How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him?—Hebrews 2:3
When people are not under the control of the Word and the Spirit of God, they are captives of Satan, and we know not to what lengths he may lead them in sin. The patriarch Jacob beheld those who take pleasure in wickedness. He saw what would be the result of association with them, and in the Spirit he exclaimed, “O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united” (Genesis 49:6). He lifts up the danger signal, to warn every soul against such associations. The apostle Paul echoes the warning: “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11). “Be not deceived: Evil company doth corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33, R. V.).
The soul is deceived when it trusts to worldly policy and human inventions instead of trusting in the Lord God of Israel. Can humans find a better guide than the Lord Jesus? a better counselor in doubt and trial? a better defense in danger? To set aside the wisdom of God for human wisdom is a soul-destroying delusion.
If you would see what humanity will do when it rejects the influence of the grace of God, look to that scene in the judgment hall, when the infuriated mob, headed by Jewish priests and elders, clamored for the life of the Son of God. See the divine Sufferer standing by the side of Barabbas, and Pilate asking which he should release unto them. The hoarse cry, swelled by hundreds of passionate, Satan-inspired voices, is, “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas”! (Luke 23:18). And when Pilate asked what was to be done with Jesus they cried, “Crucify Him, crucify Him”! (Luke 23:21).
Human nature then is human nature now. When the divine Remedy that would have saved and exalted human nature is despised, the same spirit still lives in the hearts of human beings, and we cannot trust to their guidance and maintain our loyalty to Christ.—Selected Messages 2:129, 130.
Further Reflection: How can I distinguish those who have the spirit of Christ from those who do not?
From Jesus, Name Above All Names - Page 191
Jesus, Name Above All Names