The Great
Controversy
Between Christ &
His Angels & Satan & his Angels
E.G.White
1858
An easy to read and fast
moving panorama of the Story of Redemption!
CHAPTER 8
The angels as they left heaven,
in sadness laid off their glittering crowns. They could not wear them while
their commander was suffering, and was to wear a crown of thorns. Satan and his
angels were busy in that judgment hall to destroy humanity and sympathy. The
very atmosphere was heavy and polluted by their influence. The chief priests and
elders were inspired by them to abuse and insult Jesus, in a manner the most
difficult for human nature to bear. Satan hoped that such insult and sufferings
would call forth from the Son of God some complaint or murmur; or that he would
manifest his divine power, and wrench himself from the grasp of the multitude,
and thus the plan of salvation at last fail.
Peter followed his Lord after his betrayal. He
was anxious to see what would be done with Jesus. And when he was accused of
being one of his disciples, he denied it. He was afraid of his life, and when
charged with being one of them, he declared that he knew not the man. The
disciples were noted for the purity of their words, and Peter, to deceive, and
convince them that he was not one of Christ's disciples, denied it the third
time with cursing and swearing. Jesus, who was some distance from Peter, turned
a sorrowful reproving gaze upon him. Then he remembered the words which Jesus
had spoken to him in the upper chamber, and also his zealous assertion, Though
all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. He
denied his Lord, even with cursing and swearing; but that look of Jesus melted
Peter at once, and saved him. He bitterly wept and repented of his great sin,
and was converted, and then was prepared to strengthen his brethren.
The multitude were clamorous for the blood of
Jesus. They cruelly scourged him, and put an old purple, kingly robe upon him,
and bound his sacred head with a crown of thorns. They put a reed in his hand,
and mockingly bowed to him, and saluted him with, Hail king of the Jews! They
then took the reed from his hand, and smote him with it upon the head, causing
the thorns to penetrate his temples, sending the trickling blood down his face
and beard.
It was difficult for the angels to endure the
sight. They would have delivered Jesus out of their hands; but the commanding
angels forbade them, and said that it was a great ransom that was to he paid for
man; but it would be complete, and would cause the death of him who had the
power of death. Jesus knew that angels were witnessing the scene of his
humiliation. I saw that the feeblest angel could have caused that multitude to
fall powerless, and delivered Jesus. He knew that if he should desire it of his
Father, angels would instantly release him. But it was necessary that Jesus
should suffer many things of wicked men, in order to carry out the plan of
salvation.
There stood Jesus, meek and humble before the
infuriated multitude, while they offered him the meanest abuse. They spit in his
face-that face which they will one day desire to be hid from, which will give
light to the city of God, and shine brighter than the sun -- but not an angry
look did he cast upon the offenders. He meekly raised his hand, and wiped it
off. They covered his head with an old garment; blindfolded him, and then struck
him in the face, and cried out, Prophesy unto us who it was that smote thee.
There was commotion among the angels. They would have rescued him instantly; but
their commanding angel restrained them.
The disciples had gained confidence to enter
where Jesus was, and witness his trial. They expected that he would manifest his
divine power, and deliver himself from the hands of his enemies, and punish them
for their cruelty towards him. Their hopes would rise and fall as the different
scenes transpired. Sometimes they doubted, and feared they had been deceived.
But the voice heard at the mount of transfiguration, and the glory they there
witnessed, strengthened them that he was the Son of God. They called to mind the
exciting scenes which they had witnessed, the miracles they had seen Jesus do in
healing the sick, opening the eyes of the blind, unstopping the deaf ears,
rebuking and casting out devils, raising the dead to life, and even rebuking the
wind, and it obeyed him. They could not believe that he would die. They hoped he
would yet rise in power, and with his commanding voice disperse that
blood-thirsty multitude, as when he entered the temple and drove out those who
were making the house of God a place of merchandise; when they fled before him,
as though a company of armed soldiers were pursuing them. The disciples hoped
that Jesus would manifest his power, and convince all that he was the King of
Israel.
Judas was filled with bitter remorse and shame at
his treacherous act in betraying Jesus. And when he witnessed the abuse he
suffered, he was overcome. He had loved Jesus, but loved money more. He did not
think that Jesus would suffer himself to be taken by the mob which he had led
on. He thought that Jesus would work a miracle, and deliver himself from them.
But when he saw the infuriated multitude in the judgment hall, thirsting for his
blood, he deeply felt his guilt, and while many were vehemently accusing Jesus,
Judas rushed through the multitude, confessing that he had sinned in betraying
innocent blood. He offered them the money, and begged of them to release Jesus,
declaring that he was entirely innocent. Vexation and confusion kept the priests
for a short time silent. They did not wish the people to know that they had
hired one of Jesus' professed followers to betray him into their hands. Their
hunting Jesus like a thief and taking him secretly, they wished to hide. But the
confession of Judas, his haggard and guilty appearance, exposed the priests
before the multitude, showing that it was hatred that had caused them to take
Jesus. As Judas loudly declared Jesus to be innocent, the priests replied, What
is that to us? See thou to that. They had Jesus in their power, and they were
determined to make sure of him. Judas, overwhelmed with anguish, threw the money
that he now despised at the feet of those who had hired him, and in anguish and
horror at his crime, went and hung himself.
