第04章 逝者能对我们说话吗？
§1
第04章 逝者能对我们说话吗？
§2
Chap. 04—Can the Dead Speak to Us?
§3
逝者能与活着的人交流吗？你死的时候发生什么事呢？关于“临死的经历”有什么说法呢？人死后的真相又是如何呢？圣经中所阐明有关圣天使之服务的真理，对于每一个基督徒乃是富有安慰而最宝贵的。但圣经关于这一方面的教训，已被现代流行的神学所蒙蔽所曲解了。灵魂不死的道理最初是从异教哲学中传来的，以后在离道反教的大黑暗时期竟渗入基督教的信仰之中，以替代圣经明白的教训，就是“死了的人毫无所知”的真理（传9:5）。故此有许多人相信那“奉差遣为那将要承受救恩的人效力”的“服役之灵”（来1:14），就是死人的灵魂。虽然圣经已经说明在人类遭受死亡之前天使早已存在，而且他们与人类的历史已经发生关系，但一般人仍相信死人的灵魂变成天使的说法。{DD 18.1}[1]
§4
Can the dead communicate with the living? What happens when you die? What about those who have reported a “near death experience”? What is the truth about life after death? The ministration of holy angels, as presented in the Scriptures, is a truth most comforting and precious to every follower of Christ. But the Bible teaching upon this point has been obscured and perverted by the errors of popular theology. The doctrine of natural immortality, first borrowed from the pagan philosophy, and in the darkness of the great apostasy incorporated into the Christian faith, has supplanted the truth, so plainly taught in Scripture, that “the dead know not anything.” Multitudes have come to believe that it is spirits of the dead who are the “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.” And this notwithstanding the testimony of Scripture to the existence of heavenly angels, and their connection with the history of man, before the death of a human being.{DD 18.1}[1]
§5
人死后仍有知觉的说法，尤其是死人的灵要回来服务活人的信念，已经给现代的招魂术预备了道路。既说死人可以来到上帝和圣天使面前，并能获得比生前远为高超的知识，那么，何以他们不能重返人间来开导并指教活人呢？如果照一般神学家的教训来说，死人的灵魂时常徘徊于他们在世的亲友之间，那么，他们为何不与这些亲友相交通，警告他们避免祸患，或在他们忧伤时安慰他们呢？那些相信人死后仍有知觉的人，怎能拒绝从那些所谓荣耀的灵所传来的“上帝的亮光”呢？这就是他们所谓神圣的孔道。撒但便用它来达成他的目的。那些在他指挥之下的堕落的天使常化装为从“灵界”上出来的使者。这个魔王自称能使活人与死人交通，以便在人的思想上施用蛊惑的魔力。?{DD 18.2}[2]
§6
The doctrine of man’s consciousness in death, especially the belief that spirits of the dead return to minister to the living, has prepared the way for modern spiritualism. If the dead are admitted to the presence of God and holy angels, and privileged with knowledge far exceeding what they before possessed, why should they not return to the earth to enlighten and instruct the living? If, as taught by popular theologians, spirits of the dead are hovering about their friends on earth, why should they not be permitted to communicate with them, to warn them against evil, or to comfort them in sorrow? How can those who believe in man’s consciousness in death reject what comes to them as divine light communicated by glorified spirits? Here is a channel regarded as sacred, through which Satan works for the accomplishment of his purposes. The fallen angels who do his bidding appear as messengers from the spirit world. While professing to bring the living into communication with the dead, the prince of evil exercises his bewitching?influence upon their minds.?{DD 18.2}[2]
§7
撒但有能力使人们已故之亲友的面容出现。他的赝造品是无懈可击的；音容声色，维妙维肖。许多人听见故人在天享福的消息，便大得安慰；于是他们毫不顾及任何危险，去听从“那引诱人的邪灵，和鬼魔的道理”（提前4:1）。{DD 19.1}[3]
§8
