The Great Controversy

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The History of the Great controversy

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The Great Controversy

The great controversy is a uniquely seventh-day Adventist perspective and it is a beautiful way to view scriptures and life. It gives us a unifying perspective when viewing history, current reality and the future. The great controversy is essentially viewing the entire human story through the lens of an ongoing heavenly story. Today I will be looking at the concept of the great controversy, history seen through its perspective and the need to pick a side. Next week and the week after we will look at the current state of the great controversy and we will hopefully have a chance to hear how God has worked and intervened within the narromine area. Next week I have asked several ministry leaders to share how God has used their ministries within the framework of the great controversy, so we can glorify not in their works but in the works of God. The week after I am talking to some people to have them share their personal testimonies on how God acted in the lives in the context of the great controversy. The reason for this is because I want to demonstrate that the great controversy is not a historical doctrine, but its a concept that is unfolding right before our eyes. On the last sabbath of this month, I will preach about the vision of the church going foreward will look like and how God can use you, your church and your community to make a difference in the great controversy that is happening all around us.
The concept of the Great Controversy was developed by Ellen White, who recieved it mainly through visions that she recieved over time. However there were times when she would enter into a state of vision and see the great controversy unfold from beginning to end.
One such time was whilst her husband, James White, was conducting a funeral service and after comforting the congregation with thoughts of hope in the resurrection, James white requested that Ellen could say a few words. Ellen white also started talking about the resurrection when she became had a vision that lasted two hours. The church waited patiently for the vision to finish so that they could hear what she had to say.
After two hours the vision finished and she spoke about what she had seen. Along with a few things relating to the local church, the vision mainly consisted of a panoramic and comprehensive view of the conflict between the war in heaven and the creation of the new earth. This was the very last time that she would receive such a vision that spanned such a great amount of time and highlighted the entirety of the plan of salvation for a lost world. She was taken back to the war in heave as described in . She witnessed the issues that started the war and she witnessed it first hand, having an angel there to describe to her what she was seeing. She saw the expression on Adams face when he left the garden of Eden. She witnessed how the controversy unraveled through the ages to the birth of Jesus. She saw the death of Jesus and she saw His Resurrection. She saw how the early church quickly became corrupted leading to the dark ages. She saw the reformers stand up to the church. She saw the events that led to her current time and she saw past that time into the future. She saw the time of trouble. She saw the resurrection and she saw the second coming of Jesus and she saw the creation of the new earth.

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, 8 but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. 12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”

the vision ended with the angel by her side telling her to write out in a little book exactly what she had just seen, “but she would have to contend with the powers of darkness, for satan would make strong efforts to stop her from writing that book.” “but the angels of God will not leave you in the conflict but you must put your trust in God.”
After sharing the images of the Resurrection with the church, they were greatly encouraged. Apparently they said that they would not even follow the casket to the grave, instead they wanted to hear more about what God had shown her.
After completing the funeral they headed home and this is what she wrote in her diary:
“While riding in the cars we arranged our plans for writing and publishing the book called The Great Controversy immediately on our return home. I was then as well as usual.
On the arrival of the train at Jackson we went to Brother Palmer's. We had been in the house but a short time, when, as I was conversing with Sister Palmer, my tongue refused to utter what I wished to say, and seemed large and numb. A strange, cold sensation struck my heart, passed over my head, and down my right side. For a while I was insensible; but was aroused by the voice of earnest prayer.
and on the way home they stopped at a close friends house. However they were only there for a short time before
On the arrival of the train at Jackson we went to Brother Palmer's. We had been in the house but a short time, when, as I was conversing with Sister Palmer, my tongue refused to utter what I wished to say, and seemed large and numb. A strange, cold sensation struck my heart, passed over my head, and down my right side. For a while I was insensible; but was aroused by the voice of earnest prayer. WV 265.8
I tried to use my left arm and limb, but they were perfectly useless. For a short time I did not expect to live. It was the third shock I had received of paralysis, and although within fifty miles (eighty kilometers) of home, I did not expect to see my children again. I called to mind the triumphant season I had enjoyed at Lovett's Grove, and thought it was my last testimony, and felt reconciled to die”
As earnest prayer was continued in her behalf, she soon felt a prickling sensation in her arm and leg, and she praised God that the power of Satan was broken.
The night after the stroke was one of great suffering, but the next day she seemed sufficiently strengthened to continue the journey by train to Battle Creek. On arrival home she was carried up the steep stairs to the front bedroom in their Wood Street home. She reported:
Three months later a vision given to her in Battle Creek opened to her what was really behind the distressing experience suffered in the Palmer home. WV 266.1
For several weeks I could not feel the pressure of the hand, nor the coldest water poured upon my head. In rising to walk, I often staggered, and sometimes fell to the floor. In this condition I commenced to write The Great Controversy.
I could write at first but one page a day, then rest three; but as I progressed, my strength increased. The numbness in my head did not seem to becloud my mind, and before I closed that work, the effect of the shock had entirely left me.
“Three months later a vision given to her in Battle Creek opened to her what was really behind the distressing experience suffered in the Palmer home. I was taken off in vision. In that vision I was shown that in the sudden attack at Jackson, Satan designed to take my life to hinder the work I was about to write; but angels of God were sent to my rescue, to raise me above the effects of Satan's attack. I saw, among other things, that I should be blessed with better health than before the attack at Jackson.”
I was taken off in vision. In that vision I was shown that in the sudden attack at Jackson, Satan designed to take my life to hinder the work I was about to write; but angels of God were sent to my rescue, to raise me above the effects of Satan's attack. I saw, among other things, that I should be blessed with better health than before the attack at Jackson (Ibid., 2:272). WV 266.2
Satan had tried to kill Ellen White to stop her from the story of the great controversy between himself and Jesus. You see in this vision she had not only seen what Satan had done, but she saw what he was about to do, how he was going to tempt the people of the last days and divert them from the salvation of Jesus Christ.
The book was written within a year of this all occuring and she began her story with the fall of Satan, the plan of salvation, and the great controversy between Christ and His angels and Satan and his. The book was called Spiritual Gifts: Volume 1. This was later fleshed out throughout her lifetime to form our doctrine of the Great Controversy and later formed the basis of the book that we call the great controversy.
The book was written within a year of this all occuring and it starts with a description of the victory
I could write at first but one page a day, then rest three; but as I progressed, my strength increased. The numbness in my head did not seem to becloud my mind, and before I closed that work, the effect of the shock had entirely left me (Ibid.). WV 266.5
she began her story with the fall of Satan, the plan of salvation, and the great controversy between Christ and His angels and Satan and his. In the evening she continued her narrative until nearly 10:00. WV 266.6
This is what she says of her book:
my tongue