Jesus had many sympathizers in that company, and
his answering nothing to the many questions put to him amazed the throng. To all
the insults and mockery not a frown, not a troubled expression was upon his
features. He was dignified and composed. He was of perfect and noble form. The
spectators looked upon him with wonder. They compared his perfect form, his
firm, dignified bearing, with those who sat in judgment against him, and said to
one another that he appeared more like a king to be entrusted with a kingdom
than any of the rulers. He bore no marks of being a criminal. His eye was mild,
clear and undaunted, his forehead broad and high. Every feature was strongly
marked with benevolence and noble principle. His patience and forbearance were
so unlike man, that many trembled. Even Herod and Pilate were greatly troubled
at his noble, God-like bearing.
Pilate from the first was convicted that he was
no common man, but an excellent character. He believed him to be entirely
innocent. The angels who were witnessing the whole scene noticed the convictions
of Pilate, and marked his sympathy and compassion for Jesus; and to save him
from engaging in the awful act of delivering Jesus to be crucified, an angel was
sent to Pilate's wife, and gave her information through a dream that it was the
Son of God in whose trial Pilate was engaged, and that he was an innocent
sufferer. She immediately sent word to Pilate that she had suffered many things
in a dream on account of Jesus, and warned him to have nothing to do with that
holy man. The messenger bearing the communication pressed hastily through the
crowd, and handed it to Pilate. As he read it he trembled and turned pale. He at
once thought he would have nothing to do in the matter; that if they would have
the blood of Jesus he would not give his influence to it, but would labor to
deliver him.
When Pilate heard that Herod was at Jerusalem he
was glad, and hoped to free himself from the disagreeable matter altogether, and
have nothing to do in condemning Jesus. He sent him, with his accusers, to
Herod. Herod was hardened. His murdering John left a stain upon his conscience
which he could not free himself from, and when he heard of Jesus, and the mighty
works done by him, he thought it was John risen from the dead. He feared and
trembled, for he bore a guilty conscience. Jesus was placed in Herod's hands by
Pilate. Herod considered this act an acknowledgment from Pilate of his power,
authority and judgment. They had previously been enemies, but then they were
made friends. Herod was glad to see Jesus, for he expected that he would work
some mighty miracle for his satisfaction. But it was not the work of Jesus to
gratify his curiosity. His divine and miraculous power was to be exercised for
the salvation of others, but not in his own behalf.
Jesus answered nothing to the many questions put
to him by Herod; neither did he regard his enemies who were vehemently accusing
him. Herod was enraged because Jesus did not appear to fear his power, and with
his men of war, derided, mocked and abused the Son of God. Herod was astonished
at the noble, God-like appearance of Jesus, when shamefully abused, and feared
to condemn him, and he sent him again to Pilate.
Satan and his angels were tempting Pilate, and
trying to lead him on to his own ruin. They suggested to him that if he did not
take any part in condemning Jesus, others would; the multitude were thirsting
for his blood; and if he did not deliver Jesus to be crucified, he would lose
his power and worldly honor, and would be denounced as a believer on the
impostor, as they termed him. Pilate, through fear of losing his power and
authority, consented to the death of Jesus. And notwithstanding he placed the
blood of Jesus upon his accusers, and the multitude received it, crying, His
blood be on us and on our children, yet Pilate was not clear; he was guilty of
the blood of Christ. For his own selfish interest, and love of honor from the
great men of earth, he delivered an innocent man to die. If Pilate had followed
his conviction, he would have had nothing to do with condemning Jesus.
The trial and condemnation of Jesus were working
on the minds of many; and impressions were being made which were to appear after
his resurrection; and many were to be added to the Church whose experience and
conviction should be dated from the time of Jesus' trial.
Satan's rage was great as he saw that all the
cruelty which he had led the chief priests to inflict on Jesus had not called
forth from him the least murmur. I saw that, although Jesus had taken man's
nature, a power and fortitude that was God-like sustained him, and he did not
depart from the will of his Father in the least.
See Matthew 27.
CHAPTER 9
The Son of God was delivered to
the people to be crucified. They led the dear Saviour away. He was weak and
feeble through pain and suffering, caused by the scourging and blows which he
had received, yet they laid on him the heavy cross upon which they were soon to
nail him. But Jesus fainted beneath the burden. Three times they laid on him the
heavy cross, and three times he fainted. They then seized one of his followers,
a man who had not openly professed faith in Christ, yet believed on him. They
laid on him the cross, and he bore it to the fatal spot. Companies of angels
were marshaled in the air above the place. A number of his disciples followed
him to Calvary in sorrow, and with bitter weeping. They called to mind Jesus'
riding triumphantly into Jerusalem, and they following him, crying, Hosanna in
the highest! and strewing their garments in the way, and the beautiful palm
branches. They thought that he was then to take the kingdom and reign a temporal
prince over Israel. How changed the scene! How blighted their prospects! They
followed Jesus; not with rejoicing; not with bounding hearts and cheerful hopes;
but with hearts stricken with fear and despair they slowly, sadly followed him
who had been disgraced and humbled, and who was about to die.