He has power to bring before men the appearance of their departed friends. The counterfeit is perfect; the familiar look, the words, the tone, are reproduced with marvelous distinctness. Many are comforted with the assurance that their loved ones are enjoying the bliss of heaven, and without suspicion of danger, they give ear “to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”{DD 19.1}[3]
§9
【死人能与我们说话吗？】
§10
在他们相信死人确能与他们相交之后，撒但便叫自己的使者装作那些未曾悔改而去世之人的形状出现。他们说自己在天上过着幸福的生活，甚至于还得了高尚的地位。这样，异端便到处传开了，使人相信义人与恶人之间是没有区别的。那从“灵界”来的的骗子有时也会发出一些事后显明为正确的训诫和警告。及至这些邪灵博得人信任之后，他们便要传出一些直接摧毁圣经信仰的谬道。他们在表面上表示深切关怀他们世上亲友的幸福，但在暗地里却传出最危险的异端。他们所讲的话多少含有几分真理，有时他们也能预言未来的事，这样他们的话就能显为可靠；许多人也就欣然接受他们的教训，笃信不疑，把它看作是圣经最神圣的真理一般。于是上帝的律法被废弃了，恩典的圣灵被轻视了，而立约的血也被认为是不圣洁的了。这些邪灵否认基督的神性，甚至敢将创造主与他们自己同列。在这种新的伪装之下，大叛徒撒但就此进行反抗上帝的斗争。这斗争最先在天上发动，然后在地上延续了几有六千年之久。{DD 19.2}[4]
§11
【Can the Dead Speak to Us?】
§12
When they have been led to believe that the dead actually return to communicate with them, Satan causes those to appear who went into the grave unprepared. They claim to be happy in heaven and even to occupy exalted positions there, and thus the error is widely taught that no difference is made between the righteous and the wicked. The pretended visitants from the world of spirits sometimes utter cautions and warnings which prove to be correct. Then, as confidence is gained, they present doctrines that directly undermine faith in the Scriptures. With an appearance of deep interest in the well-being of their friends on earth, they insinuate the most dangerous errors. The fact that they state some truths, and are able at times to foretell future events, gives to their statements an appearance of reliability; and their false teachings are accepted by the multitudes as readily, and believed as implicitly, as if they were the most sacred truths of the Bible. The law of God is set aside, the Spirit of grace despised, the blood of the covenant counted an unholy thing. The spirits deny the deity of Christ and place even the Creator on a level with themselves. Thus under a new disguise the great rebel still carries on his warfare against God, begun in heaven and for nearly six thousand years continued upon the earth.{DD 19.2}[4]
§13
【并非所有的骗局都是戏法】
§14
许多人想解释这种“显灵术”，说它完全是出于巫婆术士们的欺骗和戏法，固然，江湖骗子的法术时常能造出显灵的幻象，但此外确实也有显然是超自然的能力出现。那发起现代招魂术的神秘现象，决不是出于人的骗术或巧计，而是恶使者直接的工作。他们藉此发动了一种最容易毁灭人心灵的骗术。许多人因为相信招魂术不过是人为的戏法，所以就要陷入魔鬼的网罗中。在他们亲眼见到自己所不得不承认是超自然之能力的表现时，他们就要受迷惑，因而相信这乃是上帝的大能。{DD 19.3}[5]
§15
【Not All Deception is Trickery】
§16
Many endeavor to account for spiritual manifestations by attributing them wholly to fraud and sleight of hand on the part of the medium. But while it is true that the results of trickery have often been palmed off as genuine manifestations, there have been, also, marked exhibitions of supernatural power. The mysterious rapping with which modern spiritualism began was not the result of human trickery or cunning, but was the direct work of evil angels, who thus introduced one of the most successful of soul-destroying delusions. Many will be ensnared through the belief that spiritualism is a merely human imposture; when brought face to face with manifestations which they cannot but regard as supernatural, they will be deceived, and will be led to accept them as the great power of God.{DD 19.3}[5]
