The Great Controversy

What Is the Sanctuary? 239

of ministration in the first apartment removal, or blotting out, of the sins
of the sanctuary in heaven. which are there recorded. But before
this can be accomplished, there must be
Thither the faith of Christ’s disciples an examination of the books of record
followed Him as He ascended from their to determine who, through repentance
sight. Here their hopes centered, “which of sin and faith in Christ, are entitled
hope we have,” said Paul, “as an anchor to the benefits of His atonement. The
of the soul, both sure and steadfast, cleansing of the sanctuary therefore
and which entereth into that within involves a work of investigation—a
the veil; whither the forerunner is for work of judgment. This work must be
us entered, even Jesus, made an high performed prior to the coming of Christ
priest forever.” “Neither by the blood of to redeem His people; for when He
goats and calves, but by His own blood comes, His reward is with Him to give
He entered in once into the holy place, to every man according to his works.
having obtained eternal redemption for Revelation 22:12.
us.” Hebrews 6:19, 20; 9:12.
Thus those who followed in the
For eighteen centuries this work light of the prophetic word saw that,
of ministration continued in the first instead of coming to the earth at the
apartment of the sanctuary. The blood termination of the 2300 days in 1844,
of Christ, pleaded in behalf of penitent Christ then entered the most holy place
believers, secured their pardon and of the heavenly sanctuary to perform the
acceptance with the Father, yet their closing work of atonement preparatory
sins still remained upon the books of to His coming.
record. As in the typical service there
was a work of atonement at the close of It was seen, also, that while the sin
the year, so before Christ’s work for the offering pointed to Christ as a sacrifice,
redemption of men is completed there and the high priest represented Christ
is a work of atonement for the removal as a mediator, the scapegoat typified
of sin from the sanctuary. This is the Satan, the author of sin, upon whom
service which began when the 2300 the sins of the truly penitent will finally
days ended. At that time, as foretold be placed. When the high priest, by
by Daniel the prophet, our High Priest virtue of the blood of the sin offering,
entered the most holy, to perform the removed the sins from the sanctuary, he
last division of His solemn work—to placed them upon the scapegoat. When
cleanse the sanctuary. Christ, by virtue of His own blood,
removes the sins of His people from
As anciently the sins of the people the heavenly sanctuary at the close of
were by faith placed upon the sin offer- His ministration, He will place them
ing and through its blood transferred, upon Satan, who, in the execution of the
in figure, to the earthly sanctuary, so judgment, must bear the final penalty.
in the new covenant the sins of the re- The scapegoat was sent away into a land
pentant are by faith placed upon Christ not inhabited, never to come again into
and transferred, in fact, to the heavenly the congregation of Israel. So will Satan
sanctuary. And as the typical cleansing be forever banished from the presence
of the earthly was accomplished by the of God and His people, and he will be
removal of the sins by which it had been blotted from existence in the final de-
polluted, so the actual cleansing of the struction of sin and sinners.
heavenly is to be accomplished by the

CHAPTER 24

In the Holy of Holies

T he subject of the sanctuary was correct. In proclaiming it they had
the key which unlocked the fulfilled the purpose of God, and their
mystery of the disappointment labor had not been in vain in the Lord.
of 1844. It opened to view a complete Begotten “again unto a lively hope,” they
system of truth, connected and har- rejoiced “with joy unspeakable and full
monious, showing that God’s hand had of glory.”
directed the great advent movement Both the prophecy of Daniel 8:14,
and revealing present duty as it brought “Unto two thousand and three hun-
to light the position and work of His dred days; then shall the sanctuary be
people. As the disciples of Jesus after the cleansed,” and the first angel’s message,
terrible night of their anguish and disap- “Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the
pointment were “glad when they saw the hour of His judgment is come,” pointed
Lord,” so did those now rejoice who had to Christ’s ministration in the most holy
looked in faith for His second coming. place, to the investigative judgment,
They had expected Him to appear in and not to the coming of Christ for
glory to give reward to His servants. the redemption of His people and the
As their hopes were disappointed, they destruction of the wicked. The mistake
had not been in the reckoning of the
Now in the holy of holies they again prophetic patertihoedes,nbduotf itnheth2e30ev0ednat ytso.
beheld Him, their compassionate take place
High Priest, soon to appear as their Through this error the believers had
king and deliverer. Light from the suffered disappointment, yet all that
sanctuary illumined the past, the was foretold by the prophecy, and all
present, and the future. that they had any Scripture warrant to
had lost sight of Jesus, and with Mary expect, had been accomplished. At the
at the sepulcher they cried: “They have very time when they were lamenting
taken away my Lord, and I know not the failure of their hopes, the event had
where they have laid Him.” Now in the taken place which was foretold by the
holy of holies they again beheld Him, message, and which must be fulfilled
their compassionate High Priest, soon before the Lord could appear to give
to appear as their king and deliverer. reward to His servants.
Light from the sanctuary illumined the Christ had come, not to the earth,
past, the present, and the future. They as they expected, but, as foreshadowed
knew that God had led them by His in the type, to the most holy place of the
unerring providence. Though, like the temple of God in heaven. He is repre-
first disciples, they themselves had failed sented by the prophet Daniel as coming
to understand the message which they at this time to the Ancient of Days: “I
bore, yet it had been in every respect saw in the night visions, and, behold,
one like the Son of man came with the
clouds of heaven, and came”—not to
the earth, but—“to the Ancient of Days,

In the Holy of Holies 241

and they brought Him near before Him.” being removed from the sanctuary, there
Daniel 7:13. is to be a special work of purification,
of putting away of sin, among God’s
This coming is foretold also by the people upon earth. This work is more
prophet Malachi: “The Lord, whom clearly presented in the messages of
ye seek, shall suddenly come to His Revelation 14.
temple, even the Messenger of the
covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, Both the prophecy of Daniel 8:14,
He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.” “Unto two thousand and three
Malachi 3:1. The coming of the Lord hundred days; then shall the
to His temple was sudden, unexpected, sanctuary be cleansed,” and the
to His people. They were not looking first angel’s message, “Fear God,
to Him there. They expected Him to and give glory to Him; for the hour
come to earth, “in flaming fire taking of His judgment is come,” pointed
vengeance on them that know not to Christ’s ministration in the most
God, and that obey not the gospel.” holy place.
2 Thessalonians 1:8.
When this work shall have been ac-
But the people were not yet ready to complished, the followers of Christ will
meet their Lord. There was still a work be ready for His appearing. “Then shall
of preparation to be accomplished for the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be
them. Light was to be given, directing pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of
their minds to the temple of God in old, and as in former years.” Malachi 3:4.
heaven; and as they should by faith fol- Then the church which our Lord at His
low their High Priest in His ministration coming is to receive to Himself will be
there, new duties would be revealed. a “glorious church, not having spot, or
Another message of warning and in- wrinkle, or any such thing.” Ephesians
struction was to be given to the church. 5:27. Then she will look “forth as the
morning, fair as the moon, clear as the
Says the prophet: “Who may abide sun, and terrible as an army with ban-
the day of His coming? and who shall ners.” Song of Solomon 6:10.
stand when He appeareth? for He is like
a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: and Besides the coming of the Lord to
He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of His temple, Malachi also foretells His
silver: and He shall purify the sons of second advent, His coming for the ex-
Levi, and purge them as gold and sil- ecution of the judgment, in these words:
ver, that they may offer unto the Lord “And I will come near to you to judg-
an offering in righteousness.” Malachi ment; and I will be a swift witness against
3:2, 3. Those who are living upon the the sorcerers, and against the adulterers,
earth when the intercession of Christ and against false swearers, and against
shall cease in the sanctuary above are to those that oppress the hireling in his
stand in the sight of a holy God without wages, the widow, and the fatherless,
a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, and that turn aside the stranger from
their characters must be purified from his right, and fear not Me, saith the Lord
sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through of hosts.” Malachi 3:5. Jude refers to the
the grace of God and their own diligent same scene when he says, “Behold, the
effort they must be conquerors in the
battle with evil. While the investigative
judgment is going forward in heaven,
while the sins of penitent believers are