The mother of Jesus was there. Her heart was
pierced with anguish, such as none but a fond mother can feel. Her stricken
heart still hoped, with the disciples, that her Son would work some mighty
miracle, and deliver himself from his murderers. She could not endure the
thought that he would suffer himself to be crucified. But the preparations were
made, and they laid Jesus upon the cross. The hammer and the nails were brought.
The heart of his disciples fainted within them. The mother of Jesus was
agonized, almost beyond endurance, and as they stretched Jesus upon the cross,
and were about to fasten his hands with the cruel nails to the wooden arms, the
disciples bore the mother of Jesus from the scene, that she might not hear the
crashing of the nails, as they were driven through the bone and muscle of his
tender hands and feet. Jesus murmured not; but groaned in agony. His face was
pale, and large drops of sweat stood upon his brow. Satan exulted in the
sufferings which the Son of God was passing through, yet feared that his kingdom
was lost, and that he must die.
They raised the cross after they had nailed Jesus
to it, and with great force thrust it into the place prepared for it in the
ground, tearing the flesh, and causing the most intense suffering. They made his
death as shameful as possible. With him they crucified two thieves, one on
either side of Jesus. The thieves were taken by force, and after much resistance
on their part, their arms were thrust back and nailed to their crosses. But
Jesus meekly submitted. He needed no one to force his arms back upon the cross.
While the thieves were cursing their executioners, Jesus in agony prayed for his
enemies, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. It was not merely
agony of body which Jesus endured, but the sins of the whole world were upon
him.
As Jesus hung upon the cross, some who passed by
reviled him, wagging their heads, as though bowing to a king, and said to him,
Thou that destroyest the temple and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If
thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. The Devil used the same words
to Christ in the wilderness, If thou be the Son of God. The chief priests and
elders and scribes mockingly said, He saved others, himself he cannot save. If
he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will
believe him. The angels who hovered over the scene of Christ's crucifixion were
moved to indignation as the rulers derided him, and said, If he be the Son of
God let him deliver himself. They wished there to come to the rescue of Jesus,
and deliver him; but they were not suffered to do so. The object of his mission
was almost accomplished. As Jesus hung upon the cross those dreadful hours of
agony, he did not forget his mother. She could not remain away from the
suffering scene. Jesus' last lesson was one of compassion and humanity. He
looked upon his mother, whose heart was well nigh bursting with grief, and then
upon his beloved disciple John. He said to his mother, Woman, behold thy Son.
Then said he to John, Behold thy mother. And from that hour John took her to his
own house.
Jesus thirsted in his agony; but they heaped upon
him additional insult, by giving him vinegar and gall to drink. The angels had
viewed the horrid scene of the crucifixion of their loved commander, until they
could behold no longer; and veiled their faces from the sight. The sun refused
to look upon the dreadful scene. Jesus cried with a loud voice, which struck
terror to the hearts of his murderers, It is finished. Then the veil of
the temple was rent from the top to the bottom, the earth shook, and the rocks
rent. Great darkness was upon the face of the earth. The last hope of the
disciples seemed swept away as Jesus died. Many of his followers witnessed the
scene of his sufferings and death, and their cup of sorrow was full.
Satan did not then exult as he had done. He had
hoped that he could break up the plan of salvation; but it was laid too deep.
And now by Jesus' death, he knew that he must finally die, and his kingdom be
taken away and given to Jesus. He held a council with his angels. He had
prevailed nothing against the Son of God, and now they must increase their
efforts, and with their cunning and power turn to Jesus' followers. They must
prevent all they could from receiving salvation purchased for them by Jesus. By
so doing Satan could still work against the government of God. Also it would be
for his own interest to keep from Jesus all he could. For the sins of those who
are redeemed by the blood of Christ, and overcome, at last will be rolled back
upon the originator of sin, the Devil, and he will have to bear their sins,
while those who do not accept salvation through Jesus will bear their own sins.
Jesus' life was without worldly grandeur, or
extravagant show. His humble, self-denying life was a great contrast to the
lives of the priests and elders, who loved ease and worldly honor, and the
strict and holy life of Jesus was a continual reproof to them, on account of
their sins. They despised him for his humbleness, and purity. But those who
despised him here, will one day see him in the grandeur of heaven, and the
unsurpassed glory of his Father. He was surrounded with enemies in the judgment
hall, who were thirsting for his blood; but those hardened ones who cried out,
His blood be on us and on our children, will behold him an honored King. All the
heavenly host will escort him on his way with songs of victory, majesty and
might, to him that was slain, yet lives again a mighty conqueror. Poor, weak,
miserable man spit in the face of the King of glory, while a shout of brutal
triumph arose from the mob at the degrading insult. They marred that face with
blows and cruelty which filled all heaven with admiration. They will behold that
face again, bright as the noonday sun, and will seek to flee from before it.
