The great controversy between Christ and Satan;

1. The Cosmic Conflict: A Battle for Allegiance

It was the highest sin to rebel against the order and will of God.

Origin of Evil. The great controversy began in heaven with Lucifer, an honored angel, who became jealous of Christ's position and rebelled against God's authority. This rebellion led to a war in heaven, resulting in Satan's expulsion and the fall of a third of the angels.

Satan's Strategy. Driven by malice and hatred, Satan sought to undermine God's government by targeting Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. His goal was to lead them into disobedience, thereby bringing them under his influence and disrupting God's perfect creation.

The Ongoing Battle. The conflict between Christ and Satan continues on Earth, with Satan constantly working to deceive and lead humanity astray. This battle is not merely a physical one, but a spiritual struggle for the hearts and minds of people.

2. Humanity's Fall: A Loss of Innocence

She first erred in wandering from her husband, next, in lingering around the forbidden tree, and next in listening to the voice of the tempter, and even daring to doubt what God had said.

Eve's Disobedience. Satan tempted Eve by questioning God's truthfulness and exciting her curiosity about the forbidden fruit. Her decision to eat the fruit and then offer it to Adam marked the fall of humanity and the introduction of sin into the world.

Consequences of the Fall. The fall brought sorrow, misery, sickness, and death to humanity. Adam and Eve were driven from the Garden of Eden, losing their perfect communion with God and opening the door to Satan's influence.

Heaven's Response. The news of man's fall spread through heaven, causing great sorrow and agitation. A counsel was held to determine how to address the situation, leading to the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

3. The Divine Plan: Redemption Through Sacrifice

He told them that he had been pleading with his Father, and had offered to give his life a ransom, and take the sentence of death upon himself, that through him man might find pardon.

Jesus's Sacrifice. To redeem humanity, Jesus offered to leave his glory in heaven and take on human nature, experiencing temptation and suffering. He would ultimately die a cruel death on the cross, bearing the weight of the world's sins.

Angelic Role. Angels were assigned the task of strengthening Jesus during his earthly ministry and guarding the subjects of grace from evil influences. They were also to witness his humiliation and suffering, though forbidden from interfering.

Joy in Heaven. Despite the initial sorrow, heaven was filled with joy at the prospect of humanity's redemption. The angels sang songs of praise and adoration for God's mercy and Jesus's self-denial.

4. Christ's Ministry: Healing and Revelation

Jesus commenced his work by breaking the power which Satan held over the suffering.

Breaking Satan's Power. Jesus began his ministry by healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, and raising the dead, demonstrating his power over Satan and his ability to alleviate human suffering. His life was marked by benevolence, sympathy, and love.

Opposition from the Jews. Despite the overwhelming evidence of Jesus's divine power, many Jews, particularly the chief priests and rulers, rejected him. They were blinded by Satan, who stirred up unbelief, hate, and scorn in their hearts.

The Transfiguration. To strengthen the faith of his disciples, Jesus was transfigured before them, revealing his divine glory and conversing with Moses and Elijah. This event provided a glimpse of the kingdom of God and affirmed Jesus as the promised Messiah.

5. The Great Apostasy: A Church Divided

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.

Corruption of Christian Doctrine. Satan infiltrated the early church, leading to the corruption of Christian doctrines and the introduction of pagan practices. This resulted in a departure from the purity of the original faith.

Persecution of True Believers. Those who remained faithful to the true teachings of Christ faced persecution and death at the hands of the apostate church. Millions were slain for refusing to compromise their beliefs.

The Two Banners. The conflict between truth and error was symbolized by two companies: one bearing a black banner with pagan symbols, and the other bearing a pure white banner with the inscription "Purity, and Holiness unto the Lord." This illustrated the ongoing struggle between those who compromised their faith and those who remained steadfast.

6. The Reformation: A Call to Truth

He was ever fearful of offending God.

Luther's Awakening. God raised up Martin Luther and other reformers to challenge the errors of the Papal church and restore the truth of the Bible. Luther's study of Scripture led him to trust in Christ's merits rather than works for salvation.

Melancthon's Role. Philip Melancthon, with his cautious and patient nature, complemented Luther's fiery zeal, providing balance and wisdom to the Reformation movement. Their friendship and collaboration were essential to its success.