242 The Great Controversy

Lord cometh with ten thousands of His Holy City, and the virgins that go out to
saints, to execute judgment upon all, and meet the bridegroom are a symbol of the
to convince all that are ungodly among church. In the Revelation the people of
them of all their ungodly deeds.” Jude God are said to be the guests at the mar-
14, 15. This coming, and the coming of riage supper. Revelation 19:9. If guests,
the Lord to His temple, are distinct and they cannot be represented also as the
separate events. bride. Christ, as stated by the prophet
Daniel, will receive from the Ancient of
The coming of Christ as our high Days in heaven, “dominion, and glory,
priest to the most holy place, for the and a kingdom;” He will receive the New
cleansing of the sanctuary, brought to Jerusalem, the capital of His kingdom,
view in Daniel 8:14; the coming of the “prepared as a bride adorned for her
Son of man to the Ancient of Days, as husband.” Daniel 7:14; Revelation 21:2.
presented in Daniel 7:13; and the com- Having received the kingdom, He will
ing of the Lord to His temple, foretold come in His glory, as King of kings and
by Malachi, are descriptions of the same Lord of lords, for the redemption of
event; and this is also represented by the His people, who are to “sit down with
coming of the bridegroom to the mar- Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob,” at His
riage, described by Christ in the parable table in His kingdom (Matthew 8:11;
of the ten virgins, of Matthew 25. Luke 22:30), to partake of the marriage
supper of the Lamb.
In the summer and autumn of 1844 The proclamation, “Behold, the
the proclamation, “Behold, the Bride- Bridegroom cometh,” in the summer
groom cometh,” was given. The two of 1844, led thousands to expect the
classes represented by the wise and fool- immediate advent of the Lord. At the
ish virgins were then developed—one appointed time the Bridegroom came,
class who looked with joy to the Lord’s not to the earth, as the people expected,
appearing, and who had been diligently but to the Ancient of Days in heaven,
preparing to meet Him; another class to the marriage, the reception of His
that, influenced by fear and acting from kingdom. “They that were ready went in
impulse, had been satisfied with a theory with Him to the marriage: and the door
of the truth, but were destitute of the was shut.” They were not to be present in
grace of God. In the parable, when the person at the marriage; for it takes place
bridegroom came, “they that were ready in heaven, while they are upon the earth.
went in with him to the marriage.” The The followers of Christ are to “wait for
coming of the bridegroom, here brought their Lord, when He will Breuttutrhneyfroamre
to view, takes place before the marriage. the wedding.” Luke 12:36.
The marriage represents the reception to understand His work, and to follow
by Christ of His kingdom. The Holy City, Him by faith as He goes in before God.
the New Jerusalem, which is the capital It is in this sense that they are said to go
and representative of the kingdom, is in to the marriage.
called “the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” Said In the parable it was those that had
the angel to John: “Come hither, I will oil in their vessels with their lamps that
show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” went in to the marriage. Those who,
“He carried me away in the spirit,” says with a knowledge of the truth from the
the prophet, “and showed me that great Scriptures, had also the Spirit and grace
city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of God, and who, in the night of their
of heaven from God.” Revelation 21:9,
10. Clearly, then, the bride represents the

In the Holy of Holies 243

bitter trial, had patiently waited, search- “They that were ready went in with
ing the Bible for clearer light—these Him to the marriage: and the door was
saw the truth concerning the sanctuary shut,” we are carried down through the
in heaven and the Saviour’s change in Saviour’s final ministration, to the time
ministration, and by faith they followed when the great work for man’s salvation
Him in His work in the sanctuary above. shall be completed.
And all who through the testimony of
the Scriptures accept the same truths, In the service of the earthly sanctu-
following Christ by faith as He enters ary, which, as we have seen, is a figure
in before God to perform the last work of the service in the heavenly, when the
of mediation, and at its close to receive high priest on the Day of Atonement en-
His kingdom—all these are represented tered the most holy place, the ministra-
as going in to the marriage. tion in the first apartment ceased. God
commanded: “There shall be no man
In the parable of Matthew 22 the in the tabernacle of the congregation
same figure of the marriage is intro- when he goeth in to make an atonement
duced, and the investigative judgment is in the holy place, until he comes out.”
clearly represented as taking place before Leviticus 16:17. So when Christ entered
the marriage. Previous to the wedding the holy of holies to perform the clos-
the king comes in to see the guests, to see ing work of the atonement, He ceased
if all are attired in the wedding garment, His ministration in the first apartment.
the spotless robe of character washed But when the ministration in the first
and made white in the blood of the apartment ended, the ministration in
Lamb. Matthew 22:11; Revelation 7:14. the second apartment began. When
He who is found wanting is cast out, but in the typical service the high priest
all who upon examination are seen to left the holy on the Day of Atonement,
have the wedding garment on are ac- he went in before God to present the
cepted of God and accounted worthy of blood of the sin offering in behalf of all
a share in His kingdom and a seat upon Israel who truly repented of their sins.
His throne. This work of examination So Christ had only completed one part
of character, of determining who are of His work as our intercessor, to enter
prepared for the kingdom of God, is that upon another portion of the work, and
of the investigative judgment, the closing He still pleaded His blood before the
work in the sanctuary above. Father in behalf of sinners.

When the work of investigation shall This subject was not understood by
be ended, when the cases of those who Adventists in 1844. After the passing of
in all ages have professed to be followers the time when the Saviour was expected,
of Christ have been examined and de- they still believed His coming to be
cided, then, and not till then, probation near; they held that they had reached
will close, and the door of mercy will be an important crisis and that the work of
shut. Thus in the one short sentence, Christ as man’s intercessor before God

The followers of Christ are to “wait for their Lord, when He will return from
the wedding.” Luke 12:36. But they are to understand His work, and to follow
Him by faith as He goes in before God. It is in this sense that they are said
to go in to the marriage.

244 The Great Controversy

had ceased. It appeared to them to be But while it was true that that door of
taught in the Bible that man’s probation hope and mercy by which men had for
would close a short time before the ac- eighteen hundred years found access
tual coming of the Lord in the clouds of to God, was closed, another door was
heaven. This seemed evident from those opened, and forgiveness of sins was of-
scriptures which point to a time when fered to men through the intercession
men will seek, knock, and cry at the door of Christ in the most holy. One part of
His ministration had closed, only to
In the typical service, when the give place to another. There was still an
high priest entered the most holy “open door” to the heavenly sanctuary,
place, all Israel were required to where Christ was ministering in the
gather about the sanctuary and in sinner’s behalf.
the most solemn manner humble
their souls before God, that they Now was seen the application of
might receive the pardon of their those words of Christ in the Revelation,
sins and not be cut off from the addressed to the church at this very
congregation. How much more time: “These things saith He that is
essential in this antitypical Day of holy, He that is true, He that hath the
Atonement that we understand the key of David, He that openeth, and no
work of our High Priest and know man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man
what duties are required of us. openeth; I know thy works: behold, I
of mercy, and it will not be opened. And have set before thee an open door, and
it was a question with them whether the no man can shut it.” Revelation 3:7, 8.
date to which they had looked for the
coming of Christ might not rather mark It is those who by faith follow Jesus
the beginning of this period which was in the great work of the atonement who
immediately to precede His coming. receive the benefits of His mediation in
Having given the warning of the judg- their behalf, while those who reject the
ment near, they felt that their work for light which brings to view this work of
the world was done, and they lost their ministration are not benefited thereby.
burden of soul for the salvation of sin- The Jews who rejected the light given at
ners, while the bold and blasphemous Christ’s first advent, and refused to be-
scoffing of the ungodly seemed to them lieve on Him as the Saviour of the world,
another evidence that the Spirit of God could not receive pardon through Him.
had been withdrawn from the rejecters When Jesus at His ascension entered by
of His mercy. All this confirmed them His own blood into the heavenly sanctu-
in the belief that probation had ended, ary to shed upon His disciples the bless-
or, as they then expressed it, “the door ings of His mediation, the Jews were left
of mercy was shut.” in total darkness to continue their useless
sacrifices and offerings. The ministration
But clearer light came with the in- of types and shadows had ceased. That
vestigation of the sanctuary question. door by which men had formerly found
They now saw that they were correct in access to God was no longer open. The
believing that the end of the 2300 days Jews had refused to seek Him in the only
in 1844 marked an important crisis. way whereby He could then be found,
through the ministration in the sanctu-
ary in heaven. Therefore they found no
communion with God. To them the door
was shut. They had no knowledge of

In the Holy of Holies 245

Christ as the true sacrifice and the only reject the teachings of His word, God
mediator before God; hence they could withdraws His Spirit and leaves them to
not receive the benefits of His mediation. the deceptions which they love.

The condition of the unbelieving But Christ still intercedes in man’s
Jews illustrates the condition of the care- behalf, and light will be given to those
less and unbelieving among professed who seek it. Though this was not at
Christians, who are willingly ignorant first understood by Adventists, it was
of the work of our merciful High Priest. afterward made plain as the Scriptures
In the typical service, when the high which define their true position began
priest entered the most holy place, all to open before them.
Israel were required to gather about the
sanctuary and in the most solemn man- The passing of the time in 1844
ner humble their souls before God, that was followed by a period of great trial
they might receive the pardon of their to those who still held the advent faith.
sins and not be cut off from the congre- Their only relief, so far as ascertaining
gation. How much more essential in this their true position was concerned, was
antitypical Day of Atonement that we the light which directed their minds to
understand the work of our High Priest the sanctuary above. Some renounced
and know what duties are required of us.
As they waited and watched and
Men cannot with impunity reject prayed to know the will of God
the warning which God in mercy sends they saw that their great High Priest
them. A message was sent from heaven had entered upon another work of
to the world in Noah’s day, and their ministration, and, following Him by
salvation depended upon the manner in faith, they were led to see also the
which they treated that message. Because closing work of the church.
they rejected the warning, the Spirit of their faith in their former reckoning of
God was withdrawn from the sinful race, the prophetic periods and ascribed to
and they perished in the waters of the human or satanic agencies the powerful
Flood. In the time of Abraham, mercy influence of the Holy Spirit which had
ceased to plead with the guilty inhabit- attended the advent movement. Another
ants of Sodom, and all but Lot with his class firmly held that the Lord had led
wife and two daughters were consumed them in their past experience; and as
by the fire sent down from heaven. So they waited and watched and prayed
in the days of Christ. The Son of God to know the will of God they saw that
declared to the unbelieving Jews of that their great High Priest had entered upon
generation: “Your house is left unto another work of ministration, and, fol-
you desolate.” Matthew 23:38. Looking lowing Him by faith, they were led to
down to the last days, the same Infinite see also the closing work of the church.
Power declares, concerning those who They had a clearer understanding of the
“received not the love of the truth, that first and second angels’ messages, and
they might be saved”: “For this cause were prepared to receive and give to the
God shall send them strong delusion, world the solemn warning of the third
that they should believe a lie: that they all angel of Revelation 14.
might be damned who believed not the
truth, but had pleasure in unrighteous-
ness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. As they