§17
这些人竟忽略圣经中有关撒但和他的使者所行之奇事的教训。古时法老的术士曾靠撒但的帮助仿效上帝的作为。保罗也说明，在基督复临之前，撒但的能力必要这样显现。在主降临之前，必有“撒但的运动，行各样的异能神迹，和一切虚假的奇事，并且在那沉沦的人身上，行各样出于不义的诡诈”（帖后2:9-10）。使徒约翰曾形容末日所要显现的神迹奇事，说：“又行大奇事，甚至在人面前，叫火从天降在地上。他因赐给他权柄……能行奇事，就迷惑住在地上的人”（启13:13-14）。这里所预言的，不仅是人所行的一切骗术。原来这些迷惑人的奇迹乃是撒但的爪牙所能行的，并不是他们假装行出来的。?{DD 19.4}[6]
§18
These persons overlook the testimony of the Scriptures concerning the wonders wrought by Satan and his agents. It was by satanic aid that Pharaoh’s magicians were enabled to counterfeit the work of God. Paul testifies that before the second advent of Christ there will be similar manifestations of satanic power. The coming of the Lord is to be preceded by “the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all?deceivableness of unrighteousness.”?2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10. And the apostle John, describing the miracle-working power that will be manifested in the last days, declares: “He doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do.”Revelation 13:13, 14. No mere impostures are here foretold. Men are deceived by the miracles which Satan’s agents have power to do, not which they pretend to do.?{DD 19.4}[6]
§19
【骗局的策划者】
§20
黑暗之君对于欺骗的工作已有多年的经验，故能很巧妙地把他的骗术配合各等阶层和各种环境中之人的心理。对于有学问有造诣的人，他强调招魂术优雅和学术的一方面，藉此勾引许多人陷入他的网罗。关于招魂术所给予人的智慧，使徒雅各曾形容说：“这样的智慧，不是从上头来的，乃是属地的，属情欲的，属鬼魔的”（雅3:15）。但这一点那大骗子撒但是要遮盖起来的，因为他总以不露真相为最有利于自己的目的。那能在试探的旷野中披上天使的荣光而出现在基督面前的撒但，也会用最动人的姿态，装作光明的天使来到人面前。他提出高尚的题旨，来迎合人的理智，并用奇妙的情景使人欣赏出神，他高谈仁爱与慈善，以唤起人的感情。他刺激人的思维想入非非，使人因自己的智慧而骄傲，以致心中藐视永生的上帝。这位大有能力的魔鬼既能把世界的救赎主带到极高的山上，并将地上的万国和万国的荣华都摆在祂面前，他也必向世人提供许多试探，混乱一切未蒙上帝能力保护之人的视听。……{DD 20.1}[7]
§21
【The Mastermind of Deception】
§22
The prince of darkness, who has so long bent the powers of his mastermind to the work of deception, skillfully adapts his temptations to men of all classes and conditions. To persons of culture and refinement he presents spiritualism in its more refined and intellectual aspects, and thus succeeds in drawing many into his snare. The wisdom which spiritualism imparts is that described by the apostle James, which “descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.”?James 3:15. This, however, the great deceiver conceals when concealment will best suit his purpose. He who could appear clothed with the brightness of the heavenly seraphs before Christ in the wilderness of temptation, comes to men in the most attractive manner as an angel of light. He appeals to the reason by the presentation of elevating themes; he delights the fancy with enrapturing scenes; and he enlists the affections by his eloquent portrayals of love and charity. He excites the imagination to lofty flights, leading men to take so great pride in their own wisdom that in their hearts they despise the Eternal One. That mighty being who could take the world’s Redeemer to an exceedingly high mountain and bring before Him all the kingdoms of the earth and the glory of them, will present his temptations to men in a manner to pervert the senses of all who are not shielded by divine power....{DD 20.1}[7]
