This booklet originated in France in 1732, was revised and re-written for the mission fields of Africa by Rev. J. R. Gschwend in 1929, and has subsequently been translated and printed under copyright in over 250 indigenous languages by All Nations Gospel Publishers who are distributing it today in 127 mission countries. People of all languages, classes and religions are being led by this booklet to experience the deep spiritual truth and significance of God’s message to mankind as expressed by the prophet Ezekiel 586 years before Christ, “I will give you an new heart and a new mind… then you will be my people, and I will be your God”! Ezekiel 36:26-28.
Verlag Siloah
Vorderi Höchi 2
CH-8816 Hirzel
THE HEART OF MAN
OR THE WORKSHOP OF SATAN
1 John 3:4-10
As you read this book, please bear in mind that it is like a mirror in which you will be able to see yourself. Whether you are a heathen or a Christian, one who does not believe in Christ or a backslider, you will see yourself as God sees you. “Man looks at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). God sees us as we really are. Satan is the father of all lies. He is the prince of darkness and god of this world, who disguises himself as an angel of light to lead men and women the wrong way. In these days, as in times past, there are many false apostles who disguise themselves, pretending to be apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself is transformed (disguised) into an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:13, 14). Satan, the god of this world, keeps people in the dark so that they cannot see that God loves them or that Jesus died to save them (2 Cor. 4:4). All sinners and those who do not believe are spiritually dead and blind concerning God. They are ruled by the evil of this world (Eph. 2:1-2). Unless their eyes are opened in some way to their lost condition, they are heading for eternal destruction. The person who says, “I have never sinned” is deceiving himself. For “The Son of God appeared for this very reason, to destroy what the devil had done” (1 John 3:8). “So then, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. Come near to God, and He will come near to you” (James 4:7,8). As you read this book and study its pictures, you will be abble to see your own heart. Allow God’s searchlight to show you the condition of your heart. Acknowledge your sins and do not deny their existence, for God’s Word tells us that “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us. But if we confess our sins to God, He will keep His promise and do what is right: He will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrong-doing” (1 John 1:1-10). “The blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from every sin.” You are ruled either by Satan or by God; you are a slave to sin or a servant of God. If sin controls your life, do not deny it, but cry out to God. He will set you free through Jesus Christ who came to this world to save sinners, to break the power of Satan and sin over us. He is our Saviour. You are in the presence of a holy God who knows all the secrets, the hidden thoughts and actions of your life. It is impossible to hide yourself and actions from God, for “God made our ears – can’t He hear? He made our eyes – can’t He see?” (Ps. 94:9). “The Lord keeps close watch over the whole world, to give strength to those whose hearts are loyal to Him” (2 Chron. 16:9). “He watches every step men take. There is no darkness dark enough to hide a sinner from God” (Job 34:21, 22). “But Jesus did not trust Himself to them, because He knew them all” (John 2:24). Therefore “happy are those whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned. Happy is the man whom the Lord does not accuse of doing wrong and who is free from all deceit” (Matt. 11:28-30).