CHAPTER 25

God’s Law Immutable

“The temple of God was opened and written with His own finger on the
in heaven, and there was tables of stone.
seen in His temple the ark of
His testament.” Revelation 11:19. The The law of God in the sanctuary in
ark of God’s testament is in the holy heaven is the great original, of which
of holies, the second apartment of the the precepts inscribed upon the tables
sanctuary. In the ministration of the of stone and recorded by Moses in the
earthly tabernacle, which served “unto Pentateuch were an unerring transcript.
the example and shadow of heavenly Those who arrived at an understanding
things,” this apartment was opened only of this important point were thus led to
upon the great Day of Atonement for the see the sacred, unchanging character of
cleansing of the sanctuary. Therefore the divine law. They saw, as never before,
the announcement that the temple of
God was opened in heaven and the ark Within the holy of holies, in the
of His testament was seen points to the sanctuary in heaven, the divine law
opening of the most holy place of the is sacredly enshrined—the law that
heavenly sanctuary in 1844 as Christ was spoken by God Himself amid
entered there to perform the closing the thunders of Sinai and written
work of the atonement. Those who by with His own finger on the tables
faith followed their great High Priest of stone.
as He entered upon His ministry in the force of the Saviour’s words: “Till
the most holy place, beheld the ark of heaven and earth pass, one jot or one
His testament. As they had studied the tittle shall in no wise pass from the law.”
subject of the sanctuary they had come Matthew 5:18. The law of God, being
to understand the Saviour’s change of a revelation of His will, a transcript of
ministration, and they saw that He was His character, must forever endure, “as
now officiating before the ark of God, a faithful witness in heaven.” Not one
pleading His blood in behalf of sinners. command has been annulled; not a jot or
tittle has been changed. Says the psalm-
The ark in the tabernacle on earth ist: “Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled
contained the two tables of stone, upon in heaven.” “All His commandments are
which were inscribed the precepts of the sure. They stand fast for ever and ever.”
law of God. The ark was merely a recep- Psalms 119:89; 111:7, 8.
tacle for the tables of the law, and the
presence of these divine precepts gave In the very bosom of the Decalogue
to it its value and sacredness. When the is the fourth commandment, as it was
temple of God was opened in heaven, the first proclaimed: “Remember the Sab-
ark of His testament was seen. Within bath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt
the holy of holies, in the sanctuary in thou labor, and do all thy work: but the
heaven, the divine law is sacredly en- seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord
shrined—the law that was spoken by
God Himself amid the thunders of Sinai

God’s Law Immutable 247

thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, that openeth, and no man shutteth; and
thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy shutteth, and no man openeth,” had
manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor declared: “Behold, I have set before thee
thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within an open door, and no man can shut it.”
thy gates: for in six days the Lord made Revelation 3:7, 8. Christ had opened the
heaven and earth, the sea, and all that door, or ministration, of the most holy
in them is, and rested the seventh day: place, light was shining from that open
wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath door of the sanctuary in heaven, and
day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8-11. the fourth commandment was shown
to be included in the law which is there
The Spirit of God impressed the enshrined; what God had established,
hearts of those students of His word. no man could overthrow.
The conviction was urged upon them
that they had ignorantly transgressed this Those who had accepted the light
precept by disregarding the Creator’s rest concerning the mediation of Christ and
day. They began to examine the reasons the perpetuity of the law of God found
for observing the first day of the week that these were the truths presented
instead of the day which God had sancti- in Revelation 14. The messages of this
fied. They could find no evidence in the chapter constitute a threefold warning
Scriptures that the fourth commandment (see Appendix) which is to prepare the
had been abolished, or that the Sabbath inhabitants of the earth for the Lord’s
had been changed; the blessing which second coming. The announcement,
first hallowed the seventh day had never “The hour of His judgment is come,”
been removed. They had been honestly points to the closing work of Christ’s
seeking to know and to do God’s will; ministration for the salvation of men.
now, as they saw themselves transgres- It heralds a truth which must be pro-
sors of His law, sorrow filled their hearts, claimed until the Saviour’s intercession
and they manifested their loyalty to God shall cease and He shall return to the
by keeping His Sabbath holy. earth to take His people to Himself. The
work of judgment which began in 1844
Many and earnest were the efforts must continue until the cases of all are
made to overthrow their faith. None decided, both of the living and the dead;
could fail to see that if the earthly hence it will extend to the close of human
sanctuary was a figure or pattern of probation. That men may be prepared
the heavenly, the law deposited in the to stand in the judgment, the message
ark on earth was an exact transcript of commands them to “fear God, and give
the law in the ark in heaven; and that glory to Him,” “and worship Him that
an acceptance of the truth concerning made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and
the heavenly sanctuary involved an the fountains of waters.” The result of an
acknowledgment of the claims of God’s acceptance of these messages is given in
law and the obligation of the Sabbath the word: “Here are they that keep the
of the fourth commandment. Here was commandments of God, and the faith
the secret of the bitter and determined of Jesus.” In order to be prepared for
opposition to the harmonious exposi- the judgment, it is necessary that men
tion of the Scriptures that revealed the should keep the law of God. That law
ministration of Christ in the heavenly will be the standard of character in the
sanctuary. Men sought to close the door judgment. The apostle Paul declares: “As
which God had opened, and to open many as have sinned in the law shall be
the door which He had closed. But “He

248 The Great Controversy

judged by the law, … in the day when reason why their homage is due to Him:
God shall judge the secrets of men by “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive
Jesus Christ.” And he says that “the do- glory and honor and power: for Thou
ers of the law shall be justified.” Romans hast created all things.” Revelation 4:11.
2:12-16. Faith is essential in order to the
keeping of the law of God; for “without In Revelation 14, men are called
faith it is impossible to please Him.” upon to worship the Creator; and the
And “whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” prophecy brings to view a class that, as
Hebrews 11:6; Romans 14:23. the result of the threefold message, are
keeping the commandments of God.
By the first angel, men are called One of these commandments points
upon to “fear God, and give glory to Him” directly to God as the Creator. The
and to worship Him as the Creator of the fourth precept declares: “The seventh
heavens and the earth. In order to do this, day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God:
they must obey His law. Says the wise … for in six days the Lord made heaven
man: “Fear God, and keep His command- and earth, the sea, and all that in them
ments: for this is the whole duty of man.” is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore
Ecclesiastes 12:13. Without obedience to the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and
His commandments no worship can be hallowed it.” Exodus 20:10, 11. Concern-
pleasing to God. “This is the love of God, ing the Sabbath, the Lord says, further,
that we keep His commandments.” “He that it is “a sign, … that ye may know
that turneth away his ear from hearing that I am the Lord your God.” Ezekiel
the law, even his prayer shall be abomina- 20:20. And the reason given is: “For in
tion.” 1 John 5:3; Proverbs 28:9. six days the Lord made heaven and earth,
and on the seventh day He rested, and
The duty to worship God is based was refreshed.” Exodus 31:17.
upon the fact that He is the Creator
and that to Him all other beings owe “The importance of the Sabbath as
their existence. And wherever, in the the memorial of creation is that it keeps
Bible, His claim to reverence and wor- ever present the true reason why wor-
ship, above the gods of the heathen, is ship is due to God”—because He is the
presented, there is cited the evidence of Creator, and we are His creatures. “The
His creative power. “All the gods of the Sabbath therefore lies at the very foun-
nations are idols: but the Lord made the dation of divine worship, for it teaches
heavens.” Psalm 96:5. “To whom then this great truth in the most impressive
will ye liken Me, or shall I be equal? manner, and no other institution does
saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on this. The true ground of divine worship,
high, and behold who hath created these not of that on the seventh day merely, but
things.” “Thus saith the Lord that created of all worship, is found in the distinction
the heavens; God Himself that formed between the Creator and His creatures.
the earth and made it: … I am the Lord; This great fact can never become obso-
and there is none else.” Isaiah 40:25, 26; lete, and must never be forgotten.”—J. N.
45:18. Says the psalmist: “Know ye that Andrews, History of the Sabbath, chapter
the Lord He is God: it is He that hath 27. It was to keep this truth ever before
made us, and not we ourselves.” “O the minds of men, that God instituted
come, let us worship and bow down: the Sabbath in Eden; and so long as the
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” fact that He is our Creator continues to
Psalms 100:3; 95:6. And the holy beings be a reason why we should worship Him,
who worship God in heaven state, as the so long the Sabbath will continue as its

God’s Law Immutable 249

sign and memorial. Had the Sabbath believed, represents the papacy, which
been universally kept, man’s thoughts succeeded to the power and seat and
and affections would have been led to authority once held by the ancient Ro-
the Creator as the object of reverence man empire. Of the leopardlike beast it
and worship, and there would never is declared: “There was given unto him
have been an idolater, an atheist, or an a mouth speaking great things and blas-
infidel. The keeping of the Sabbath is a phemies. … And he opened his mouth
sign of loyalty to the true God, “Him that in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme
made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and His name, and His tabernacle, and them
the fountains of waters.” It follows that that dwell in heaven. And it was given
the message which commands men to unto him to make war with the saints,
worship God and keep His command- and to overcome them: and power
ments will especially call upon them to was given him over all kindreds, and
keep the fourth commandment. tongues, and nations.” This prophecy,
which is nearly identical with the de-
In contrast to those who keep the scription of the little horn of Daniel 7,
commandments of God and have the unquestionably points to the papacy.
faith of Jesus, the third angel points to
another class, against whose errors a “Power was given unto him to con-
solemn and fearful warning is uttered: tinue forty and two months.” And, says
“If any man worship the beast and his the prophet, “I saw one of his heads as
image, and receive his mark in his fore- it were wounded to death.” And again:
head, or in his hand, the same shall drink “He that leadeth into captivity shall go
of the wine of the wrath of God.” Revela- into captivity: he that killeth with the
tion 14:9, 10. A correct interpretation sword must be killed with the sword.”
of the symbols employed is necessary The forty and two months are the same
to an understanding of this message. as the “time and times and the dividing
What is represented by the beast, the of time,” three years and a half, or 1260
image, the mark? days, of Daniel 7—the time during
which the papal power was to oppress
The line of prophecy in which these God’s people. This period, as stated
symbols are found begins with Revela- in preceding chapters, began with the
tion 12, with the dragon that sought to supremacy of the papacy, A.D. 538, and
destroy Christ at His birth. The dragon terminated in 1798. At that time the
is said to be Satan (Revelation 12:9); he pope was made captive by the French
it was that moved upon Herod to put the army, the papal power received its deadly
Saviour to death. But the chief agent of wound, and the prediction was fulfilled,
Satan in making war upon Christ and His “He that leadeth into captivity shall go
people during the first centuries of the into captivity.”
Christian Era was the Roman Empire,
in which paganism was the prevailing At this point another symbol is
religion. Thus while the dragon, primar- introduced. Says the prophet: “I beheld
ily, represents Satan, it is, in a secondary another beast coming up out of the earth;
sense, a symbol of pagan Rome. and he had two horns like a lamb.” Verse
11. Both the appearance of this beast and
In chapter 13 (verses 1-10) is the manner of its rise indicate that the
described another beast, “like unto a nation which it represents is unlike those
leopard,” to which the dragon gave “his presented under the preceding symbols.
power, and his seat, and great authority.” The great kingdoms that have ruled the
This symbol, as most Protestants have

250 The Great Controversy

world were presented to the prophet vacancy,” and says: “Like a silent seed
Daniel as beasts of prey, rising when “the we grew into empire.”—G.A. Townsend,
four winds of the heaven strove upon the pTahgeeN4e6w2W. AorElduCroopmeapnarjeoduWrniathl tinhe1O8l5d0,
great sea.” Daniel 7:2. In Revelation 17 spoke of the United States as a wonder-
an angel explained that waters represent ful empire, which was “emerging,” and
“peoples, and multitudes, and nations, “amid the silence of the earth daily adding
and tongues.” Revelation 17:15. Winds to its power and pride.”—The Dublin
are a symbol of strife. The four winds Nation. Edward Everett, in an oration
of heaven striving upon the great sea on the Pilgrim founders of this nation,
represent the terrible scenes of conquest said: “Did they look for a retired spot,
and revolution by which kingdoms have inoffensive for its obscurity, and safe in
attained to power. its remoteness, where the little church
of Leyden might enjoy the freedom of
But the beast with lamblike horns conscience? Behold the mighty regions
was seen “coming up out of the earth.” over which, in peaceful conquest, …
Instead of overthrowing other powers they have borne the banners of the
to establish itself, the nation thus repre- cross!”—Speech delivered at Plymouth,
sented must arise in territory previously Massachusetts, Dec. 22, 1824, page 11.
unoccupied and grow up gradually and
peacefully. It could not, then, arise “And he had two horns like a lamb.”
among the crowded and struggling The lamblike horns indicate youth,
nationalities of the Old World—that tur- innocence, and gentleness, fitly rep-
bulent sea of “peoples, and multitudes, resenting the character of the United
and nations, and tongues.” It must be States when presented to the prophet as
sought in the Western Continent. “coming up” in 1798. Among the Chris-
tian exiles who first fled to America and
What nation of the New World sought an asylum from royal oppression
was in 1798 rising into power, giving and priestly intolerance were many who
promise of strength and greatness, and determined to establish a government
attracting the attention of the world? upon the broad foundation of civil and
The application of the symbol admits religious liberty. Their views found place
of no question. One nation, and only in the Declaration of Independence,
one, meets the specifications of this which sets forth the great truth that “all
prophecy; it points unmistakably to men are created equal” and endowed
the United States of America. Again with the inalienable right to “life, liberty,
and again the thought, almost the exact and the pursuit of happiness.” And the
words, of the sacred writer has been Constitution guarantees to the people
unconsciously employed by the orator the right of self-government, provid-
and the historian in describing the rise ing that representatives elected by the
and growth of this nation. The beast popular vote shall enact and administer
was seen “coming up out of the earth;” the laws. Freedom of religious faith was
and, according to the translators, the also granted, every man being permit-
word here rendered “coming up” liter- ted to worship God according to the
ally signifies “to grow or spring up as a dictates of his conscience. Republican-
plant.” And, as we have seen, the nation ism and Protestantism became the
must arise in territory previously unoc- fundamental principles of the nation.
cupied. A prominent writer, describing These principles are the secret of its
the rise of the United States, speaks of
“the mystery of her coming forth from

God’s Law Immutable 251

power and prosperity. The oppressed the employment of secular power on
and downtrodden throughout Chris- the part of the church, with its inevitable
tendom have turned to this land with result—intolerance and persecution.
interest and hope. Millions have sought The Constitution provides that “Con-
its shores, and the United States has risen gress shall make no law respecting an
to a place among the most powerful na- establishment of religion, or prohibiting
tions of the earth. the free exercise thereof,” and that “no
religious test shall ever be required as
But the beast with lamblike horns a qualification to any office of public
“spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all trust under the United States.” Only in
the power of the first beast before him, flagrant violation of these safeguards
and causeth the earth and them which to the nation’s liberty, can any religious
dwell therein to worship the first beast, observance be enforced by civil author-
whose deadly wound was healed; … ity. But the inconsistency of such action
saying to them that dwell on the earth, is no greater than is represented in the
that they should make an image to the symbol. It is the beast with lamblike
beast, which had the wound by a sword, horns—in profession pure, gentle, and
and did live.” Revelation 13:11-14. harmless—that speaks as a dragon.
“Saying to them that dwell on the
The lamblike horns and dragon earth, btheaasttt.”hHeyersehoisucldleamrlaykperaensenimteadgae
voice of the symbol point to a striking to the
contradiction between the professions form of government in which the legisla-
and the practice of the nation thus rep- tive power rests with the people, a most
resented. The “speaking” of the nation striking evidence that the United States
is the action of its legislative and judicial is the nation denoted in the prophecy.
authorities. By such action it will give But what is the “image to the beast”?
the lie to those liberal and peaceful prin- and how is it to be formed? The image
ciples which it has put forth as the foun- is made by the two-horned beast, and
dation of its policy. The prediction that is an image to the beast. It is also called
it will speak “as a dragon” and exercise an image of the beast. Then to learn
“all the power of the first beast” plainly what the image is like and how it is to be
foretells a development of the spirit of formed we must study the characteristics
intolerance and persecution that was of the beast itself—the papacy.
manifested by the nations represented When the early church became cor-
by the dragon and the leopardlike beast. rupted by departing from the simplicity
And the statement that the beast with of the gospel and accepting heathen
two horns “causeth the earth and them rites and customs, she lost the Spirit and
which dwell therein to worship the first power of God; and in order to control the
beast” indicates that the authority of this consciences of the people, she sought the
nation is to be exercised in enforcing support of the secular power. The result
some observance which shall be an act was the papacy, a church that controlled
of homage to the papacy. the power of the state and employed it
to further her own ends, especially for
Such action would be directly con- the punishment of “heresy.” In order for
trary to the principles of this govern- the United States to form an image of the
ment, to the genius of its free institu- beast, the religious power must so control
tions, to the direct and solemn avowals the civil government that the authority
of the Declaration of Independence, and
to the Constitution. The founders of the
nation wisely sought to guard against

252 The Great Controversy

of the state will also be employed by the with all deceivableness of unrighteous-
church to accomplish her own ends. ness.” And all that “received not the love
Whenever the church has obtained of the truth, that they might be saved,”
will be left to accept “strong delusion, that
secular power, she has employed it to they should believe a lie.” 2 Thessalonians
punish dissent from her doctrines. 2:9-11. When this state of ungodliness
Protestant churches that have followed shall be reached, the same results will
in the steps of Rome by forming alliance follow as in the first centuries.
with worldly powers have manifested
a similar desire to restrict liberty of The wide diversity of belief in the
conscience. An example of this is given Protestant churches is regarded by many
in the long-continued persecution of as decisive proof that no effort to secure
dissenters by the Church of England. a forced uniformity can ever be made.
During the sixteenth and seventeenth But there has been for years, in churches
centuries, thousands of nonconformist of the Protestant faith, a strong and
ministers were forced to flee from their growing sentiment in favor of a union
churches, and many, both of pastors and based upon common points of doctrine.
people, were subjected to fine, imprison- To secure such a union, the discussion
ment, torture, and martyrdom. of subjects upon which all were not
It was apostasy that led the early agreed—however important they might
church to seek the aid of the civil gov- be from a Bible standpoint—must neces-
ernment, and this prepared the way for sarily be waived.
the development of the papacy—the
beast. Said Paul: “There” shall “come Charles Beecher, in a sermon in the
a falling away, … and that man of sin year 1846, declared that the ministry of
be revealed.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3. So “the evangelical Protestant denomina-
apostasy in the church will prepare the tions” is “not only formed all the way up
way for the image to the beast. under a tremendous pressure of merely
The Bible declares that before the human fear, but they live, and move, and
coming of the Lord there will exist a state breathe in a state of things radically cor-
of religious declension similar to that in rupt, and appealing every hour to every
the first centuries. “In the last days peril- baser element of their nature to hush up
ous times shall come. For men shall be the truth, and bow the knee to the power
lovers of their own selves, covetous, boast- of apostasy. Was not this the way things
ers, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to went with Rome? Are we not living her
parents, unthankful, unholy, without life over again? And what do we see
natural affection, trucebreakers, false just ahead? Another general council!
accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers A world’s convention! Evangelical alli-
of those that are good, traitors, heady, ance, and universal creed!”—Sermon on
high-minded, lovers of pleasures more “The Bible a Sufficient Creed,” delivered
than lovers of God; having a form of godli- at Fort Wayne, Indiana, Feb. 22, 1846.
nTeimss,obthuyt denying the power thereof.” 2 When this shall be gained, then, in the
3:1-5. “Now the Spirit speaketh effort to secure complete uniformity, it
expressly, that in the latter times some will be only a step to the resort to force.
shall depart from the faith, giving heed to
seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” When the leading churches of
1 Timothy 4:1. Satan will work “with all the United States, uniting upon such
power and signs and lying wonders, and points of doctrine as are held by them
in common, shall influence the state to
enforce their decrees and to sustain their