§23
但无论何人都无需因招魂术的虚谎主张而受迷惑。上帝已经赐给世人充分的亮光，使他们能以看穿撒但的诡计。例如前面所提到的几点，说明那作为招魂术理论的基本论调都是与圣经最明显的教训相抵触的。因为圣经已经说过，人死后是毫无所知的，他们的思想也已消灭；在日光之下的一切事，他们都没有分。他们对于世上最亲爱之人的喜乐或忧伤，也是一无所知的。{DD 20.2}[8]
§24
But none need be deceived by the lying claims of spiritualism. God has given the world sufficient light to enable them to discover the snare. As already shown, the theory which forms the very foundation of spiritualism is at war with the plainest statements of Scripture. The Bible declares that the dead know not anything, that their thoughts have perished; they have no part in anything that is done under the sun; they know nothing of the joys or sorrows of those who were dearest to them on earth.{DD 20.2}[8]
§25
更进一步来说，这一切与死人灵魂交往的事，都是上帝所明令禁止的。在古犹太国的时候，有一等人正如今日交鬼的人一样，自称能与死人来往。但圣经却说明这些“用迷术的、交鬼的、行巫术的、过阴的”（申18: 11），乃是与“鬼魔的灵”相交（见民25:1-3;诗106:28;林前10:20;启16: 14）。与鬼交通的事，是耶和华所憎恶的，并且是以死刑来严禁的（利19:31; 20:27）。“邪术”这个名词现今固然被人轻视，人与邪灵相交的事，也被看为黑暗时代的神话。然而招魂术在今日所招引的信徒，不止几千几百，而是百万之众了。它已经钻进科学界，侵入了教会，并得了一些国家立法团体的赞助，甚至插足于王室宫廷之内。这种招魂术的大欺骗乃是旧约时代所严禁的邪术，现在以新的伪装出现而已。?{DD 20.3}[9]
§26
Furthermore, God has expressly forbidden all pretended communication with departed spirits. In the days of the Hebrews there was a class of people who?claimed, as do the spiritualists of today, to hold communication with the dead. But the “familiar spirits,” as these visitants from other worlds were called, are declared by the Bible to be “the spirits of devils.” (Compare?Numbers 25:1-3;?Psalm 106:28;?1 Corinthians 10:20;?Revelation 16:14.) The work of dealing with familiar spirits was pronounced an abomination to the Lord, and was solemnly forbidden under penalty of death.?Leviticus 19:31;?20:27. The very name of witchcraft is now held in contempt. The claim that men can hold intercourse with evil spirits is regarded as a fable of the Dark Ages. But spiritualism, which numbers its converts by hundreds of thousands, yea, by millions, which has made its way into scientific circles, which has invaded churches, and has found favor in legislative bodies, and even in the courts of kings—this mammoth deception is but a revival, in a new disguise, of the witchcraft condemned and prohibited of old.?{DD 20.3}[9]
§27
【邪灵的性质】
§28
基督徒要看明招魂术的真性质，只需以这一个证据：就是这些灵在义人与恶人之间不作任何区别，并把基督最高贵最纯洁的使徒与撒但最腐败的仆人同列。撒但说最卑鄙的人已在天上并大享尊荣，这无异是向世人说：“不管你们是多么罪大恶极，不管你们是否相信上帝和祂的圣经，你们尽可随心所欲，天国必是你们的家。”这些交鬼的教师们简直就是说：“凡行恶的，耶和华眼看为善，并且祂喜悦他们；或说，公义的上帝在哪里呢”（玛2:17）？但上帝的道却说：“祸哉那些称恶为善，称善为恶，以暗为光，以光为暗的人”（赛5:20）。{DD 21.1}[10]
§29
【The Character of Evil Spirits】
§30
If there were no other evidence of the real character of spiritualism, it should be enough for the Christian that the spirits make no difference between righteousness and sin, between the noblest and purest of the apostles of Christ and the most corrupt of the servants of Satan. By representing the basest of men as in heaven, and highly exalted there, Satan says to the world: “No matter how wicked you are; no matter whether you believe or disbelieve God and the Bible. Live as you please; heaven is your home.” The spiritualist teachers virtually declare: “Everyone that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?”?Malachi 2:17. Saith the word of God: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.”?Isaiah 5:20.{DD 21.1}[10]
