous warnings and omens of disaster. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude, clearly and loudly, even to the faintest soul.

The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidation. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world and the final movements will be rapid ones. Conditions of things in the world show that troublous times are right upon us. The daily papers are full of indications of a terrible conflict in the making today, worsening in the near future.

Men, possessed of demons are taking the lives of innocent men, women, and children, little children. Every species of evil prevails. (Isa. 58:14) The spirit of prophecy (some 150 years ago) in a night season beheld magnificent buildings rising toward heaven in New York City. As the scene passed fire consumed these supposedly fireproof buildings as if made of pitch. Firemen were unable to help.

There’s not many educators or statesmen who comprehend the causes that underlie the present evil state of society. Leaders of government are not able to solve the problems of moral corruption in an evil world. (9T 11-14) If men would give more heed to the teaching of God’s word, they would find a solution to the problems that perplex them and mankind.

The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecy of the eleventh chapter of Daniel has nearly been fulfilled. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place. Also… “the curse has devoured the earth” (Isa. 24: 1-8) .. .”and they that dwell in it are desolate”. Furthermore, … ‘Joy is withered away from the sons of men,” (Joel 1:15-18, 12) We read on. .. “destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled.” The cities thereof were broken down.” (verses 23-26). “Alas! For that day (of evil) is great, so that none is like it; the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.” (Jer. 30:7)

Not all in the world have taken sides with the enemy against God. Not all have become disloyal. There are a few faithful ones. Who in the world are these? John writes, “Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” (Rev. 14:12)

Soon the battle will be waged more fiercely than now, between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. Satan is a diligent Bible student. He knows his time is short. “He’s like a lion devouring as many souls as possible. (1 Pet. 5:8) He will work miracles and deceive many, if possible, the very elect. God’s people are to take their stand in the living word: “It is written”. This is the only foundation they can stand on securely.

Although God granted the prayer of Moses in sparing Israel, after Aaron permitted them to fall in apostasy, by terrible severity evil had to be put away quickly before it infected all. Moses called to the people, “who is on the Lord’s side”? Let him come to me. All who repented and humbled themselves were spared. All others perished (PP 324). Guard, therefore, against the beginnings of evil, for we are now entering the beginning of the end probationary period. The confederacy of evil has never been, stronger than it is now. (GW 149)

There is a class of people, however, that are continually looking for some dreadful evil. They are constantly speaking and dwelling on scenes of evil. This corrupts your mind and soul. Furthermore, the habit of brooding over anticipated evil is unwise and unchristian. (PP 293-4)

Many are weighed down by the anticipation of future troubles. They are constantly seeking to bring tomorrow’s burdens into today. A large share of their trials are imaginary. Jesus promises graces only for the day. He tells us not to burden ourselves with cares and troubles of tomorrow (5T 199)… “For sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Matt. 6:34)

Many parents believe that evil and good can be learned indiscriminately, and at some future time good will predominate and evil will lose its influence. Yet, evil increases faster than good, and takes root more readily than good. (IT 212) All this may be possible, but what parent or who will venture this? Time is short! (IT 400) It’s no time to just idly wait and see.

Evil is multiplying fast in the last days. Everything turned horribly wrong on Sept. 11. There’s no way to escape the tragedy and evil of that fateful morning, as the towers crumbled. The tide of evil is sweeping over the world as not seen since Noah’s day (PK 275). Why is this?

Evil is a result of disobedience and a departure from God’s statutes – His law, the Ten Commandments. (PK 294-8) (5T 503) But, God has not left us to battle with evil in our own strength, nor left us alone to do so (2T 271) (MH 175-6) Our only safeguard against evil is, therefore, Christ dwelling in
our hearts (MH 118). Man cannot resist evil without the Holy Spirit’s help (SC 52).

Satan is boldly and brazenly manifesting his evil, deadly, foul, character to the wide world. In the New Testament he’s commonly called the “Evil One”, the “Adversary” “Accuser” (Greek -diabolos) .. .Devil.. ..”And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Rev. 12:9) He’s prince of the demons and this world; an adversary of God and man.

As prince of this world, he perverts the scriptures, opposes God’s work, hinders the gospel, works lying wonders, appears as an angel of light, and is the father of lies. The sinister character of Satan is: presumptuous, proud, powerful, wicked, malignant, subtle, deceitful, fierce and cruel.

Evil is heavily pressing and pursuing man in a restless, uneasy world. Man’s seeking a .refuge, a haven, security, peace, but much of it is in vain. Nothing makes sense to him! Seeing many evils cannot be avoided. (ML 88) It’s here, there, everywhere! It’s a reality we have to face!

What are the qualities, then, for man to resist evil and evil devices, and demonic influences, and their attacks? We are, firstly, living in the precious hours of probation. Why? So that we may remove every defect of character. Not only that we may obtain the future life, but also that we may be useful here. A good character has more value than gold, silver, or stocks. It will not be affected by panics, failures, and catastrophes, or when all earthly passions are swept away from us.

Integrity, firmness, perseverance are qualities all should seek and cultivate. They give a power that’s irresistible, a power that makes him strong to do good, strong to resist evil, strong to bear adversity, or calamity. It’s here that true excellence of character shines. (4T 656)

Strength of character consists of two things; power of will, or self-control. Such men are true heroes. Although one’s sensitive to abuse, he forgives his enemies. Knowledge is power; but intellectual ability, without goodness of heart, is a power for evil. Everyone is his own architect of character. Take heed how you build; on the eternal Rock. Many have changeable, discordant characters full of contraries. They have no aim or purpose in life, powerless, with no influence on others.

Humanity, in a suffering, pitiful world is locked in a struggle between good and evil on this planet; at war with the unseen beings (Eph 6:12) and forces of evil, who seek to crush the righteous (1 Pet. 5:8) and can manipulate human hearts (John 13:2).

The little span of life we have given us should be wisely improved. God would have his church a living, devoted, working church. . .edifying, ennobling. God calls for strong brave souls, active, living Christians who are following the true Pattern of Jesus and can influence for God and what’s right and proper.

A fearful climatic confrontation is going on right now between the cosmic forces of good and evil and at some time in the very near future will result in the eradication of all evil along with those creatures (human or otherwise) who aligned themselves with it
(Rev. 19-21).

But no matter how it all looks to you, good or evil, God is in firm control of history and nations. Therefore, don’t panic.. .hold on!

Where’s the radiant armor of God? (Eph 6:11, 13) Pick the right armor!

Then, KNOW THY ENEMY. . .KNOW THYSELF!

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
AMEN