God’s Law Immutable 253

institutions, then Protestant America the same power the “man of sin,” who
will have formed an image of the Ro- was to exalt himself above God. One
man hierarchy, and the infliction of prophecy is a complement of the other.
civil penalties upon dissenters will Only by changing God’s law could the
inevitably result. papacy exalt itself above God; whoever
should understandingly keep the law as
The beast with two horns “causeth thus changed would be giving supreme
[commands] all, both small and great, honor to that power by which the change
rich and poor, free and bond, to receive was made. Such an act of obedience to
a mark in their right hand, or in their papal laws would be a mark of allegiance
foreheads: and that no man might buy to the pope in the place of God.
or sell, save he that had the mark, or the
name of the beast, or the number of his The papacy has attempted to change
name.” Revelation 13:16, 17. The third the law of God. The second command-
angel’s warning is: “If any man worship ment, forbidding image worship, has
the beast and his image, and receive his been dropped from the law, and the
mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the fourth commandment has been so
same shall drink of the wine of the wrath changed as to authorize the observance
of God.” “The beast” mentioned in this of the first instead of the seventh day as
message, whose worship is enforced by the Sabbath. But papists urge, as a reason
the two-horned beast, is the first, or for omitting the second commandment,
leopardlike beast of Revelation 13—the that it is unnecessary, being included
papacy. The “image to the beast” repre- in the first, and that they are giving the
sents that form of apostate Protestant- law exactly as God designed it to be
ism which will be developed when the understood. This cannot be the change
Protestant churches shall seek the aid of foretold by the prophet. An intentional,
the civil power for the enforcement of deliberate change is presented: “He shall
their dogmas. The “mark of the beast” think to change the times and the law.”
still remains to be defined. The change in the fourth command-
ment exactly fulfills the prophecy. For
After the warning against the wor- this the only authority claimed is that of
ship of the beast and his image the the church. Here the papal power openly
prophecy declares: “Here are they that sets itself above God.
keep the commandments of God, and
the faith of Jesus.” Since those who keep While the worshipers of God will be
God’s commandments are thus placed especially distinguished by their regard
in contrast with those that worship the for the fourth commandment,—since
beast and his image and receive his this is the sign of His creative power
mark, it follows that the keeping of God’s and the witness to His claim upon man’s
law, on the one hand, and its violation, reverence and homage,—the worshipers
on the other, will make the distinction of the beast will be distinguished by their
between the worshipers of God and the efforts to tear down the Creator’s memo-
worshipers of the beast. rial, to exalt the institution of Rome. It
was in behalf of the Sunday that popery
The special characteristic of the first asserted its arrogant claims (see
beast, and therefore of his image, is the Appendix); and its first resort to the
breaking of God’s commandments. Says power of the state was to compel the
Daniel, of the little horn, the papacy: observance of Sunday as “the Lord’s day.”
“He shall think to change times and the But the Bible points to the seventh day,
law.” Daniel 7:25, R.V. And Paul styled

254 The Great Controversy

and not to the first, as the Lord’s day. Said made by their church, and declare that
Christ: “The Son of man is Lord also of Protestants by observing the Sunday are
the Sabbath.” The fourth commandment recognizing her power. In RtheeligCioanth, oliinc
declares: “The seventh day is the Sabbath Catechism of Christian
of the Lord.” And by the prophet Isaiah answer to a question as to the day to
the Lord designates it: “My holy day.” be observed in obedience to the fourth
Mark 2:28; Isaiah 58:13. commandment, this statement is made:
“During the old law, Saturday was the
The claim so often put forth that day sanctified; but the church, instructed
Christ changed the Sabbath is disproved by Jesus Christ, and directed by the
by His own words. In His Sermon on the Spirit of God, has substituted Sunday for
Mount He said: “Think not that I am Saturday; so now we sanctify the first,
come to destroy the law, or the prophets: not the seventh day. Sunday means, and
I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. now is, the day of the Lord.”
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and As the sign of the authority of the
earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in Catholic Church, papist writers cite
no wise pass from the law, till all be ful- “the very act of changing the Sabbath
filled. Whosoever therefore shall break into Sunday, which Protestants allow
one of these least commandments, and of; … because by keeping Sunday, they
shall teach men so, he shall be called acknowledge the church’s power to or-
the least in the kingdom of heaven: but dain feasts, and to command them under
whosoever shall do and teach them, the sin.”—Henry Tuberville, An Abridgment
same shall be called great in the kingdom of the Christian Doctrine, page 58. What
of heaven,” Matthew 5:17-19. then is the change of the Sabbath, but the
sign, or mark, of the authority of the Ro-
It is a fact generally admitted by man Church—“the mark of the beast”?
Protestants that the Scriptures give no The Roman Church has not relin-
authority for the change of the Sabbath. quished her claim to supremacy; and
This is plainly stated in publications is- when the world and the Protestant
sued by the American Tract Society and churches accept a sabbath of her creat-
the American Sunday School Union. ing, while they reject the Bible Sabbath,
One of these works acknowledges “the they virtually admit this assumption.
complete silence of the New Testament They may claim the authority of tradi-
so far as any explicit command for the tion and of the Fathers for the change;
Sabbath [Sunday, the first day of the but in so doing they ignore the very
week] or definite rules for its observance principle which separates them from
are concerned.”—George Elliott, The Rome—that “the Bible, and the Bible
Abiding Sabbath, page 184. only, is the religion of Protestants.” The
papist can see that they are deceiving
Another says: “Up to the time of themselves, willingly closing their eyes
Christ’s death, no change had been made to the facts in the case. As the movement
in the day;” and, “so far as the record for Sunday enforcement gains favor,
shows, they [the apostles] did not … he rejoices, feeling assured that it will
give any explicit command enjoining eventually bring the whole Protestant
the abandonment of the seventh-day world under the banner of Rome.
Sabbath, and its observance on the first Roman Catholics declare that “the
day of the week.”—A. E. Waffle, The observance of Sunday by the Protestants
Lord’s Day, pages 186-188.

Roman Catholics acknowledge
that the change of the Sabbath was

God’s Law Immutable 255

is an homage they pay, in spite of them- the sign of allegiance to Rome—“the
selves, to the authority of the [Catholic] mark of the beast.” And it is not until
Church.”—Mgr. Segur, Plain Talk About the issue is thus plainly set before the
the Protestantism of Today, page 213. people, and they are brought to choose
The enforcement of Sundaykeeping between the commandments of God
on the part of Protestant churches is and the commandments of men, that
an enforcement of the worship of the those who continue in transgression
papacy—of the beast. Those who, un- will receive “the mark of the beast.”
derstanding the claims of the fourth
commandment, choose to observe the The most fearful threatening ever
false instead of the true Sabbath are addressed to mortals is contained in
thereby paying homage to that power the third angel’s message. That must be
by which alone it is commanded. But in a terrible sin which calls down the wrath
the very act of enforcing a religious duty of God unmingled with mercy. Men are
by secular power, the churches would not to be left in darkness concerning this
themselves form an image to the beast; important matter; the warning against
hence the enforcement of Sundaykeep- this sin is to be given to the world before
ing in the United States would be an the visitation of God’s judgments, that all
enforcement of the worship of the beast may know why they are to be inflicted,
and his image. and have opportunity to escape them.
Prophecy declares that the first angel
But Christians of past generations would make his announcement to “every
observed the Sunday, supposing that nation, and kindred, and tongue, and
in so doing they were keeping the people.” The warning of the third angel,
Bible Sabbath; and there are now true which forms a part of the same threefold
Christians in every church, not except- message, is to be no less widespread. It
ing the Roman Catholic communion, is represented in the prophecy as being
who honestly believe that Sunday is proclaimed with a loud voice, by an angel
the Sabbath of divine appointment. flying in the midst of heaven; and it will
God accepts their sincerity of pur- command the attention of the world.
pose and their integrity before Him.
But when Sunday observance shall be In the issue of the contest all Chris-
enforced by law, and the world shall tendom will be divided into two great
be enlightened concerning the obliga- classes—those who keep the command-
tion of the true Sabbath, then whoever ments of God and the faith of Jesus, and
shall transgress the command of God, those who worship the beast and his
to obey a precept which has no higher image and receive his mark. Although
authority than that of Rome, will church and state will unite their power
thereby honor popery above God. He to compel “all, both small and great, rich
is paying homage to Rome and to the and poor, free and bond” (Revelation
power which enforces the institution 13:16), to receive “the mark of the beast,”
ordained by Rome. He is worshipping yet the people of God will not receive it.
the beast and his image. As men then The prophet of Patmos beholds “them
reject the institution which God has that had gotten the victory over the
declared to be the sign of His author- beast, and over his image, and over his
ity, and honor in its stead that which mark, and over the number of his name,
Rome has chosen as the token of her stand on the sea of glass, having the
supremacy, they will thereby accept harps of God” and singing the song of
Moses and the Lamb. Revelation 15:2, 3.