Instead of that shout of brutal triumph, in terror they will wail because of
him. Jesus will present his hands with the marks of his crucifixion. The marks
of this cruelty he will ever bear. Every print of the nails will tell the story
of man's wonderful redemption, and the dear price that purchased it. The very
men who thrust the spear into the side of the Lord of life, will behold the
print of the spear, and will lament with deep anguish the part they acted in
marring his body. His murderers were greatly annoyed by the superscription, The
King of the Jews, placed upon the cross above his head. But then they will
be obliged to see him in all his glory and kingly power. They will behold on his
vesture and on his thigh, written in living characters, King of Kings, and
Lord of Lords. They cried to him mockingly, as he hung upon the cross, Let
Christ the King of Israel descend from the cross, that we may see and believe.
They will behold him then with kingly power and authority. They will demand no
evidence then of his being the King of Israel; but overwhelmed with a sense of
his majesty and exceeding glory, they will be compelled to acknowledge, Blessed
is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
The shaking of the earth, the rending of the
rocks, the darkness spread over the earth, and the loud, strong cry of Jesus, It
is finished, as he yielded up his life, troubled his enemies, and made his
murderers tremble. The disciples wondered at these singular manifestations; but
their hopes were all crushed. They were afraid the Jews would seek to destroy
them also. Such hate manifested against the Son of God they thought would not
end there. Lonely hours the disciples spent in sorrow, weeping over their
disappointment. They expected that he would reign a temporal prince; but their
hopes died with Jesus. They doubted in their sorrow and disappointment whether
Jesus had not deceived them. His mother was humbled, and even her faith wavered
in his being the Messiah.
But notwithstanding the disciples had been
disappointed in their hopes concerning Jesus, yet they loved him, and respected
and honored his body, but knew not how to obtain it. Joseph of Arimathea, an
honorable counsellor, had influence, and was one of Jesus' true disciples. He
went privately, yet boldly, to Pilate and begged his body. He dared not go
openly; for the hatred of the Jews was so great that the disciples feared that
an effort would be made by them to prevent the body of Jesus having an honored
resting place. But Pilate granted his request, and as they took the body of
Jesus down from the cross, their sorrows were renewed, and they mourned over
their blighted hopes in deep anguish. They wrapped Jesus in fine linen, and
Joseph laid him in his own new sepulchre. The women who had been his humble
followers while he lived still kept near him after his death, and would not
leave him until they saw his sacred body laid in the sepulchre, and a stone of
great weight rolled at the door, lest his enemies should seek to obtain his
body. But they need not have feared; for I beheld the angelic host watching with
untold interest the resting place of Jesus. They guarded the sepulchre,
earnestly waiting the command to act their part in liberating the King of glory
from his prison house.
Christ's murderers were afraid that he might yet
come to life and escape them. They begged of Pilate a watch to guard the
sepulchre until the third day. Pilate granted them armed soldiers to guard the
sepulchre, sealing the stone at the door, lest his disciples should steal him
away, and say that he had risen from the dead.
See Matthew 27.
CHAPTER 10
The disciples rested on the
Sabbath, sorrowing for the death of their Lord, while Jesus, the King of glory,
rested in the sepulchre. The night had worn slowly away, and while it was yet
dark, the angels hovering over the sepulchre knew that the time of the release
of God's dear Son, their loved commander, had nearly come. And as they were
waiting with the deepest emotion the hour of his triumph, a strong and mighty
angel came flying swiftly from heaven. His face was like the lightning, and his
garments white as snow. His light dispersed the darkness from his track, and
caused the evil angels who had triumphantly claimed the body of Jesus, to flee
in terror from his brightness and glory. One of the angelic host who had
witnessed the scene of Jesus' humiliation, and was watching his sacred resting
place, joined the angel from heaven, and together they came down to the
sepulchre. The earth shook and trembled as they approached, and there was a
mighty earthquake. The strong and mighty angel laid hold of the stone and
quickly rolled it away from the door of the sepulchre, and sat upon it.
Terrible fear seized the guard. Where was now
their power to keep the body of Jesus? They did not think of their duty, or of
the disciples stealing him away. They were amazed and affrighted, as the
exceeding bright light of the angels shone all around brighter than the sun. The
Roman guard saw the angels, and fell as dead men to the ground. One angel rolled
back the stone in triumph, and with a clear and mighty voice, cried out, Thou
Son of God! Thy Father calls thee! Come forth! Death could hold dominion over
him no longer. Jesus arose from the dead. The other angel entered the sepulchre,
and as Jesus arose in triumph, he unbound the napkin which was about his head,
and Jesus walked forth a victorious conqueror. In solemn awe the angelic host
gazed upon the scene. And as Jesus walked forth from the sepulchre in majesty,
those shining angels prostrated themselves to the ground and worshiped him; then
hailed him with songs of victory and triumph, that death could hold its divine
captive no longer. Satan did not now triumph. His angels had fled before the
bright, penetrating light of the heavenly angels. They bitterly complained to
their king, that their prey had been taken violently from them, and that he whom
they so much hated had risen from the dead.
