Close

A Kingdom Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand (Endnotes)

1. John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 1, Editor: John T. McNeill (Westminster Press, Philadelphia, PA 1960), Pages 4-7. Calvin wrote, “From himself [Satan] and his own wickedness, therefore, arises his passionate and deliberate opposition to God. By this wickedness he is urged on to attempt courses of action which he believes to be most hostile to God. But because with the bridle of his power God holds him bound and restrained, he carries out only those things which have been divinely permitted to him; and so he obeys his Creator, whether he will or not, because he is compelled to yield him service wherever God impels him.” Of course, there are more than a few Christians who realize the truth that it is Satan, the Devil, God’s archenemy, who is responsible for most of the suffering that has plagued mankind since Adam’s original sin. But some, like Calvin, argue that Satan is merely playing a scapegoat role assigned to him by God. Others say that Satan must get permission from God before he can afflict people, but this also leaves God ultimately responsible for evil. Still others who acknowledge the existence of Satan teach that a Christian can avoid all suffering by walking in fellowship with God. This in part leads to the corresponding error that one’s human mind is in reality the cause of whatever comes upon him, good or bad. It also flatly contradicts God’s Word, which states that all those who live a godly life will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Close

2. The Sons of God of Genesis Six (Christian Education Services audio teaching tape from Jan / Feb 1993). Close