CHAPTER 26

A Work of Reform

T he work of Sabbath reform to resurrection, and ascension of Christ,
be accomplished in the last days to the time when His servants should
is foretold in the prophecy of preach to all nations the message of
Isaiah: “Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye glad tidings.
judgment, and do justice: for My salva-
tion is near to come, and My righteous- The Lord commands by the same
ness to be revealed. Blessed is the man prophet: “Bind up the testimony, seal
that doeth this, and the son of man that the law among My disciples.” Isaiah
layeth hold on it; that keepeth the Sab- 8:16. The seal of God’s law is found in
bath from polluting it, and keepeth his the fourth commandment. This only, of
hand from doing any evil.” “The sons of all the ten, brings to view both the name
the stranger, that join themselves to the and the title of the Lawgiver. It declares
Lord, to serve Him, and to love the name Him to be the Creator of the heavens
of the Lord, to be His servants, everyone and the earth, and thus shows His claim
that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting to reverence and worship above all
it, and taketh hold of My covenant; even others. Aside from this precept, there
them will I bring to My holy mountain, is nothing in the Decalogue to show by
and make them joyful in My house of whose authority the law is given. When
prayer.” Isaiah 56:1, 2, 6, 7. the Sabbath was changed by the papal
power, the seal was taken from the law.
These words apply in the Christian The disciples of Jesus are called upon
age, as shown by the context: “The Lord to restore it by exalting the Sabbath of
God which gathereth the outcasts of the fourth commandment to its rightful
Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to position as the Creator’s memorial and
him, beside those that are gathered unto the sign of His authority.
him.” Verse 8. Here is foreshadowed
the gathering in of the Gentiles by the “To the law and to the testimony.”
gospel. And upon those who then honor While conflicting doctrines and theories
the Sabbath, a blessing is pronounced. abound, the law of God is the one unerr-
Thus the obligation of the fourth com- ing rule by which all opinions, doctrines,
mandment extends past the crucifixion, and theories are to be tested. Says the
prophet: “If they speak not according to
When the Sabbath was changed this word, it is because there is no light
by the papal power, the seal was in them.” Verse 20.
taken from the law. The disciples
of Jesus are called upon to restore Again, the command is given: “Cry
it by exalting the Sabbath of the aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like
fourth commandment to its rightful a trumpet, and show My people their
position as the Creator’s memorial transgression, and the house of Jacob
and the sign of His authority. their sins.” It is not the wicked world,
but those whom the Lord designates
as “my people,” that are to be reproved
for their transgressions. He declares
further: “Yet they seek Me daily, and

A Work of Reform 257

delight to know My ways, as a nation From that day to the present the
that did righteousness, and forsook knowledge of God’s law has been pre-
not the ordinance of their God.” served in the earth, and the Sabbath
Isaiah 58:1, 2. Here is brought to view of the fourth commandment has been
a class who think themselves righteous kept. Though the “man of sin” suc-
and appear to manifest great interest in ceeded in trampling underfoot God’s
the service of God; but the stern and holy day, yet even in the period of his
solemn rebuke of the Searcher of hearts supremacy there were, hidden in secret
proves them to be trampling upon the places, faithful souls who paid it honor.
divine precepts. Since the Reformation, there have been
some in every generation to maintain its
The prophet thus points out the
ordinance which has been forsaken: From that day to the present
“Thou shalt raise up the foundations the knowledge of God’s law has
of many generations; and thou shalt be been preserved in the earth,
called, The repairer of the breach, The and the Sabbath of the fourth
restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou commandment has been kept.
turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, Though the “man of sin” succeeded
from doing thy pleasure on My holy in trampling underfoot God’s holy
day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the day, yet even in the period of his
holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt supremacy there were, hidden in
honor Him, not doing thine own ways, secret places, faithful souls who
nor finding thine own pleasure, nor paid it honor.
speaking thine own words: then shalt observance. Though often in the midst
thou delight thyself in the Lord.” Verses of reproach and persecution, a constant
12-14. This prophecy also applies in our testimony has been borne to the perpe-
time. The breach was made in the law tuity of the law of God and the sacred
of God when the Sabbath was changed obligation of the creation Sabbath.
by the Roman power. But the time has
come for that divine institution to be These truths, as presented in Revela-
restored. The breach is to be repaired tion 14 in connection with “the everlast-
and the foundation of many generations ing gospel,” will distinguish the church
to be raised up. of Christ at the time of His appearing.
For as the result of the threefold mes-
Hallowed by the Creator’s rest and sage it is announced: “Here are they that
blessing, the Sabbath was kept by Adam keep the commandments of God, and
in his innocence in holy Eden; by Adam, the faith of Jesus.” And this message is
fallen yet repentant, when he was driven the last to be given before the coming
from his happy estate. It was kept by all of the Lord. Immediately following its
the patriarchs, from Abel to righteous proclamation the Son of man is seen by
Noah, to Abraham, to Jacob. When the the prophet, coming in glory to reap the
chosen people were in bondage in Egypt, harvest of the earth.
many, in the midst of prevailing idola-
try, lost their knowledge of God’s law; Those who received the light con-
but when the Lord delivered Israel, He cerning the sanctuary and the immuta-
proclaimed His law in awful grandeur bility of the law of God were filled with
to the assembled multitude, that they
might know His will and fear and obey
Him forever.

258 The Great Controversy

joy and wonder as they saw the beauty Such reasoning would prove an effectual
and harmony of the system of truth that barrier to all advancement in religious
opened to their understanding. They faith or practice.
desired that the light which appeared
to them so precious might be imparted Many urged that Sundaykeeping
to all Christians; and they could not but had been an established doctrine and
believe that it would be joyfully accepted. a widespread custom of the church for
But truths that would place them at vari- many centuries. Against this argument
ance with the world were not welcome it was shown that the Sabbath and its
to many who claimed to be followers of observance were more ancient and wide-
Christ. Obedience to the fourth com- spread, even as old as the world itself,
mandment required a sacrifice from and bearing the sanction both of angels
which the majority drew back. and of God. When the foundations of
the earth were laid, when the morning
Well may this institution demand stars sang together, and all the sons of
our reverence; it was ordained God shouted for joy, then was laid the
by no human authority and rests foundation of the Sabbath. Job 38:6, 7;
upon no human traditions; it Genesis 2:1-3. Well may this institution
was established by the Ancient demand our reverence; it was ordained
of Days and commanded by His by no human authority and rests upon
eternal word. no human traditions; it was established
by the Ancient of Days and commanded
As the claims of the Sabbath were by His eternal word.
presented, many reasoned from the
worldling’s standpoint. Said they: “We As the attention of the people was
have always kept Sunday, our fathers called to the subject of Sabbath reform,
kept it, and many good and pious men popular ministers perverted the word
have died happy while keeping it. If of God, placing such interpretations
they were right, so are we. The keep- upon its testimony as would best quiet
ing of this new Sabbath would throw inquiring minds. And those who did
us out of harmony with the world, and not search the Scriptures for themselves
we would have no influence over them. were content to accept conclusions that
What can a little company keeping the were in accordance with their desires. By
seventh day hope to accomplish against argument, sophistry, the traditions of the
all the world who are keeping Sunday?” Fathers, and the authority of the church,
It was by similar arguments that the Jews many endeavored to overthrow the
endeavored to justify their rejection of truth. Its advocates were driven to their
Christ. Their fathers had been accepted Bibles to defend the validity of the fourth
of God in presenting the sacrificial of- commandment. Humble men, armed
ferings, and why could not the children with the word of truth alone, withstood
find salvation in pursuing the same the attacks of men of learning, who, with
course? So, in the time of Luther, papists surprise and anger, found their eloquent
reasoned that true Christians had died sophistry powerless against the simple,
in the Catholic faith, and therefore that straightforward reasoning of men who
religion was sufficient for salvation. were versed in the Scriptures rather than
in the subtleties of the schools.

