The devil is only permitted to
exercise such power as one willing to yield. He does not operate by entirely
taking over. When he was cast out of heaven and cast upon the earth, the
armistice which permits him to remain here until the Millennium contains certain
restrictions.
1. He may not tempt children under
eight years of age or until they have arrived at mental maturity sufficient to
tell the difference between good and evil. (D. & C. 29:47)
2. Satan may not tempt man any more
than is necessary to prove whether or not man is, with the exercise of free
agency, willing to adhere to eternal laws which must be fulfilled to abide in
the Celestial Kingdom. In other words, heaven would not be heaven if a person
had to keep doors locked and sleep with a .45-caliber pistol under his pill to
keep a neighbor from raping his daughter. Only those who are willing to recognize
and live the laws and commandments of God are fit to abide in his presence and
in the Celestial Kingdom. The devil is permitted to make deviation from law
enticing and inviting. There are just as many good or righteous angels to
strengthen our conscience and give us a desire to enjoy perpetual joy by
obedience to the laws that yield the same.
There are periods, however, when the
Lord will require each to weather out a storm, turbulence, and times when we
are flying blind. (E. L. Schoenhals, Celestial Law [Salt Lake City:
Deseret News Press, 1963], 47)