§31
这些虚谎的灵虽然装作使徒，但他们所讲的话却与使徒在世时受圣灵感动而写作的道理相反。他们否认圣经的神圣来源，藉此破坏基督徒希望的根基，并熄灭那照明天路的亮光。撒但正在使世人相信：圣经只是一部小说，或者只是一本合乎未开化时代之人的书，而现代人士尽可以轻视它，甚至也可以看它为过时的废物而全然丢弃之。他要用招魂术的显灵法来代替圣经。这是一条完全受他控制的孔道，藉此他可以使世人相信他所要他们相信的事。那将要审判他和他党羽的圣经，他竟置之一边，因为他不要人注意这经；同时他把世界的救主说成一个平常的人。…….{DD 21.2}[11]
§32
The apostles, as personated by these lying spirits, are made to contradict what they wrote at the dictation of the Holy Spirit when on earth. They deny the divine origin of the Bible, and thus tear away the foundation of the Christian’s hope and put out the light that reveals the way to heaven. Satan is making the world believe that the Bible is a mere fiction, or at least a book suited to the infancy of the race, but now to be lightly regarded, or cast aside as obsolete. And to take the place of the word of God he holds out spiritual manifestations. Here is a channel wholly under his control; by this means he can make the world believe what he will. The Book that is to judge him and his followers he puts in the shade, just where he wants it; the Saviour of the world he makes to be no more than a common man....{DD 21.2}[11]
§33
【招魂术改头换面】
§34
招魂术现在固然已在那里改头换面，把那些容易引起反感的几方面隐蔽起来，并装上一副基督化的假面具，但根据它这么多年来藉讲台和刊物对公众所发表的言论看来，它的真情实况便显露出来了。这些言论是无法否认或隐藏的。{DD 22.1}[12]
§35
【The Changing Image of Spiritism】
§36
It is true that spiritualism is now changing its form and, veiling some of its more objectionable features, is assuming a Christian guise. But its utterances from the platform and the press have been before the public for many years, and in these its real character stands revealed. These teachings cannot be denied or hidden.{DD 22.1}[12]
§37
现代招魂术的形式虽然比古时更为风雅，但不比从前更为可靠，而事实上它的危险性更大，因为它是更狡猾而阴险的了。先前，它否认基督与圣经，而现在却扬言要接受基督与圣经了。但它所用解释圣经的方法却专迎合未曾重生之人的心理，并使圣经中严肃而紧要的真理失去效力。它固然承认爱乃是上帝的主要特性，但它却把这爱讲成一种懦弱的情感主义，在善与恶之间不作多少区别。至于上帝的公正，和祂对于罪恶的谴责，以及神圣之律法的要求等等，它却一字不提。他们教导众人把十条诫命看作死的条文。他们那种悦耳并迷惑人的谎言使人心夺神移，因而拒绝圣经为信仰的基础。实际上，基督已被他们拒绝了，正象从前祂被拒绝一样；但因为撒但已经蒙蔽了众人的眼目，所以他们觉察不出这种欺骗。{DD 22.2}[13]
§38
Even in its present form, so far from being more worthy of toleration than formerly, it is really a more dangerous, because a more subtle, deception. While it formerly denounced Christ and the Bible, it now professes to accept both. But the Bible is interpreted in a manner that is pleasing to the unrenewed heart, while its solemn and vital truths are made of no effect. Love is dwelt upon as the chief attribute of God, but it is degraded to a weak sentimentalism, making little distinction between good and evil. God’s justice, His denunciations of sin, the requirements of His holy law, are all kept out of sight. The people are taught to regard the Decalogue as a dead letter. Pleasing, bewitching fables captivate the senses and lead men to reject the Bible as the foundation of their faith. Christ is as verily denied as before; but Satan has so blinded the eyes of the people that the deception is not discerned.{DD 22.2}[13]
