0771. Satan Proclaims a False Righteousness

Satan Proclaims a False Righteousness

"Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light * * his ministers * * transformed as the ministers of righteousness" (2Co_11:14-15).

Satan is not averse to the men of this world becoming religious. Recently we had in our own city (Elyria, Ohio), what was called "A School of Religion." It was well named, for it was religion and not Christianity that was discussed. The preacher denied almost everything that was vital to saving faith.

Satan is not averse to the men of this world becoming righteous, providing that their righteousness is a righteousness of the flesh. The fact is that satan has ministers who preach righteousness.

Dr. Haldeman has most graphically written about satan’s work in preaching a bloodless righteousness. He says, in part:

There never was a time when this sacramental word, "righteousness," was so bandied about; but, on examination, it will be seen to be a righteousness without blood; it is the righteousness of Cain come to town again. Cain come to town with his bloodless offering and the fruit and flowers out of an accursed earth–an earth accursed of God. It is the righteousness of the devil (and the righteousness of the devil is more to be feared than the wickedness of the devil). In this hour he would be glad to shut up every saloon and every open door to iniquity, provided thereby, he could lead men away from the Cross and the crimson of Calvary. He is perfectly ready to go back to Bethlehem and sing over the Babe in the manger, provided the Christian will bear no testimony to the Man on the Cross. He will talk (through his ministers) of the humanity of Christ in strains as exalted as the most devoted Christian can wish, provided that Christians will not speak of the Deity of Christ. The devil and his ministers will join forces with all Christians who are willing to purify Sodom on the basis of a natural righteousness, but they will balk, the moment the Christian speaks of the Blood of Divine righteousness.

The unsaved need to beware. Satan will have them deceived and damned before they know it. Thousands, yea millions, of earth dwellers have no righteousness but that which, like a spider’s web, is woven from within themselves. Such a righteousness is no more than filthy rags with God.

Paul spurned the righteousness which is of the flesh, and sought by faith the righteousness of Christ. May God save many from this chief delusion of the enemy of souls.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR