that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in the evil one." In this
passage there are two startling revelations in regard to this
relationship. First: the word "in" is the same as is used everywhere of
the believer when he is said to be _in_ Christ, and in the case of the
believer it signifies an organic union to Christ--as a branch is _in_
the vine, so the believer is _in_ Christ. Though the word, when used of
the unregenerate, probably cannot mean the same degree of organic
life-relationship as exists between Christ and the believer, yet it
does denote a deep relationship; and Satan is the light, inspiration,
and power, of all those whom he energizes.

The second revelation in the passage is found in the word "lieth"--"The
whole world lieth in the evil one." It might as well be translated
"lieth asleep;" for its condition is not only a fixed position _in_ the
evil one, but is also a condition of unconsciousness. The saved ones are
said to be in the Father's hand where no created thing can pluck them
out (Jno. 10:29), and underneath are the everlasting arms: so the great
mass of unsaved humanity is in the arms of Satan; and by his subtlety
they are all unconscious of their position and relation. This is not at
all strange. Even the believer has no present power to discern his
glorious position and security in the Father's hand, apart from the
assurance of the written Word. Much less, then, can the unbeliever come
to realize his own position in the arms of Satan, when, under the
direction of Satan, he gives no heed to the testimony of God.

Still another passage should be noted in this connection. In II Cor.
4:3, 4, Satan is described as the god of this world, blinding the minds
of the unbelieving. The whole passage is as follows: "And if our gospel
is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish: in whom the god of this age
hath blinded the thoughts of the unbelieving that the light of the