Satan and his angels had enjoyed a little moment
of triumph that their power over fallen man had caused the Lord of life, to be
laid in the grave; but short was their hellish triumph. For as Jesus walked
forth from his prison house a majestic conqueror, Satan knew that after a season
he must die, and his kingdom pass unto him whose right it was. He lamented and
raged that notwithstanding all his efforts and power, Jesus had not been
overcome, but had laid open a way of salvation for man, and whosoever would,
might walk in it and be saved.
For a little, Satan seemed sad and showed
distress. He held a council with his angels to consider what they should engage
in next to work against the government of God. Said Satan, You must hasten to
the chief priests and elders. We succeeded in deceiving them and blinding their
eyes, and hardening their hearts against Jesus. We made them believe he was an
impostor. That Roman guard will carry the hateful news that Christ is risen. We
led the priests and elders on to hate Jesus, and to murder him. Now hold it
before them in a bright light, that as they were his murderers, if it becomes
known that Jesus is risen, they will be stoned to death by the people, in that
they killed an innocent man.
I saw the Roman guard, as the angelic host passed
back to heaven, and the light and glory passed away, raise themselves to see if
it were safe for them to look around. They were filled with amazement as they
saw that the great stone was rolled from the door of the sepulchre, and Jesus
was risen. They hastened to the chief priests and elders with the wonderful
story of what they had seen; and as those murderers heard the marvelous report,
paleness sat upon every face. Horror seized them at what they had done. They
then realized that if the report was correct, they were lost. For a little they
were stupefied, and looked one to the other in silence, not knowing what to do
or say. They were placed where they could not believe unless it be to their own
condemnation. They went aside by themselves to consult what should be done. They
decided that if it should be spread abroad that Jesus had risen, and the report
of such amazing glory, which caused the guard to fall like dead men, should come
to the people, they would surely be enraged, and would slay them. They decided
to hire the soldiers to keep the matter secret. They offered them much money,
saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept.
And when the guard inquired what should be done with them for sleeping at their
post, the priests and elders said that they would persuade the governor and save
them. For the sake of money the Roman guard sold their honor, and agreed to
follow the counsel of the priests and elders.
When Jesus as he hung upon the cross, cried out,
It is finished, the rocks rent, the earth shook, and some of the graves were
shaken open; for when Jesus arose from the dead, and conquered death and the
grave; when he walked forth from his prison house a triumphant conqueror; while
the earth was reeling and shaking, and the excellent glory of heaven clustered
around the sacred spot, obedient to his call, many of the righteous dead came
forth as witnesses that he had risen. Those favored, resurrected saints came
forth glorified. They were a few chosen and holy ones who had lived in every age
from creation, even down to the days of Christ. And while the chief priests and
Pharisees were seeking to cover up the resurrection of Christ, God chose to
bring up a company from their graves to testify that Jesus had risen, and to
declare his glory.
Those who were resurrected were of different
stature and form. I was informed that the inhabitants of earth had been
degenerating, losing their strength and comeliness. Satan has the power of
disease and death, and in every age the curse has been more visible, and the
power of Satan more plainly seen. Some of those raised were more noble in
appearance and form than others. I was informed that those who lived in the days
of Noah and Abraham were more like the angels in form, in comeliness and
strength. But every generation has been growing weaker, and more subject to
disease, and their lives of shorter duration. Satan has been learning how to
annoy men, and enfeeble the race.
Those holy ones who came forth after the
resurrection of Jesus appeared unto many, telling them that the sacrifice for
man was completed, that Jesus, whom the Jews crucified, had risen from the dead,
and added, We be risen with him. They bore testimony that it was by his mighty
power that they had been called forth from their graves. Notwithstanding the
lying reports circulated, the matter could not be concealed by Satan, his
angels, or the chief priests; for this holy company, brought forth from their
graves, spread the wonderful, joyful news; also Jesus showed himself unto his
sorrowing, heart-broken disciples, dispelling their fears, and causing them
gladness and joy.
As the news spread from city to city, and from
town to town, the Jews in their turn were afraid for their lives, and concealed
the hate they cherished towards the disciples. Their only hope was to spread
their lying report. And those who wished this lie to be true, believed it.
Pilate trembled. He believed the strong testimony given, that Jesus was risen
from the dead, that many others he had brought up with him, and his peace left
him forever. For the sake of worldly honor; for fear of losing his authority,
and his life, he delivered Jesus to die. He was now fully convinced that it was
not merely a common, innocent man of whose blood he was guilty but the blood of
the Son of God. Miserable was the life of Pilate; miserable to its close.
Despair and anguish crushed every hopeful, joyful feeling. He refused to be
comforted, and died a most miserable death.
Herod's heart grew still harder, and when he
heard that Jesus had arisen, he was not much troubled. He took the life of
James; and when he saw that this pleased the Jews, he took Peter also, intending
to put him to death. But God had a work for Peter to do, and sent his angel and
delivered him. Herod was visited with judgment. God smote him in the sight of a
great multitude as he was exalting himself before them, and he died a horrible
death.
