The Conditionalist Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 2

IV. Injection of the Culminating Factor

In the group of chapters immediately preceding we have seen that the culminating factor of the centuries was injected into the conflict in the mid-nineteenth century-the irruption of the titanic forces of Modern Spiritualism. Its appearance and spread constituted the most momentous factor, the climactic element, marking off the final phase of the age-old conflict. First it penetrated the ranks of Protestantism and built upon the entrenched Immortal Soul and paralleling discarnate spirits concepts. Thus the stage was all set for the same penetration into Roman Catholicism, which is completely committed to the identical Immortal Soul and separate-from-the-bodyupon-death dogmas. Then, under the resultant “three fold union,” as it has been aptly phrased, the final battle will be joined. CFF2 1269.2

1. SUPREME FACTOR IN LAST GREAT STRUGGLE

This is Satan’s supreme factor and force thrown into the last great struggle. The current machinations of Spiritualism are by no means new. Spiritism is as old as the race. But all through the past it has operated in cruder, more constricted forms. Its approach has been less adroit; its forms have been more brash and repulsive. Now, through subtler methods, the original error of the ages is making its supreme bid. Its imposing spread has been in the Western World. And now its older allies of the occult East have joined it, and have already taken their place among the metaphysical cults of the West. They hold in common the basic lies introduced back in Eden-lies that induced the Fall; namely, the Innate Immortality of the soul and the innate deity of man. And, more successfully than ever, they are now working within the framework of the established churches. CFF2 1269.3

The significance of it all must not be lost. The “spirits” of Spiritualism are in verity “spirits of devils”—which are actually fallen angels—doing the bidding of the arch deceiver, Satan himself. They are already far along in going forth into the “whole world” (Revelation 16:13, 14), recruiting as many as they can for reinforcements for the coming crisis that is about to burst upon the world with mounting fury. CFF2 1270.1

That is why we are impelled to lift our voice in warning against this supreme delusion, and appeal to every lover of revealed truth to brace against the intensified error of the ages, now massing for its last assault. Irrespective of their methods, the multiple forms of Spiritualism are one and the same in essence. Spiritualism is the sworn enemy of God and His truth. And its assaults are concentrated on the nature and destiny of man. We are therefore constrained to appeal to all to range themselves under the banner of God, and to resist Satan and all his enticements. The issues are clearly before us through the testimony in these two volumes. It is incumbent upon all to choose sides. Neutrality is unthinkable with the evidence of the issues clearly before us. CFF2 1270.2

2. CIRCUMVENTING THE SENTENCE OF GOD

First, under the panoply of the twin lies of Eden men have been led to believe that they can circumvent the sentence of God-“Thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:17). They have been told that they can escape the threatened penalty and consequence of sinunder the ruse that men do not and cannot actually die, but are really more alive than ever after the “transition” called death. But it is a trick. CFF2 1270.3

Second, through the alluring promises of Spiritualism men are led to believe that they have access to all the magic resources of the spirit world-that they are joining the advancing spirits of the living “dead” in their onward journey to the upper spheres in evolutionary progression toward deification and ultimate union with God, and this with no ultimate punishment for the sinner. Men are led to believe that all, no matter how vile, will yet become as the angels of God-yes, even like God Himself. That strikes at the divine dictum that “the wages of sin is death.” CFF2 1270.4

Never are we to forget that Spiritualism repudiates every fundamental principle of Christianity and salvation. It destroys the basic distinction between right and wrong. It strikes at the moral law and divine government of God. But it is also beset with conflicting claims regarding God, the spirit life, and the hereafter. The vacuities and banalities of the “spirit” communications are disillusioning. And these personating spirits seek only to mislead and destroy. Even Spiritualists themselves admit that in their operations they are plagued by the intruding spirits of “devils.” Coupled with this is the failure of Spiritualism’s roseate predictions and the gross impostures that have marked its years. In the light of all the evidence adduced, we solemnly aver that it is time to unmask Satan’s masterpiece. So, in conclusion, this is our indictment. CFF2 1271.1