The antagonism that exists between the spirit of Christ and the spirit of Satan was most strikingly displayed in the world ' s reception of Jesus . It was not so much because He appeared without worldly wealth , pomp , or grandeur that the Jews were led to reject Him . They saw that He possessed power which would more than compensate for the lack of these outward advantages . But the purity and holiness of Christ called forth against Him the hatred of the ungodly . His life of selfdenial and sinless devotion was a perpetual reproof to a proud , sensual people . It was this that evoked enmity against the Son of God . Satan and evil angels joined with evil men . All the energies of apostasy conspired against the Champion of truth .
The same enmity is manifested toward Christ ' s followers as was manifested toward their Master . Whoever sees the repulsive character of sin , and in strength from above resists temptation , will assuredly arouse the wrath of Satan and his subjects . Hatred of the pure principles of truth , and reproach and persecution of its advocates , will exist as long as sin and sinners remain . The followers of Christ and the servants of Satan cannot harmonize . The offense of the cross has not ceased . " All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution ." 2 Timothy 3:12 .
Satan ' s agents are constantly working under his direction to establish his authority and build up his kingdom in opposition to the government of God . To this end they seek to deceive Christ ' s followers and allure them from their allegiance . Like their leader , they misconstrue and pervert the Scriptures to accomplish their object . As Satan endeavored to cast reproach upon God , so do his agents seek to malign God ' s people . The spirit which put Christ to death moves the wicked to destroy His followers . All this is foreshadowed in that first prophecy : " I will put enmity between thee and the woman , and between thy seed and her seed ." And this will continue to the close of time .
Satan summons all his forces and throws his whole power into the combat . Why is it that he meets with no greater resistance ? Why are the soldiers of Christ so sleepy and indifferent ? Because they have so little real connection with Christ ; because they are so destitute of His Spirit . Sin is not to them repulsive and abhorrent , as it was to their Master . They do not meet it , as did Christ , with decisive and determined resistance . They do not realize the exceeding evil and malignity of sin , and they are blinded both to the character and the power of the prince of darkness . There is little enmity against Satan and his works , because there is so great ignorance concerning his power and malice , and the vast extent of his warfare against Christ and His church . Multitudes are deluded here . They do not know that their enemy is a mighty general who controls the minds of evil angels , and that with well-matured plans and skillful movements he is warring against Christ to prevent the salvation of souls . Among
352