The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 519

Chap. 32 - Snares of Satan
The great controversy between Christ and Satan, that has been
carried forward for nearly six thousand years, is soon to close; and the
wicked one redoubles his efforts to defeat the work of Christ in man’s
behalf and to fasten souls in his snares. To hold the people in darkness
and impenitence till the Saviour’s mediation is ended, and there is no
longer a sacrifice for sin, is the object which he seeks to accomplish.
When there is no special effort made to resist his power, when
indifference prevails in the church and the world, Satan is not concerned;
for he is in no danger of losing those whom he is leading captive at his
will. But when the attention is called to eternal things, and souls are
inquiring, “What must I do to be saved?” he is on the ground, se eking
to match his power against the power of Christ and to counteract the
influence of the Holy Spirit.
The Scriptures declare that upon one occasion, when the angels of
God came to present themselves before the Lord, Satan came also among
them (Job 1:6), not to bow before the Eternal King, but to further his own
malicious designs against the righteous. With the same object he is in
attendance when men assemble for the worship of God. Though hidden
from sight, he is working with all diligence to control the minds of the
worshipers. Like a skillful general he lays his plans beforehand. As he
sees the messenger of God searching the Scriptures, he takes note of the
subject to be

518