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, 8 but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. 12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”

Tell about the book
The last
1858
about Ellen white nearly dying
about going to Europe
about having the dream during a funeral
story that starts before the beginning of the world and continues to beyond the end of the world.
Great Controversy Author’s Preface

As the Spirit of God has opened to my mind the great truths of his Word, and the scenes of the past and the future, I have been bidden to make known to others what has thus been revealed,—to trace the history of the controversy in past ages, and especially to so present it as to shed a light on the fast-approaching struggle of the future. In pursuance of this purpose, I have endeavored to select and group together events in the history of the church in such a manner as to trace the unfolding of the great testing truths that at different periods have been given to the world, that have excited the wrath of Satan, and the enmity of a world-loving church, and that have been maintained by the witness of those who “loved not their lives unto the death.”

In these records we may see a foreshadowing of the conflict before us. Regarding them in the light of God’s Word, and by the illumination of his Spirit, we may see unveiled the devices of the wicked one, and the dangers which they must shun who would be found “without fault” before the Lord at his coming.

The book beautifully tells of the story of God. Too beautifully if you ask me, I sat down and tried to improve and expand on what she had already written and I struggled to match her writings. As a result I have included a lot of quotes from her, to the point where I should of declared her as the preacher for today. The first paragraph of this book starts with
and the devil and because there is no wa

The Fall

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 1: The Fall of Satan

The Lord has shown me that Satan was once an honored angel in heaven, next to Jesus Christ. His countenance was mild, expressive of happiness like the other angels. His forehead was high and broad, and showed great intelligence. His form was perfect. He had a noble, majestic bearing. And I saw that when God said to his Son, Let us make man in our image, Satan was jealous of Jesus. He wished to be consulted concerning the formation of man. He was filled with envy, jealousy and hatred. He wished to be the highest in heaven, next to God, and receive the highest honors. Until this time all heaven was in order, harmony and perfect subjection to the government of God.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 1: The Fall of Satan

It was the highest sin to rebel against the order and will of God. All heaven seemed in commotion. The angels were marshaled in companies with a commanding angel at their head. All the angels were astir. Satan was insinuating against the government of God, ambitious to exalt himself, and unwilling to submit to the authority of Jesus. Some of the angels sympathized with Satan in his rebellion, and others strongly contended for the honor and wisdom of God in giving authority to his Son. And there was contention with the angels

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 1: The Fall of Satan

Satan and his affected ones, who were striving to reform the government of God, wished to look into his unsearchable wisdom to ascertain his purpose in exalting Jesus, and endowing him with such unlimited power and command. They rebelled against the authority of the Son of God, and all the angels were summoned to appear before the Father, to have their cases decided. And it was decided that Satan should be expelled from heaven, and that the angels, all who joined with Satan in the rebellion, should be turned out with him. Then there was war in heaven. Angels were engaged in the battle; Satan wished to conquer the Son of God, and those who were submissive to his will. But the good and true angels prevailed, and Satan, with his followers, was driven from heaven.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 1: The Fall of Satan

It was the highest sin to rebel against the order and will of God. All heaven seemed in commotion. The angels were marshaled in companies with a commanding angel at their head. All the angels were astir. Satan was insinuating against the government of God, ambitious to exalt himself, and unwilling to submit to the authority of Jesus. Some of the angels sympathized with Satan in his rebellion, and others strongly contended for the honor and wisdom of God in giving authority to his Son. And there was contention with the angels

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 1: The Fall of Satan

After Satan was shut out of heaven, with those who fell with him, he realized that he had lost all the purity and glory of heaven forever. Then he repented and wished to be reinstated again in heaven. He was willing to take his proper place, or any place that might be assigned him. But no, heaven must not be placed in jeopardy. All heaven might be marred should he be taken back; for sin originated with him, and the seeds of rebellion were within him. Satan had obtained followers, those who sympathized with him in his rebellion. He and his followers repented, wept and implored to be taken back into the favor of God. But no, their sin, their hate, their envy and jealousy, had been so great that God could not blot it out. It must remain to receive its final punishment.

Then Further in the chapter it says:
Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 2: The Fall of Man

I saw that the holy angels often visited the garden, and gave instruction to Adam and Eve concerning their employment, and also taught them concerning the rebellion of Satan and his fall. The angels warned them of Satan, and cautioned them not to separate from each other in their employment, for they might be brought in contact with this fallen foe. The angels enjoined upon them to closely follow the directions God had given them, for in perfect obedience only were they safe. And if they were obedient, this fallen foe could have no power over them.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 1: The Fall of Satan

When Satan became fully conscious that there was no possibility of his being brought again into favor with God, then his malice and hatred began to be manifest. He consulted with his angels, and a plan was laid to still work against God’s government. When Adam and Eve were placed in the beautiful garden, Satan was laying plans to destroy them. A consultation was held with his evil angels. In no way could this happy couple be deprived of their happiness if they obeyed God. Satan could not exercise his power upon them unless they should first disobey God, and forfeit his favor. They must devise some plan to lead them to disobedience that they might incur God’s frown, and be brought under the more direct influence of Satan and his angels. It was decided that Satan should assume another form, and manifest an interest for man. He must insinuate against God’s truthfulness, create doubt whether God did mean as he said, next, excite their curiosity, and lead them to pry into the unsearchable plans of God, which Satan had been guilty of, and reason as to the cause of his restrictions in regard to the tree of knowledge.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 2: The Fall of Man

Satan commenced his work with Eve, to cause her to disobey. 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—In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. She thought, Perhaps it does not mean just as the Lord said. She ventured to disobey. She put forth her hand, took of the fruit, and ate. It was pleasing to the eye, and pleasant to the taste. She was jealous that God had withheld from them what was really for their good. She offered the fruit to her husband, thereby tempting him. She related to Adam all that the serpent had said, and expressed her astonishment that he had the power of speech.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 2: The Fall of Man

I saw a sadness came over Adam’s countenance. He appeared afraid and astonished. A struggle appeared to be going on in his mind. He felt sure that this was the foe which they had been warned against, and that his wife must die. They must be separated. His love for Eve was strong. And in utter discouragement he resolved to share her fate. He seized the fruit, and quickly ate it. Then Satan exulted. He had rebelled in heaven, and had sympathizers who loved him, and followed him in his rebellion. He fell, and caused others to fall with him. And he had now tempted the woman to distrust God, to inquire into his wisdom, and to seek to penetrate his all-wise plans. Satan knew the woman would not fall alone. Adam, through his love for Eve, disobeyed the command of God, and fell with her.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 1: The Fall of Satan