Early in the morning before it was yet light, the
holy women came to the sepulchre, bringing sweet spices to anoint the body of
Jesus, when lo! they found the heavy stone rolled away from the door of the
sepulchre, and the body of Jesus was not there. Their hearts sunk within them,
and they feared that their enemies had taken away the body. And, behold, two
angels in white apparel stood by them; their faces were bright and shining. They
understood the errand of the holy women, and immediately told them that they
were seeking Jesus, but he was not there, he had risen, and they could behold
the place where he lay. They bid them go tell his disciples that he would go
before them into Galilee. But the women were frightened and astonished. They
hastily ran to the disciples who were mourning, and could not be comforted
because their Lord had been crucified; they hurriedly told them the things which
they had seen and heard. The disciples could not believe that he had risen, but,
with the women who had brought the report, ran hastily to the sepulchre, and
found that truly Jesus was not there. There were his linen clothes, but they
could not believe the good news that Jesus had risen from the dead. They
returned home marveling at the things they had seen, also at the report brought
them by the women. But Mary chose to linger around the sepulchre, thinking of
what she had seen, and distressed with the thought that she might have been
deceived. She felt that new trials awaited her. Her grief was renewed, and she
broke forth in bitter weeping. She stooped down to look again into the sepulchre,
and beheld two angels clothed in white. Their countenances were bright and
shining. One was sitting at the head, the other at the feet, where Jesus had
lain. They spoke to her tenderly, and asked her why she wept. She replied, They
have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
And as she turned from the sepulchre, she saw
Jesus standing by her; but knew him not. Jesus spoke tenderly to Mary, and
inquired the cause of her sorrow, and asked her whom she was seeking. She
supposed he was the gardener, and begged of him, if he had borne away her Lord,
to tell her where he had laid him, and she would take him away. Jesus spoke to
her with his own heavenly voice, and said, Mary. She was acquainted with the
tones of that dear voice, and quickly answered, Master! and with joy and
gladness was about to embrace him; but Jesus stood back, and said, Touch me not,
for I am not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brethren and say unto them,
I ascend unto my Father, and your Father, and to my God, and your God. Joyfully
she hastened to the disciples with the good news. Jesus quickly ascended up to
his Father to bear from his lips that he accepted the sacrifice, and that he had
done all things well, and to receive all power in heaven, and upon earth, from
his Father.
Angels like a cloud surrounded the Son of God,
and bid the everlasting gates to be lifted up, that the King of glory might come
in. I saw that while Jesus was with that bright, heavenly host, and in the
presence of his Father, and the glory of God surrounded him, he did not forget
his poor disciples upon earth; but received power from his Father, that he might
return unto them, and while with them impart power unto them. The same day he
returned, and showed himself to his disciples. He suffered them then to touch
him, for he had ascended to his Father, and had received power.
But at this time Thomas was not present. He would
not humbly receive the report of the disciples; but firmly, and self-confidently
affirmed that he would not believe, unless he should put his fingers in the
prints of the nails, and his hand in his side where the cruel spear was thrust.
In this he showed a lack of confidence in his brethren. And if all should
require the same evidence, but few would receive Jesus, and believe in his
resurrection. But it was the will of God that the report of the disciples should
go from one to the other, and many receive it from the lips of those who had
seen and heard. God was not well pleased with such unbelief. And when Jesus met
with his disciples again, Thomas was with them. The moment he beheld Jesus he
believed. But he had declared that he would not be satisfied without the
evidence of feeling added to sight, and Jesus gave him the evidence he had
desired. Thomas cried out, my Lord and my God. But Jesus reproved Thomas for his
unbelief. He said to him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed;
blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed.
So, I saw, that those who had no experience in
the first and second angels' messages1 must
receive them from those who had an experience, and followed down through the
messages. As Jesus was crucified, so I saw that these messages have been
crucified. And as the disciples declared that there was salvation in no other
name under heaven, given among men; so, also, should the servants of God
faithfully and fearlessly declare that those who embrace but a part of the
truths connected with the third message2 must
gladly embrace the first, second and third messages as God has given them, or
have no part nor lot in the matter.
I was shown that while the holy women were
carrying the report that Jesus had risen, the Roman guard were circulating the
lie that had been put in their mouths by the chief priests and elders, that the
disciples came by night, while they slept, and stole the body of Jesus. Satan
had put this lie into the hearts and mouths of the chief priests, and the people
stood ready to receive their word. But God had made this matter sure, and placed
this important event, upon which hangs salvation, beyond all doubt, and where it
was impossible for priests and elders to cover it up. Witnesses were raised from
the dead to testify to Christ's resurrection.
Jesus remained with his disciples forty days,
causing them joy and gladness of heart, and opening to them more fully the
realities of the kingdom of God. He commissioned them to bear testimony to the
things which they had seen and heard, concerning his sufferings, death and
resurrection; that he had made a sacrifice for sin, that all who would, might
come unto him and find life. He with faithful tenderness told them that they
would be persecuted and distressed; but they would find relief in referring to
their experience, and remembering the words he had spoken to them. He told them
that he had overcome the temptations of the Devil, and maintained the victory
through trials and suffering, that Satan could have no more power over him, but
would more directly bring his temptations and power to bear upon them, and upon
all who should believe in his name. He told them that they could overcome, as he
had overcome. Jesus endowed his disciples with power to do miracles, and he told
them that although wicked men should have power over their bodies, he would at
certain times send his angels and deliver them; that their lives could not be
taken from them until their mission should be accomplished. And when their
testimony should be finished, their lives might be required to seal the
testimonies which they had borne. His anxious followers gladly listened to his
teachings. They eagerly feasted upon every word which fell from his holy lips.
