6BC 1119
(S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. 6 1119)
But unless we are constantly on guard, we shall be overcome by the enemy. Although a solemn revelation of God′s will concerning us has been revealed to all, yet a knowledge of His will does not set aside the necessity of offering earnest supplications to Him for help, and of diligently seeking to cooperate with Him in answering the prayers offered. He accomplishes His purposes through human instrumentalities (Manuscript 95, 1903). (6BC 1119.1) MC VC
11. Complete Armor Essential—God wants every one to stand with the whole armor on, ready for the great review (Manuscript 63, 1908). (6BC 1119.2) MC VC
11-17. The Breastplate of Righteousness—We must put on every piece of the armor, and then stand firm. The Lord has honored us by choosing us as His soldiers. Let us fight bravely for Him, maintaining the right in every transaction. Rectitude in all things is essential to the welfare of the soul. As you strive for the victory over your own inclinations, He will help you by His Holy Spirit to be circumspect in every action, that you may give no occasion for the enemy to speak evil of the truth. Put on as your breastplate that divinely protected righteousness which it is the privilege of all to wear. This will protect your spiritual life (The Youth′s Instructor, September 12, 1901). (6BC 1119.3) MC VC
Angels Near to Protect Us—If we have on the heavenly armor, we shall find that the assaults of the enemy will not have power over us. Angels of God will be round about us to protect us (The Review and Herald, May 25, 1905). (6BC 1119.4) MC VC
12 (Ezekiel 28:17; Revelation 12:7-9; see EGW comment on Psalm 17:13; 2 Corinthians 2:11; Galatians 5:17; Revelation 16:13-16). A Battle Against Principalities and Powers—Could human beings know the number of the evil angels, could they know their devices and their activity, there would be far less pride and frivolity. Satan is the prince of demons. The evil angels over whom he rules do his bidding. Through them he multiplies his agencies throughout the world. He instigates all the evil that exists in our world. (6BC 1119.5) MC VC
But though the principalities and powers of darkness are both many in number and unceasing in activity, yet the Christian should never feel hopeless or discouraged. He may not hope to escape temptation through any lack of satanic efficiency. He who sent a legion to torture one human being cannot be repulsed by human wisdom or power alone. (6BC 1119.6) MC VC
Speaking of Satan, the Lord declares that he abode not in the truth. Once he was beautiful, radiant in light. But God′s Word declares of him, “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty.” Ezekiel 28:17. (6BC 1119.7) MC VC
Satan instigated others to rebel, and after they were cast out of heaven he bound them together in a confederacy to do all the evil possible to man, as the only means of striking God. Excluded from heaven, he resolved to be avenged by injuring the workmanship of God. Around the standard of rebellion that he planted, evil workers of all generations have rallied. Evil angels have united with evil men in a warfare against Christ′s kingdom. (6BC 1119.8) MC VC
Satan′s aim had been to reproduce his own character in human beings. No sooner was man created than Satan resolved to efface in him the image of God, and to place his stamp where God′s should be. And he has succeeded in instilling into the heart of man the spirit of envy, of hatred, of ambition. In this world he has set up a kingdom of darkness, of which he, the leader in guilt, is prince. He desired to usurp the throne of God. Failing in this, he has worked in darkness, in crookedness, in deception, to usurp his place in the hearts of men. He has set up his throne between God and man, to appropriate the adoration that belongs to God alone (Manuscript 33, 1911). (6BC 1119.9) MC VC
(Hebrews 1:14.) Under Whose Control?—I want you to consider what kind of a position we should be left in if we had not the ministry of holy angels.... “We wrestle not against flesh and blood.” We meet the opposition of men, but there is someone behind that opposition. It is the prince of the powers of darkness with his evil angels that are constantly at work, and we want to consider, all of us, that our warfare is “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.” Ephesians 6:12. (6BC 1119.10) MC VC