heartbeat of adventism

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Copyright 2010 by Herbert Edgar Douglass, ThDPrinted in the United States of AmericaAll Rights Reserved

Cover design byCopy editing by Connie DahlkeInside design, layout, and Index by Ken McFarland /Page One Communications

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version of the Bible, copyright 1979,1980, 1987, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers.

The compiler is responsible for the accuracy of quotations and referenced material.

Compilers note: This compilation will always be a work in progress. Further, no author or compiler can ever promise abook that would be free from errors. Additions and perhaps subtractions will be made in later printings. If any readerwould like to suggest additions or subtractions of any material in future printings, please contact the compiler at:[email protected].

ISBN 13: 978-0-8163-2458-3ISBN 10: 0-8163-2458-1



mailto:[email protected]

Contents

DEDICATION

A REVIEWERS RESPONSE

PREFACE

SECTION I. INTRODUCTION: THE GREAT CONTROVERT THEME IS THE GRAND CENTRAL THEMEOF THE BIBLE

SECTION II. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME EXPLAINS THE BACKGROUND FOR THE RISE OFSIN, SUFFERING, AND DEATH

SECTION III. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME RECOGNIZES THE CHANGE IN MANSCONDITION, THROUGH THE COMING IN OF A KNOWLEDGE OF EVIL

SECTION IV. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME HIGHLIGHTS THE CHARGES THAT SATAN HASMADE AGAINST GOD

SECTION V. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME ILLLUMINATES HOW GOD HAS TOLD HIS SIDEOF THE STORY!

SECTION VI. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME EXPLAINS WHY JESUS BECAME MAN, NOTONLY TO REVEAL THE TRUTH ABOUT GOD, BUT TO IDENTIFY WITH HUMAN BEINGS, THUSGIVING CREDIBILITY TO HIS APPEAL TO US TO OVERCOME, EVEN AS HE DID

SECTION VII. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME MAKES CLEAR WHY JESUS DIED

SECTION VIII. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME UNFOLDS THE GLORIOUS SUBJECT OF THEATONEMENT

SECTION IX. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME EXPLAINS THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

SECTION X. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME REVEALS THE ROLE OF JESUS AS OUR HIGHPRIESTSECTION

SECTION XI. THE GREAT CONTROVERY THEME UNFOLDS WHAT GOD INTENDS TO ACHIEVEWITH HIS PLAN FOR OUR SALVATIONSECTION



SECTION XII. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME DIRECTLY INFORMS ALL ASPECTS OF THECHRISTIANS LIFESECTION

SECTION XIII. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME HAS A BEGINNING AND AN END, AND ITS ENDIS CLEARLY PREDICTED, WITH ITS PARTICIPANTS PLAINLY IDENTIFIEDSECTION

SECTION XIV. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME BEGINS IN HEAVEN, WHEN SATANATTEMPTED BY DECEIT AND SUBTERFUGE TO OVERTHROW THE LAW OF GODAND THATHELLISH ENMITY CONTINUES ON EARTH, WITH HIS FINAL ATTACK BEING RATCHETED UP INTHE END TIMES.SECTION

SECTION XV. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY, IN THE END TIMES, WILL DEVELOP INTO A PERFECTSTORM, WHEN SATAN WILL EMPLOY ALL HIS DECEPTIONS IN SUCH A WAY THAT EVEN THEELECT WILL BE CHALLENGED (MATTHEW 24:24).SECTION

SECTION XVI. THE GREAT CONTROVERSYS LAST-DAY ISSUES, FORECASTING SATANS FINALATTEMPTS TO CONQUER THIS WORLD, ARE OUTLINED IN THE BIBLE.SECTION

SECTION XVII. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME DESCRIBES TWO GROUPS IN THE LAST DAYSTHAT DEFINE THOSE WHO HONOR GOD AND THOSE WHO REPRESENT SATANSREBELLION.SECTION

SECTION XVIII. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME OUTLINES THE FINAL EVENTS THATPRECEDE OUR LORDS RETURN.SECTION

SECTION XIX. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME PROVIDES SATANS PLAYBOOK FOR ALERT,END-TIME LOYALISTS.SECTION

SECTION XX. PREACHING THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME REQUIRES SPECIAL KINDS OFPREACHERS AND SERMONS.SECTION

SECTION XXI. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY ENDEDALL ISSUES SETTLED, UNIVERSE FOREVER INHARMONY.

INDEX



Dedication

Kenneth H. Wood, Jr., 5 November 1917 (Shanghai, China)-25 May 2008 (Potomac, Maryland), minister,author, editor, and administrator, became associate editor of the Review and Herald (now the Adventist Review) in1955. He served on the staff for twenty-seven years; sixteen as editor-in-chief, beginning in 1966 after the death ofFrancis D. Nichol.

Since 1980 he served as Chairman of the Ellen G. White Estate Board of Trustees. For nearly forty-two years,starting in 1966, Wood served as a Trustee of the Ellen G. White Estate. In 1980 he was elected the Chairman of theBoard of Trustees, a post he filled ably until his death. Through the turbulent 1980s and beyond, his leadership helpedincrease confidence in Ellen G. Whites ministry and the White Estate, among other things supporting greater opennessand access to Mrs. Whites unpublished manuscripts. Under his leadership eleven Ellen G. White Research Centerswere opened at major Seventh-day Adventist educational institutions around the world, and two additional branchoffices were opened in North America. Including the main office, the total number of such facilities now stands ateighteen.

Woods editorial skills were beyond brilliance. His own writings were models of accuracy, clarity, and grace, andhis touch greatly improved the writings of others.

I knew him intimately since 1971 and until his death. His legacy is that of Elder Statesman, Consummate Editor,Skilled Chairman, Model HusbandGallant and Caring, Keen Observer and Thinker, Paradigm of Ardent Adventism,and without him, the idea for this volume and its production would never have seen the light of day.



A Reviewers Response

We are greatly indebted to Dr. Douglass for the many fine books and articles hehas written during a long and fruitful ministry. Now we are indebted to him again forgiving us this excellent compilation from the writings of Ellen G. White on the greatcontroversy theme. As even more expectantly we approach the coming of our Lord andsee daily indications of the fulfillment of prophecy, these counsels of the Holy Spiritprovide reassurance, encouragement, and spiritual inspiration. We are truly grateful toGod for the Spirit of Prophecy, and to Dr. Douglass for preparing this compilation forus

Erwin R. Gane, Ph.D., retired.Former editor, Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guides



Preface: Please Read Me!

I. This is not a typical devotional book. But it will be a deepening well from whichyou will continually draw fresh insights and personal strengthall the days for therest of your life! These pages cannot be read like a story book. Yet, it will be thegreatest story ever toldthe drama of the Great Controversy between God andSatan. What really are the issues? How do they affect each of us even today in ourpersonal lives? What does God really want to accomplish with His Plan ofSalvation? Etc.

I have some suggestions as here outlined. We all know that few people in ourday have been as maligned as Ellen G. White. Of course, that is to be expectedthat is how the Controversy works in our day!

Yet, sometimes, those who want to know the truth about her have caused theirown problems in their search. So, here is what I suggest: Let Ellen White explainherself! Read her writings with the same concern for the principles ofunderstanding that you utilized in reading Shakespeare or Isaiah or the ApostleJohn.

II. Let EGW explain herself. Her writings span 70 years. After participating in therise of a small group to become a world-wide movement, issues do change. Newemphases were needed. Misunderstandings needed to be corrected as the yearspassed.

Ellen White clearly taught that God leads His people along as fast as they areable to receive further truth, beginning with her own experience. The history ofIsrael is a splendid example of how He works with people where they are, notwhere they will be in the future. The prophets were also part of this divine plan tounfold truth as people are ready for it. They themselves experienced the process.Paul not only knew more about the plan of salvation than did Joel or David, heexperienced the unfolding in his own life.

The simple fact is obvious: God does not capriciously conceal truth but Hedoes recognize human weakness and incapacity to comprehend advancing truth. Heis limited, not by His purpose but by our capacity at any given time.

Some may call this progressive truth. The term is helpful if it is describing apersons progressive, deepening awareness of spiritual truths. But it misses themark if it is used in the context of an evolutionary development that proceeds out ofthe evolving of human understanding through trial and error, through thesis andantithesis. Gods method of teaching the human race involves both the recovery of



lost truth and the unfolding of further truth, as fast as people are ready to receive it.(Evolutionary progression is understood as humanitys growth from ignorance toknowledge, without any absolutes that would put universal value on knowledge.)

This process happens to individuals as well as to groups of people. Mostpeople know how this process has been working in their own lives. If we havebeen growing in grace, what we knew about Gods will for us individually tenyears ago was much less than what each of us knows today. No doubt all of uswish we could adjust what we said to others ten years ago, even though we thoughtit wise at that time.

But some may say, A prophet should be different. What prophets said whenthey were twenty years old should not need clarification or expansion whenthey are fifty-five!This view arises out of a verbal-inspiration framework (whichwe will discuss below). We must not forget that God speaks to men and women,the sheep-herder and the empires prime minister, both differing widely inoccupation as well as personal mental and spiritual endowments. This widespread of individual differences includes the wide spread of a persons grasp oftruth between his/her youth and mature years.

Prophets in their humble way understand their indebtedness to God for freshperspectives, like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day(Prov. 4:18). The growth principle pervades all creation. Paul explains to theCorinthians: We all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of theLord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by theSpirit of the Lord (2 Cor. 3:15). In this way, the more young Ellen Harmonstudied the Bible and prayed for divine guidance as she faced lifes challenges, themore she became transformed and changedshe grew in the knowledge ofGods character and His ways.

Consequently, letting the growth principle inform our study of Ellen White (orthe Bible) we should expect deepening insights as she conveys Gods messages toothers. We can see the growth of her ability to convey deeper insights, especially,when we compare her earliest descriptions of the origin of the great controversywith that in Patriarchs and Prophets.

Thus, when readers sense a broader perspective in Patriarchs and Prophets(1890) than is found in Spiritual Gifts (1858), they are recognizing thehermeneutical rule that a prophet will grow, as anyone else, in spiritual perceptionand rhetorical skills. This increase in spiritual perception will help the prophets tostate more clearly the message that God wants conveyed. This is the principle thatbest describes the experience of Jesus on earth. Luke described His growth andmaturing ability to share spiritual things with others: And Jesus increased in



wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:52).In other words, though the core of truth remains the same, its deeper

implications are expanded as a person matures. Maturing skills of insight andcommunication may express the core message with more precision in later years.When readers look at everything Ellen White has written on a given subject, theyeasily see that she has no wax nose, talking on both sides of an issue. Whenproper hermeneutical principles are applied, her writings are clear, consistent, andunambiguous.

Now lets examine some of the reasons why some have misunderstood EllenWhite. They may be the same reasons why many misunderstand Shakespeare orPaul.*

1. They forget that word-meanings do change through the years. e.g., niceexacting; intercourseexchange of thoughts and feelings.

2. They ignore hyperbolesthe use of obvious exaggeration. See John 21:25,for example, the world itself could not contain the books written about theacts of Jesus. Hyperbole is a literary device used throughout the Bible. EllenWhite used the ratio 1 in 20 at least five times; 1 in 100 at least twenty-onetimes. She did not say l in 19 or 1 in 99. Everyone gets the point.

3. They fail to understand the meaning of the phrase in which a word is used. In1862, White wrote that Satan works through the channels of phrenology,psychology, and mesmerism. But she was not saying that all psychology isevil. In 1897, she wrote that the true principles of psychology are found inthe Holy Scriptures.

4. They ignore immediate context in which any statement is made. For example,White said we should never be taught to say, or feel, that they are saved.(Christs Object Lessons, 155). But the context was meant to warn of theerroneous doctrine of once saved, always saved that was, and is, prevalentamong most evangelical Christians.

5. They may believe that every word of the Bible and thus every word in thewritings of Ellen White is exactly how God wanted it writtenwe call thatverbal inspiration, a teaching that is hard to defend when we see occasionaldiscrepancies in the Bible, such as Stephens (Acts 7:14) reference to Jacobsfamily that arrived in Egypt (75) compared to Genesis 46:27 (70). Or, takethe writers of the four Gospels and how they remember the sign on top ofChrists crossfour different descriptions: the lesson here is that prophetsare not necessarily authorities on historical data; their inspirational value



lies in their messages, not in some of the details that are incidental to the BigPicture.

Those who believe in thought inspiration focus on the Big Picture, themessage; possible discrepancies in historical detail are considered incidentalto the message, and of minor importance. Those who have read Ellen WhitesIntroduction to her The Great Controversy volume should understand thisprinciple.

6. Writers in all ages recognize that a statement can mean different things todifferent people. For example, There are many who interpret that which Iwrite in the light of their own preconceived opinions . A division inunderstanding and diverse opinions is the sure result. (Selected Messages,bk. 3, 79).

7. They may focus on a word or a doctrinal explanation that she said on oneoccasion, not recognizing that all writers and speakers dont say everything ona subject every time with exactly the same words. For example, when Whitesometimes focused on justification she didnt immediately focus onsanctification, leading many to believe that justification alone meantrighteousness by faith. For the best understanding, include all that theprophet has said on the subject under discussion before coming to aconclusion. Avoid personal presuppositions or personal agendas.

8. They overlook the fact that every statement must be understood within itshistorical context: time, place, and circumstances must be studied tounderstand its meaning. This principle is especially important whencompilations are made of Ellen White topics.

9. They forget to recognize the principle underlying each statement of counsel orinstruction in order to understand its relevance for those in different times orplaces. Principles are universal but applications depend on circumstances.For example, If girls could learn to harness and drive a horse, and to usethe saw and the hammer, as well as the rake and the hoe, they would be betterfitted to meet the emergencies of life. Principle or application? It is obviousthat her advice depended on time, place, and circumstances.

10. They ignore common sense and sanctified reason in analyzing the differencebetween principles and applications of principle. Every subject in anydiscussion can go to extremes. Ellen White often appealed to the middlepath in promoting health reform or dress, avoiding the ice of indifferenceand the fire of fanaticism.



11. They, at times, attribute to Ellen White, statements that sound like her butwere not written by her. Most of the false information has traveled throughthree or four or more parties, adding to the stack of apocryphal statements.See pp. 3189-3192, Comprehensive Index to the Writings of Ellen G. White,(Nampa, ID: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1963).

12. Many overlook the simple truth that not everything in the Bible or in thewritings of Ellen White can be understood at first glance, or even after yearsof study. Think of astrophysicists, microchip specialists, etc. Christians havelearned to practice suspended judgment. To force an interpretation becauseone feels everything must be understood surely leads to misinterpretation.

III. She had a double emphasis in all her ministry: I recommend to you, dear reader,the Word of God as the rule of your faith and practice. By that Word we are to bejudged. God has, in that Word, promised to give visions in the last days; not for anew rule of faith, but for the comfort of His people, and to correct those who errfrom Bible truth. EW 78. At times, readers will emphasize her role as acomforting, challenging inspirational writer, yet often forgetting her equallyimportant role as a theological truth detector, as Paul was. Truth always embracescomfort as well as clarity of theological intent.

IV. Of course, a seventeen-year-old young lady will grow in depth of self-expressionas she matures. And we see just that in Ellen Whites 70-year ministry. But whatwe do see, to the astonishment of many, is a remarkable unity, a coherence andintegrity of thought, from start to finish. The open secret to such consistency is heremphasis on the Great Controversy Theme.

V. Ellens own testimony adds to Pauls appeal to the Ephesianswhat a gift thatnever stops giving: All the paternal love which has come down from generation togeneration through the channel of human hearts, all the springs of tenderness whichhave opened in the souls of men are but as a tiny rill to the boundless ocean, whencompared with the infinite, exhaustless love of God. Tongue cannot utter it; pencannot portray it.

You may meditate upon it every day of your life; you may search theScriptures diligently in order to understand it; you may summon every power andcapability that God has given you, in the endeavor to comprehend the love andcompassion of the Heavenly Father; and yet there is an infinity beyond. You maystudy that love for ages; yet you can never fully comprehend the length and thebreadth, the depth and the height, of the love of God in giving His Son to die for theworld. Eternity itself can never fully reveal it.

Yet as we study the Bible, and meditate upon the life of Christ and the plan



of redemption, these great themes will open to our understanding more andmore. And it will be ours to realize the blessing which Paul desired for theEphesian church, when he prayed that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Fatherof glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledgeof Him; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that ye may know what isthe hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in thesaints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward whobelieve. Signs of the Times, May 14, 1902, (Italics in quotation).

* Messenger of the Lord, (Nampa, ID: Pacific Press Publishing Association,1998), pp. 386-405, for references.



The Great Controversy Theme Is the Grand CentralTheme of the Bible

Introduction:The light that I have received, I have written out, and much of it is now shining

forth from the printed page. There is, throughout my printed works, a harmony withmy present teaching.1

The plan of redemption is comprehensive, but its parts are few, each dependingon the other, and all working together in utmost simplicity and entire harmony.2

To the last God permits Satan to reveal his character as a liar, an accuser, and amurderer. Thus the final triumph of His people is made more marked, more glorious,more full and complete.3

The controversy has waxed stronger and more determined from age to age, andwill continue to do so, to the concluding scenes when the masterly working of thepowers of darkness shall reach their height. Satan, united with evil men, will deceivethe whole world and the churches who receive not the love of the truth.4

The heavenly universe is watching with the deepest interest the conflict betweenChrist in the person of His saints, and the great deceiver.5

We cannot appreciate the truth only in contrast with error; with the darkbackground, false doctrines, and error, the truth shines forth clear and connected, linkafter link, uniting in a perfect whole; it binds all that is good and true together, andconnects them with heaven.6

We are on the earth as combatants. This is not time or place for us to be negligent,indifferent, or careless. We have a heaven to win and a hell to shun. There is frequentlypresented to me a scene of conflict and of determined opposition. How can it beotherwise when we are in an enemys country?7

Every Christian should understand that there is a decided warfare going onbetween the chosen people of God and the powers of darkness. When men are content to



live merely for this world, the inclination of the heart unites with the suggestions of theenemy, and his bidding is done. But when they seek to leave the black banner of thepower of darkness, and range themselves under the bloodstained banner of PrinceEmmanuel, the struggle begins, and the warfare is carried on in the sight of theuniverse of heaven. Everyone who fights on the side of right, must fight hand to handwith the enemy. He must put on the whole armor of God, that he may be able to standagainst the wiles of the devil. Our foes are within and without. We are assailed bytemptations which are numerous and deceiving, the more perilous because not alwaysclearly discerned. Often Satan conquers us by our natural inclinations and appetites.These were divinely appointed, and when given to man, were pure and holy. It wasGods design that reason should rule the appetites, and that they should minister to ourhappiness. And when they are regulated and controlled by a sanctified reason, they areholiness unto the Lord.8

The working out of the great plan of salvation, as manifest in the history of thisworld, is not only to men but to angels a revelation of the Father. Here is seen thework of Satan in the degradation and ruin of the race by sin, and, on the other hand, thework of God in mans recovery and uplifting through the grace of Christ. Every soulthat develops a righteous character and withstands the power of the wicked one isa testimony to the falsehood of Satans charges against the Divine government.Through the eternal ages the exaltation of the redeemed will be a testimony to Godslove and mercy.9

The science of salvation is a grand theme, and all the glory of restoring theimage of God in man is to be laid at the feet of the Eternal.10

That which our people must have interwoven with their life and character is theunfolding of the plan of redemption and more elevated conceptions of God and Hisholiness, brought into the life. The washing of the robes of character in the blood of theLamb is a work that we must attend to earnestly while every defect of character is to beput away.11

Between the laws of men and the precepts of Jehovah will come the last greatconflict of the controversy between truth and error. Upon this battle we are nowenteringa battle not between rival churches contending for the supremacy, butbetween the religion of the Bible and the religions of fable and tradition . Many havecome to deny doctrines which are the very pillars of the Christian faith. The great factsof creation as presented by the inspired writers, the fall of man, the atonement, theperpetuity of the lawthese all are practically rejected by a large share of the



professedly Christian world. Thousands who pride themselves on their knowledgeregard it as an evidence of weakness to place implicit confidence in the Bible, and aproof of learning to cavil at the Scriptures and to spiritualize and explain away theirmost important truths.12

In the great controversy between good and evil, Satan must be given everyopportunity to develop his true character, that the heavenly universe, and the race forwhom Christ was giving His life, might see the righteousness of Gods purposes. Thoseunder the control of the enemy must be allowed to reveal the principles of hisgovernment.13

There is no warfare between Satan and his agents, between fallen angels and thosewho have yielded themselves to evil. Both possess the same attributes, both through sinare evil. But between Christs followers and the powers of darkness there is anunwearied conflict, which is to have no end till Christ shall come the second timewithout sin unto salvation, to destroy him who has destroyed so many souls through hisdeceptive power.14

To secure peace and unity they were ready to make any concession consistentwith fidelity to God; but they felt that even peace would be too dearly purchasedat the sacrifice of principle. If unity could be secured only by the compromise of truthand righteousness, then let there be difference, and even war. Well would it be for thechurch and the world if the principles that actuated those steadfast souls were revived inthe hearts of Gods professed people. There is an alarming indifference in regard tothe doctrines which are the pillars of the Christian faith. The opinion is gainingground, that, after all, these are not of vital importance. This degeneracy is strengtheningthe hands of the agents of Satan, so that false theories and fatal delusions which thefaithful in ages past imperiled their lives to resist and expose, are now regarded withfavor by thousands who claim to be followers of Christ.15

The great sin of the Jews was their rejection of Christ; the great sin of theChristian world would be their rejection of the law of God, the foundation of Hisgovernment in heaven and earth.16

In all ages, through the medium of communion with heaven, God has worked outHis purpose for His children, by unfolding gradually to their minds the doctrines ofgrace.17



A. The Great Controversy Theme (GCT) explains the larger purpose of the planof salvation.

1. The entire universe needed to see all the issues in the Great Controversycaused by rebellion.

God, the One infinite and all-wise, sees the end from the beginning, andin dealing with evil His plans were far-reaching and comprehensive. It wasHis purpose, not merely to put down the rebellion, but to demonstrate toall the universe the nature of the rebellion. Gods plan was unfolding,showing both His justice and His mercy, and fully vindicating His wisdomand righteousness in His dealings with evil.18

The Christian is a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.Singular?Yes; he has a most singular, peculiar character, because his life isworked out after the divine similitude. The inhabitants of unfallen worldsand of the heavenly universe are watching with an intense interest theconflict between good and evil. They rejoice as Satans subtleties, one afteranother, are discerned and met with It is written, as Christ met them in Hisconflict with the wily foe. Every victory gained is a gem in the crown of life.In the day of victory all the universe of heaven triumphs. The harps of theangels send forth the most precious music, accompanying the melody of thevoice.19

This world is a theater. The actors, the inhabitants of the world, arepreparing to act their part in the last great drama. God is lost sight of . Apower from beneath is working to bring about the last great scenes in thedramaSatan coming as Christ, and working with all deceivableness ofunrighteousness in those who are binding themselves together in secretsocieties. Those who are yielding to the passion for confederation areworking out the plans of the enemy. The cause will be followed by theeffect.20

The controversy that began in heaven was to be continued on the earth. Inthis controversy much was to be involved. Vast interests were at stake .Before the inhabitants of the heavenly universe were to be answered thequestions: Is Gods law imperfect, in need of amendment or abrogation, or isit immutable? Is Gods government in need of change, or is it stable? Itwas not merely the interests of one world that were at stake. This earth wasthe battle-field, but all the worlds that God has created would be affected bythe result of the conflict Satan sought to make it appear that he wasworking for the liberty of the universe. He was determined to make hisarguments so varied, so deceptive, so insidious, that every one would be



convinced that Gods law was tyrannical.21

2. The entire universe will see Gods fairness when the controversy is over.By the facts unfolded in the progress of the great controversy, God will

demonstrate the principles of His rules of government, which have beenfalsified by Satan and by all whom he has deceived. His justice will finallybe acknowledged by the whole world, though the acknowledgment will bemade too late to save the rebellious. God carries with Him the sympathy andapproval of the whole universe as step by step His great plan advances to itscomplete fulfillment. He will carry it with Him in the final eradication ofrebellion. It will be seen that all who have forsaken the divine precepts haveplaced themselves on the side of Satan, in warfare against Christ. When theprince of this world shall be judged, and all who have united with him shallshare his fate, the whole universe as witnesses to the sentence will declare,Just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints Revelation 15:3.22

The heavenly worlds and heaven itself were amazed at Gods longforbearance.23

3. The plan of salvation includes more than the salvation of men and women.Through the plan of salvation a larger purpose is to be wrought out

even than the salvation of man and the redemption of the earth. Through therevelation of the character of God in Christ, the beneficence of the divinegovernment would be manifested before the universe, the charge of Satanrefuted, the nature and results of sin made plain, and the perpetuity of the lawfully demonstrated.24

4. God made this world of human beings to enlarge heaven.God made the world to enlarge heaven. He desired a larger family. And

before man was created, God and Christ entered into a covenant that if he fellfrom his allegiance, Christ would bear the penalty of transgression. Man fell,but he was not left to the power of the destroyer. God so loved the world thatHe gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should notperish, but have everlasting life. To the Redeemer was given all power toimpart to fallen human beings for their benefit and blessing.25

B. The GCT gives us the dual purpose of the gospel: to reveal the true characterof our maligned God and to restore the image of God in men and women.

