and the powers that be are ordained of God” (Rom. 13:1).  In this Scripture it is revealed that Satan, though in authority, is not wholly free from his Creator, and that any direction of the governments of the world which he exercises is by permission from God.  Therefore, the efforts of Satan and man are not supreme, but must come to their predicted end when the eternal purpose of God has had its realization in the gathering out from the Gentiles of the heavenly people for His own name.

A few tremble in the face of the social and industrial problems of the day; while the vast majority are confident that the sagacity of man is not only controlling iniquity, but is gradually developing an improved social order.  Thus, man, in his vanity, assigns to himself that which is of God alone, for all the elements of corruption and tribulation are latent in the world to-day, and the mighty effort of God is required to stay its bursting into flame until the appointed time.  Tribulation will, therefore, instantly begin when the hand of God is removed from the unregenerate and Satan-ruled humanity.

Though under the restraining hand of God, Satan, according to Scripture, is now in authority over the unregenerate world, and the unsaved are unconsciously organized and federated under his leading.  The fact that there is such a federation, although stated in Scripture, is obscured in translation.  In at least thirty important passages the English word “world” is again used without qualification.  In these passages reference is made to a great evil system or order over which Satan is in authority, the word “world” referring to the world of men, their evil undertakings, ideals and federation.  This federation includes all of the unsaved and fallen humanity; it has the co-operation of the fallen spirits, and is but the union of all who are living and acting in independence of God.  This Satanic system has its own ideals and principles which are in sharp contrast to the ideals and principles given the redeemed:  yet these two classes must mingle together as closely as the ties of human life can come.

The whole truth concerning this federation is contained in those passages wherein the Satanic system is mentioned.

First, Satan is its governing head.  Three times Jesus referred to Satan as the prince of the Satanic system:  “Now is the judgment of this world:  Now shall the prince of this world (Satanic system) be cast out” (Jno. 12:31).  “Hereafter I will not talk much with you:  for the prince of this world (Satanic system) cometh, and hath nothing in me” (Jno. 14:30).  “Of judgment, because the prince of this world (Satanic system) is judged” (Jno. 16:11).  Paul also refers to Satan as the “prince of the power of the air” (Eph. 2:2), and again as the “god of this age” (II Cor. 4:4).  In the latter passage, mention is made of the age or period of time only, as in Eph. 6:12:  “For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the age rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenlies” (R.V.).