When Satan became fully conscious that there was no possibility of his being brought again into favor with God, then his malice and hatred began to be manifest. He consulted with his angels, and a plan was laid to still work against God’s government. When Adam and Eve were placed in the beautiful garden, Satan was laying plans to destroy them. A consultation was held with his evil angels. In no way could this happy couple be deprived of their happiness if they obeyed God. Satan could not exercise his power upon them unless they should first disobey God, and forfeit his favor. They must devise some plan to lead them to disobedience that they might incur God’s frown, and be brought under the more direct influence of Satan and his angels. It was decided that Satan should assume another form, and manifest an interest for man. He must insinuate against God’s truthfulness, create doubt whether God did mean as he said, next, excite their curiosity, and lead them to pry into the unsearchable plans of God, which Satan had been guilty of, and reason as to the cause of his restrictions in regard to the tree of knowledge.

Adam

Their plan howeve
Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 2: The Fall of Man

I saw that the holy angels often visited the garden, and gave instruction to Adam and Eve concerning their employment, and also taught them concerning the rebellion of Satan and his fall. The angels warned them of Satan, and cautioned them not to separate from each other in their employment, for they might be brought in contact with this fallen foe. The angels enjoined upon them to closely follow the directions God had given them, for in perfect obedience only were they safe. And if they were obedient, this fallen foe could have no power over them.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 2: The Fall of Man

Satan commenced his work with Eve, to cause her to disobey. 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—In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. She thought, Perhaps it does not mean just as the Lord said. She ventured to disobey. She put forth her hand, took of the fruit, and ate. It was pleasing to the eye, and pleasant to the taste. She was jealous that God had withheld from them what was really for their good. She offered the fruit to her husband, thereby tempting him. She related to Adam all that the serpent had said, and expressed her astonishment that he had the power of speech.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 2: The Fall of Man

I saw a sadness came over Adam’s countenance. He appeared afraid and astonished. A struggle appeared to be going on in his mind. He felt sure that this was the foe which they had been warned against, and that his wife must die. They must be separated. His love for Eve was strong. And in utter discouragement he resolved to share her fate. He seized the fruit, and quickly ate it. Then Satan exulted. He had rebelled in heaven, and had sympathizers who loved him, and followed him in his rebellion. He fell, and caused others to fall with him. And he had now tempted the woman to distrust God, to inquire into his wisdom, and to seek to penetrate his all-wise plans. Satan knew the woman would not fall alone. Adam, through his love for Eve, disobeyed the command of God, and fell with her.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 2: The Fall of Man

The news of man’s fall spread through heaven. Every harp was hushed. The angels cast their crowns from their heads in sorrow. All heaven was in agitation. A counsel was held to decide what must be done with the guilty pair. The angels feared that they would put forth the hand, and eat of the tree of life, and be immortal sinners. But God said that he would drive the transgressors from the garden. Angels were commissioned immediately to guard the way of the tree of life. It had been Satan’s studied plan that Adam and Eve should disobey God, receive his frown, and then be led on to partake of the tree of life, that they might live forever in sin and disobedience, and thus sin be immortalized. But holy angels were sent to drive them out of the garden, while another company of angels were commissioned to guard the way to the tree of life. Each of these mighty angels appeared to have something in their right hand, which looked like a glittering sword.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 2: The Fall of Man

Then Satan triumphed. Others he had made to suffer by his fall. He had been shut out of heaven, they out of Paradise.

Poem about the fall? 8 minutes

The Plan

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation

Sorrow filled heaven, as it was realized that man was lost, and the world that God created was to be filled with mortals doomed to misery, sickness and death, and there was no way of escape for the offender. The whole family of Adam must die. I saw the lovely Jesus, and beheld an expression of sympathy and sorrow upon his countenance.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation

Soon I saw him approach the exceeding bright light which enshrouded the Father. Said my accompanying angel, He is in close converse with his Father. The anxiety of the angels seemed to be intense while Jesus was communing with his Father. Three times he was shut in by the glorious light about the Father, and the third time he came from the Father, his person could be seen. His countenance was calm, free from all perplexity and trouble, and shone with benevolence and loveliness, such as words cannot express

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation

He then made known to the angelic host that a way of escape had been made for lost man. 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. That through the merits of his blood, and obedience to the law of God, they could have the favor of God, and be brought into the beautiful garden, and eat of the fruit of the tree of life.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation

At first the angels could not rejoice, for their commander concealed nothing from them, but opened before them the plan of salvation.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation

With a holy sadness Jesus comforted and cheered the angels, and informed them that hereafter those whom he should redeem would be with him, and ever dwell with him; and that by his death he should ransom many, and destroy him who had the power of death.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation

Jesus bid the heavenly host be reconciled to the plan that his Father accepted, and rejoice that fallen man could be exalted again through his death, to obtain favor with God and enjoy heaven.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation

Then joy, inexpressible joy, filled heaven. And the heavenly host sung a song of praise and adoration. They touched their harps and sung a note higher than they had done before, for the great mercy and condescension of God in yielding up his dearly Beloved to die for a race of rebels. Praise and adoration were poured forth for the self-denial and sacrifice of Jesus; that he would consent to leave the bosom of his Father, and choose a life of suffering and anguish, and die an ignominious death to give life to others

Great Controversy Author’s Preface

Before the entrance of sin, Adam enjoyed open communion with his Maker; but since man separated himself from God by transgression, the human race has been cut off from this high privilege. By the plan of redemption, however, a way has been opened whereby the inhabitants of the earth may still have connection with Heaven.

the great controversy continues to outline how our ancestors chose throughout history, the book also records what the devil did to influence their choices and Gods actions to intervene in order to save us. The series of the great conflict are an amazing book to read and I encourage the church to read the full story when they have a chance. The story of the ongoing battle covers the patriarchs, prophets and kings of the Old Testament. The story focuses on the earthly ministry of Christ and His desire that outlasts an age. It continues through the various acts of the apostles and onto the great controversy through the dark ages, the reformation and the advent of the Adventist church. The series however does not stop there, it continues into the future and to our reunion with God in the new earth.
the great controversy outlines how we choose throughout history and what the devil did to influence our choice and Gods actions to intervene in order to save us.

The Choice

But if I were to sum up the message of the concept of the great controversy in a single word, the word would be “choice.”
Satan chose. Adam chose. and God chose. now it is our time to choose.
Adam chose. and God chose.
do we choose lightness or darkness. Truth or ignorance. Love or apathy. God or anything else.
Yes... the choice is between God and anything else. You see the decision that we make needs to be decisive.
says: You adulterous people, do you not know that friendship of the world is enmity against God? Therefore whoever makes himself a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
You adulterous people, do you not know that friendship of the world is enmity against God? Therefore whoever makes himself a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
Jesus reiterates this by saying you’re either with me or you are against me, there’s no third option!
There needs to be a decision that needs to be made and it has to be decisive. You can’t be on both sides of the fence. all that will leave you with is a wedgie.
but in reality the fence analogy does not make the urgency clear enough because as we have seen, we have been caught up in a spiritual war that is raging on around us.
Picture a Battlefield, you have two trenches and on one side you have all the lords host of armies and on the other side you have the devils armies. Where is the safest place to be? in Gods trench of course. However, where do you think the most dangerous place would be? It is not the opposing trench, its actually in the middle, in a place called no mans land. This stretch of land is called no mans land for two reasons:
In the middle there is a place that they call no man’s land, and it’s called this for two reasons,
1. No man owns this land, this is the contested area in the battle field where no one has any particular stake.
2. It's called no man’s land is because there is no man in this piece of land because no man’s land is the most dangerous place in the battlefield due to it being in the line of fire of both camps, without the protection of either. No one wants to be that man in no man’s land
It’s the same in the spiritual battlefield, there are only two sides, Gods side and everything else. The devils job isn’t to make you choose his trench, but to stop you from entering the trench of Christ.
The devil does not have to stop you, all he needs to do is lure you a single degree away from christ.
I like to use a common principle used in orientation to show the big differences little things make.
Consider this. If you're going somewhere and you're off course by just one degree, after ten metres, you'll miss your target by 0.17 metres. Trivial, right? But what about as you get farther out?
After one foot, you'll miss your target by 5 millimeters. Trivial, right? But what about as you get farther out?
Consider this. If you're going somewhere and you're off course by just one degree, after one foot, you'll miss your target by 0.2 inches. Trivial, right? But what about as you get farther out?
Every person has a choice and every choice has a consequence
After 100 metres, you'll be off by a metre or two. Not huge, but noticeable.
After 100 Meters, you'll be off by 1.5 Meters. Not huge, but noticeable.
After a KM you will be nearly 20 metres away from your target.
now the furthest I have walked in a day is 50 KM’s. Now if I were a single degree off when setting my compass in the morning, I would be nearly a full KM away from my destination.
Now if I were to make a homemade rocket to try and land on the moon but was one degree off, I would miss the moon by 6700 KM’s.
After a mile, you'll be off by 28 Metres. One degree is starting to make a difference.
If the same rocket that was one degree off when trying to get to the sun, would miss by 2 million KM’s!
After a mile, you'll be off by 92.2 feet. One degree is starting to make a difference.
After traveling from San Francisco to L.A., you'll be off by 6 miles.If you were trying to get from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., you'd end up on the other side of Baltimore, 42.6 miles away.
The point I’m trying to make is although a single degree might seem insignificant in the short term, over time, a mere one-degree error in course makes a huge difference! it becomes something that makes the difference between either succeeding or failing in your goal.
You see I believe in life your choices make choices. What I mean by this is that when we make a choice, we affect the choices we make in the future.
After traveling from San Francisco to L.A., you'll be off by 6 miles.
Traveling around the globe from Washington, DC, you'd miss by 435 miles and end up in Boston.In a rocket going to the moon, you'd be 4,169 miles off (nearly twice the diameter of the moon).Going to the sun, you'd miss by over 1.6 million miles (nearly twice the diameter of the sun).Traveling to the nearest star, you'd be off course by over 441 billion miles (120 times the distance from the earth to Pluto, or 4,745 times the distance from Earth to the sun).
The easiest demonstration of this is alcohol. You make a choice to drink and become drunk, which can lead to you doing things that you would not normally choose to do. However in my view, you did choose. You see our choices make choices, what we choose now will affect our future ability to choose.
If you were trying to get from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., you'd end up on the other side of Baltimore, 42.6 miles away.
Traveling around the globe from Washington, DC, you'd miss by 435 miles and end up in Boston.In a rocket going to the moon, you'd be 4,169 miles off (nearly twice the diameter of the moon).
Maybe He
Over time, a mere one-degree error in course makes a huge difference!
Although I have been talking about this in the negative light , there is a positive aspect to this. Although a single degree of error can have devastating effects down the track, a single degree of positive change can lead to a completely different future for yourself. Sometimes its hard to turn our lives around because there is so much to change. If you start with a single degree of change, it will make a difference. Then after making the decision to make that small change, I believe your choice will make choices, and you will find yourself being in a position to make other changes in your life.
Going to the sun, you'd miss by over 1.6 million miles (nearly twice the diameter of the sun).
Traveling to the nearest star, you'd be off course by over 441 billion miles (120 times the distance from the earth to Pluto, or 4,745 times the distance from Earth to the sun).
Although seeing God in this light to some might only seem like several small degrees of error, the results of this is devastating. As this is exactly what the devil would have us believe
Do you choose to hide in ignorance or do you choose to pursue truth
Do you choose to cloak yourself in darkness or do you choose to bask in the light and to become the light to this world?
Do you choose to harden your heart and live in apathy or do you choose to allow the love of God to soak into your heart?
The devil does not need to make you stop believing in God to win. Maybe all he needs to do is corrupt your view of God.
Do you choose the desires of your own heart, or do you choose God?
If you would like to choose God today and surrender to him, I would encourage you to sing our closing song, I surrender all. please stand.
and choose what team you want to cover your back cause theirs a war going on around us it consists of 2 sides and no fence if u dont fight for Christ den I suggest u might be in the wrong trench cause in da bible it says if ur lukewarm god will spit u out so lay ur hands on ur doubt and enter the fight dosent matter how weak u feel cause all u gotta do is refelect Gods might and leave nothing to regret in hindsight but u can neva win a war if u dunt no who is ur foe and how do expect to win a race widout knowing where to go so we gotta keep studying and continuously grow we need to put aside our will and our own ego and allow God to be the star in our show
lgiht dark
god
It would be an absolute victory for the devil to have God seen as a tyrant and as a God of wrath who judges us harshly, only subduing His blood rage by killing His only Son who was innocent.
Although this might only seem like several small degrees of error to some; this is exactly what the devil would have us believe and the results of this is devastating.
You see it is important
although our choice is important
Great controversy is about, is God good and worthy of obedience?
Every person has a choice and every choice has a consequence
your choices will make choices
mind you, I don't mean to imply that its a singular action, rather its our time to start choosing. We need to choose everyday what side of the controversy we are on. The
mind you, I don't mean to imply that its a singular action, rather its our time to start choosing. We need to choose everyday what side of the controversy we are on. The
The bible goes on to say that friendship we have with the world actually puts us at enmity with God, in it says: You adulterous people, do you not know that friendship of the world is enmity against God? Therefore whoever makes himself a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
You adulterous people, do you not know that friendship of the world is enmity against God? Therefore whoever makes himself a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
Ive been thinking lately about
After 100 yards, you'll be off by 5.2 feet. Not huge, but noticeable.After a mile, you'll be off by 92.2 feet. One degree is starting to make a difference.After traveling from San Francisco to L.A., you'll be off by 6 miles.If you were trying to get from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., you'd end up on the other side of Baltimore, 42.6 miles away.Traveling around the globe from Washington, DC, you'd miss by 435 miles and end up in Boston.In a rocket going to the moon, you'd be 4,169 miles off (nearly twice the diameter of the moon).Going to the sun, you'd miss by over 1.6 million miles (nearly twice the diameter of the sun).Traveling to the nearest star, you'd be off course by over 441 billion miles (120 times the distance from the earth to Pluto, or 4,745 times the distance from Earth to the sun).
Over time, a mere one-degree error in course makes a huge difference!
1. first of all no man owns this land, this is the contested area in the battle field where no one has any particular stake
2. secondly it’s called no man’s land is because there is no man in this piece of land because no man’s land is the most dangerous place in the battlefield due to it being in the middle of both sides shooting at each other and you would be caught in the cross fire. No one wants to be that man in no man’s land
No man’s land is the most dangerous place in the battlefield due to it being in the middle of both sides shooting at each other and you would be caught in the cross fire. No one wants to be that man in no man’s land
It’s the same in the spiritual battlefield, there are only two sides, Gods side and everything else. The devils job isn’t to make you choose his trench, but to stop you from entering Christs trench.
It’s the same in the spiritual battlefield, there are only two sides, Gods side and everything else
The devil is job isn’t to make you choose him, his job is to make you choose anything other than God
your choices will make choices
just remember da great commission to go out and make disciples and teach them his ways which your life should display cause life aint got no Gray cause Jesus said ur either wid him or against him which means lifes just white and black so pick up ur act and choose wat team u want to cover ur back cause theirs a war going on around us it consists of 2 sides and no fence if u dont fight for Christ den I suggest u might be in the wrong trench cause in da bible it says if ur lukewarm god will spit u out so lay ur hands on ur doubt and enter the fight dosent matter how weak u feel cause all u gotta do is refelect Gods might and leave nothing to regret in hindsight but u can neva win a war if u dunt no who is ur foe and how do expect to win a race widout knowing where to go so we gotta keep studying and continuously grow we need to put aside our will and our own ego and allow God to be the star in our show
You adulterous people, do you not know that friendship of the world is enmity against God? Therefore whoever makes himself a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
There needs to be a decision that needs to be made and it has to be decisive. You can’t play both sides of the fence.
Jesus reiterates this by saying you’re either with me or you are against me, there’s no third option!
Picture a Battlefield, you have two trenches and on one side you have all the lords host of armies and on the other side you have the devils armies arrayed. In the middle there is a place that they call no man’s land, and it’s called this for two reasons,
first of all no man owns this land, this is the contested area in the battle field where no one has any particular stake
and the second reason it’s called no man’s land is because there is no man in this piece of land because if you can imagine that
No man’s land is the most dangerous place in the battlefield due to it being in the middle of both sides shooting at each other and you would be caught in the cross fire. No one wants to be that man in no man’s land
It’s the same in the spiritual battlefield, there are only two sides, Gods side and everything else
The devil is job isn’t to make you choose him, his job is to make you choose anything other than God
Great Controversy Author’s Preface