1. The biblical definition of the gospel is found in Romans 1:16, 17For I amnot ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to salvationfor everyone who believes [Gr. has faith], for the Jew first and also for the



Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; asit is written, The just shall live by faith.

Study Christ. Study His character, feature by feature. He is our Patternthat we are required to copy in our lives and our characters, else we fail torepresent Jesus, but present to the world a spurious copy. Do not imitate anyman, for men are defective in habits, in speech, in manners, in character. Ipresent before you the Man Christ Jesus. You must individually know Him asyour Saviour before you can study Him as your pattern and yourexample(Romans 1:16-19).26

Truth is inspired and guarded by God; it will live, and will succeed,although it may appear at times to be overshadowed. The gospel of Christ isthe law exemplified in character. The deceptions practiced against it, everydevice for vindicating falsehood, every error forged by satanic agencies, willeventually be eternally broken, and the triumph of truth will be like theappearing of the sun at noonday.27

2. The plan of redemption would vindicate the character of God who hadbeen so maliciously challenged.

But the plan of redemption had a yet broader and deeper purpose than thesalvation of man. It was not for this alone that Christ came to the earth; it wasnot merely that the inhabitants of this little world might regard the law of Godas it should be regarded; but it was to vindicate the character of God beforethe universe. To this result of His great sacrificeits influence upon theintelligences of other worlds, as well as upon manthe Saviour lookedforward when just before His crucifixion He said: Now is the judgment ofthis world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be liftedup from the earth, will draw all unto Me. John 12:31, 32. The act of Christ indying for the salvation of man would not only make heaven accessible to men,but before all the universe it would justify God and His Son in their dealingwith the rebellion of Satan. It would establish the perpetuity of the law of Godand would reveal the nature and the results of sin.28

3. The plan of redemption would also restore the image of God in theredeemed.

The central theme of the Bible, the theme about which every other in thewhole book clusters, is the redemption plan, the restoration in the humansoul of the image of God. From the first intimation of hope in the sentencepronounced in Eden to that last glorious promise of the Revelation, Theyshall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads (Revelation



22:4), the burden of every book and every passage of the Bible is theunfolding of this wondrous theme,mans uplifting,the power of God,which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Corinthians 15:57. He who grasps this thought has before him an infinitefield for study. He has the key that will unlock to him the whole treasurehouse of Gods word.29

The very essence of the gospel is restoration.30He came to the world to display the glory of God, that man might be

uplifted by its restoring power.31We can see in the cross of Calvary what it has cost the Son of God to

bring salvation to a fallen race. As the sacrifice in behalf of man wascomplete, so the restoration of man from the defilement of sin must bethorough and complete.32

The restoration and uplifting of humanity begins in the home. Thework of parents underlies every other.33

By infinite love and mercy the plan of salvation had been devised, and alife of probation was granted. To restore in man the image of his Maker, tobring him back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote thedevelopment of body, mind, and soul, that the divine purpose in his creationmight be realizedthis was to be the work of redemption.This is the object ofeducation, the great object of life.34

4. Gods plan for our redemption is never forced on anyone and He neveruses coercion or capricious punishment.

After God sends light and evidence, calculated to convince anyrational, unprejudiced mind, and it is not received or acted upon, but rathertreated with contempt, resisted, and refused, the Holy Spirit is withdrawn,and men are left in their chosen obstinacy.35

We are not to regard God as waiting to punish the sinner for his sin. Thesinner brings the punishment upon himself. His own actions start a train ofcircumstances that bring the sure result. Every act of transgression reacts uponthe sinner, works in him a change of character, and makes it more easy for himto transgress again. By choosing to sin, men separate themselves from God,cut themselves off from the channel of blessing, and the sure result is ruinand death.36

Unless we understand the terms of our salvation, and are willing tobe wholly obedient to the Word of God, we can never be admitted to the cityof God. Could this be possible, and those who refuse to comply with theconditions of salvation be admitted to the home of the redeemed, they would



introduce their own unsanctified ideas into the heavenly family, and asecond rebellion would be created.37

5. In His plan for our redemption, God has provided everything necessaryfor restoring His image in men and women.

Through the plan of redemption, God has provided means for subduingevery sinful trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong.38

By transgression, man became his captive, and mans kingdom also wasbetrayed into the hands of the archrebel. Now the way seemed open for Satanto establish an independent kingdom, and to defy the authority of God and HisSon. But the plan of salvation made it possible for man again to be broughtinto harmony with God, and to render obedience to His law, and for bothman and the earth to be finally redeemed from the power of the wickedone.39

The Lords purposes for His people have ever been the same. Hedesires to bestow on the children of men the riches of an eternal inheritance.His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. When those who choose to becomeobedient subjects of the Most High are finally saved in the kingdom of glory,Gods purpose for mankind will have been fulfilled.40

6. The plan of redemption is the center of all truth but is often buried in therubbish of error.

It was the plan of redemption, which was to call forth the intellect, tothrill the soul, and prepare it for the great power of God, which is salvation toall who believea truth so large, so deep, so full and complete, it couldbe the center of all truth hitherto revealed, presenting in a more exaltedmanner that which had been buried beneath a mass of rubbish and error.The work of Christ was to replace old truths in the framework of thegospel, and by bringing clearly to view neglected obligations, renovate theworld.41

7. God always gives sufficient evidence to satisfy those who honestly seekthe truth (John 7:17).

God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence uponwhich to base our faith. His existence, His character, the truthfulness of Hisword, are all established by testimony that appeals to our reason; and thistestimony is abundant. Yet God has never removed the possibility of doubt.Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration. Those who wish todoubt will have opportunity; while those who really desire to know the truthwill find plenty of evidence on which to rest their faith.42



But there came the unbelieving question, What sign showest Thou then,that we may see, and believe Thee? what dost Thou work? Had not the Jewsjust had fresh evidence in the feeding of the five thousand? What work, whatsign, could Christ present before them to increase their faith? If evidenceshould be piled upon evidence, it would not, could not, do more for them thanhad the evidence which had already been given. It was not evidence thatthey wanted; it was an excuse to avoid the cross involved in theacceptance of the Gospel.43

The Gospel of Christ was a stumbling-block to the Jews, because theyrequired signs instead of a Saviour; but the Lord would not have His peoplerest in signs and outward forms. He would not have them wait until everyseeming objection is removed before they believe. God will never remove allseeming difficulties from our path. Those who wish to doubt may findopportunity; those who wish to believe will find plenty of evidence onwhich to base their faith.44

8. God had eternal purposes that allowed for both a rebellion and Hisremedy.

God had a knowledge of the events of the future, even before the creationof the world. He did not make His purposes to fit circumstances, but Heallowed matters to develop and work out. He did not work to bring about acertain condition of things, but He knew that such a condition would exist.The plan that should be carried out upon the defection of any of the highintelligences of heaventhis is the secret, the mystery which has been hidfrom ages. And an offering was prepared in the eternal purposes to do thevery work which God has done for fallen humanity.45

9. Men and women are the target for both good and evil angels.Either the evil angels or the angels of God are controlling the minds

of men. We must make every preparation in our power in order to resistthe enemy of souls. Every provision has been made; everything in Gods planhas been arranged so that man should not be left to his own impulses, to hisown finite powers, to carry on the warfare against the powers of darkness inhis own finite strength; because he would certainly fail if he were thus left tohimself.46

C. The Great Controversy Theme is revealed throughout the Bible.

1. 1. The Bible unfolds a grand central theme.The Bible is its own expositor. Scripture is to be compared with

scripture. The student should learn to view the word as a whole, and to see



the relation of its parts. He should gain a knowledge of its grand centraltheme, of Gods original purpose for the world, of the rise of the greatcontroversy, and of the work of redemption.47

2. The Bible provides the insights of how to study history.[The student] should understand the nature of the two principles that are

contending for supremacy, and should learn to trace their working throughthe records of history and prophecy, to the great consummation.48

The Bible is the most instructive history that men possess. It came freshfrom the fountain of eternal truth, and a divine hand has preserved its puritythrough all the ages. It lights up the far-distant past, where human researchseeks vainly to penetrate. In Gods word we behold the power that laid thefoundation of the earth and that stretched out the heavens. Here only can wefind a history of our race unsullied by human prejudice or human pride.Here are recorded the struggles, the defeats, and the victories of the greatestmen this world has ever known. Here the great problems of duty and destinyare unfolded. The curtain that separates the visible from the invisible world islifted, and we behold the conflict of the opposing forces of good and evil,from the first entrance of sin to the final triumph of righteousness andtruth; and all is but a revelation of the character of God.49

3. The Bible explains how each person is involved in the Great Controversy.[The student] should see how this controversy enters into every phase of

human experience; how in every act of life he himself reveals the one or theother of the two antagonistic motives; and how, whether he will or not, he iseven now deciding upon which side of the controversy he will be found.50

The Bible sets forth the great themes of redemption.In order to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ, it is essential

that you meditate much upon the great themes of redemption. You shouldask yourself why Christ has taken humanity upon himself, why he sufferedupon the cross, why he bore the sins of men, why he was made sin andrighteousness for us. You should study to know why he ascended to heaven inthe nature of man, and what is his work for us today . We think that we arefamiliar with the character of Christ, and we do not realize how much is to begained by the study of our glorious Pattern. We take it for granted that weknow all about him, and yet we do not comprehend his character ormission.51

Truth in Christ and through Christ is measureless. The student ofScripture looks, as it were, into a fountain which deepens and broadens as he



gazes into its depths. As he searches the Word of God, the grand theme ofredemption opens to his research. What subject is so vast and mysterious asthe manifestation of Gods compassion for man?52

4. The Bible possesses the essential elements necessary for the formation ofa perfect character.

The Word of God should be our counselor in all difficulties, our guide inall the relations of life. In the heart, the home, the place of business, theliving oracles of God should reign supreme. When alone, when no humaneye sees, no human ear hears, the truth is to be our companion. Ever the soulis to be subject to its control. Upon thought, word, and deed it is to stamp itsdivine impress. To those who obey, the Word of God is the tree of life. Itpossesses the elements necessary for the formation of a perfect character, andon the effect which its teaching produces in us depends our destiny foreternity.53

5. The Bible provides our food and drink.By offering Himself on the cross of Calvary, Christ gave His flesh and

blood for the salvation of the world. Those who believe in Him as a personalSaviour, those who work His works, receiving His words and practising Hisprinciples, are eating the bread of life. Christs lessons are their food anddrink. They constantly seek to do Christs will. Under all circumstances theystrive to do as He would do. They look to Him who is the Author and Finisherof their faith, inquiring earnestly, What would Jesus do? What words wouldHe speak? If I speak words that He would not speak were He in my place, Iam not abiding in Him, or He in me . Christ supplies the life-blood of theheart, and the Holy Spirit gives nerve power.54

6. Christs words, believed and lived, mean eternal life.As our natural life is sustained by physical food, so our spiritual life is

to be sustained by spiritual food, even the words of Christ. The Gospel,believed and lived, means eternal life. It gives spiritual health and vigor. Itenables us to show in the daily life the fruits of the Spirit . These words arenot merely to be read as a lesson. They are to be understood, believed, andlived. They will give us spiritual life. Christs teachings are to be broughtinto the daily experience. We have redemption through His blood, even theforgiveness of our sins.55

7. We converse with God when we read the Bible.He who converses with God thru the Scriptures will be ennobled and

sanctified. As he reads the inspired record of the Saviours love, his heart is



melted in tenderness and contrition. He is filled with a desire to be like theMaster, to live a life of loving service.56

8. The Bible was not written in superhuman language.God committed the preparation of His divinely inspired Word to finite

man . Simplicity and plain utterance are comprehended by the illiterate, bythe peasant, and the child as well as by the full-grown man or the giant inintellect . We thank God that the Bible is prepared for the poor man as wellas for the learned man. It is fitted for all ages and all classes . The writersof the Bible had to express their ideas in human language . These men wereinspired of the Holy Spirit . The Scriptures were given to men, not in acontinuous chain of unbroken utterances, but piece by piece throughsuccessive generations, as God in His providence saw a fitting opportunity toimpress man at sundry times and divers places. Men wrote as they weremoved upon by the Holy Ghost . There is not always perfect order orapparent unity in the Scriptures. The miracles of Christ are not given in exactorder, but are given just as the circumstances occurred, which called for thisdivine revealing of the power of Christ . The Bible is not given to us ingrand superhuman language. Jesus, in order to reach man where he is, tookhumanity. The Bible must be given in the language of men. Everything that ishuman is imperfect. Different meanings are expressed by the same word; thereis not one word for each distinct idea. The Bible was given for practicalpurposes. The stamps of minds are different. All do not understandexpressions and statements alike. Some understand the statements of theScriptures to suit their own particular minds and cases. Prepossessions,prejudices, and passions have a strong influence to darken the understandingand confuse the mind even in reading the words of Holy Writ . The Bible iswritten by inspired men, but it is not Gods mode of thought andexpression. It is that of humanity. God, as a writer, is not represented. Menwill often say such an expression is not like God. But God has not putHimself in words, in logic, in rhetoric, on trial in the Bible. The writers ofthe Bible were Gods penmen, not His pen. Look at the different writers.It is not the words of the Bible that are inspired, but the men that wereinspired. Inspiration acts not on the mans words or his expressions but onthe man himself, who, under the influence of the Holy Ghost, is imbuedwith thoughts. But the words receive the impress of the individual mind. Thedivine mind is diffused. The divine mind and will is combined with the humanmind and will; thus the utterances of the man are the Word of God.57

9. The Bible explains how this planet was created and how these details will



be remembered.[Genesis 1:26, 27quoted] Here is clearly set forth the origin of the human

race; and the divine record is so plainly stated that there is no occasion forerroneous conclusions. God created man in His own image. Here is nomystery. There is no ground for the supposition that man was evolved byslow degrees of development from the lower forms of animal or vegetablelife. Such teaching lowers the great work of the Creator to the level of mansnarrow, earthly conceptions. Men are so intent upon excluding God fromthe sovereignty of the universe that they degrade man and defraud him ofthe dignity of his origin. He who set the starry worlds on high and tinted withdelicate skill the flowers of the field, who filled the earth and the heavenswith the wonders of His power, when He came to crown His glorious work,to place one in the midst to stand as ruler of the fair earth, did not fail tocreate a being worthy of the hand that gave him life. The genealogy of ourrace, as given by inspiration, traces back its origin, not to a line of developinggerms, mollusks, and quadrupeds, but to the great Creator. Though formedfrom the dust, Adam was the son of God. 58



The Great Controversy Theme Explains the Backgroundfor the Rise of Sin, Suffering, and Death

A. Gods greatest gift to all created beings was freedomfreedom to choose,freedom of the will.

God desires from all His creatures the service of loveservice that springsfrom an appreciation of His character. He takes no pleasure in a forced obedience;and to all He grants freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntaryservice.59

It is the privilege of everyone to be wise for himself in reading theScriptures. No man can safely trust his soul to the minister, or to men who arelearned and talented.60

I have felt urged by the Spirit of God to keep before them the necessity ofbeing teachable, easy to be entreated; that it was entirely out of place for Christsservants to be self-sufficient and independent. I have tried to impress upon themthat we are individually bound together in the web of humanity, and all that we dohas relation to others, and any one man is not a whole. It is not safe to follow onemans mind and one mans judgment . We are to be helps to one another butnever to be the shadow of any man. God would have us think and act as freemoral agents, gathering light from Him to reflect upon others, while we must bewilling to be entreated of our brethren and to gain wisdom from men ofexperience.61

B. Gods moral laws existed before men and women were created.The law of God existed before man was created. It was adapted to the

condition of holy beings; even angels were governed by it. After the Fall, theprinciples of righteousness were unchanged. Nothing was taken from the law; notone of its holy precepts could be improved. And as it has existed from thebeginning, so will it continue to exist throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity.62

The principles embodied in the decalogue existed before the fall, and weresuited to the condition of holy beings. After the fall, these principles were notchanged, nothing was taken from the law of God, but additional precepts weregiven to meet man in his fallen state.63

The ten commandments, Thou shalt, and, Thou shalt not, are ten promisessecured to us if we render obedience to the law governing the universe.64

The law of God was the great subject of controversy in heaven. It is the greatsubject of controversy ever since the fall of Satan and will continue to be the



great test question showing the loyal and the transgressors in two parties.65God, the great governor of the universe, has put everything under law.

