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 13
Disciples multiplied greatly in
Jerusalem. The word of God increased, and many of the priests were obedient unto
the faith. Stephen, full of faith, was doing great wonders and miracles among
the people. Many were angry; for the priests were turning from their traditions,
and from the sacrifices and offerings, and were accepting Jesus as the great
sacrifice. Stephen, with power from on high, reproved the priests and elders,
and exalted Jesus before them. They could not withstand the wisdom and power by
which he spoke, and as they found that they could prevail nothing against him,
they hired men to falsely swear that they had heard him speak blasphemous words
against Moses and against God. They stirred up the people, and took Stephen,
and, through false witnesses, accused him of speaking against the temple and the
law. They testified that they had heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth
would destroy the customs which Moses gave them.
All who sat in judgment against Stephen saw the
light of the glory of God in his countenance. His countenance was lighted up
like the face of an angel. He stood up full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and,
beginning at the prophets, he brought them down to the advent of Jesus, his
crucifixion, his resurrection and ascension, and showed them that the Lord dwelt
not in temples made with hands. They worshiped the temple. Anything spoken
against the temple filled them with greater indignation than if spoken against
God. The spirit of Stephen was stirred with heavenly indignation as he cried out
against them for being wicked, and uncircumcised in heart. Ye do always resist
the Holy Spirit. They observed the outward ordinances, while their hearts were
corrupt, and full of deadly evil. Stephen referred them to the cruelty of their
fathers in persecuting the prophets, saying, Ye have slain them which showed
before the coming of the Just One, of whom ye have been now the betrayers and
murderers.
The chief priests and the rulers were enraged as
the plain, cutting truths were spoken; and they rushed upon Stephen. The light
of heaven shone upon him, and as he looked up steadfastly into heaven, a vision
of God's glory was given him, and angels hovered around him. He cried out,
Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand
of God. The people would not hear him. They cried out with a loud voice, and
stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the
city, and stoned him. And Stephen kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice,
Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.
I saw that Stephen was a mighty man of God,
especially raised up to fill an important place in the church. Satan exulted as
he was stoned to death; for he knew that the disciples would greatly feel his
loss. But Satan's triumph was short; for there was one standing in that company,
witnessing the death of Stephen, to whom Jesus was to reveal himself. Although
he took no part in casting the stones at Stephen, yet he consented to his death.
Saul was zealous in persecuting the church of God, hunting them, seizing them in
their houses, and delivering them to those who would slay them. Satan was using
Saul effectually. But God can break the Devil's power, and set free those who
are led captive by him. Saul was a learned man, and Satan was triumphantly
employing his talents to help carry out his rebellion against the Son of God,
and those who believed in him. But Jesus selected Saul as a chosen vessel to
preach his name, to strengthen the disciples in their work, and more than fill
the place of Stephen. Saul was greatly esteemed by the Jews. His zeal and his
learning pleased them, and terrified many of the disciples.
See Acts 6; Acts 7.
CHAPTER 14
As Saul journeyed to Damascus
with letters of authority to take men or women who were preaching Jesus, and to
bring them bound unto Jerusalem, evil angels exulted around him. But as he
journeyed, suddenly a light from heaven shone around him, which made the evil
angels flee, and caused Saul to fall quickly to the ground. He heard a voice
saying, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Saul inquired, Who art thou, Lord?
And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. It is hard for thee to kick
against the pricks. And Saul trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou
have me to do? And the Lord said, Arise and go into the city, and it shall be
told thee what thou must do.
The men who were with him stood speechless,
hearing a voice, but saw no man. As the light passed away, and Saul arose from
the earth, and opened his eyes, he saw no man. The glory of the light of heaven
had blinded him. They led him by the hand, and brought him to Damascus, and he
was three days without sight, neither did he eat or drink. The Lord then sent
his angel to one of the very men whom Saul hoped to make captive, and revealed
to him in vision that he should go into the street called straight, and inquire
in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus; for, behold, he prayeth,
and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hands
on him, that he might receive his sight.
Ananias feared that there was some mistake in
this matter, and began to relate to the Lord what he had heard of Saul. But the
Lord said unto Ananias, Go thy way; for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear
my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. For I will
show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. Ananias followed
the directions of the Lord, and entered into the house, and putting his hands on
him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the
way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be
filled with the Holy Spirit.
Immediately Saul received sight, and arose, and
was baptized. He then preached Christ in the synagogues, that he was the Son of
God. All who heard him were amazed, and inquired, Is not this he that destroyed
them which called on this name in Jerusalem? and came hither on that intent,
that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests. But Saul increased the
more in strength, and confounded the Jews. They were again in trouble. Saul told
his experience in the power of the Holy Spirit. All were acquainted with the
fact of Saul's opposition to Jesus, and his zeal in hunting out and delivering
up to death all who believed on his name. His miraculous conversion convinced
many that Jesus was the Son of God. Saul related his experience, that as he was
persecuting unto the death, binding and delivering into prison, both men and
women, as he journeyed to Damascus, suddenly a great light from heaven shone
round about him, and Jesus revealed himself to him, and taught him that he was
the Son of God. As Saul boldly preached Jesus, he carried a powerful influence
with him. He had knowledge of the scriptures, and after his conversion a divine
light shone upon the prophecies concerning Jesus, which enabled him to clearly
and boldly present the truth, and to correct any perversion of the scriptures.
With the Spirit of God resting upon him, he would in a clear and forcible manner
carry his hearers down through the prophecies to the time of Christ's first
advent, and show them that the scriptures had been fulfilled, which referred to
Christ's sufferings, death and resurrection.
See Acts 9.
CHAPTER 15
The chief priests and rulers
were moved with hatred against Paul, as they witnessed the effect of the
relation of his experience. They saw that he boldly preached Jesus, and wrought
miracles in his name, and that multitudes listened to him, and turned from their
traditions, and looked upon them as being the murderers of the Son of God. Their
anger was kindled, and they assembled to consult as to what was best to be done
to put down the excitement. They agreed that the only safe course for them was
to put Paul to death. But God knew of their intention, and angels were
commissioned to guard him, that he might live to fulfill his mission, and to
suffer for the name of Jesus.
Paul was informed that the Jews were seeking his
life. Satan led the unbelieving Jews to watch the gates of Damascus day and
night, that as Paul should pass out of the gates; they might immediately kill
him. But the disciples in the night let him down by the wall in a basket. Here
the Jews were made ashamed of their failure, and Satan's object was defeated.
And Paul went to Jerusalem to join himself to the disciples; but they were all
afraid of him. They could not believe that he was a disciple. His life had been
hunted by the Jews in Damascus, and his own brethren would not receive him; but
Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how
he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had preached boldly at Damascus in
the name of Jesus.
But Satan was stirring up the Jews to destroy
Paul, and Jesus bade him leave Jerusalem. And as he went into other cities
preaching Jesus, and working miracles, many were converted, and as one man was
healed who had always been lame, the people who worshiped idols were about to
sacrifice to the disciples. Paul was grieved, and told them that they were only
men, and that they must worship God who made heaven and earth, and the sea, and
all things that are therein. Paul exalted God before them; but he could scarcely
restrain the people. The first knowledge of faith in the true God, and the
worship and honor due to him, were being formed in their minds; and as they were
listening to Paul, Satan urged on the unbelieving Jews of other cities to follow
after Paul to destroy the good work wrought through him. The Jews stirred up,
and inflamed the minds of those idolaters by false reports against Paul. The
wonder and admiration of the people now changed to hate, and they who a short
time before were ready to worship the disciples, stoned Paul, and drew him out
of the city, supposing that he was dead. But as the disciples were standing
about Paul, and mourning over him, to their joy he rose up, and went with them
into the city.
As Paul preached Jesus, a certain woman possessed
with a spirit of divination, followed them, crying, These men are the servants
of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation. Thus she followed
the disciples many days. But Paul was grieved; for this crying after them
diverted the minds of the people from the truth. Satan's object in leading her
to do this was to disgust the people, and destroy the influence of the
disciples. But Paul's spirit was stirred within him, and he turned to the woman,
and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out
of her, and the evil spirit was rebuked, and left her.
