If You Abide In My Word

"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (1)

The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is the same as that by which Jesus overcame, the power of His word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours, "If you abide in My word, --you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (2)

"In the days of Christ the leaders and teachers of Israel were powerless to resist the work of Satan. They were neglecting the only means by which they could have withstood evil spirits. Is was by the word of God that Christ overcame the wicked one. The leaders of Israel professed to be the expositors of God's word, but they had studied it only to sustain their traditions, and enforce their man-made observances. By their interpretation they made it express sentiments that God had never given. Their mystical construction made indistinct that which He had made plain. They disputed over insignificant technicalities, and practically denied the most essential truths. Thus infidelity was sown broadcast. God's word was robbed of its power, and evil spirits worked their will.

"History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife.

"When Satan has undermined faith in the Bible, he directs men to other sources for light and power. Thus he insinuates himself. Those who turn from the plain teaching of Scripture and the convicting power of God's Holy Spirit are inviting the control of demons. Criticism and speculation concerning the Scriptures have opened the way for spiritism and theosophy--those modernized forms of ancient heathenism--to gain a foothold even in the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2)

Every man and woman is free to choose what power they will have to rule over them. True freedom from the deceitfulness and wretchedness of sin lies in the promises and power of God through faith and obedience to His word.

1. John 8:31, 32.
2. Desire of Ages, pp., 257, 258.