§39
很少有人能正确地认识到招魂术的欺骗能力以及感觉其影响的危险性。许多人为要满足自己的好奇心，竟不惜贸然尝试。他们本来对它没有什么真实的信任，而且若是想到把自己交给邪灵去支配，不免毛骨悚然。但他们还是大胆踏上了上帝所禁止的道路；于是那大有能力的毁灭者，便能在他们身上行使他的权力，这原是他们所不愿意的。只要他们一次受了引诱，让他来支配他们的思想，他就要把他们牢牢地缠住。他们想要靠自己的力量来挣脱这蛊惑并引诱人的束缚，是不可能的。只有上帝因信心的恳切祈祷而赐的能力，才能拯救这些陷入魔鬼网罗中的人。{DD 22.3}[14]
§40
There are few who have any just conception of the deceptive power of spiritualism and the danger of coming under its influence. Many tamper with it merely to gratify their curiosity. They have no real faith in it and would be filled with horror at the thought of yielding themselves to the spirits’ control. But they venture upon the forbidden ground, and the mighty destroyer exercises his power upon them against their will. Let them once be induced to submit their minds to his direction, and he holds them captive. It is impossible, in their own strength, to break away from the bewitching, alluring spell. Nothing but the power of God, granted in answer to the earnest prayer of faith, can deliver these ensnared souls.{DD 22.3}[14]
§41
【属灵欺骗的陷阱】
§42
人若纵容自己品格上的恶习，或明知自己的罪而不肯放弃，就是招致撒但的试探。他们使自己与上帝和祂的使者隔绝，及至那恶者施行欺骗时，他们就没有保障，并要很容易成为撒但的掠物。这样把自己放在撒但势力之下的人，没有想到自己将要落到什么地步。那试探者既使他们堕落，便要利用他们作为自己的工具去引诱更多的人趋于灭亡。{DD 22.4}[15]
§43
【The Pitfalls in Spirit Deception】
§44
All who indulge sinful traits of character, or willfully cherish a known sin, are inviting the temptations of Satan. They separate themselves from God and from the watchcare of His angels; as the evil one presents his deceptions, they are without defense and fall an easy prey. Those who thus place themselves in his power little realize where their course will end. Having achieved their overthrow, the tempter will employ them as his agents to lure others to ruin.{DD 22.4}[15]
§45
先知以赛亚说：“有人对你们说，当求问那些交鬼的和行巫术的，就是声音绵蛮，言语微细的，你们便回答说，百姓不当求问自己的上帝吗？岂可为活人求问死人呢？人当以训诲和法度为标准，他们所说的，若不与此相符，必不得见晨光”（赛8:19-20）。圣经已经明白提出人的本性和死后的状况。如果人们乐意接受这真理，自必看出招魂术的主张和显灵法乃是撒但所施行的“异能、神迹，和一切虚假的奇事”（帖后2:9）。但许多人不愿放弃那迎合情欲之心的自由和自己所爱好的罪恶，故闭眼不看真光，不顾警告，昂然前进，同时撒但就在他们周围布置罗网，使他们成为他的掠物。“因他们不领受爱真理的心，使他们得救，故此，上帝就给他们一个生发错误的心，叫他们信从虚谎”（帖后2:10-11）。?{DD 22.5}[16]
§46
Says the prophet Isaiah: “When they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”?Isaiah 8:19, 20. If men had been willing to receive the truth so plainly stated in the Scriptures concerning the nature of man and the state of the dead, they would see in the claims and manifestations of spiritualism the working of?Satan with power and signs and lying wonders. But rather than yield the liberty so agreeable to the carnal heart, and renounce the sins which they love, multitudes close their eyes to the light and walk straight on, regardless of warnings, while Satan weaves his snares about them, and they become his prey. “Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,” therefore “God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.”?2 Thessalonians 2:10, 11.?{DD 22.5}[16]
