MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
January 4, 2023
GOD’S SAVING ENMITY
It’s already the fourth day of the new year 2023. If you have already started implementing whatever resolutions, quickly yet prayerfully add this “new principle,” which, in fact and truth, is as “old and ancient” as the fall in Eden but is as potent as when first given, and even more critically vital as we near the stupendous closing events of the great controversy between good and evil laid out in the closing chapters of the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation.
Instill this divine principle in your heart and mind and inject it into your mental and spiritual arsenal of the “whole armor of God”(Eph. 6: 10-18).
See Gen. 3: 15. Enmity is a translation from the Hebrew and Greek words that means hatred; trouble; agitation; variance; hostility; a reason for opposition.”
It was God Creator who put this new principle of enmity or hatred between Satan and man immediately after the fall—the first of all PROVISIONS that accompany all of His promises and prophecies.
“[Gen. 3: 15 quoted]. The divine SENTENCE pronounced against SATAN after the fall of man, was also a PROPHECY, embracing all the ages to the close of time, and foreshadowing the GREAT CONFLICT to engage all races of men who should live upon the earth.
“God declares, ‘I will put enmity.’ THIS ENMITY IS NOT NATURALLY ENTERTAINED. When man transgressed the divine law [hence sinned and fell in Eden], his nature [instantly] became EVIL, and he was IN HARMONY, and NOT IN VARIANCE, with Satan. [This is part of the ponderous “mystery of iniquity” or sin].
“There exists naturally NO ENMITY between sinful man and the originator of sin [Satan, the enemy of God and man, “the father of lies and murderer from the beginning;” the “old serpent;” the devil]. Both became evil through APOSTASY [a falling away from the truth, disobedience and rebellion against God’s law].
The apostate is NEVER AT REST [never has Christ’s peace “that passeth understanding”], except as he obtains SYMPATHY AND SUPPORT by inducing others to follow his example. For this reason, fallen angels and wicked men UNITE IN DESPERATE COMPANIONSHIP.
“Had not God SPECIALLY interposed, Satan and man would have entered into an ALLIANCE against Heaven; and instead of cherishing ENMITY against Satan, the WHOLE HUMAN FAMILY would have been united in opposition to God.” (From the inspired pen of E. G. White, Great Controversy, 1911 ed., Pacific Press Publishing Asso., p. 505. All emphasis and words in brackets mine).
To be continued next MWM, God willing. Remain blessed and “strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” NMF