Her masters were pleased that she cried after the
disciples; but when the evil spirit had left her, and they saw her a meek
disciple of Christ, they were enraged. They had gathered much money by her
fortune-telling, and now the hope of their gain was gone. Satan's object was
defeated; but his servants caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the market
place, unto the rulers, and to the magistrates, saying, These men being Jews do
exceedingly trouble our city. And the multitude rose up together against them,
and the magistrates tore off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when
they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the
jailer to keep them safely, who, having received such a charge, thrust them into
the inner prison and made their feet fast in the stocks. But the angels of God
accompanied them within the prison walls. Their imprisonment told to the glory
of God, and showed to the people that God was in the work, and with his chosen
servants, and that prison walls could be shaken, and strong iron bars could
easily be opened by him.
At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sung
praises unto God, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the
foundations of the prison were shaken; and I saw that immediately the angel of
God loosed everyone's bands. The keeper of the prison awoke and was affrighted
as he saw the prison doors open. He thought that the prisoners had escaped, and
that he must be punished with death. As he was about to kill himself, Paul cried
with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm, for we are all here. The power of
God convicted the keeper. He called for a light, and sprang in, and came
trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out, and said,
Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. The jailer then assembled his
whole household, and Paul preached unto them Jesus. The jailer's heart was
united to those brethren, and he washed their stripes, and he, and all his
house, were baptized that night. He then set meat before them, and rejoiced,
believing in God, with all his house.
The wonderful news was spread abroad of the
glorious power of God which had been manifest in opening the prison doors, and
the conversion and baptism of the jailer and his family. The rulers heard of
these things, and were afraid, and sent to the jailer, requesting him to let
Paul and Silas go. But Paul would not leave the prison in a private manner. He
said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have
cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? Nay, verily; but let
them come themselves, and fetch us out. Paul and Silas were not willing that the
manifestation of the power of God should be concealed. The sergeants told these
words unto the magistrates; and they feared when they heard that they were
Romans. And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them
to depart out of the city.
See Acts 13; Acts 16.
CHAPTER 16
Shortly after Paul's conversion
he visited Jerusalem, and preached Jesus, and the wonder of his grace. He
related his miraculous conversion, which enraged the priests, and rulers, and
they sought to take his life. But that his life might be saved, Jesus appeared
to him again in a vision while he was praying, saying unto him, Get thee quickly
out of Jerusalem; for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. Paul
earnestly plead with Jesus, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every
synagogue them that believed on thee. And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen
was shed, I also was standing by and consenting unto his death, and kept the
raiment of them that slew him. Paul thought the Jews in Jerusalem could not
resist his testimony; that they would consider that the great change in him
could only be wrought by the power of God. But Jesus said unto him, Depart, for
I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
In Paul's absence from Jerusalem, he wrote many
letters to different places, relating his experience, and bearing a powerful
testimony. But some strove to destroy the influence of those letters. They had
to admit that his letters were weighty and powerful; but declared that his
bodily presence was weak, and his speech contemptible.
I saw that Paul was a man of great learning, and
his wisdom and manners charmed his hearers. Learned men were pleased with his
knowledge, and many of them believed on Jesus. When before kings and large
assemblies, he would pour forth such eloquence as would bear down all before
him. This greatly enraged the priests and elders. Paul could readily enter into
deep reasoning, and soar up, and carry the people with him, in the most exalted
trains of thought, and bring to view the deep riches of the grace of God, and
portray before them the amazing love of Christ. Then with simplicity he would
come down to the understanding of the common people, and in a most powerful
manner relate his experience, which called forth from them ardent desires to be
the disciples of Christ.
The Lord revealed to Paul that he must again go
up to Jerusalem; that he would there be bound and suffer for his name. And
although he was a prisoner for a great length of time, yet the Lord was carrying
forward his special work through him. Paul's bonds were to be the means of
spreading the knowledge of Christ, and thus glorifying God. As he was sent from
city to city for his trial, the testimony concerning Jesus, and the interesting
incidents of his conversion were related before kings and governors, that they
should not be left without testimony concerning Jesus. Thousands believed on him
and rejoiced in his name. I saw that God's special purpose was fulfilled in the
journey of Paul upon the water, that the ship's crew might witness the power of
God through Paul, and that the heathen also might hear the name of Jesus, and
many be converted through his teaching, and by witnessing the miracles he
wrought. Kings and governors were charmed by his reasoning, and as, with zeal
and the power of the Holy Spirit, he preached Jesus, and related the interesting
events of his experience, conviction fastened upon them that Jesus was the Son
of God; and while some wondered with amazement as they listened to Paul, one
cried out, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Yet they thought that at
some future time they would consider what they had heard. Satan took advantage
of the delay, and as they neglected that opportunity when their hearts were
softened, it was forever. Their hearts became hardened.
