The concept of dualism is very prevalent in the natural mind of man. Dualism is a system of thought that basically says there are two forces at work in the universe. One is a force for good and the other is a force for evil. This concept was at the the heart of the storyline of the STAR WARS movies of a few years ago and finds an almost universal acceptance among most people, even some who call themselves Christians. As this theory bears fruit in the minds of men they generally attribute all of the events which they consider "good" as coming from GOD and all of those which they consider evil or bad as coming from HIS arch enemy Satan. They picture GOD as working to bring about order and morality and Satan feverishly working to thwart those operations, interjecting heartache and trouble among humanity. Most people give GOD the upper hand and believe that HE, ultimately, has a little more power than Satan, but not so much that at any given time HIS purpose may not be overturned by the concerted effort of the powers of darkness, especially if people don't get involved with the positive energy of prayer and good works, in order to allow GOD to triumph in the end. I become nauseated even thinking about such drivel when I look at what the scripture says concerning the absolute sovereignty of GOD. "I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things" (Isaiah 45:5-7)
The devil exists because GOD created him and has a purpose for him. He can do nothing that is not under the control of GOD. His bounds are set and he is a servant of the Most High GOD even though he despises his MASTER. He is like a dog on a chain who can only do what he is allowed to do. One needs to look no further than the first chapter of Job to discover that this is true, even though it is evident throughout the word of GOD.
False doctrine and its many teachers have been around since the very beginning of time. Satan was the first though surely not the last nor the only one. The very first lie that he told Eve was, "Ye shall not surely die" (Gen 3:4) He is called the father of lies (see John 8:44) Yet as pernicious and wicked as these lies were they in no way thwarted or changed the purpose of GOD who before the foundation.of the world chose a people to be saved through the redemptive work of HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST the righteous. (see Eph.1:4) The fall of man was as much in the purpose of GOD as was his redemption by JESUS CHRIST. When false teachers arise and lead men captive they do not frustrate the grace of GOD but only fulfill HIS sovereign purpose. Yet their damnation is just because they are ordained unto this condemnation (see Jude 4) and gladly teach others things which are contrary to sound doctrine and against the glory of GOD.
Heresies arise for the purpose of manifesting the truth of GOD. Darkness cannot be fully discovered except as the light shines in contrast to it. The LORD JESUS said "I am the LIGHT of the world." The world was in darkness until HE came. "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee." (Isaiah 60:1-2) Paul wrote to the Corinthians explaining that those whom the LORD approves stand out starkly against the purveyors of error. Men can be lulled to sleep by false doctrine but the plain contrast of it with truth is often used by the LORD to awaken the true sons of GOD. We see this clearly in Paul's admonitions to the various churches. It is necessary that there be some who would accuse GOD of unrighteousness so that the folly of man might be seen. "Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou?" (Isaiah 45:9)
Error exists in order that the destruction of the wicked might be sure. "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thess 2:11-12) Those who are reprobate not only embrace error but delight in it and the ungodliness that it produces. (see Rom.1:32) Error serves the purpose of GOD just as much as the grandest revelation of truth which GOD is pleased to give to HIS children.
The LORD said these offenses must come, but woe be to those who bring them. (see Mat.18:4-7) The LORD is a refiner of gold and silver and HE is presently at work in HIS people to manifest HIS righteousness in them. It is through the buffeting and heartaches of this life that the LORD is pleased to teach them patience and reliance on HIM. In our weakness HE is magnified as HE teaches us that it is in HIM alone that we have hope. "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Cor 12:9-10) The scripture makes it abundantly clear that though these errors and their offence to the true sons of GOD must of necessity arise, those who are the purveyors of such are facing sure judgment. Those who would teach the children of GOD had best be seeking the LORD for grace to clearly proclaim the truth and not to be caught up in "men pleasing", promotion of traditions, and the scratching of itching ears. "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." (James 3:1)
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