The tiny flower and the towering oak, the grain of sand and the mighty ocean,sunshine and shower, wind and rain, all obey natures laws. But man has beenplaced under a higher law. He has been given an intellect to see, and a conscienceto feel, the powerful claims of Gods great moral law, the expression of what Hedesires His children to be. God has made known His will so plainly that none neederr. He desires all to have a correct understanding of His law, to feel the powerof its principles; for their eternal interests are here involved. He who has anunderstanding of the far-reaching claims of Gods law can understand somethingof the heinousness of sin. And the more exalted his ideas of Gods requirements,the greater will be his gratitude for the pardon granted him.66

C. Gods moral government is based upon the distinction between right andwrong.

In Gods moral government, which is a government based upon a distinctionbetween right and wrong, law is essential to secure right action. Gods law is theexpression of His character, and in His Word it is pronounced holy, just, andgood . Lucifer took the position that as a result of the law of God, wrong existedin heaven and on this earth. This brought against Gods government the charge ofbeing arbitrary. But this is a falsehood, framed by the author of all falsehoods.Gods government is a government of free-will, and there is no act of rebellion orobedience which is not an act of free-will. As Creator of all, God is governorover all, and He is bound to enforce His law throughout the universe. To requireless from His creatures than obedience to His law would be to abandon them toruin. To fail to punish transgression of His law would be to place the universe inconfusion. The moral law is Gods barrier between the human agent and sin. Thusinfinite wisdom has placed before men the distinction between right and wrong,between sin and holiness . The Scriptures make it plain that God is Ruler, andthat man is under the highest obligation to acknowledge this, and to obey His lawwith heart and mind, trusting in His power for help and protection.67

D. Lucifer was probably the first created being.Satans position in heaven had been next to the Son of God. He was first

among the angels.68Satan was once an honored angel in heaven, next to Christ. His countenance,

like those of the other angels, was mild and expressive of happiness. His foreheadwas high and broad, showing great intelligence. His form was perfect; his bearingnoble and majestic.69

1. Sin began when Lucifer, the exalted of all creation, perverted freedom.



1. Sin began when Lucifer, the exalted of all creation, perverted freedom.So long as all created beings acknowledged the allegiance of love, there

was perfect harmony throughout the universe of God. It was the joy of theheavenly host to fulfill the purpose of their Creator There was no note ofdiscord to mar the celestial harmonies. But a change came over this happystate. There was one who perverted the freedom that God had granted toHis creatures.70

The exaltation of the Son of God as equal with the Father wasrepresented as an injustice to Lucifer, who, it was claimed, was also entitledto reverence and honor. If this prince of angels could but attain to his true,exalted position, great good would accrue to the entire host of heaven; for itwas his object to secure freedom for all.71

He promised those who would enter his ranks a new and bettergovernment, under which all would enjoy freedom.72

What were the words Satan spoke to Eve?Ye shall not surely die; forGod doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened,and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. The evil wasdisobedience to Gods commands. And Adam did indeed go thru theexperience of knowing evil, with all its fearful consequences.73

2. Lucifers sin, by which he induces others to sin, was to distrust Godslove and to doubt His wisdom.74

3. Lucifer desired to be first.Lucifer desired to be first in heaven. Thus he introduced sin into the

universe75

4. Lucifer indulged the desire for self-exaltation.Little by little Lucifer came to indulge the desire for self-exaltation. The

Scripture says, Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hastcorrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness. Ezekiel 28:17. Thou hastsaid in thine heart, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God . I willbe like the Most High. Isaiah 14:13, 14. Though all his glory was from God,this mighty angel came to regard it as pertaining to himself.76

There is a power in the association of man with man, and Satan uses thispower for the carrying out of his principles. He strives to lead men tostrive, as he did, for the supremacy, for preeminence, for recognition andpower. Those who yield to these temptations will go over the same groundthat he did. He has cut himself away from God. He acts as though he wereGod to himself. He is his own king, his own ruler, his own sufficiency. Thus itwill be with those who choose, as he did, to have their own way.77



The Christian must lay aside all self-seeking. The hypocrisy of thePharisees was the product of self-seeking. The glorification of self was theobject of their lives. It was this that led them to pervert and misapply theScriptures, and blinded them to the purpose of Christs mission. This subtleevil even the disciples were in danger of cherishing. It was this that promptedthe strife as to who would be the greatest. It was this that came between themand Christ, making them so little in sympathy with His mission of self-sacrifice, so slow to comprehend the mystery of redemption.78

5. Lucifer became skilled in sharing his feelings of envy.But though honored above all the heavenly host, Lucifer was not content

with his position. He ventured to covet the homage due alone to the Creator.He cherished feelings of envy, and these feelings he communicated to theother angels. It was his endeavor to secure to himself their service andloyalty. In so deceptive a way did he work that the sentiments that heinculcated could not be dealt with until they had developed in the minds ofthose who received themThis power Satan used in his work of instillingevil into the minds of the angels, and he made it appear that he was seekingthe good of the universe. As the anointed cherub, Lucifer had been highlyexalted; he was greatly loved by the heavenly beings, and his influence overthem was strong. Many of them listened to his suggestions and believed hiswords .79

6. Lucifer became the master of intrigue, insinuating doubts in certainangels so that they accepted such thoughts as if they were their own, thusgenerating a false reason for rebellion.

The records of some [on earth] are similar to that of the exalted angelwho was given a position next to Jesus Christ in the heavenly courts. Luciferwas enshrouded with glory as the covering cherub. Yet this angel whom Godhad created, and entrusted with power, became desirous of being as God. Hegained the sympathy of some of his associates by suggesting thoughts ofcriticism regarding the government of God. This evil seed was scattered ina most seducing manner; and after it had sprung up and taken root in theminds of many, he gathered the ideas that he himself had first implantedin the minds of others, and brought them before the highest order ofangels as the thoughts of other minds against the government of God. Thus,by ingenious methods of his own devising, Lucifer introduced rebellion inheaven.80

7. Lucifer coveted Christs position.



Not content with his position, though honored above the heavenly host,he ventured to covet homage due alone to the Creator. Instead of seeking tomake God supreme in the affections and allegiance of all created beings, itwas his endeavor to secure their service and loyalty to himself. And covetingthe glory with which the infinite Father had invested His Son, this princeof angels aspired to power that was the prerogative of Christ alone.81

Lucifer allowed his jealousy of Christ to prevail, and became the moredetermined. To dispute the supremacy of the Son of God, thus impeaching thewisdom and love of the Creator, had become the purpose of this prince ofangels.82

8. Lucifer misrepresented the truth about God and His government.Leaving his place in the immediate presence of the Father, Lucifer went

forth to diffuse the spirit of discontent among the angels. He worked withmysterious secrecy, and for a time concealed his real purpose under anappearance of reverence for God. He began to insinuate doubts concerningthe laws that governed heavenly beings, intimating that though laws might benecessary for the inhabitants of the worlds, angels, being more exalted,needed no such restraint, for their own wisdom was a sufficient guide. Theywere not beings that could bring dishonor to God; all their thoughts were holy;it was no more possible for them than for God Himself to err.83

In great mercy, according to His divine character, God bore long withLucifer. The spirit of discontent and disaffection had never before beenknown in heaven. It was a new element, strange, mysterious, unaccountable.Lucifer himself had not at first been acquainted with the real nature of hisfeelings; for a time he had feared to express the workings and imaginings ofhis mind; yet he did not dismiss them. He did not see whither he was drifting.But such efforts as infinite love and wisdom only could devise, were made toconvince him of his error. His disaffection was proved to be without cause,and he was made to see what would be the result of persisting in revolt.Lucifer was convinced that he was in the wrong.84

A compassionate Creator, in yearning pity for Lucifer and hisfollowers, was seeking to draw them back from the abyss of ruin into whichthey were about to plunge. But His mercy was misinterpreted.85

9. Lucifer, well-liked by the other angels, thought by winning their supporthe could also win the support of all the worlds that had already beencreated.