Before the entrance of sin, Adam enjoyed open communion with his Maker; but since man separated himself from God by transgression, the human race has been cut off from this high privilege. By the plan of redemption, however, a way has been opened whereby the inhabitants of the earth may still have connection with Heaven. God has communicated with men by his Spirit, and divine light has been imparted to the world by revelations to his chosen servants. “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21.

Before I conclude, I would like to share an extract from a poem that I wrote in my youth that I believe highlights many of the points that I have already made:
Just remember the Great Commission To go out and make disciples and teach them his ways Which your life should display In Christianity there is no Gray Because Jesus said your either with him or against him Which means life’s just white and black So pick up your act and choose what team you want to cover your back Theres a war going on around us It consists of 2 sides and no fence If you don't fight for Christ then I suggest you might be in the wrong trench Cause in the bible it says if your lukewarm god will spit u out So lay your hands on your doubt And enter the fight Forget how weak you feel cause all you gotta do is reflect Gods might And leave nothing to regret in hindsight But you can never win a war if you don't know who is your foe And how do expect to win a race without knowing where to go So we gotta keep studying and continuously grow We need to put aside our will and ego And allow God to be the star in our show

Conclusion

Just remember the Great Commission To go out and make disciples and teach them his ways Which your life should display In Christianity there is no Gray Because Jesus said your either with him or against him Which means life’s just white and black So pick up your act and choose what team you want to cover your back Theirs a war going on around us It consists of 2 sides and no fence If you don't fight for Christ then I suggest you might be in the wrong trench Cause in the bible it says if your lukewarm god will spit u out So lay your hands on your doubt And enter the fight Forget how weak u feel cause all you gotta do is reflect Gods might And leave nothing to regret in hindsight But you can never win a war if you don't know who is your foe And how do expect to win a race without knowing where to go So we gotta keep studying and continuously grow We need to put aside our will and our ego And allow God to be the star in our show
In summery we are in a battle, a battle that was being raged before we were on the earth, before the earth was even created. God acted decisively through His Son within the great controversy to claim victory. Throughout the great controversy everyone has been given a chance to choose and today I would like to give you a chance to choose.
Do you choose to hide in ignorance or do you choose to pursue truth
Do you choose to cloak yourself in darkness or do you choose to bask in the light and to become the light to this world?
Do you choose to harden your heart and live in apathy or do you choose to allow the love of God to soak into your heart?
Do you choose the desires of your own heart, or do you choose God?
If you would like to choose God today and surrender to him, I would encourage you to sing our closing song, I surrender all. please stand.
Unlike what normally happens, after I pray for you today, I will not walk down the aisle and shake every-bodies hand, I will instead stay at the front here, where I would like to make myself available to everybody if they have any questions concerning the things that we have discussed here today. I cant promise you that I will have all the answers, but I would like to continue a discussion with anybody that would like a bit more of an explanation. If there was something that was particularly powerful I would love to hear how God spoke to your heart. Although I am trying this out, I don't want you to feel pressured to come unless you want to.
Prayer.
Announce a picnic by the river, but need to being own food as unfortunately I don't think I have enough faith to feed the multitude with only a small amount of food. any questions, talk to Cathy.
Great Controversy Author’s Preface

