Human knowledge of both material and spiritual things is partial and imperfect ; therefore many are unable to harmonize their views of science with Scripture statements . Many accept mere theories and speculations as scientific facts , and they think that God ' s word is to be tested by the teachings of " science falsely so called ." 1 Timothy 6:20 . The Creator and His works are beyond their comprehension ; and because they cannot explain these by natural laws , Bible history is regarded as unreliable . Those who doubt the reliability of the records of the Old and New Testaments too often go a step further and doubt the existence of God and attribute infinite power to nature . Having let go their anchor , they are left to beat about upon the rocks of infidelity .
Thus many err from the faith and are seduced by the devil . Men have endeavored to be wiser than their Creator ; human philosophy has attempted to search out and explain mysteries which will never be revealed through the eternal ages . If men would but search and understand what God had made known of Himself and His purposes , they would obtain such a view of the glory , majesty , and power of Jehovah that they would realize their own littleness and would be content with that which has been revealed for themselves and their children .
It is a masterpiece of Satan ' s deceptions to keep the minds of men searching and conjecturing in regard to that which God has not made known and which He does not intend that we shall understand . It was thus that Lucifer lost his place in heaven . He became dissatisfied because all the secrets of God ' s purposes were not confided to him , and he entirely disregarded that which was revealed concerning his own work in the lofty position assigned him . By arousing the same discontent in the angels under his command , he caused their fall . Now he seeks to imbue the minds of men with the same spirit and to lead them also to disregard the direct commands of God .
Those who are unwilling to accept the plain , cutting truths of the Bible are continually seeking for pleasing fables that will quiet the conscience . The less spiritual , self-denying , and humiliating the doctrines presented , the greater the favor with which they are received . These persons degrade the intellectual powers to serve their carnal desires . Too wise in their own conceit to search the Scriptures with contrition of soul and earnest prayer for divine guidance , they have no shield from delusion . Satan is ready to supply the heart ' s desire , and he palms off his deceptions in the place of truth . It was thus that the papacy gained its power over the minds of men ; and by rejection of the truth because it involves a cross , Protestants are following the same path . All who neglect the word of God to study convenience and policy , that they may not be at variance with the world , will be left to receive damnable heresy for religious truth .
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