How Satan Works

Satan accuses those who seek the Lord, but not because he is displeased with their sins. He gloats over their defective characters, for he knows that he can only obtain power over them as they transgress God’s law. His accusations arise solely from hatred for Christ. As he sees in people the evidences of Christ’s supremacy, he works to pull away from Him those who have accepted salvation. He leads men and women to lose confidence in God and separate from His love. He tempts them to break the law and then claims them as his captives, disputing Christ’s right to take them from him.RR 206.3

Satan knows that those who ask for pardon will receive it, so he presents their sins before them to discourage them. He tries to make even their best service appear corrupt. In countless ways, subtle and cruel, he works to gain their condemnation.RR 206.4

In our own strength, we cannot meet the charges of the enemy. But Jesus our Advocate presents a decisive plea in behalf of all who commit themselves to Him by repentance and faith. He wins complete victory over their accuser by the mighty arguments of Calvary. His perfect obedience to God’s law has given Him all power in heaven and earth, and to the accuser of His people He declares: “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! These are the purchase of My blood, brands plucked from the burning.” See Zechariah 3:2. And He assures those who rely on Him in faith, “I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” Verse 4.RR 206.5

All who have put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness will stand faithful and true. The promise to Joshua is given to all: “If you will ... keep My command, ... I will give you places to walk among these who stand here.” Verse 7. Angels will walk on either side of them even in this world, and they will stand at last among the angels that surround the throne of God.RR 206.6

Zechariah’s vision applies with special force to God’s people in the closing scenes of the great day of atonement. The remnant will then come into great distress. Those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus will feel the anger of the dragon and his armies. Here is a little company resisting his supremacy. If he could blot them from the earth, his triumph would be complete. In the near future he will stir up the wicked powers of earth to destroy the people of God.RR 207.1

Those who are true to God will be denounced and discriminated against. They will be “betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends,” even unto death. Luke 21:16. As Joshua pleaded before the Angel, so the remnant church, with brokenness of heart and unfaltering faith, will plead for pardon and deliverance through Jesus their Advocate. They are fully conscious of their sinfulness and unworthiness, and they are ready to despair.RR 207.2