The great controversy between good and evil will increase in intensity to the very close of time. In all ages the wrath of Satan has been manifested against the church of Christ; and God has bestowed his grace and Spirit upon his people to strengthen them to stand against the power of the evil one.

Great Controversy Author’s Preface

Through the illumination of the Holy Spirit, the scenes of the long-continued conflict between good and evil have been opened to the writer of these pages. From time to time I have been permitted to behold the working, in different ages, of the great controversy between Christ, the Prince of life, the author of our salvation, and Satan, the prince of evil, the author of sin, the first transgressor of God’s holy law. Satan’s enmity against Christ has been manifested against his followers. The same hatred of the principles of God’s law, the same policy of deception, by which error is made to appear as truth, by which human laws are substituted for the law of God, and men are led to worship the creature rather than the Creator, may be traced in all the history of the past. Satan’s efforts to misrepresent the character of God, to cause men to cherish a false conception of the Creator, and thus to regard him with fear and hate rather than with love, his endeavors to set aside the divine law, leading the people to think themselves free from its requirements, and his persecution of those who dare to resist his deceptions, have been steadfastly pursued in all ages. They may be traced in the history of patriarchs, prophets, and apostles, of martyrs and reformers.

It is why I view the bible in terms of relationship.
Great Controversy Author’s Preface

In the great final conflict, Satan will employ the same policy, manifest the same spirit, and work for the same end, as in all preceding ages. That which has been, will be, except that the coming struggle will be marked with a terrible intensity such as the world has never witnessed. Satan’s deceptions will be more subtle, his assaults more determined. If it were possible, he would lead astray the elect. Mark 13:22, Reevised Version.

Great Controversy Author’s Preface

The great controversy between good and evil will increase in intensity to the very close of time. In all ages the wrath of Satan has been manifested against the church of Christ; and God has bestowed his grace and Spirit upon his people to strengthen them to stand against the power of the evil one. When the apostles of Christ were to bear his gospel to the world and to record it for all future ages, they were especially endowed with the enlightenment of the Spirit. But as the church approaches her final deliverance, Satan is to work with greater power. He comes down “having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:12. He will work “with all power and signs and lying wonders.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9. For six thousand years that master-mind that once was highest among the angels of God, has been wholly bent to the work of deception and ruin. And all the depths of Satanic skill and subtlety acquired, all the cruelty developed, during these struggles of the ages, will be brought to bear against God’s people in the final conflict. And in this time of peril the followers of Christ are to bear to the world the warning of the Lord’s second advent; and a people are to be prepared to stand before him at his coming, “without spot, and blameless.” 2 Peter 3:14. At this time the special endowment of divine grace and power is not less needful to the church than in apostolic days.

Lucifer

Lucifer

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 1: The Fall of Satan

The Lord has shown me that Satan was once an honored angel in heaven, next to Jesus Christ. His countenance was mild, expressive of happiness like the other angels. His forehead was high and broad, and showed great intelligence. His form was perfect. He had a noble, majestic bearing. And I saw that when God said to his Son, Let us make man in our image, Satan was jealous of Jesus. He wished to be consulted concerning the formation of man. He was filled with envy, jealousy and hatred. He wished to be the highest in heaven, next to God, and receive the highest honors. Until this time all heaven was in order, harmony and perfect subjection to the government of God.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 1: The Fall of Satan

It was the highest sin to rebel against the order and will of God. All heaven seemed in commotion. The angels were marshaled in companies with a commanding angel at their head. All the angels were astir. Satan was insinuating against the government of God, ambitious to exalt himself, and unwilling to submit to the authority of Jesus. Some of the angels sympathized with Satan in his rebellion, and others strongly contended for the honor and wisdom of God in giving authority to his Son. And there was contention with the angels. Satan and his affected ones, who were striving to reform the government of God, wished to look into his unsearchable wisdom to ascertain his purpose in exalting Jesus, and endowing him with such unlimited power and command. They rebelled against the authority of the Son of God, and all the angels were summoned to appear before the Father, to have their cases decided. And it was decided that Satan should be expelled from heaven, and that the angels, all who joined with Satan in the rebellion, should be turned out with him. Then there was war in heaven. Angels were engaged in the battle; Satan wished to conquer the Son of God, and those who were submissive to his will. But the good and true angels prevailed, and Satan, with his followers, was driven from heaven.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 1: The Fall of Satan

After Satan was shut out of heaven, with those who fell with him, he realized that he had lost all the purity and glory of heaven forever. Then he repented and wished to be reinstated again in heaven. He was willing to take his proper place, or any place that might be assigned him. But no, heaven must not be placed in jeopardy. All heaven might be marred should he be taken back; for sin originated with him, and the seeds of rebellion were within him. Satan had obtained followers, those who sympathized with him in his rebellion. He and his followers repented, wept and implored to be taken back into the favor of God. But no, their sin, their hate, their envy and jealousy, had been so great that God could not blot it out. It must remain to receive its final punishment.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 1: The Fall of Satan

When Satan became fully conscious that there was no possibility of his being brought again into favor with God, then his malice and hatred began to be manifest. He consulted with his angels, and a plan was laid to still work against God’s government. When Adam and Eve were placed in the beautiful garden, Satan was laying plans to destroy them. A consultation was held with his evil angels. In no way could this happy couple be deprived of their happiness if they obeyed God. Satan could not exercise his power upon them unless they should first disobey God, and forfeit his favor. They must devise some plan to lead them to disobedience that they might incur God’s frown, and be brought under the more direct influence of Satan and his angels. It was decided that Satan should assume another form, and manifest an interest for man. He must insinuate against God’s truthfulness, create doubt whether God did mean as he said, next, excite their curiosity, and lead them to pry into the unsearchable plans of God, which Satan had been guilty of, and reason as to the cause of his restrictions in regard to the tree of knowledge.