The Power of the Word. Despite persecution and opposition, the reformers fearlessly proclaimed the truth, leading many to embrace the light and reject the darkness of the apostate church. The Bible became accessible to the people, empowering them to discern truth for themselves.

7. The Third Angel's Message: A Final Warning

Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

The Third Angel's Message. This message warns against worshiping the beast and his image, emphasizing the importance of keeping God's commandments and maintaining the faith of Jesus. It directs attention to the heavenly Sanctuary, where Christ ministers before the ark of the covenant.

The Sabbath Restored. The third angel's message highlights the importance of the Sabbath, revealing that it has not been abolished or changed. Those who embrace this message recognize the Sabbath as a memorial of creation and a sign of loyalty to God.

A Call to Obedience. The third angel's message calls for a complete separation from the errors and traditions of men, urging believers to obey all of God's commandments and prepare for the coming judgment. It is a message of both warning and hope, offering salvation to those who heed its call.

8. Spiritualism: Satan's Deceptive Masterpiece

Satan has power to bring the appearance of forms before us purporting to be our relatives and friends that now sleep in Jesus.

The Rapping Delusion. Spiritualism, with its seances and purported communication with the dead, is a deceptive snare used by Satan to deceive the world. These manifestations are not the spirits of departed loved ones, but rather evil angels in disguise.

The Importance of Scriptural Knowledge. To withstand the deceptions of spiritualism, believers must have a thorough understanding of the Bible, particularly the truth about the state of the dead. This knowledge will enable them to discern the true nature of these manifestations and resist their influence.

Satan's Agents. Satan uses various agents, including those who were once infidels and wicked, to spread his deceptive teachings. He assigns each angel a specific role, making it appear that even the apostles contradict their own teachings.

9. Covetousness: A Subtle Snare

Cause covetousness and love of earthly treasures the ruling traits of their character.

Satan's Strategy. Satan targets those looking for Christ's second coming by tempting them with covetousness and the love of earthly treasures. He seeks to distract them from the success of Christ's kingdom and the spread of truth.

The Example of Judas. Judas's covetousness led him to betray Jesus for a few pieces of silver. Similarly, those who prioritize earthly gain over spiritual values will be led astray by Satan.

The Importance of Generosity. God requires constant doing and generosity from his people. Selfishness and covetousness are an abomination in his sight, and those who possess these traits will ultimately fall away.

10. The Shaking: A Test of Faith

I was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the true Witness to the Laodiceans.

The Straight Testimony. The shaking is caused by the straight testimony of the True Witness to the Laodiceans, which exposes sin and calls for deep repentance. This testimony will lead some to exalt the standard of truth, while others will reject it.

The Latter Rain. Those who endure the shaking and remain faithful will receive the latter rain, or refreshing from the presence of the Lord. This will empower them to proclaim the truth with great power and prepare them for the trials ahead.

Deliverance and Victory. After a period of intense struggle and prayer, God will deliver his people from their enemies. They will be clothed with immortality and caught up to meet their Lord in the air, shouting victory over death and the grave.

11. The End of Probation: A Decisive Moment

I saw that every case was then decided for life or death.

The Close of Probation. The end of probation marks the moment when every case is decided for life or death. Jesus ceases his intercession in the heavenly Sanctuary, and the fate of every individual is sealed.

The Marriage of the Lamb. The marriage of the Lamb is finished, signifying the union of Christ with his church. The kingdom is given to Jesus and the heirs of salvation, and he is to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The Unjust and the Holy. As Jesus leaves the Most Holy Place, he declares, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still." This signifies that the time for repentance and change has passed, and each person's destiny is fixed.

12. The New Earth: A Promise of Restoration

I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.

A World Transformed. After the destruction of the wicked, God will create a new heaven and a new earth, free from sin, sorrow, and death. This will be the eternal home of the redeemed.

The Holy City. The New Jerusalem will descend from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. This city will be the dwelling place of God and his people, where they will enjoy perfect communion and everlasting joy.

Eternal Life. In the new earth, the redeemed will live in perfect harmony with God and one another. They will have access to the tree of life and will experience eternal life, free from the curse of sin and death.

Last updated: February 23, 2025