Lucifer, as the anointed cherub, had been highly exalted; he was greatly



loved by the heavenly beings, and his influence over them was strong. Godsgovernment included not only the inhabitants of heaven, but of all the worldsthat He had created; and Satan thought that if he could carry the angels ofheaven with him in rebellion, he could carry also the other worlds.86

10. Pride prevented Lucifer and his followers from acknowledging theirerrors.

He nearly reached the decision to return, but pride forbade him. It wastoo great a sacrifice for one who had been so highly honored to confess thathe had been in error, that his imaginings were false, and to yield to theauthority which he had been working to prove unjust.87

But pride, love for their leader, and the desire for unrestricted freedomwere permitted to bear sway, and the pleadings of divine love and mercywere finally rejected.88

11. God permitted Satan to continue his rebellion in order that all creationcould see the results of perverted freedom.

God permitted Satan to carry forward his work until the spirit ofdisaffection ripened into active revolt. It was necessary for his plans to befully developed, that their true nature and tendency might be seen byall . Until fully developed, it could not be made to appear the evil thing itwas; his disaffection would not be seen to be rebellion. Even the loyal angelscould not fully discern his character or see to what his work was leading.89

The men of Babel had determined to establish a government that shouldbe independent of God. There were some among them, however, who fearedthe Lord, but who had been deceived by the pretensions of the ungodly anddrawn into their schemes. For the sake of these faithful ones the Lorddelayed His judgments and gave the people time to reveal their truecharacter. As this was developed, the sons of God labored to turn them fromtheir purpose; but the people were fully united in their Heaven-daringundertaking. Had they gone on unchecked, they would have demoralizedthe world in its infancy.90

The woman had not been possessed in spirit, but the Lord had sufferedSatan to exercise his will in bringing disease upon her; for God wasdemonstrating the character of his kingdom before the whole universe ofheaven. This opportunity must be given him to reveal the character ofapostasy. The inhabitants of worlds unfallen could view in this case theattributes of Satan and the character of God. The law of God is a transcript ofhis character. The rebel leader was in opposition to the law of God, andrevealed the fact that his principles were those that actuated one who is



lawless, disobedient, unholy, an accuser, a liar, and a murderer.91With sorrow and indignation the angels heard the choice made by the

people and the sentence passed upon Christ. But they could not interfere; forin the great controversy between good and evil, Satan must be givenevery opportunity to develop his true character, that the heavenly universeand the race for whom Christ was giving His life might see the righteousnessof Gods purposes. Those under the control of the enemy must be allowedto reveal the principles of his government.92

12. Satan is able to suggest doubts and unbelief in the minds of men andwomen.

It was Satan who instigated doubts in the mind of Peter, and led himto presumptuously rebuke his Lord. And it is Satan who today works todeceive humanity in the same lines. It is he who puts thoughts of unbeliefinto the mind. It is he who suggests that those truths which involve a crossbe left out of the experience and belief of Gods professed children. Manywould have Gods commandments, His great moral standard of righteousness,blotted out, because it involves a cross. Speak to us of Christs willingnessto save the vilest of sinners, they say. Speak to us of faith in Christ, of themercy of Jesus, and His promises, but do not talk of repentance and the puttingaway of sin. Truths so unpopular as the law of God are altogetherunwelcome to the carnal heart.93

By the words they speak, they show that they have given themselvesover to do Satans work, to drop seeds which will produce tares. Theyrepeat words that were spoken to them in confidence, and betray their friends.Anything that will cut the threads of union between brother and brother,between sister and sister, is looked upon as a worthy action. Satan stands byand laughs to think that he can so easily inspire the tongue to utter wordswhich will kindle a fire not easily quenched.94

Satan well knows that all his strength, together with that of his angels andevil men, is but weakness when opposed to the faithful, united servants of thegreat King, even though they may be few. In order to overcome the people ofGod, Satan will work upon elements in the character which have not beentransformed by the grace of Christ; he will make these the controllingpower of the life .Satan endeavors to create suspicion, envy, and jealousy,leading men to question those things that it would be for their souls interest tobelieve. The suspicious ones will misconstrue everything. They will call anatom a world, and a world an atom. If this spirit is allowed to prevail, it willdemoralize our churches and institutions.95



13. Satan is the expert in destroying harmony between Gods workers.

Satan designs to keep the church in a state of wrangling, envy, jealousy,and evil surmising, so that brethren cannot pray or work in harmony;while thus at variance, they fail to bring the saving power of the truth tobear upon the heart of unbelievers.People become disgusted with ourreligion when they witness the way in which a brother treats an offendingbrother.96

Through apostasy, fallen men and fallen angels are in the sameconfederacy, leagued to work against good. They are united in a desperatecompanionship. Through his evil angels, Satan contrives to form an alliancewith professedly pious men, and thus he leavens the church of God. Heknows that if he can induce men, as he induced the angels, to join in rebellion,under the guise of servants of God, he will have in them his most successfulallies in his enterprise against heaven. Under the name of godliness, he caninspire them with his own accusing spirit, and lead them to charge Godsservants with evil and guile. They are his trained detectives; their work ist o create feuds, to make charges which create discord and bitternessamong brethren, to set tongues in active service for Satan, to sow seeds ofdissension by watching for evil, and by speaking of that which will creatediscord. I beseech all who engage in the work of murmuring and complainingbecause something has been said or done that does not suit them, and that doesnot, as they think, give them due consideration, to remember that they arecarrying on the very work begun in heaven by Satan. They are followingin his track, sowing unbelief, discord, and disloyalty; for no one canentertain feelings of disaffection, and keep them to himself. He must tellothers that he is not treated as he should be. Thus they are led to murmur andcomplain.This is the root of bitterness springing up, whereby many aredefiled. Thus Satan works today through his evil angels. He confederateswith men who claim to be in the faith; and those who are trying to carryforward the work of God with fidelity, having no mans person in admiration,working without hypocrisy and partiality, will have just as severe trialsbrought against them as Satan can bring through those who claim to love God.Proportionate to the light and knowledge these opposers have is Satanssuccess. The root of bitterness strikes deep, and is communicated to others.Thus many are defiled. Their statements are confused and untruthful, theirprinciples are unscrupulous, and Satan finds in them the very helpers heneeds.97



14. Satan tempts us in different ways, depending on each personsweaknesses.

Satan tempts men and women in many ways. On the right hand and on theleft he works with all deceivableness of unrighteousness. To some he comesin a winning garb and with a friendly air. To others he comes in garmentsof darkness, to scatter and slay.By torturing fears he seeks to dishearten anddistract.98

God does not ask His followers to be precisely alike. Temptationscome to each one in a different way, and God reveals His power byupholding and delivering each one. Deliverance in time of trial is preparedfor all who are tempted no maTher how diverse their temptations may be.Strength to advance upward and forward is provided for each one. Everysoul must fight his own battles. He must himself put on the armor. He mustpray for himself. He must commune with God for himself. He must keep hisown soul under watchful guidance, knowing that if he does his part, God willnot fail of doing His part.99

15. Satan is an expert in organizing sympathy for those who should bedisciplined.

Proud scorners are not fit to be trusted; yet as Satan found in the heavenlycourts a company to sympathize with him, so these find among professedfollowers of Christ those whom they can influence, who believe them honest,who sympathize with them, plead in their behalf, and become permeated withtheir spirit. Those who are at variance in almost everything else, will unite inpersecuting the few who dare to pursue the straightforward path of duty. Andthe same enmity which leads to contempt and derision, will, at a favorableopportunity, inspire more violent and cruel measures, especially whenworkers for God are active and successful.100

