Of the methods of demons in the latter days of the age, the Scriptures bear special testimony.  They will cover their lies with the empty form of religion, and by every means make them to appear as the truth, that they may draw both the saved and the unsaved from their hope in Christ:  “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (I Tim. 4:  1, 2).  A departure from the true faith is thus predicted to be the evidence of the influence of demons in the last days.  This is none other than the great apostasy that must precede the “Day of the Lord” according to II Thes. 2:2, 3.

The believer’s security in this unceasing warfare is treated at length in another chapter.  It may be noted here, however, that the God-appointed means for this victory are prayer and bodily control, “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matt. 17:21); and in the appropriation of the Person of Christ as the believer’s sufficiency, as He is set forth in His saving power by the various parts of the “whole armour” of Eph. 6:13-18.

Satan, though proposing to supersede the Almighty, is not Omnipotent:  but his power, and the extent of his activity are immeasurably increased by the co-operation of his host of demons.  Satan is not Omniscient:  yet his knowledge is greatly extended by the combined wisdom and observation of his sympathetic subjects.  Satan is not Omnipresent:  but he is able to keep up an unceasing activity in every locality by the loyal obedience of the Satanic host, who are so numerous as to be called “Legion.”

Chapter VI.

Satan’s Motive.

According to Scripture, the supreme motive of Satan is his purpose to become like the Most High and, though that purpose was formed even before the age of man, it has been his constant actuating motive from that time until now.  It is also the teaching of Scripture that this present period of time is that in which Satan is in especial authority; he being permitted the exercise of his own power in order that he, and all his followers, may make their own final demonstration to the whole universe of the utter folly of their claims and of their abject helplessness when wholly independent of their Creator.  This is definitely predicted in II Tim. 3:9 as the final outcome of the atttitude of the world in its independence toward God:  “They shall proceed no further:  for their folly shall be manifest to all men.”

It has also been stated that the unsurpassed tribulation only awaits the withdrawal of the restraining hand of God, for all the required elements for such a condition are latent in the unregenerate heart (Rom. 3:9-18).  In this terrible period of tribulation the greatest power of Satan will be exercised, and the wickedness of man will be revealed in his attempt to live in whole separation from God.