In the absence of Bible testimony
in their favor, many with unwearying
persistence urged—forgetting how the

A Work of Reform 259

same reasoning had been employed period extends to the second advent;
against Christ and His apostles: “Why that the exact time of this advent is not
do not our great men understand this foretold. But, turning from the light,
Sabbath question? But few believe as they continued to set time after time
you do. It cannot be that you are right for the Lord to come, and as often they
and that all the men of learning in the were disappointed.
world are wrong.”
When the Thessalonian church
To refute such arguments it was received erroneous views concerning
needful only to cite the teachings of the the coming of Christ, the apostle Paul
Scriptures and the history of the Lord’s counseled them to test their hopes and
dealings with His people in all ages. God anticipations carefully by the word of
works through those who hear and obey God. He cited them to prophecies reveal-
His voice, those who will, if need be, ing the events to take place before Christ
speak unpalatable truths, those who do should come, and showed that they had
not fear to reprove popular sins. The rea- no ground to expect Him in their day.
son why He does not oftener choose men “Let no man deceive you by any means”
of learning and high position to lead out (2 Thessalonians 2:3), are his words of
in reform movements is that they trust warning. Should they indulge expecta-
to their creeds, theories, and theological tions that were not sanctioned by the
systems, and feel no need to be taught Scriptures, they would be led to a mis-
of God. Only those who have a personal taken course of action; disappointment
connection with the Source of wisdom would expose them to the derision of
are able to understand or explain the unbelievers, and they would be in danger
Scriptures. Men who have little of the of yielding to discouragement and would
learning of the schools are sometimes be tempted to doubt the truths essential
called to declare the truth, not because for their salvation. The apostle’s admoni-
they are unlearned, but because they are tion to the Thessalonians contains an
not too self-sufficient to be taught of important lesson for those who live in
God. They learn in the school of Christ, the last days. Many Adventists have felt
and their humility and obedience make that unless they could fix their faith upon
them great. In committing to them a a definite time for the Lord’s coming,
knowledge of His truth, God confers they could not be zealous and diligent
upon them an honor, in comparison in the work of preparation. But as their
with which earthly honor and human hopes are again and again excited, only
greatness sink into insignificance. to be destroyed, their faith receives
such a shock that it becomes well-nigh
The majority of Adventists rejected impossible for them to be impressed by
the truths concerning the sanctuary the great truths of prophecy.
and the law of God, and many also
renounced their faith in the advent The preaching of a definite time
movement and adopted unsound and for the judgment, in the giving of the
conflicting views of the prophecies first message, was ordered by God. The
which applied to that work. Some were computation of the prophetic periods on
led into the error of repeatedly fixing which that message was based, placing
upon a definite time for the coming of the close of the 2300 days in the autumn
Christ. The light which was now shining of 1844, stands without impeachment.
on the subject of the sanctuary should The repeated efforts to find new dates for
have shown them that no prophetic the beginning and close of the prophetic

260 The Great Controversy

periods, and the unsound reasoning desert, and others were raised up to enter
necessary to sustain these positions, not the Promised Land. In like manner, it
only lead minds away from the present was not the will of God that the com-
truth, but throw contempt upon all ef- ing of Christ should be so long delayed
forts to explain the prophecies. The more and His people should remain so many
frequently a definite time is set for the years in this world of sin and sorrow. But
second advent, and the more widely it unbelief separated them from God. As
is taught, the better it suits the purposes they refused to do the work which He
of Satan. After the time has passed, he had appointed them, others were raised
excites ridicule and contempt of its ad- up to proclaim the message. In mercy to
vocates, and thus casts reproach upon the world, Jesus delays His coming, that
the great advent movement of 1843 and sinners may have an opportunity to hear
1844. Those who persist in this error will the warning and find in Him a shelter be-
at last fix upon a date too far in the future fore the wrath of God shall be poured out.
for the coming of Christ. Thus they will
be led to rest in a false security, and many Now as in former ages, the presenta-
will not be undeceived until it is too late. tion of a truth that reproves the sins and
errors of the times will excite opposition.
The history of ancient Israel is a “Everyone that doeth evil hateth the
striking illustration of the past experi- light, neither cometh to the light, lest
ence of the Adventist body. God led His his deeds should be reproved.” John 3:20.
people in the advent movement, even as As men see that they cannot maintain
He led the children of Israel from Egypt. their position by the Scriptures, many
In the great disappointment their faith determine to maintain it at all hazards,
was tested as was that of the Hebrews at and with a malicious spirit they assail
the Red Sea. Had they still trusted to the the character and motives of those who
guiding hand that had been with them in stand in defense of unpopular truth. It is
their past experience, they would have the same policy which has been pursued
seen the salvation of God. If all who had in all ages. Elijah was declared to be a
labored unitedly in the work in 1844, had troubler in Israel, Jeremiah a traitor,
received the third angel’s message and Paul a polluter of the temple. From that
proclaimed it in the power of the Holy day to this, those who would be loyal to
Spirit, the Lord would have wrought truth have been denounced as seditious,
mightily with their efforts. A flood of heretical, or schismatic. Multitudes
light would have been shed upon the who are too unbelieving to accept the
world. Years ago the inhabitants of the sure word of prophecy will receive with
earth would have been warned, the unquestioning credulity an accusation
closing work completed, and Christ against those who dare to reprove fash-
would have come for the redemption ionable sins. This spirit will increase
of His people. more and more. And the Bible plainly
teaches that a time is approaching when
It was not the will of God that Israel the laws of the state will so conflict with
should wander forty years in the wilder- the law of God that whosoever would
ness; He desired to lead them directly to obey all the divine precepts must brave
the land of Canaan and establish them reproach and punishment as an evildoer.
there, a holy, happy people. But “they
could not enter in because of unbelief.” In view of this, what is the duty of the
Hebrews 3:19. Because of their backslid- messenger of truth? Shall he conclude
ing and apostasy they perished in the that the truth ought not to be presented,

A Work of Reform 261

since often its only effect is to arouse in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered
men to evade or resist its claims? No; thy soul.” Ezekiel 33:7-9.
he has no more reason for withholding
the testimony of God’s word, because The great obstacle both to the
it excites opposition, than had earlier acceptance and to the promulgation
Reformers. The confession of faith made of truth is the fact that it involves in-
by saints and martyrs was recorded for convenience and reproach. This is the
the benefit of succeeding generations. only argument against the truth which
Those living examples of holiness and its advocates have never been able to
steadfast integrity have come down to refute. But this does not deter the true
inspire courage in those who are now followers of Christ. These do not wait
called to stand as witnesses for God. for truth to become popular. Being
They received grace and truth, not for convinced of their duty, they deliber-
themselves alone, but that, through ately accept the cross, with the apostle
them, the knowledge of God might Paul counting that “our light affliction,
enlighten the earth. Has God given light which is but for a moment, worketh
to His servants in this generation? Then for us a far more exceeding and eternal
they should let it shine forth to the world. weight of glory;” with one of old, “es-
teeming the reproach of Christ greater
Anciently the Lord declared to one riches than the treasures in Egypt.”
who spoke in His name: “The house of 2 Corinthians 4:17; Hebrews 11:26.
Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they
will not hearken unto Me.” Nevertheless Whatever may be their profession,
He said: “Thou shalt speak My words it is only those who are world servers at
unto them, whether they will hear, or heart that act from policy rather than
whether they will forbear.” Ezekiel
3:7; 2:7. To the servant of God at this To men of principle, faith, and
time is the command addressed: “Lift daring, the world is indebted for
up thy voice like a trumpet, and show its great reforms.
My people their transgression, and the principle in religious things. We should
house of Jacob their sins.” choose the right because it is right, and
leave consequences with God. To men
So far as his opportunities extend, of principle, faith, and daring, the world
everyone who has received the light of is indebted for its great reforms. By such
truth is under the same solemn and men the work of reform for this time
fearful responsibility as was the prophet must be carried forward.
of Israel, to whom the word of the Lord
came, saying: “Son of man, I have set thee Thus saith the Lord: “Hearken unto
a watchman unto the house of Israel; Me, ye that know righteousness, the
therefore thou shalt hear the word at people in whose heart is My law; fear
My mouth, and warn them from Me. ye not the reproach of men, neither
When I say unto the wicked, O wicked be ye afraid of their revilings. For the
man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost moth shall eat them up like a garment,
not speak to warn the wicked from his and the worm shall eat them like wool:
way, that wicked man shall die in his but My righteousness shall be forever,
iniquity; but his blood will I require at and My salvation from generation to
thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn generation.” Isaiah 51:7, 8.
the wicked of his way to turn from it; if
he do not turn from his way, he shall die

CHAPTER 27

Modern Revivals

W herever the word of God has once loved they hated. The proud and
been faithfully preached, self-assertive became meek and lowly of
results have followed that heart. The vain and supercilious became
attested its divine origin. The Spirit of serious and unobtrusive. The profane
God accompanied the message of His became reverent, the drunken sober, and
servants, and the word was with power. the profligate pure. The vain fashions
Sinners felt their consciences quickened. of the world were laid aside. Christians
The “light which lighteth every man that sought not the “outward adorning of
cometh into the world” illumined the plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold,
secret chambers of their souls, and the or of putting on of apparel; but … the
hidden things of darkness were made hidden man of the heart, in that which
manifest. Deep conviction took hold is not corruptible, even the ornament of
upon their minds and hearts. They were a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the
convinced of sin and of righteousness sight of God of great price.” 1 Peter 3:3, 4.
and of judgment to come. They had a
sense of the righteousness of Jehovah Revivals brought deep heart-
and felt the terror of appearing, in searching and humility. They were
their guilt and uncleanness, before the characterized by solemn, earnest appeals
Searcher of hearts. In anguish they to the sinner, by yearning compassion
cried out: “Who shall deliver me from for the purchase of the blood of Christ.
the body of this death?” As the cross of Men and women prayed and wrestled
Calvary, with its infinite sacrifice for the with God for the salvation of souls.
sins of men, was revealed, they saw that The fruits of such revivals were seen in
nothing but the merits of Christ could souls who shrank not at self-denial and
suffice to atone for their transgressions; sacrifice, but rejoiced that they were
this alone could reconcile man to God. counted worthy to suffer reproach and
With faith and humility they accepted trial for the sake of Christ. Men beheld
the Lamb of God, that taketh away the a transformation in the lives of those
sin of the world. Through the blood of who had professed the name of Jesus.
Jesus they had “remission of sins that The community was benefited by their
are past.” influence. They gathered with Christ,
and sowed to the Spirit, to reap life
These souls brought forth fruit meet everlasting.
for repentance. They believed and were
baptized, and rose to walk in newness of It could be said of them: “Ye sor-
life—new creatures in Christ Jesus; not rowed to repentance.” “For godly sorrow
to fashion themselves according to the worketh repentance to salvation not to
former lusts, but by the faith of the Son of be repented of: but the sorrow of the
God to follow in His steps, to reflect His world worketh death. For behold this
character, and to purify themselves even selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a
as He is pure. The things they once hated godly sort, what carefulness it wrought
they now loved, and the things they in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves,
yea, what indignation, yea, what fear,