Adam

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 2: The Fall of Man

I saw that the holy angels often visited the garden, and gave instruction to Adam and Eve concerning their employment, and also taught them concerning the rebellion of Satan and his fall. The angels warned them of Satan, and cautioned them not to separate from each other in their employment, for they might be brought in contact with this fallen foe. The angels enjoined upon them to closely follow the directions God had given them, for in perfect obedience only were they safe. And if they were obedient, this fallen foe could have no power over them.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 2: The Fall of Man

Satan commenced his work with Eve, to cause her to disobey. 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—In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. She thought, Perhaps it does not mean just as the Lord said. She ventured to disobey. She put forth her hand, took of the fruit, and ate. It was pleasing to the eye, and pleasant to the taste. She was jealous that God had withheld from them what was really for their good. She offered the fruit to her husband, thereby tempting him. She related to Adam all that the serpent had said, and expressed her astonishment that he had the power of speech.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 2: The Fall of Man

I saw a sadness came over Adam’s countenance. He appeared afraid and astonished. A struggle appeared to be going on in his mind. He felt sure that this was the foe which they had been warned against, and that his wife must die. They must be separated. His love for Eve was strong. And in utter discouragement he resolved to share her fate. He seized the fruit, and quickly ate it. Then Satan exulted. He had rebelled in heaven, and had sympathizers who loved him, and followed him in his rebellion. He fell, and caused others to fall with him. And he had now tempted the woman to distrust God, to inquire into his wisdom, and to seek to penetrate his all-wise plans. Satan knew the woman would not fall alone. Adam, through his love for Eve, disobeyed the command of God, and fell with her.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 2: The Fall of Man

The news of man’s fall spread through heaven. Every harp was hushed. The angels cast their crowns from their heads in sorrow. All heaven was in agitation. A counsel was held to decide what must be done with the guilty pair. The angels feared that they would put forth the hand, and eat of the tree of life, and be immortal sinners. But God said that he would drive the transgressors from the garden. Angels were commissioned immediately to guard the way of the tree of life. It had been Satan’s studied plan that Adam and Eve should disobey God, receive his frown, and then be led on to partake of the tree of life, that they might live forever in sin and disobedience, and thus sin be immortalized. But holy angels were sent to drive them out of the garden, while another company of angels were commissioned to guard the way to the tree of life. Each of these mighty angels appeared to have something in their right hand, which looked like a glittering sword.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 2: The Fall of Man

Then Satan triumphed. Others he had made to suffer by his fall. He had been shut out of heaven, they out of Paradise.

Great Controversy Author’s Preface

Before the entrance of sin, Adam enjoyed open communion with his Maker; but since man separated himself from God by transgression, the human race has been cut off from this high privilege. By the plan of redemption, however, a way has been opened whereby the inhabitants of the earth may still have connection with Heaven. God has communicated with men by his Spirit, and divine light has been imparted to the world by revelations to his chosen servants. “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 1: The Fall of Satan

It was the highest sin to rebel against the order and will of God. All heaven seemed in commotion. The angels were marshaled in companies with a commanding angel at their head. All the angels were astir. Satan was insinuating against the government of God, ambitious to exalt himself, and unwilling to submit to the authority of Jesus. Some of the angels sympathized with Satan in his rebellion, and others strongly contended for the honor and wisdom of God in giving authority to his Son. And there was contention with the angels. Satan and his affected ones, who were striving to reform the government of God, wished to look into his unsearchable wisdom to ascertain his purpose in exalting Jesus, and endowing him with such unlimited power and command. They rebelled against the authority of the Son of God, and all the angels were summoned to appear before the Father, to have their cases decided. And it was decided that Satan should be expelled from heaven, and that the angels, all who joined with Satan in the rebellion, should be turned out with him. Then there was war in heaven. Angels were engaged in the battle; Satan wished to conquer the Son of God, and those who were submissive to his will. But the good and true angels prevailed, and Satan, with his followers, was driven from heaven.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 1: The Fall of Satan

After Satan was shut out of heaven, with those who fell with him, he realized that he had lost all the purity and glory of heaven forever. Then he repented and wished to be reinstated again in heaven. He was willing to take his proper place, or any place that might be assigned him. But no, heaven must not be placed in jeopardy. All heaven might be marred should he be taken back; for sin originated with him, and the seeds of rebellion were within him. Satan had obtained followers, those who sympathized with him in his rebellion. He and his followers repented, wept and implored to be taken back into the favor of God. But no, their sin, their hate, their envy and jealousy, had been so great that God could not blot it out. It must remain to receive its final punishment.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 1: The Fall of Satan

When Satan became fully conscious that there was no possibility of his being brought again into favor with God, then his malice and hatred began to be manifest. He consulted with his angels, and a plan was laid to still work against God’s government. When Adam and Eve were placed in the beautiful garden, Satan was laying plans to destroy them. A consultation was held with his evil angels. In no way could this happy couple be deprived of their happiness if they obeyed God. Satan could not exercise his power upon them unless they should first disobey God, and forfeit his favor. They must devise some plan to lead them to disobedience that they might incur God’s frown, and be brought under the more direct influence of Satan and his angels. It was decided that Satan should assume another form, and manifest an interest for man. He must insinuate against God’s truthfulness, create doubt whether God did mean as he said, next, excite their curiosity, and lead them to pry into the unsearchable plans of God, which Satan had been guilty of, and reason as to the cause of his restrictions in regard to the tree of knowledge.