I was shown the work of Satan in first blinding
the eyes of the Jews so that they would not receive Jesus as their Saviour; and
next in leading them, through envy because of his mighty works, to desire his
life. Satan entered one of Jesus' own followers, and led him on to betray him
into their hands, and they crucified the Lord of life and glory. After Jesus
arose from the dead, the Jews added sin to sin as they sought to hide the fact
of the resurrection, by hiring for money the Roman guard to testify to a
falsehood. But the resurrection of Jesus was made doubly sure by the
resurrection of a multitude of witnesses who arose with him. Jesus appeared to
his disciples, and to above five hundred at once, while those whom he brought up
with him appeared unto many declaring that Jesus had risen.
Satan had caused the Jews to rebel against God,
by refusing to receive his Son, and in staining their hands with most precious
blood in crucifying him. No matter how powerful the evidence given of Jesus'
being the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world; they had murdered him, and
could not receive any evidence in his favor. Their only hope and consolation,
like Satan's after his fall, was in trying to prevail against the Son of God.
They continued their rebellion by persecuting the disciples of Christ, and
putting them to death. Nothing fell so harshly on their ears as the name of
Jesus whom they had crucified; and they were determined not to listen to any
evidence in his favor. As in the case of Stephen, as the Holy Spirit through him
declared the mighty evidence of his being the Son of God, they stopped their
ears lest they should be convinced. And while Stephen was wrapped up in God's
glory, they stoned him to death. Satan had the murderers of Jesus fast in his
grasp. By wicked works they had yielded themselves his willing subjects, and
through them he was at work to trouble and annoy the believers of Christ. He
worked through the Jews to stir up the Gentiles against the name of Jesus, and
against those who followed him, and believed on his name. But God sent his
angels to strengthen the disciples for their work, that they might testify of
the things they had seen and heard, and at last in their steadfastness, seal
their testimony with their blood.
Satan rejoiced that the Jews were safe in his
snare. They still continued their useless forms, their sacrifices and
ordinances. As Jesus hung upon the cross, and cried, It is finished, the
vail of the temple was rent in twain, from the top to the bottom, to signify
that God would no longer meet with the priests in the temple, to accept their
sacrifices and ordinances; and also to show that the partition wall was broken
down between the Jews and the Gentiles. Jesus had made an offering of himself
for both, and if saved at all, both must believe in Jesus as the only offering
for sin, and the Saviour of the world.
While Jesus hung upon the cross, as the soldier
pierced his side with a spear, there came out blood and water, in two distinct
streams, one of blood, the other of clear water. The blood was to wash away the
sins of those who should believe in his name. The water represents that living
water which is obtained from Jesus to give life to the believer.
See Acts 24-26.
