Demons (concluded) thou come hither to torment us before the time?” (Matt. 8:29; Acts 16:17). This understanding that the demons have produces in them no work of either repentance or sanctification. James has this to say on the subject: “ Thou believest that God is one; thou doest well; the demons also believe, and shudder” (2:19) . . . The struggle against evil spirits occupies a great place in the ministry of Christ. As Peter said, He truly “went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the evil; for God was with him” (Acts 10:38). He had come to “ destroy the works of the devil” (I John 3:8). The cross accomplished the ruin of the kingdom of darkness. Christ “having despoiled the principalities and the powers . . . made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Col. 2:15). Since that time the evil spirits can only go on toward the full execution of that judgment. When they said to Christ: “Art thou come hither to torment us before the time?” the demons showed that they were living as though haunted by the fatal moment. The glorious return of the Lord will bring in the great settling of accounts. Satan and his angels will put up one last fight in heaven, from whence they will be finally expelled by Michael and his heavenly milita (Rev. 12:7-9). After having given free course to their rage during the reign of the Antichrist and the battle of Armageddon (Rev. 12:12; 16:14), the demons will be driven from the world scene during the millennium: “ And it shall come to pass in that day, that Jehovah will punish the host of the high ones on high, and the kings of the earth upon tlje earth. And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison: and after many days shall they be visited . . . Jehovah of hosts will reign in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem” (Isa. 24:21-23). According to this text, the demons will then be shut up, with their leader; it is with him also that at the end of the thousand years they will be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, there to be tormented day and night for ever and ever (Rev. 20:10). According to Christ’s own words, they will go “ into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41). mere, according to Jude 6, they will be kept in everlasting bonds under darkness. Already, on earth, the unclean spirits confess with trembling the Lordship of Christ. In the other world, the word in Philippians 2:11 will see a complete fulfillment; even in hell [here: “ under the earth” ] every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. But this confession, triumphant in heaven, will be for the demons and the reprobates, the acknowledgment of their total perdition. The Victory of Believers Over the Demons Our freedom from the dominion of evil spirits is an already accomplished fact: “ Giving thanks unto the Fa ther . . . who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love” (Col. 1:12, 13). But it is a question of much more than a passive deliverance; believers are called on to seize by faith the Lord’s victory and resolutely to take the offensive . . . Let us, in the face of all the powers of darkness, know how to maintain an attitude of entire assurance toward God and of perfect submission to Him. It is He who governs all His creatures, and He cannot fail to faithfully fulfill His promises . . . Jesus enjoins us to humility in these words: “ In this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). 22
everything he wants. In this way he will grow up to believe that the world owes him a living. 2. When he picks up bad words, laugh at him. It will encourage him to pick up “ Cuter phrases” that will blow the top of your head off later. 3. Never give him any spiritual training. Wait until he is 21, and let him decide for himself. 4. Avoid the use of the word “ wrong.” It may develop a guilt complex. This will condi- S tion him to believe later when he is arrested for stealing a car that society is against him and he is being persecuted. 5. Pick up everything he leaves lying around —- books, shoes aryl clothes. Do every thing for him so he will be experienced in throwing the responsibility on to others. 6. Let him read any printed matter he can get his hand on. Be careful the silverware and I drinking glasses are sterilized but let his mind feed on garbage. 7. Quarrel frequently in the presence . of the children. Then they won’t be too shocked when the home is broken up. §. Give the child all the spending money he wants. Never let him earn his own. Why should he have things as tough as you had them? 9. Satisfy his every craving fot food, drink and comfort. See that every desire is gratified. THE KING'S BUSINESS
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