Then they certainly knew that he was the Saviour of the world. Every word sunk
with deep weight into their hearts, and they sorrowed that they must be parted
from their blessed, heavenly teacher; that after a little they should no more
hear comforting, gracious words from his lips. But again their hearts were
warmed with love and exceeding joy, as Jesus told them that he would go and
prepare mansions for them, and come again and receive them, that they might ever
be with him. He told them that he would send them the Comforter, the Holy
Spirit, to guide, bless and lead them into all truth; and he lifted up his hands
and blessed them.
See Matthew 27:52-53, chap.28; Mark 16:1-18;
Luke 24:1-50; John chap.20; Acts chap.12
1 See Revelation 14:6-8. Explained in
chapter 23&24 of this book.
2 See Revelation 14:9-12. Explained in chapter
28 of this book.
CHAPTER 11
All heaven was waiting the hour
of triumph when Jesus should ascend to his Father. Angels came to receive the
King of glory, and to escort him triumphantly to heaven. After Jesus had blessed
his disciples, he was parted from them, and taken up. And as he led the way
upward, the multitude of captives who were raised at his resurrection followed.
A multitude of the heavenly host was in attendance; while in heaven an
innumerable number of angels awaited his coming. As they ascended up to the holy
city, the angels who escorted Jesus cried out, Lift up your heads, O ye gates,
and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in.
With rapture the angels in the city, who awaited his coming, cried out, who is
this King of glory? The escorting angels with triumph answered, The Lord strong
and mighty! The Lord mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O ye gates! even lift
them up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in. Again the
heavenly host cried out, Who is this King of glory? The escorting angels in
melodious strains answered, The Lord of hosts! He is the King of Glory! And the
heavenly train passed into the city. Then all the heavenly host surrounded the
Son of God, their majestic commander, and with the deepest adoration bowed,
casting their glittering crowns at his feet. And then they touched their golden
harps, and in sweet, melodious strains, filled all heaven with their rich music
and songs to the Lamb who was slain, yet lives again in majesty and glory.
Next I was shown the disciples as they
sorrowfully gazed towards heaven to catch the last glimpse of their ascending
Lord. Two angels clothed in white apparel stood by them, and said unto them, Ye
men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is
taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him
go into heaven. The disciples, with the mother of Jesus, witnessed the ascension
of the Son of God, and they spent that night in talking over his wonderful acts,
and the strange and glorious things which had transpired within a short time.
Satan counselled with his angels, and with bitter
hatred against God's government, told them that while he retained his power and
authority upon earth, their efforts must be tenfold stronger against the
followers of Jesus. They had prevailed nothing against Jesus; but his followers
they must overthrow if possible, and carry on his work through every generation,
to ensnare those who should believe in Jesus, his resurrection and ascension.
Satan related to his angels that Jesus had given his disciples power to cast
them out, rebuke them, and heal those whom he should afflict. Then Satan's
angels went forth like roaring lions, seeking to destroy the followers of Jesus.
See Psalms 24:7-10, Acts1:1-11.
CHAPTER 12
With mighty power the disciples
preached a crucified and a risen Saviour. They healed the sick, even one who had
always been lame was restored to perfect soundness, and entered with them into
the temple, walking and leaping and praising God in the sight of all the people.
The news spread, and the people began to press around the disciples. Many ran
together, greatly astonished and amazed at the cure that had been wrought.
When Jesus died the chief priests thought that
there would be no more miracles wrought among them, that the excitement would
die, and that the people would again turn to the traditions of men. But, lo!
right in their midst, the disciples were working miracles, and the people were
filled with amazement, and gazed with wonder upon them. Jesus had been
crucified, and they wondered where the disciples had obtained this power. When
he was alive they thought that he imparted power to his disciples; when Jesus
died, they expected those miracles would end. Peter understood their perplexity,
and said to them, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so
earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to
walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers
hath glorified his Son Jesus, whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the
presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy
One, and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you, and killed the
Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead, whereof we are witnesses.
Peter told them that it was faith in Jesus that had caused this perfect
soundness of a man who was before a cripple.
The chief priests and elders could not bear these
words. They laid hold of the disciples and put them in confinement. But
thousands were converted, and believed in the resurrection and ascension of
Christ, by hearing only one discourse from the disciples. The chief priests and
elders were troubled. They had slain Jesus that the minds of the people might be
turned to themselves; but the matter was now worse than before. They were openly
accused by the disciples of being the murderers of the Son of God, and they
could not determine to what extent these things might grow, or how they
themselves would be regarded by the people. They would gladly have put the
disciples to death; but dared not for fear the people would stone them. They
called for the disciples, who were brought before the council. The very men who
eagerly cried for the blood of the Just One were there. They had heard Peter's
cowardly denial of Jesus, with cursing and swearing, as he was accused of being
one of his disciples. They thought to intimidate Peter; but he was now
converted. An opportunity was here given Peter to exalt Jesus. He once denied
him; but he could now remove the stain of that hasty, cowardly denial, and honor
the name he had denied. No cowardly fears reigned in the breast of Peter then;
but with holy boldness, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, he fearlessly
declared unto them that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye
crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here
before you whole. This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders,
which has become the head stone of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any
other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we
must be saved.