§47
反对招魂术之教训的人，不单是在攻击人，而也是在攻击撒但和他的使者。他们已经参加了那反抗空中执政掌权之邪灵的斗争。若不是天庭使者的权力迫使撒但败退，他是决不放弃寸土的。上帝的子民应当像救主一样以“经上记着说”这一句话去应付他。撒但今日也会引用圣经，象在基督的时代一样，并且要曲解其中的教训来加强自己的欺骗。所以凡要在现今危险时代中站立得住的人，必须亲自领悟圣经的训诲。……{DD 23.1}[17]
§48
Those who oppose the teachings of spiritualism are assailing, not men alone, but Satan and his angels. They have entered upon a contest against principalities and powers and wicked spirits in high places. Satan will not yield one inch of ground except as he is driven back by the power of heavenly messengers. The people of God should be able to meet him, as did our Saviour, with the words: “It is written.” Satan can quote Scripture now as in the days of Christ, and he will pervert its teachings to sustain his delusions. Those who would stand in this time of peril must understand for themselves the testimony of the Scriptures....{DD 23.1}[17]
§49
【时代的盲目】
§50
现代世人的盲目现象已非言语所能形容的了。千万人拒绝圣经，认为它是不值得相信，同时却热切而诚心地接受了撒但的欺骗。怀疑主义者和一般喜好嘲笑并攻击那些为先知和使徒的信仰争辩的人，说这些人是有偏见的。他们把圣经中有关基督，救恩计划，以及那将要临到拒绝真理之人的报应等等严肃的训言作为笑柄。……{DD 23.2}[18]
§51
【The Blindness of the Age】
§52
Marvelous beyond expression is the blindness of the people of this generation. Thousands reject the word of God as unworthy of belief and with eager confidence receive the deceptions of Satan. Skeptics and scoffers denounce the bigotry of those who contend for the faith of prophets and apostles, and they divert themselves by holding up to ridicule the solemn declarations of the Scriptures concerning Christ and the plan of salvation....{DD 23.2}[18]
§53
撒但久已为欺骗世人的最后努力作了准备。他在伊甸园中给夏娃的保证，也就是为他将来的工作奠定基础：“你们不一定死。”“你们吃的日子，眼睛就明亮了，你们便如上帝，能知道善恶”（创3:4-5）。他一步一步地为他欺骗的杰作──招魂术──预备了道路。现在他还没有完全实现他的计划，但是末日最后的一段时期内，这计划就必实现。先知预言说：“我又看见三个污秽的灵，好像青娃，……他们本是鬼魔的灵，施行奇事，出去到普天下众王那里，叫他们在上帝全能者的大日聚集争战”（启16:13-14）。除了那些因信仰圣经而有上帝能力保守的人之外，全世界的人都要尽数陷入这一次的欺骗之中。众人都在一种致命的安全感中逍遥自在，只有上帝忿怒的爆发才能使他们惊醒过来。{DD 23.3}[19]
§54
Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive the world. The foundation of his work was laid by the assurance given to Eve in Eden: “Ye shall not surely die.” “In the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”?Genesis 3:4, 5. Little by little he has prepared the way for his masterpiece of deception in the development of spiritualism. He has not yet reached the full accomplishment of his designs; but it will be reached in the last remnant of time. Says the prophet: “I saw three unclean spirits like frogs; ... they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.”?Revelation 16:13, 14. Except those who are kept by the power of God, through faith in His word, the whole world will be swept into the ranks of this delusion. The people are fast being lulled to a fatal security, to be awakened only by the outpouring of the wrath of God.{DD 23.3}[19]
§55
耶和华上帝如此说：“我必以公平为准绳，以公义为线铊，冰雹冲去谎言的避难所，大水必漫过藏身之处。你们与死亡所立的约，必然废掉，与阴间所结的盟，必立不住，敌军如水涨漫经过的时候，你们必被他践踏”（赛28:17-18）。{DD 23.4}[20]
§56
Saith the Lord God: “Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.”?Isaiah 28:17, 18.{DD 23.4}[20]