I want to tell a story and it starts in direct contrast to the modern fairy tale. instead of ending with a they lived happiely ever after, this story started with a happliey ever before.
God came into the world
The story I am telling is the story of God. God lived for eternity past in perfect peace and harmony because He was the source of peace and love and all of His creation choose to live under His system of love.
We don't know how many angels there were in heaven at the time but I think it would be safe to presume that the number would be fairly large. God had presumably a large amount of angels, who all lived in peace, nobody fought, nobody gossiped, nobody cheated and nobody even hated anybody else. Everyone choose to live under Gods law of liberty. God did not force this onto them, Gods rule was legitimized by being right not by His might.
God
Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation

Sorrow filled heaven, as it was realized that man was lost, and the world that God created was to be filled with mortals doomed to misery, sickness and death, and there was no way of escape for the offender. The whole family of Adam must die. I saw the lovely Jesus, and beheld an expression of sympathy and sorrow upon his countenance. Soon I saw him approach the exceeding bright light which enshrouded the Father. Said my accompanying angel, He is in close converse with his Father. The anxiety of the angels seemed to be intense while Jesus was communing with his Father. Three times he was shut in by the glorious light about the Father, and the third time he came from the Father, his person could be seen. His countenance was calm, free from all perplexity and trouble, and shone with benevolence and loveliness, such as words cannot express. He then made known to the angelic host that a way of escape had been made for lost man. 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. That through the merits of his blood, and obedience to the law of God, they could have the favor of God, and be brought into the beautiful garden, and eat of the fruit of the tree of life.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation

At first the angels could not rejoice, for their commander concealed nothing from them, but opened before them the plan of salvation. Jesus told them that he would stand between the wrath of his Father and guilty man, that he would bear iniquity and scorn, and but few would receive him as the Son of God. Nearly all would hate and reject him. He would leave all his glory in heaven, appear upon earth as a man, humble himself as a man, become acquainted by his own experience with the various temptations with which man would be beset, that he might know how to succor those who should be tempted; and that finally, after his mission as a teacher should be accomplished, he would be delivered into the hands of men, and endure almost every cruelty and suffering that Satan and his angels could inspire wicked men to inflict; that he should die the cruelest of deaths, hung up between the heavens and the earth as a guilty sinner; that he should suffer dreadful hours of agony, which even angels could not look upon, but would vail their faces from the sight. Not merely agony of body would he suffer; but mental agony, that with which bodily suffering could in no wise be compared. The weight of the sins of the whole world would be upon him. He told them he would die and rise again the third day, and should ascend to his Father to intercede for wayward, guilty man.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation

The angels prostrated themselves before him. They offered their lives. Jesus said to them that he should by his death save many; that the life of an angel could not pay the debt. His life alone could be accepted of his Father as a ransom for man.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation

Jesus also told them that they should have a part to act, to be with him, and at different times strengthen him. That he should take man’s fallen nature, and his strength would not be even equal with theirs. And they should be witnesses of his humiliation and great sufferings. And as they should witness his sufferings, and the hate of men towards him, they would be stirred with the deepest emotions, and through their love for him, would wish to rescue, and deliver him from his murderers; but that they must not interfere to prevent anything they should behold; and that they should act a part in his resurrection; that the plan of salvation was devised, and his Father had accepted the plan.

God Not only lives in perfection with all the angels living peaceably with each other, I like to think of God having a perfect relationship with each of the angels. I like to think that God was intimately connected with everyone of them. I like to think that God was honest and transparent. I like to think that He was loving and kind. I like to think that He was good.
Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation

With a holy sadness Jesus comforted and cheered the angels, and informed them that hereafter those whom he should redeem would be with him, and ever dwell with him; and that by his death he should ransom many, and destroy him who had the power of death. And his Father would give him the kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, and he should possess it forever and ever. Satan and sinners should be destroyed, never more to disturb heaven, or the purified, new earth. Jesus bid the heavenly host be reconciled to the plan that his Father accepted, and rejoice that fallen man could be exalted again through his death, to obtain favor with God and enjoy heaven.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation

Jesus also told them that they should have a part to act, to be with him, and at different times strengthen him. That he should take man’s fallen nature, and his strength would not be even equal with theirs. And they should be witnesses of his humiliation and great sufferings. And as they should witness his sufferings, and the hate of men towards him, they would be stirred with the deepest emotions, and through their love for him, would wish to rescue, and deliver him from his murderers; but that they must not interfere to prevent anything they should behold; and that they should act a part in his resurrection; that the plan of salvation was devised, and his Father had accepted the plan.

However despite all of this, God
Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation

Then joy, inexpressible joy, filled heaven. And the heavenly host sung a song of praise and adoration. They touched their harps and sung a note higher than they had done before, for the great mercy and condescension of God in yielding up his dearly Beloved to die for a race of rebels. Praise and adoration were poured forth for the self-denial and sacrifice of Jesus; that he would consent to leave the bosom of his Father, and choose a life of suffering and anguish, and die an ignominious death to give life to others.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation

Said the angel, Think ye that the Father yielded up his dearly beloved Son without a struggle? No, no. It was even a struggle with the God of heaven, whether to let guilty man perish, or to give his beloved Son to die for them. Angels were so interested for man’s salvation that there could be found among them those who would yield their glory, and give their life for perishing man. But, said my accompanying angel, That would avail nothing. The transgression was so great that an angel’s life would not pay the debt. Nothing but the death and intercessions of his Son would pay the debt, and save lost man from hopeless sorrow and misery.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation

But the work of the angels was assigned them, to ascend and descend with strengthening balm from glory to soothe the Son of God in his sufferings, and administer unto him. Also, their work would be to guard and keep the subjects of grace from the evil angels, and the darkness constantly thrown around them by Satan. I saw that it was impossible for God to alter or change his law, to save lost, perishing man; therefore he suffered his beloved Son to die for man’s transgression.

Satan again rejoiced with his angels that he could, by causing man’s fall, pull down the Son of God from his exalted position. He told his angels that when Jesus should take fallen man’s nature, he could overpower him, and hinder the accomplishment of the plan of salvation.

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1 Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation

I was then shown Satan as he was, a happy, exalted angel. Then I was shown him as he now is. He still bears a kingly form. His features are still noble, for he is an angel fallen. But the expression of his countenance is full of anxiety, care, unhappiness, malice, hate, mischief, deceit, and every evil. That brow which was once so noble, I particularly noticed. His forehead commenced from his eyes to recede backward. I saw that he had demeaned himself so long, that every good quality was debased, and every evil trait was developed. His eyes were cunning, sly, and showed great penetration. His frame was large, but the flesh hung loosely about his hands and face. As I beheld him, his chin was resting upon his left hand. He appeared to be in deep thought. A smile was upon his countenance, which made me tremble, it was so full of evil, and Satanic slyness. This smile is the one he wears just before he makes sure of his victim, and as he fastens the victim in his snare, this smile grows horrible.

However despite all of this, there was an angel who had lived in peace all of his life, but became a little bit unsatisfied with the way God was running things. At this time God

Consequences for the choice

War on Earth

Perfect Earth

Perfect Relationship

Earth chooses

consequences for the choice

Heaven comes to earth

Perfect God

Perfect relationship

God chooses

God chooses

The results of the choice

Conclusion

and
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