The people were astonished at the boldness of
Peter and John. They took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus; for
their noble, fearless conduct compared well with the appearance of Jesus when he
was persecuted by his murderers. Jesus, by one look of pity and sorrow, reproved
Peter after he had denied him, and now as he boldly acknowledged his Lord, Peter
was approved and blessed. As a token of the approbation of Jesus, he was filled
with the Holy Spirit.
The chief priests dared not manifest the hate
they felt towards the disciples. They commanded them to go aside out of the
council, and they conferred among themselves, saying, What shall we do to these
men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all
them that dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. They were afraid to have
this good work spread. If it should spread, their power would be lost, and they
would be looked upon as the murderers of Jesus. All that they dared to do was to
threaten them, and command them to speak no more in the name of Jesus lest they
die. But Peter declared boldly that they could but speak the things which they
had seen and heard.
By the power of Jesus the disciples continued to
heal every one of the afflicted and the sick which were brought to them. The
high priests and elders, and those particularly engaged with them, were alarmed.
Hundreds were enlisting daily under the banner of a crucified, risen and
ascended Saviour. They shut the apostles up in prison, and hoped that the
excitement would subside. Satan triumphed, and the evil angels exulted; but the
angels of God were sent and opened the prison doors, and, contrary to the
command of the high priest and elders, bade them go into the temple, and speak
all the words of this life. The council assembled and sent for their prisoners.
The officers unclosed the prison doors; but the prisoners whom they sought were
not there. They returned to the priests and elders, and said to them, The prison
truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the
doors; but when we had opened we found no man within. Then came one and told
them, saying, Behold the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple,
and teaching the people. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought
them without violence; for they feared the people lest they should have been
stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council; and
the high priest asked them, Did not we straitly command you, that ye should not
teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine,
and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
They were hypocrites, and loved the praise of men
more than they loved God. Their hearts were hardened, and the most mighty acts
wrought by the apostles only enraged them. They knew that if the disciples
preached Jesus, his crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, it would fasten
guilt upon them, and proclaim them his murderers. They were not as willing to
receive the blood of Jesus as when they vehemently cried, His blood be on us,
and on our children.
The apostles boldly declared that they ought to
obey God rather than man. Said Peter, The God of our fathers raised up Jesus,
whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to
be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of
sins. And we are his witnesses of these things, and so is also the Holy Spirit
whom God hath given to them that obey him. Then were those murderers enraged.
They wished to imbrue their hands in blood again by slaying the apostles. They
were planning how to do this, when an angel from God was sent to Gamaliel to
move upon his heart to counsel the chief priest and rulers. Said Gamaliel,
Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be
of men, it will come to naught; but if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it; lest
haply ye be found even to fight against God. The evil angels were moving upon
the priests and elders to put the apostles to death; but God sent his angel to
prevent it, by raising up a voice in favor of the disciples in their own ranks.
The work of the apostles was not finished. They
were to be brought before kings, to witness to the name of Jesus, and to testify
to the things which they had seen and heard. But before these chief priests and
elders let them go, they beat them, and commanded them to speak no more in the
name of Jesus. They departed from the council praising God that they were
accounted worthy to suffer for his dear name. They continued their mission,
preaching in the temple and in every house where they were invited. The word of
God grew and multiplied. Satan had moved upon the chief priests and elders to
hire the Roman guard to falsely say that the disciples stole Jesus while they
slept. Through this lie they hoped to conceal the facts; but, lo, springing up
all around them were the mighty evidences of Jesus' resurrection. The disciples
boldly declared it, and testified to the things which they had seen and heard,
and through the name of Jesus they performed mighty miracles. They boldly placed
the blood of Jesus upon those who were so willing to receive it, when they were
permitted to have power over the Son of God.
I saw that the angels of God were commissioned to
have a special care, and guard the sacred, important truths which were to serve
as an anchor to hold the disciples of Christ through every generation.
The Holy Spirit especially rested upon the
apostles, who were witnesses of Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection and ascension
-- -important truths which were to be the hope of Israel. All were to look to
the Saviour of the world as their only hope, and walk in the way Jesus opened by
the sacrifice of his own life, and keep God's law and live. I saw the wisdom and
goodness of Jesus in giving power to the disciples to carry on the same work
which caused the Jews to hate and slay him. They had power given them over the
works of Satan. They wrought signs and wonders through the name of Jesus, who
was despised, and by wicked hands slain. A halo of light and glory clustered
about the time of Jesus' death and resurrection, immortalizing the sacred facts
that he was the Saviour of the world.
See Acts 3; Acts 4.
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