The Power of Christ's Name

From: Modern Spiritualism: Briefily Tested by Scripture

Narrator: Chris Genthree

• 3 min. read • grade level: 9

Whilst it is well that we should be aware, especially at this present time, of the awful power of Satan, of his crafty, insidious, and ceaseless activity in this world, the believer has no need to be personally afraid, if only he keeps near to the Lord and cleaves to His word.

" Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you " (James 4:7⁷Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)).

" Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist, steadfast in the faith " (1 Pet. 5:8, 9⁸Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: ⁹Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (1 Peter 5:8‑9)).

" Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.—Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Eph. 6:10-13¹⁰Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. ¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹²For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ¹³Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:10‑13)).

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them [that is, spirits that confess not that Jesus Christ is come in flesh]; because greater is He that is in you [that is a Divine Person, God, the Holy Spirit], than he that is in the world [that is the Devil]" (1 John 4:4⁴Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)).

How interesting and encouraging to peruse these and kindred passages. There is need for sobriety, for vigilance, for being strong in the Lord, for having on the breastplate of righteousness, and being girt about by the truth, but none for alarm and dread. We may walk serenely through this evil world, conscious of the Lord's protecting hand, and of the impotence of the enemy, just as Elisha was calm, conscious that, unseen by mortal eyes, he was protected by the mountain being surrounded by horses and chariots of fire. Another illustration of this will readily occur to the reader's mind. With all the glittering rewards of divination within the reach of the covetous Balaam, if only he would curse God's people, he was obliged to cry out, "Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel" (Num. 23:23²³Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought! (Numbers 23:23)).

A friend has just given me an authentic instance of the power of Christ's name. A Spiritualist in Bradford invited a Christian neighbor to one of their meetings. The Christian declined the invitation again and again; but finally, wearied by her neighbor's importunity, and wishing by any means to get rid of her influence, made a compact with her, that if she attended once she would leave her alone, and never again invite her. The Spiritualist agreed. They went to the meeting. After a little time the medium, who had no previous knowledge of her declared there was a Christian present, and until that Christian left the room they could not proceed. The Christian kept her seat. After a few minutes the medium again said there was a Christian present, and insisted that the person should leave the meeting. The Christian lady thereupon retired. When her neighbor returned home, she informed her that the meeting proceeded after she left without any further difficulty. Such is the power of Christ's name. "A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee" (Psa. 91:7⁷A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. (Psalm 91:7)). Even the presence of one Christian woman was sufficient to arrest the power of evil.

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