not King over all the earth in this “world.” (Point.)
What? Is not Christ the King of this world, the Ruler of this world? How is
Satan the god of this world? We reply: The word “god” means “mighty one.”
Who is the mighty one of this world? Surely not Christ. We venture to say that
if Christ were the God, or Prince, of this world, it would be a far better world
than it is, and that there would be no world-war among the kingdoms of earth.
He Himself said, “My Kingdom is NOT OF THlS world”-this world (point);
and on another occasion He said, “The Prince of THlS world (Satan) cometh,
and hath nothing in Me.”-John 18:36; 14:30
But some might suppose that Satan is “the Prince of this world” by Divine
right-that God has given him the power which he possesses; but not so. While
God has allowed man to take his own course, and has permitted Satan to be-
come his deceiver-as it is written, “The god of this world hath blinded the
minds of them that believe not” (2 Cor. 4:4)-it has only been by reason of the
depraved condition of men, and their willingness to be deceived, that Satan has
succeeded in overpowering then). Satan is a Usurper. By reason of man’s sub-
mission to him lie rules as a tyrant; but no! by God’s authority. When Christ’s
time comes to reign, He will not have to buy out Satan’s kingdom. Satan never
had a right to rule. Why God permitted Satan to exescise such great power
over men is a very interesting question, and one which the Scriptures Answer–
very satisfactorily, but we will not go into it at present. We are not now study-
ing the WHY, but the FACT. But when we do come to the study of that ques-
tion, we will find that although Satan’s dominion has been permitted, all the
while God’s own Plan, purposed from the beginning, has been accomplishing
that for which it was sent.-lsa. 55:11
This Second Dispensation, or “world that now is” (point), is also called by the
Apostle Paul, “this present evil world, ” manifestly evil for the reason stated-
the character of the “world” being determined by the character of the ruler; and
Satan being “the Prince of this world,” and working continually in the hearts of
“the children of disobedience” (Eph. 2:2), the logical result is an evil “world-
an evil order of things. The New Dispensation, however (the “world to
come”), will not be under the “Prince of thjs world” (point), nor under the an-
gels (point to the first “world”): but under Christ. Christ is not now “the gover-
nor among the nations,” as He will be then. (Psa. 22:28) In THAT day (point
to third world), the Prophet Daniel says, “the God of Heaven shall set up a
Kingdom.” (Dan. 2:44) It is for this Kingdom that we have long prayed, say-
ing, “Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is done in Heaven.”
Notice, further, that while that Dispensation (point) ended with a Flood, this
Dispensation (point) will end with a “fire.” Such is the Apostle Peter’s state-
ment-“The heavens and earth which are now’ (point), by the same Word are
kept in store, reserved unto FIRE against the Day of Judgment and perdition of
ungodly men,” in which “the ELEMENTS shall melt with fervent heat, …