James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.
[The Great Controversy pp 28] Uncontrolled passions made them tyrants. By their actions they had long been saying, “Cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.” Now, their desire was granted. The fear of God no longer disturbed them. Satan was at the head of the nation, and the highest civil and religious authorities were under his sway.
The only way for nations, and individuals to avoid the point of no return is to surrender to God’s work of grace in the heart, for according to the scriptures, wherever there is no submitting, there would be no resisting. The grace of Christ and the power of God is freely offered and given to those who accept Jesus, so that the fallen impulses of human nature will be reined in. But without Jesus Christ in the heart, the devil isn’t going anywhere.
In fact, he will remain, until the time comes when, because of the choices folks make he could become so deeply seated that he cannot be evicted. Devils do not, and never voluntarily leave a person. They must be evicted by force, and the only One who can do this is Christ.
Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. 29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!