ALONE WITH GOD     

  Originally man was a king and reigned over the world. It lay prostrate at his feet. He held dominion. "Thou . . . hast crowned him with glory and honor. Thou hast set him over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet." Psa. 8: 5, 6. But through the subtlety of the devil, man lost his kingdom and became a servant—was brought under bondage. Satan became prince of this world and held dominion over all mankind. Over four thousand years he held them fast under sin and death. During that time they were never fully delivered from his tyrannical rule. But Christ, the king of heaven, came to earth to restore to man "the first dominion." He set up the kingdom of heaven in direct opposition to the kingdom of darkness. He began by saving men from their sins and by healing" all that were oppressed of the devil. " Thus he " spoiled principalities and powers, triumphing over them." This caused Satan's kingdom to fall "like lightning " (Luke 10: 18 ) .

  By giving his life on the cross and rising triumphant from the grave, Christ conquered death, sin, and hell, bringing salvation, freedom, life, and liberty to all men. Hear his own words, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." "Wherefore he is able to save them unto the uttermost that come unto God by him. " He began to proclaim 'liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; and to bring out the prisoners from the prison.' He led forth a "multitude of captives " into the glorious freedom of truth.

  Thus the prince of the world, Satan, was cast out (John 12:31) and Christ was raised up a Prince, a Savior (Acts 5: 31), Prince of the kings of the earth (Rev. 1:5), Prince of life (Acts 3:15). This same power he gave to the church. " Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents, and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy." Luke 10:19. Thus we see the prince of darkness dethroned, the god of this world cast down, and Christ and his church reigning over him.