Divine Quickening and the Prince of the Air

Quickening is the supernatural imparting of spiritual, mental, and physical life through the agency of the Holy Spirit and the Word of GodEd 260.4+2. It is the process by which those who are "dead in trespasses and sins" are made alive to spiritual realities and empowered for divine serviceDA 671.4+2.

The Source of Quickening

• The Holy Spirit: The Spirit is the only effectual teacher of divine truth and the representative of Jesus who infuses spiritual life into the soul John 6:63GW 284.2+1.

• The Word of God: The Scripture is the "incorruptible seed" that, when set home by the Spirit, quickens the conscience and transforms the life 1 Peter 1:23DA 671.4+1.

• Jesus Christ: As the "last Adam," Christ was made a "quickening spirit," possessing the life-giving power to raise both the spiritually and physically dead 1 Corinthians 15:45ARSH March 22, 1864, page 133.6+1.

Spiritual and Physical Effects

• Spiritual Awakening: Quickening breaks up the "monotony of religious labor" and "legal religion," replacing it with an earnest, sanctified zeal and a heart softened by the Sun of RighteousnessChS 263.3+1.

• Mental and Physical Renewal: Workers who take time to pray and wait upon God receive a renewal of physical and mental power; their wearied frames and tired brains are refreshed and soothed by personal contact with Christ13MR 305.3+2.

• Victory Over Sin: The quickening influence of the Spirit enables the believer to mortify the deeds of the body and overcome evil traits or habits Romans 8:13GCB December 1895, page 635.3.

• Health and Vitality: Proper habits, such as manual labor and a healthful diet, promote the circulation of the blood and give vitality to the whole systemHR May 1, 1873, par. 7+2.

The Necessity of Quickening

• Inefficacy of Human Effort: Without this divine influence, no amount of education, talent, or outward service can make a person a channel of light20MR 136.1+2.

• The New Birth: Every soul must be quickened into spiritual life to discern the kingdom of God, a change that constitutes being "born again"ST September 26, 1892, par. 2+2.

• The Resurrection: At the last day, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will quicken the mortal bodies of the saints, raising them to eternal life and an incorruptible inheritance Romans 8:11MPC 141.1+1.

How to Receive Quickening

• Prayer and Meditation: One must give themselves time to think, pray, and wait upon the Lord rather than hurrying through devotionsEd 260.4+2.

• Faith and Obedience: Quickening is received by faith and is maintained as one walks in harmony with the principles of God’s lawRH July 30, 1901, Art. A, par. 17+2.

• Self-Denial: As self is crucified and the heart is cleansed of idols, Christ comes in with His quickening power to fill the soul with His life4MR 351.3+2.

May you experience this refreshing life today as you seek a closer connection with the Source of all strength4T 75.3+1! 🌟

Ephesians 2:2

2 Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience:

In Ephesians 2:2 the "prince of the power of the air" refers to Satan, the fallen angel who leads the forces of darkness and exerts a masterly, compelling influence over the minds of those who live in disobedience to GodST May 8, 1884, par. 2+2. This title signifies his usurped authority over the earth and the invisible agencies of evil that operate in the atmosphere surrounding our worldMOSP 68.1+1.

Identity and Character of the Prince

• A Personal Adversary: Satan is not a mere metaphor or a personification of evil, but a distinct personality and a real being who was once a high-ranking angel in heaven before his rebellion Job 1:6-7+1ARSH June 26, 1856, page 65.6+1.

• Names and Titles: He is also designated as the "god of this world," the "accuser of the brethren," "Beelzebub," the "old serpent," and the "ruler of the darkness of this world" 2 Corinthians 4:4+1ST May 8, 1884, par. 2+2.

• The Origin of His Power: Originally created as a perfect covering cherub full of wisdom and beauty, he fell through self-exaltation and led a host of sympathizing angels into rebellion against the government of GodEze 28:12-17+3.

The Nature of His Jurisdiction

• The "Power of the Air": This term denotes the dark, void, interplanetary spaces surrounding the world where he and his angels were cast after being expelled from heaven 2 Peter 2:4MOSP 68.1+1.

• Control over Elements: As the prince of the air, he is permitted to work through natural elements to bring about destruction, such as the fire and the "great wind" that afflicted Job, as far as God allows Job 1:16, 19PTUK June 11, 1896, page 372.10+1.

• Political and Social Influence: His jurisdiction encompasses the political and ecclesiastical constitutions of states and kingdoms that are framed on principles friendly to his kingdomHST August 7, 1844, page 6.24+1.

His Working in Human Experience

• Influencing the Mind: He uses the same power of "mind on mind" that he employed in heaven, insinuating evil thoughts and doubts to lead souls captive at his will 2 Timothy 2:267BC 973.5+1.

• The Spirit of Disobedience: He is the spirit that actively works in those who fulfill the lusts of the flesh and the mind, blinding them to the truth of the gospel Ephesians 2:2-3+18LtMs, Ms 104, 1893, par. 7+2.

• A Relentless Foe: He walks about like a roaring lion, doubling his efforts to counteract the influence of the Holy Spirit especially when souls are inquiring about salvation 1 Peter 5:8ST May 8, 1884, par. 2+2.

Victory Over the Prince

• The Example of Christ: Jesus successfully resisted the "prince of this world" during His temptations in the wilderness, refusing to pay homage in exchange for the kingdoms of the earth Matthew 4:8-10Con 52.3+2.

• The Power of the Cross: Christ’s victory on Calvary broke the accusing power of Satan and provided the only means for humans to be rescued from his grasp Hebrews 2:147BC 974.2.

• The Christian's Armor: Believers are commanded to put on the "whole armor of God" to stand against his wiles, engaging in a spiritual warfare that requires faith, prayer, and the "sword of the Spirit," which is the Word of God Ephesians 6:10-17EVRR190+2.

Though this adversary is powerful, he is a conquered foe whose time is short and whose final destruction is certain Revelation 12:12+1DD 56.4+2. 🛡️✨