Though the subject of this article is not very pleasant for everyone, it is necessary as a warning for all. Honest Bible students will admit that Satan's power no longer involves demon possession (as some of our age seem to think), but it is still a fact that Satan is at work today. His aim is to "do us in" spiritually, and separate us from God. So, if we treasure our souls and want to remain in fellowship with God, we will endeavor to familiarize ourselves with the activity of Satan (1 Pet. 5:8; Eph. 4:27; 6:11; Jas. 4:7).

Presently, we shall direct our attention to what we are calling "The Platform of Satan." Candidates in the political arena have their "platform" composed of promises and aims; through these platforms they inform us of what they will do for us, if elected. Satan, too, has his platform, composed of his promises of what he will do for us-or, DO TO US! Three major planks in his platform are worthy of our consideration.

Satan Will Continue Our Assumptions!

Every time we assume something to be true or false without any sound basis for our conclusion, Satan is on the spot to confirm our assumptions. An "assumption" is something we take for granted, or suppose without any evidence or proof; we are really not sure, we just "think" that this is the way it is.

When we get into this habit of assuming with reference to our spiritual lives, we are sealing our own doom. Our eternal destiny ought to be built upon something stronger and more dependable than mere guesswork. Yet, the religious lives of a substantial number of people are predicated almost entirely upon assumptions. Assumptions that baptism is not necessary; assumptions about the amount of time one has left to change; assumptions concerning what folks think they can get by with; and many other assumptions of equal danger.

Friend, are you making numerous assumptions with reference to your spiritual life today? And, are you allowing Satan, through his various devices, to confirm those assumptions? The eternal destiny of our souls should be built upon the promises of God, not the guesswork and speculation of mere men.

Satan Will Comfort Us In Sin!

Ordinarily, being in sin is not a very comfortable place to be! The Bible says that the sinner is dead (Eph. 2:1), lost (Luke 15:24), condemned (John 3:36), without hope (Eph. 2:12), and at enmity with God (Rom. 5:10). If we believe what the Bible teaches about the peril of the sinner, we will surely be uneasy in that condition and will seek redemption through faith in Christ.

But then Satan comes along and says, "It's just not all that bad!" Satan speaks to us through the vain philosophy and "new insights" of human wisdom in his attempt to lessen the impact of what the Bible says about sin. "It's just the result of your background . . . it's not your fault . . . it's involuntary . . . you really don't make any choices!" On and on, he continues to comfort those who are living in sin. That is part of Satan's platform; that is what he will do to us, if elected!

Why does he comfort us in sin? He is afraid that if we find out about our deplorable condition of sin, we will do something about it, and he will lose a patron.

Satan Helps Us Plan Ahead

"One of these days, I'm going to start teaching the gospel to my friends and neighbors . . . One of these days, I'm gojng to obey the gospel . . . One of these days, I'm going to begin a regular program of Bible study." Sound familiar? Perhaps Satan has helped you plan ahead?

Anytime we do not want to do what we ought to do ioday, Satan is present to help us plan ahead. He is always willing to help us put off until tomorrow what ought to be done today (based upon the assumption that there will be a tomorrow). He knows that tomorrow may never come!

Conclusion

So that's part of Satan's platform; that's what he will do to us, if we allow him the room to operate in our lives. But if we will resist him, he will flee. A candidate noi elected cannot carry out his platform!

Now, shouldn't we give the Lord "equal time?" Here's what the Lord will do for us, and His platform is infinitely more appealing.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, ,hey comfort me. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalin 23, N.A.S.B.).

Consider the platforms, and register your vote!

Truth Magazine XX: 49, pp. 773-774
December 9, 1976