16. Satans rebellion and Gods response will forever be a lesson book for allcreated beings.

Satans rebellion was to be a lesson to the universe through all comingagesa perpetual testimony to the nature of sin and its terrible results. Theworking out of Satans rule, its effects upon both men and angels, would showwhat must be the fruit of setting aside the divine authority. It would testify thatwith the existence of Gods government is bound up the well-being of all thecreatures He has made. Thus the history of this terrible experiment ofrebellion was to be a perpetual safeguard to all holy beings, to prevent themfrom being deceived as to the nature of transgression, to save them from



committing sin, and suffering its penalty.101

17. Satan calls this world his territory.Satan has called this world his territory. Here his seat is, and he holds

in allegiance to himself all who refuse to keep Gods commandments, whoreject a plain, Thus saith the Lord. They stand under the enemys banner; forthere are but two parties in the world. All rank either under the banner of theobedient or under the banner of the disobedient.102

18. Error, like floating germs, attach themselves as parasites onto truth.Satan has wrought with deceiving power, bringing in a multiplicity of

errors that obscure the truth. Error cannot stand alone, and would soonbecome extinct if it did not fasten itself like a parasite upon the tree of truth.Error draws its life from the truth of God. The traditions of men, like floatinggerms, attach themselves to the truth of God, and men regard them as apart of the truth. Through false doctrines, Satan gains a foothold, andcaptivates the minds of men, causing them to hold theories that have nofoundation in truth. Men boldly teach for doctrines the commandments of men;and as traditions pass on from age to age, they acquire a power over thehuman mind. But age does not make error truth, neither does itsburdensome weight cause the plant of truth to become a parasite. The treeof truth bears its own genuine fruit, showing its true origin and nature. Theparasite of error also bears its own fruit, and makes manifest that its characteris diverse from the plant of heavenly origin.103

19. Rebellion is rarely curable.I question whether genuine rebellion is ever curable. Study in

Patriarchs and Prophets the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Thisrebellion was extended, including more than two men. It was led by twohundred and fifty princes of the congregation, men of renown. Call rebellionby its right name and apostasy by its right name, and then consider that theexperience of the ancient people of God with all its objectionable featureswas faithfully chronicled to pass into history . And if men and women whohave the knowledge of the truth are so far separated from their great Leaderthat they will take the great leader of apostasy and name him Christ ourRighteousness, it is because they have not sunk deep into the mines of thetruth. They are not able to distinguish the precious ore from the basematerial.104

Today souls are being tested and tried, and many are passing over thesame ground trodden by those who forsook Christ. When tested by the Word,



they reject the divine Teacher. When rebuked because their lives are not inharmony with truth and righteousness, they turn from the Saviour; and theirdecision, like that of the offended disciples, is never reversed. They walkno more with Christ.105

20. The GCT unfolds four core truths: to get any of these core truths wrongwill poison any theological system.

In order to understand what is comprehended in the work of education,we need to consider both the [1] nature of man and the [2] purpose of God increating him. We need to consider also the [3] change in mans conditionthrough the coming in of a knowledge of evil, and [4] Gods plan for stillfulfilling His glorious purpose in the education of the human race.



The Great Controversy Recognizes The Change in MansCondition Through the Coming in of a Knowledge of

Evi107

Preamble:Inspired writers often use the same words in different contexts and thus with

different meanings:The Bible must be given in the language of men . Different meanings are

expressed by the same word; there is not one word for each distinct idea.108The testimonies themselves will be the key that will explain the messages given, as

scripture is explained by scripture.106109

1. For example: Ellen White uses words or phrases such as passions,propensities, nature, taint of sin, etc. with different meaningsdepending on the context of each usage.

2. Readers should look at everything an author wrote on a given subject and notlimit ones understanding to an isolated passage that may, at first glance, be atvariance with the prevailing usage throughout a book and a host of other sites.

3. Ellen White had a maturing experience: She and husband, James, started outas pork-eaters, Sunday-worshippers, and anti-Trinitarians. But they followedadvancing Light.

For half a century I have been the Lords messenger, and as long as my life shalllast I shall continue to bear the messages that God gives me for His people. I take noglory to myself; in my youth the Lord made me His messenger, to communicate to Hispeople testimonies of encouragement, warning, and reproof. For sixty years I havebeen in communication with heavenly messengers, and I have been constantlylearning in reference to divine things, and in reference to the way in which God isconstantly working to bring souls from the error of their ways to the light in Godslight.110

A. The Bible defines sin.Who ever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness

[anomia=lawbreaker] . Whoever abides in Him does not sin . He whopractices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteousWhoever has beenborn of God does not sin, because he has been born of God (1 John 3:4-9).



To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin (James4:17).

Jesus said to them, If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now yousay, We see. Therefore your sin remains (John 9:41).

If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now theyhave no excuse for their sin (John 15:22).

Or if he touches human uncleannesswhatever uncleanness with which a manmay be defiled, and he is unaware of itwhen he realizes it, then he shall beguilty (Leviticus 5:3).

Those who have an opportunity to hear the truth, and yet take no pains to hearor understand it, thinking that if they do not hear, they will not be accountable, willbe judged guilty before God the same as if they had heard and rejected. There willbe no excuse for those who choose to go in error when they might understand whatis truth. In His sufferings and death Jesus has made atonement for all sins ofignorance, but there is no provision made for willful blindness. We shall notbe held accountable for the light that has not reached our perception, but forthat which we have resisted and refused. A man could not apprehend the truthwhich had never been presented to him, and therefore could not be condemned forlight he had never had.111

B. Ellen White defines sin.In a vision, the heavenly messenger said to her: It is the essence of sin to

allow yourselves to become a contradiction of Gods will.112There should be a clear understanding of that which constitutes sin, and we

should avoid the least approach to step over the boundaries from obedience todisobedience.113

The most hopeless, the most incurable of all sins is pride, self-sufficiency.114

If this great and infinite sacrifice has been made in our behalf, let us askourselves what we are doing. Do we say, Believe on Christ, and that is all youhave to do? It is our privilege to ask those who tell us this, what we shallbelieve. The words of Satan ever lead to disobedience, but the voice of God inhis word leads to a perfect obedience. We must have the faith that works by loveand purifies the soul from every stain of sin. What is sin? The only definition thatis given to you in the word of God, is, Sin is the transgression of the law. Theapostle says, Where no law is, there is no transgression.115

In order to let Jesus into our hearts, we must stop sinning. The only definitionfor sin that we have in the Bible is that it is the transgression of the law. Thelaw is far-reaching in its claims, and we must bring our hearts into harmony with



it.116

C. Being tempted is not sin: But each one is tempted when he is drawn away byhis own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth tosin; and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death (James 1:14, 15).

There are thoughts and feelings suggested and aroused by Satan that annoyeven the best of men; but if they are not cherished, if they are repulsed ashateful, the soul is not contaminated with guilt, and no other is defiled by theirinfluence. Oh, that we each might become a savor of life unto life to those aroundus!117

Temptation is not sin; the sin lies in yielding. To the soul that trusts in Jesus,temptation means victory and greater strength.118

D. Wavering mind leads to yielding to temptation.The beginning of yielding to temptation is in the sin of permitting the mind to

waver, to be inconsistent in your trust in God. The wicked one is ever watchingfor a chance to misrepresent God and to attract the mind to that which isforbidden.119

If he can, he will fasten the mind upon the things of the world. He willendeavor to excite the emotions, to arouse the passions, to fasten the affectionson that which is not for your good; but it is for you to hold every emotion andpassion under control, in calm subjection to reason and conscience. Then Satanloses his power to control the mind.120

The work to which Christ calls us is to the work of progressive conquestover spiritual evil in our charactersNatural tendencies are to be overcome.Appetite and passion must be conquered, and the will must be placed wholly onthe side of Christ.121

E. The greatest sin is unbeliefthe door to resistance to further truth.There is no sin greater than unbelief. And when there is unbelief in the

heart, there is danger that it will be expressed. The lips should be kept in as withbit and bridle, lest by giving expression to this unbelief you not only exert aninjurious influence over others, but place yourselves upon the enemys ground.122

Many consider it a virtue to doubt; and they delight in finding something in theScriptures to puzzle the minds of others. They do not realize that they are thusentangling themselves in the snare of the fowler. There is

heartbeat of adventism

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