CHAPTER 17
I was carried forward to the
time when the heathen idolators cruelly persecuted the Christians, and killed
them. Blood flowed in torrents. The noble, the learned, and the common people,
were alike slain without mercy. Wealthy families were reduced to poverty because
they would not yield their religion. Notwithstanding the persecution and
sufferings those Christians endured, they would not lower the standard. They
kept their religion pure. I saw that Satan exulted and triumphed over the
sufferings of God's people. But God looked with great approbation upon his
faithful martyrs, and the Christians who lived in that fearful time were greatly
beloved of him; for they were willing to suffer for his sake. Every suffering
endured by them increased their reward in heaven. But although Satan rejoiced
because the saints suffered, yet he was not satisfied. He wanted control of the
mind as well as the body. The sufferings those Christians endured drove them
closer to the Lord, and led them to love one another, and caused them to fear
more than ever to offend him. Satan wished to lead them to displease God; then
they would lose their strength, fortitude and firmness. Although thousands were
slain, yet others were springing up to supply their place. Satan saw that he was
losing his subjects, and although they suffered persecution and death, yet they
were secured to Jesus Christ, to be the subjects of his kingdom, and he laid his
plans to more successfully fight against the government of God, and overthrow
the church. He led on those heathen idolators to embrace part of the Christian
faith. They professed to believe in the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ,
without a change of heart, and proposed to unite with the followers of Jesus. O
the fearful danger of the church! It was a time of mental anguish. Some thought
that if they should come down and unite with those idolators who had embraced a
portion of the Christian faith, it would be the means of their conversion. Satan
was seeking to corrupt the doctrines of the Bible. At last I saw the standard
lowered, and the heathen were uniting with Christians. They had been worshipers
of idols, and although they professed to be Christians, they brought along with
them their idolatry. They changed the objects only of their worship, to images
of saints, and even the image of Christ, and Mary the mother of Jesus.
Christians gradually united with them, and the Christian religion was corrupted,
and the church lost its purity and power. Some refused to unite with them and
they preserved their purity, and worshiped God alone. They would not bow down to
any image of anything in the heavens above, or in the earth beneath.
Satan exulted over the fall of so many; and then
he stirred up the fallen church to force those who would preserve the purity of
their religion, to either yield to their ceremonies and image worship, or to put
them to death. The fires of persecution were again kindled against the true
church of Jesus Christ, and millions were slain without mercy.
It was presented before me in the following
manner: A large company of heathen idolators bore a black banner upon which were
figures of the sun, moon and stars. The company seemed to be very fierce and
angry. I was then shown another company bearing a pure white banner, and upon it
was written Purity, and Holiness unto the Lord. Their countenances were marked
with firmness and heavenly resignation. I saw the heathen idolators approach
them, and there was a great slaughter. The Christians melted away before them;
and yet the Christian company pressed the more closely together, and held the
banner more firmly. As many fell, others rallied around the banner and filled
their places.
I saw the company of idolators consulting
together. They failed to make the Christians yield, and they agreed to another
plan. I saw them lower their banner, and they approached that firm Christian
company, and made propositions to them. At first their propositions were utterly
refused. Then I saw the Christian company consulting together. Some said that
they would lower the banner, accept the propositions, and save their lives, and
at last they could gain strength to raise their banner among those heathen
idolators. But some would not yield to this plan, but firmly chose to die
holding their banner, rather than lower it. Then I saw many of that Christian
company lower the banner, and unite with the heathen; while the firm and
steadfast seized the banner, and bore it high again. I saw individuals
continually leaving the company of those bearing the pure banner, and joining
the idolators, and they united together under the black banner, to persecute
those bearing the white banner, and many were slain; yet the white banner was
held high, and individuals were raised up to rally around it.
The Jews who first started the rage of the
heathen against Jesus, were not to escape. In the judgment hall the infuriated
Jews cried, as Pilate hesitated to condemn Jesus, His blood be on us and on our
children. The race of the Jews experienced the fulfillment of this terrible
curse which they called down upon their own heads. Heathen and those called
Christians were alike their foes. Those professed Christians, in their zeal for
the cross of Christ, because the Jews had crucified Jesus, thought that the more
suffering they could bring upon them, the better could they please God; and many
of those unbelieving Jews were killed, while others were driven from place to
place, and were punished in almost every manner.
The blood of Christ, and of the disciples, whom
they had put to death, was upon them, and in terrible judgments were they
visited. The curse of God followed them, and they were a by-word and a derision
to the heathen and to Christians. They were shunned, degraded and detested, as
though the brand of Cain was upon them. Yet I saw that God marvelously preserved
this people, and had scattered them over the world, that they might be looked
upon as especially visited by a curse from God. I saw that God had forsaken the
Jews as a nation; yet there was a portion of them who would be enabled to tear
the veil from their hearts. Some will yet see that prophecy has been fulfilled
concerning them, and they will receive Jesus as the Savior of the world, and see
the great sin of their nation in rejecting Jesus, and crucifying him.
Individuals among the Jews will be converted; but as a nation they are forever
forsaken of God.
