Timothy; and its distinctive note is that it sets itself up in the temple of God, placing itself above all that is worshipped, and a similar description is given in Daniel 11:36-39.

The Winning Side

The widespread development of this inverted principle, the Bible tells us, is the key to the history of "the latter days", those times in which we now live, and the prophetic Scriptures are largely occupied with the struggle which must take place between these opposing principles. It is impossible for the two to amalgamate, for they are in direct antagonism; and the Bible tells us that, though the struggle may be severe, the victory must at last remain with those who worship God.

The reason for this becomes evident if we look at the fundamental nature of the principles themselves. One is the principle of the Affirmative, and the other is the principle of the Negative. One is that which builds up, and the other is that which pulls down. One consents to the initiative being taken by that Spirit which has brought all creation into existence, and the other bids this Spirit take a back seat and denies that it has any power of initiative. This is the essence of the opposition between the two principles. Whatever one affirms, the other denies; and so, since no agreement is possible, the conflict between them must continue until one or the other gets the final victory.