Page 21 - The Divine Unfolding of God's Plan of Redemption

lands where demons are cast out. It tallies exactly with what is recorded in the
Gospels.

May we state here that we do not believe it possible for a true believer in Christ, in
whom dwells the Holy Spirit, to be actually possessed of a demon. He may be
harassed in body and mind, grievously attacked and seriously influenced by
demoniacal power, yet not indwelt.

Nothing can be gained by underestimating the wisdom and strength of our opponent.
Satan is the one being in all the universe who does not object to being underestimated.
Contempt toward him simply facilitates his business of leading his victims captive at

his will. We do not believe that this brilliant and subtle adversary is omnipotent,
omnipresent, or omniscient, but we believe his power to be far greater and more
extensive than is generally realized and that many things that we have been in the
habit of looking upon as fortuitous are really of his making. In fact the more we study

into spiritual verities the more we realize that nothing is accidental or fortuitous. Satan
is not himself everywhere, but his demons, over whom he exerts absolute power, are
everywhere in this world, which gives him access to all human beings. His knowledge,
though vastly greater than that of any living person, still does not approach to

omniscience. Omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience, are exclusively the
attributes of Deity. Our knowledge of the powers of our adversary should drive us to
dependence upon Him Who is far greater and to keep us alert and vigilant. We are sure
of defeat in ourselves and sure of victory as long as we trust Him Who alone won and

will win the victory over Satan. “For He Who is with us is greater than he who is
against us,” is the assurance to which the believer may safely cling.

Satan‟s dominating passion since being ejected from the glory is to thwart God in the

attainment of His divine purposes in His creatures. This is possible owing to the
essential nature of God‟s dealings with His creatures, as we have set forth, viz., that
aside from surrounding them with the sweet influences of His love and a gentle
drawing by His Spirit, He exercises upon them no powers of coercion at all. The

father of lies, the one who was a murderer from the beginning of his course of
rebellion, may enter the lists and draw away their allegiance if he is able.

In the heavenlies surrounding our earth Satan desired a place of dominion and power.
God, of course, who deposed him from his high position in heaven, though allowing
his continued existence for a season, would assign to him no seat of government. He
must have a kingdom, a workshop, a place to set up an order of government where he
could carry out the dual purpose of defeating God‟s will and obtaining worship of

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