The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 525

all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in
unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. With such a warning before
us it behooves us to be on our guard as to what doctrines we receive.
Among the most successful agencies of the great deceiver are the
delusive teachings and lying wonders of spiritualism. Disguised as
an angel of light, he spreads his nets where least suspected. If men
would but study the Book of God with earnest prayer that they might
understand it, they would not be left in darkness to receive false
doctrines. But as they reject the truth they fall a prey to deception.
Another dangerous error is the doctrine that denies the deity of
Christ, claiming that He had no existence before His advent to this
world. This theory is received with favor by a large class who profess
to believe the Bible; yet it directly contradicts the plainest statements
of our Saviour concerning His relationship with the Father, His divine
character, and His pre-existence. It cannot be entertained without the
most unwarranted wresting of the Scriptures. It not only lowers man’s
conceptions of the work of redemption, but undermines faith in the Bible
as a revelation from God. While this renders it the more dangerous, it
makes it also harder to meet. If men reject the testimony of the inspired
Scriptures concerning the deity of Christ, it is in vain to argue the point
with them; for no argument, however conclusive, could convince them.
“The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they
are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are
spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14. None who hold this error can
have a true conception of the character or the mission of Christ, or of the
great plan of God for man’s redemption.
Still another subtle and mischievous error is the fast-spreading belief
that Satan has no existence as a personal being; that the name is used in
Scripture merely to represent men’s evil thoughts and desires.

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