CHAPTER 18
It has ever been the design of
Satan to draw the minds of the people from Jesus to man, and to destroy
individual accountability. Satan failed in his design when he tempted the Son of
God. He succeeded better as he came to fallen man. The doctrine of Christianity
was corrupted. Popes and priests presumed to take an exalted position, and
taught the people to look to them to pardon their sins, instead of looking to
Christ for themselves. The Bible was kept from them, in order to conceal the
truths which would condemn them.
The people were entirely deceived. They were
taught that the popes and priests were Christ's representatives, when in fact
they were the representatives of Satan; and when they bowed to them, they
worshiped Satan. The people called for the Bible; but the priests considered it
dangerous to let them have the word of God to read for themselves, lest they
become enlightened, and their sins be exposed. The people were taught to look to
these deceivers, and receive every word from them, as from the mouth of God.
They held that power over the mind, which God alone should hold. And if any
dared to follow their own convictions, the same hate which Satan and the Jews
exercised towards Jesus would be kindled against them, and those in authority
would thirst for their blood. I was shown a time when Satan especially
triumphed. Multitudes of Christians were slain in a dreadful manner because they
would preserve the purity of their religion.
The Bible was hated, and efforts were made to rid
the earth of the precious word of God. The Bible was forbidden to be read on
pain of death, and all the copies of the holy Book which could be found were
burned. But I saw that God had a special care for his word. He protected it. At
different periods there were but a very few copies of the Bible in existence,
yet God would not suffer his word to be lost. And in the last days, copies of
the Bible were to be so multiplied that every family could possess it. I saw
that when there were but a very few copies of the Bible, it was precious and
comforting to the persecuted followers of Jesus. It was read in the most secret
manner, and those who had this exalted privilege felt that they had had an
interview with God, with his Son Jesus, and with his disciples. But this blessed
privilege cost many of them their lives. If discovered, they were taken from
reading the sacred Word to the chopping block, the stake, or to the dungeon to
die from starvation.
Satan could not hinder the plan of salvation.
Jesus was crucified, and arose again the third day. He told his angels that he
would make even the crucifixion and resurrection tell to his advantage. He was
willing that those who professed faith in Jesus should believe that the laws
regulating the Jewish sacrifices and offerings ceased at the death of Christ, if
he could push them further, and make them believe that the law of ten
commandments died also with Christ.
I saw that many readily yielded to this device of
Satan. All heaven was moved with indignation, as they saw the holy law of God
trampled under foot. Jesus and all the heavenly host were acquainted with the
nature of God's law; they knew that he would not change or abolish it. The
hopeless condition of man caused the deepest sorrow in heaven, and moved Jesus
to offer to die for the transgressors of God's holy law. If his law could be
abolished, man might have been saved without the death of Jesus. The death of
Christ did not destroy the law of his Father; but magnified and honored it, and
enforces obedience to all its holy precepts. Had the church remained pure and
steadfast, Satan could not have deceived them, and led them to trample on the
law of God. In this bold plan, Satan strikes directly against the foundation of
God's government in heaven and on earth. His rebellion caused him to be expelled
from heaven. After he rebelled, in order to save himself, he wished God to
change his law; but God told Satan, before the whole heavenly host, that his law
was unalterable. Satan knows that if he can cause others to violate God's law he
is sure of them; for every transgressor of his law must die.
Satan decided to go still further. He told his
angels that some would be so jealous of God's law that they could not be caught
in this snare; that the ten commandments were so plain that many would believe
that they were still binding; therefore he must seek to corrupt the fourth
commandment which brings to view the living God. He led on his representatives
to attempt to change the Sabbath, and alter the only commandment of the ten
which brings to view the true God, the maker of the heavens and the earth. Satan
presented before them the glorious resurrection of Jesus, and told them that by
his rising on the first day of the week, he changed the Sabbath from the seventh
to the first day of the week. Thus Satan used the resurrection to serve his
purpose. He and his angels rejoiced that the errors they had prepared took so
well with the professed friends of Christ. What one might look upon with
religious horror, another would receive. The different errors would be received,
and with zeal defended. The will of God plainly revealed in his word, was
covered up with error and tradition, which have been taught as the commandments
of God. But although this heaven-daring deception was to be suffered to be
carried on down through time until the second appearing of Jesus, yet through
all this time of error and deception, God has not been left without a witness.
