Satan's Ministers
You might think that we would eventually run out of surprises in this era of "situation ethics" and "relativism" with accompany miniskirts, mini-skirts, topless and a general let-down in morals. But an article in the paper recently caught my eye.
In the Atlanta Constitution-Journal of Sunday, August 27, a writer reported interviews with the younger generation which covered varied subjects from Viet Nam to civil rights.
Note the following excerpt:
"Amid discussion of hard realities like fighting, transporting and housing, the students also considered current moral values. Most said they saw little change. 'We aren't any meaner or dirtier than anyone 50 years ago.'
"But Mr. Jackson felt differently. 'Morals are changing,' He said. 'I think the first moral that comes to anyone's mind is sex." Premarital sex is more accepted now than it was 10 or 15 years ago.'
"Mr. Jackson, an ordained minister 'who came up in this generation,' says he personally embraces acceptance of premartial sexual relations.
"'I would recommend it even before engagement. There's a direct bearing on happiness, compatibility and the divorce rate,' he said. 'Of course I'm talking about people seriously considering marriage, not the promiscuous playboy. Some would abuse it, but it definitely can be beneficial. "'
Now I'm not so surprised that fornication should be advocated, for many have done that for centuries. But it does seem somewhat out of character for an "ordained minister" to be so enthusiastic for the idea.
But we must remember that this world has two kinds of "ordained ministers." There are those who are approved by God because they preach and live the truth. Timothy was such a one, Paul told him that every scripture inspired of God would furnish him "completely unto every good work." (II Tim. 3:16-17) Timothy had been told in I Tim. 4:16: "Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee." Among the inspired writings at Timothy's disposal were these: "Flee fornication" (I Cor. 6:18); "Flee youthful lusts" (II Tim. 2:22); ... They who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." (Gal. 5:21) Since this is what God said, a minister of God will teach and practice it.
Now, the other kind of minister is a minister of Satan. Yes, he has his own ministers. Note II Cor. 11:13-15 as Paul speaks of certain men who are "... false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ. And no marvel for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light. It is no great thing therefore if his ministers also fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
Therefore, it seems evident, in the light of all evidence that the aforementioned Mr. Jackson is a minister of Satan, and all right-thinking people who believe in God and His word are sickened at one who so disguises himself as a minister of righteousness. Those who would follow his teaching will be lost eternally.
But don't stop there. Is it possible that Satan has other ministers? Could it be true? We are sadly confident it is true. What about that preacher who says that we are saved "by faith only?" This is a very popular doctrine among many denominations, and is widely preached.
What saith the scriptures? We turn to James 2:24 and read: "Ye see that by works a man is justified, and not only by faith." We hear the words of the Saviour as he says, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned." (Mark 16:16) We hear the Pentecostians told, "Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins..." (Acts 2:38) Now, what is the situation here? On one hand we have James, Christ, and Peter declaring that faith is not the only condition for salvation, but that repentance and baptism ARE JUST AS NECESSARY AS FAITH. Are these "ministers of God?" Yes!
On the other hand, we have a great host of denominational preachers today declaring that we can be saved by "FAITH ONLY." Is it possible that these are ministers of Satan is not only possible, it is necessary. I say this not to be unkind, but to help men to see that JUST BECAUSE A MAN IS A "MINISTER" DOES NOT MEAN THAT WHAT HE SAYS IS TRUE. God says one thing, and they say the opposite. They cannot be his ministers.
Mr. Jackson says fornication is right - God says "not so." Other ministers say salvation is by faith only - God says "not so." The same examination should be given to EVERYTHING taught by preachers. When Paul came to Berea, he commended the people as being noble, "in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the scriptures daily, whether these things were so." (Acts 17: 11)
Dear Reader, you MUST do likewise if you value your soul. Every false doctrine will cause you to be lost, whether the false doctrine of fornication, faith only, sprinkling for baptism, "church of your choice," etc. Seek the truth, and follow it. You can't go wrong there.
2394 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur, Georgia.