There have been true and faithful witnesses keeping all of God commandments
through the darkness and persecution of the church.
I saw that angels were filled with amazement as
they beheld the sufferings and death of the King of glory. But I saw that it was
no marvel to the angelic host that the Lord of life and glory, who filled all
heaven with joy and splendor, should break the bands of death, and walk forth
from his prison house a triumphant conqueror. And if either of these events
should be commemorated by a day of rest, it is the crucifixion. But, I saw that
neither of those events were designed to alter or abolish God's law; but they
give the strongest proof of its immutability.
Both of these important events have their
memorials. By partaking of the Lord's supper, the broken bread and the fruit of
the vine, we show forth the Lord's death until he comes. By observing this
memorial, the scenes of his sufferings and death are brought fresh to our minds.
The resurrection of Christ is commemorated by our being buried with him by
baptism, and raised up out of the watery grave in likeness of his resurrection,
to live in newness of life.
I was shown that the law of God would stand fast
forever, and exist in the new earth to all eternity. At the creation, when the
foundations of the earth were laid, the sons of God looked with admiration upon
the work of the Creator, and all the heavenly host shouted for joy. It was then
that the foundation of the Sabbath was laid. At the close of the six days of
creation, God rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made; and
he blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because that in it he had rested
from all his work. The Sabbath was instituted in Eden before the fall, and was
observed by Adam and Eve, and all the heavenly host. God rested on the seventh
day, and blessed and hallowed it; and I saw that the Sabbath would never be done
away; but the redeemed saints, and all the angelic host, will observe it in
honor of the great Creator to all eternity.
See II Thessalonians 2:7; Daniel 7:25.
CHAPTER 19
Satan commenced his deception
in Eden. He said to Eve, Thou shalt not surely die. This was Satan's first
lesson upon the immortality of the soul; and he has carried on this deception
from that time to the present, and will carry it on until the captivity of God's
children shall be turned. I was pointed to Adam and Eve in Eden. They partook of
the forbidden tree, and then the flaming sword was placed around the tree of
life, and they were driven from the Garden, lest they should partake of the tree
of life, and be immortal sinners. The tree of life was to perpetuate
immortality. I heard an angel ask, Who of the family of Adam have passed that
flaming sword, and have partaken of the tree of life? I heard another angel
answer, Not one of the family of Adam have passed that flaming sword, and
partaken of that tree; therefore there is not an immortal sinner. The soul that
sinneth it shall die an everlasting death; a death that will last forever, where
there will be no hope of a resurrection; and then the wrath of God will be
appeased.
It was a marvel to me that Satan could succeed so
well in making men believe that the words of God, The soul that sinneth it shall
die, mean that the soul that sinneth it shall not die, but live eternally in
misery. Said the angel, Life is life, whether it is in pain or happiness. Death
is without pain, without joy, without hatred.
Satan told his angels to make a special effort to
spread the deception and lie first repeated to Eve in Eden, Thou shalt not
surely die. And as the error was received by the people, and they believed that
man was immortal, Satan led them still further to believe that the sinner would
live in eternal misery. Then the way was prepared for Satan to work through his
representatives, and hold up God before the people as a revengeful tyrant; that
those who do not please him, he will plunge into hell, and cause them ever to
feel his wrath; and that they will suffer unutterable anguish, while he will
look down upon them with satisfaction, as they writhe in horrible sufferings and
eternal flames. Satan knew that if this error should be received, God would be
dreaded and hated by very many, instead of being loved and admired; and that
many would be led to believe that the threatenings of God's word would not be
literally fulfilled; for it would be against his character of benevolence and
love, to plunge beings whom he had created into eternal torments. Satan has led
them to another extreme, to entirely overlook the justice of God, and the
threatenings in his Word, and represent him as being all mercy, and that not one
will perish, but all, both saint and sinner, will at last be saved in his
kingdom. In consequence of the popular error of the immortality of the soul, and
endless misery, Satan takes advantage of another class, and leads them on to
regard the Bible as an uninspired book. They think it teaches many good things;
but they cannot rely upon it and love it; because they have been taught that it
declares the doctrine of eternal misery.
Satan takes advantage of still another class, and
leads them still further to deny the existence of God. They can see no
consistency in the character of the God of the Bible, if he will torment a
portion of the human family to all eternity in horrible tortures; and they deny
the Bible and its Author, and regard death as an eternal sleep.
Then Satan leads another class who are fearful
and timid to commit sin; and after they have sinned, he holds up before them
that the wages of sin is not death, but an eternal life in horrible torments, to
be endured through the endless ages of eternity. Satan improves the opportunity,
and magnifies before their feeble minds the horrors of an endless hell, and
takes charge of their minds, and they lose their reason. Then Satan and his
angels exult, and the infidel and atheist join in casting reproach upon
Christianity. They regard these evil consequences of the reception of popular
heresy, as the natural results of believing in the Bible and its Author.
I saw that the heavenly host was filled with
indignation at this bold work of Satan. I inquired why all these delusions
should be suffered to take effect upon the minds of men, when the angels of God
were powerful, and if commissioned, could easily break the enemy's power. Then I
saw that God knew that Satan would try every art to destroy man; therefore he
had caused his Word to be written out, and had made his designs to man so plain
that the weakest need not err. Then, after he had given his Word to man, he had
carefully preserved it, so that Satan and his angels, through any agent or
representative, could not destroy it. While other books might be destroyed, this
holy Book was to be immortal. And down near the close of time, when the
delusions of Satan should increase, the copies of this Book were to be so
multiplied, that all who desired it might have a copy of God's revealed will to
man, and, if they would, might arm themselves against the deceptions and lying
wonders of Satan.
I saw that God had especially guarded the Bible,
yet learned men, when the copies were few, had changed the words in some
instances, thinking that they were making it more plain, when they were
mystifying that which was plain, in causing it to lean to their established
views, governed by tradition. But I saw that the word of God, as a whole, is a
perfect chain, one portion of scripture explaining another. True seekers for
truth need not err; for not only is the word of God plain and simple in
declaring the way to life, but the Holy Spirit is given to guide in
understanding the way of life revealed in his Word.
I saw that the angels of God were never to
control the will. God sets before man life and death. He can have his choice.
Many desire life, but continue to walk in the broad road, because they have not
chosen life.
I saw the mercy and compassion of God in giving
his Son to die for guilty man. Those who will not choose to accept salvation
which has been so dearly purchased for them, must be punished. Beings whom God
created have chosen to rebel against his government; but I saw that God did not
shut them up in hell to endure endless misery. He could not take them to heaven;
for to bring them into the company of the pure and holy would make them
perfectly miserable. God will not take them to heaven, neither will he cause
them to suffer eternally. He will destroy them utterly, and cause them to be as
though they had not been, and then his justice will be satisfied. He formed man
out of the dust of the earth, and the disobedient and unholy will be consumed by
fire, and return to dust again. I saw that the benevolence and compassion of God
in this, should lead all to admire his character, and to adore him; and after
the wicked shall be destroyed from off the earth, all the heavenly host will
say, Amen!
Satan looked with great satisfaction upon those
who professed the name of Christ, and were closely adhering to these delusions
formed by himself. His work is to still form new delusions. His power increases,
and he grows more artful. He led on his representatives, the popes and the
priests, to exalt themselves, and to stir up the people to bitterly persecute
those who loved God, and were not willing to yield to his delusions, introduced
through them. Satan moved upon his agents to destroy Christ's devoted followers.
O the sufferings and agony, which they made the precious of God to endure!
Angels have kept a faithful record of it all. But Satan and his evil angels
exulted, and told the angels who administered to, and strengthened those
suffering saints, that they would kill them, so there would not be left a true
Christian upon the earth. I saw that the church of God was then pure. There was
no danger of men with corrupt hearts coming into the church of God then; for the
true Christian, who dared to declare his faith, was in danger of the rack, the
stake, and every torture which Satan and his evil angels could invent, and put
into the mind of man.
See Genesis 3; Isaiah 47:13-14, John 17:17; John
3:16; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 12:7.
CONTINUE
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