Modern Revivals 263

yea, what vehement desire, yea, what Popular revivals are too often carried
zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye by appeals to the imagination, by excit-
have approved yourselves to be clear in ing the emotions, by gratifying the love
this matter.” 2 Corinthians 7:9-11. for what is new and startling. Converts
thus gained have little desire to listen
This is the result of the work of the to Bible truth, little interest in the testi-
Spirit of God. There is no evidence of mony of prophets and apostles. Unless
genuine repentance unless it works ref- a religious service has something of a
ormation. If he restore the pledge, give sensational character, it has no attrac-
again that he had robbed, confess his tions for them. A message which appeals
sins, and love God and his fellow men, to unimpassioned reason awakens no
the sinner may be sure that he has found response. The plain warnings of God’s
peace with God. Such were the effects word, relating directly to their eternal
that in former years followed seasons interests, are unheeded.
of religious awakening. Judged by their
fruits, they were known to be blessed With every truly converted soul the
of God in the salvation of men and the relation to God and to eternal things will
uplifting of humanity. be the great topic of life. But where, in the
popular churches of today, is the spirit
But many of the revivals of modern of consecration to God? The converts
times have presented a marked contrast do not renounce their pride and love
to those manifestations of divine grace of the world. They are no more willing
which in earlier days followed the to deny self, to take up the cross, and
labors of God’s servants. It is true that follow the meek and lowly Jesus, than
a widespread interest is kindled, many before their conversion. Religion has
profess conversion, and there are large become the sport of infidels and skeptics
accessions to the churches; nevertheless because so many who bear its name are
ignorant of its principles. The power
Popular revivals are too often of godliness has well-nigh departed
carried by appeals to the from many of the churches. Picnics,
imagination, by exciting the church theatricals, church fairs, fine
emotions, by gratifying the love for houses, personal display, have banished
what is new and startling. Converts thoughts of God. Lands and goods and
thus gained have little desire to worldly occupations engross the mind,
listen to Bible truth, little interest and things of eternal interest receive
in the testimony of prophets and hardly a passing notice.
apostles. Unless a religious service
has something of a sensational Notwithstanding the widespread
character, it has no attractions declension of faith and piety, there
for them. are true followers of Christ in these
the results are not such as to warrant the churches. Before the final visitation of
belief that there has been a correspond- God’s judgments upon the earth there
ing increase of real spiritual life. The will be among the people of the Lord
light which flames up for a time soon such a revival of primitive godliness as
dies out, leaving the darkness more has not been witnessed since apostolic
dense than before. times. The Spirit and power of God will
be poured out upon His children. At that
time many will separate themselves from
those churches in which the love of this

264 The Great Controversy

world has supplanted love for God and are now becoming so widespread in
His word. Many, both of ministers and the religious world. The nature and
people, will gladly accept those great the importance of the law of God have
truths which God has caused to be pro- been, to a great extent, lost sight of. A
claimed at this time to prepare a people wrong conception of the character, the
for the Lord’s second coming. The en- perpetuity, and the obligation of the
emy of souls desires to hinder this work; divine law has led to errors in relation
and before the time for such a movement to conversion and sanctification, and
shall come, he will endeavor to prevent has resulted in lowering the standard of
it by introducing a counterfeit. In those piety in the church. Here is to be found
churches which he can bring under his the secret of the lack of the Spirit and
deceptive power he will make it appear power of God in the revivals of our time.
that God’s special blessing is poured out;
there will be manifest what is thought There are, in the various denomina-
to be great religious interest. Multitudes tions, men eminent for their piety, by
will exult that God is working marvel- whom this fact is acknowledged and
ously for them, when the work is that of deplored. Professor Edwards A. Park,
another spirit. Under a religious guise, in setting forth the current religious
Satan will seek to extend his influence perils, ably says: “One source of danger
over the Christian world. is the neglect of the pulpit to enforce
the divine law. In former days the pulpit
In many of the revivals which have was an echo of the voice of conscience.
occurred during the last half century, the … Our most illustrious preachers gave
same influences have been at work, to a a wonderful majesty to their discourses
greater or less degree, that will be mani- by following the example of the Master,
fest in the more extensive movements and giving prominence to the law, its
of the future. There is an emotional precepts, and its threatenings. They
excitement, a mingling of the true with repeated the two great maxims, that
the false, that is well adapted to mislead. the law is a transcript of the divine per-
Yet none need be deceived. In the light fections, and that a man who does not
of God’s word it is not difficult to de- love the law does not love the gospel;
termine the nature of these movements. for the law, as well as the gospel, is a
Wherever men neglect the testimony of mirror reflecting the true character of
the Bible, turning away from those plain, God. This peril leads to another, that of
soul-testing truths which require self- underrating the evil of sin, the extent
denial and renunciation of the world, of it, the demerit of it. In proportion to
there we may be sure that God’s blessing the rightfulness of the commandment
is not bestowed. And by the rule which is the wrongfulness of disobeying it. …
Christ Himself has given, “Ye shall know
them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16), it “Affiliated to the dangers already
is evident that these movements are not named is the danger of underestimating
the work of the Spirit of God. the justice of God. The tendency of the
modern pulpit is to strain out the divine
In the truths of His word, God has justice from the divine benevolence,
given to men a revelation of Himself; to sink benevolence into a sentiment
and to all who accept them they are a rather than exalt it into a principle.
shield against the deceptions of Satan. The new theological prism puts asun-
It is a neglect of these truths that has der what God has joined together. Is
opened the door to the evils which the divine law a good or an evil? It is

Modern Revivals 265

a good. Then justice is good; for it is Himself He declares: “I delight to do Thy
a disposition to execute the law. From will, O my God: yea, Thy law is within
the habit of underrating the divine law My heart.” Psalm 40:8.
and justice, the extent and demerit of
human disobedience, men easily slide The law of God, from its very nature,
into the habit of underestimating the is unchangeable. It is a revelation of
grace which has provided an atonement the will and the character of its Author.
for sin.” Thus the gospel loses its value God is love, and His law is love. Its two
and importance in the minds of men, great principles are love to God and
and soon they are ready practically to love to man. “Love is the fulfilling of
cast aside the Bible itself.
The claim that Christ by His death
Many religious teachers assert that abolished His Father’s law is
Christ by His death abolished the law, without foundation. Had it been
and men are henceforth free from its possible for the law to be changed
requirements. There are some who or set aside, then Christ need not
represent it as a grievous yoke, and in have died to save man from the
contrast to the bondage of the law they penalty of sin. The death of Christ,
present the liberty to be enjoyed under so far from abolishing the law,
the gospel. proves that it is immutable.
the law.” Romans 13:10. The character
But not so did prophets and apostles of God is righteousness and truth;
regard the holy law of God. Said David: such is the nature of His law. Says the
“I will walk at liberty: for I seek Thy psalmist: “Thy law is the truth:” “all
precepts.” Psalm 119:45. The apostle Thy commandments are righteousness.”
James, who wrote after the death of Psalm 119:142, 172. And the apostle
Christ, refers to the Decalogue as “the Paul declares: “The law is holy, and
royal law” and “the perfect law of lib- the commandment holy, and just, and
erty.” James 2:8; 1:25. And the revela- good.” Romans 7:12. Such a law, being
tor, half a century after the crucifixion, an expression of the mind and will of
pronounces a blessing upon them “that God, must be as enduring as its Author.
do His commandments, that they may
have right to the tree of life, and may It is the work of conversion and
enter in through the gates into the city.” sanctification to reconcile men to God
Revelation 22:14. by bringing them into accord with the
principles of His law. In the beginning,
The claim that Christ by His death man was created in the image of God.
abolished His Father’s law is without He was in perfect harmony with the
foundation. Had it been possible for nature and the law of God; the prin-
the law to be changed or set aside, then ciples of righteousness were written
Christ need not have died to save man upon his heart. But sin alienated him
from the penalty of sin. The death of from his Maker. He no longer reflected
Christ, so far from abolishing the law, the divine image. His heart was at war
proves that it is immutable. The Son with the principles of God’s law. “The
of God came to “magnify the law, and carnal mind is enmity against God:
make it honorable.” Isaiah 42:21. He said: for it is not subject to the law of God,
“Think not that I am come to destroy the
law;” “till heaven and earth pass, one jot
or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the
law.” Matthew 5;17, 18. And concerning

266 The Great Controversy

neither indeed can be.” Romans 8:7. Is he now free to transgress God’s
But “God so loved the world, that He law? Says Paul: “Do we then make void
gave His only-begotten Son,” that man the law through faith? God forbid: yea,
might be reconciled to God. Through we establish the law.” “How shall we, that
the merits of Christ he can be restored are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
to harmony with his Maker. His heart And John declares: “This is the love of
must be renewed by divine grace; he God, that we keep His commandments:
must have a new life from above. This and His commandments are not griev-
change is the new birth, without which, ous.” Romans 3:31; 6:2; 1 John 5:3. In
says Jesus, “he cannot see the kingdom the new birth the heart is brought into
of God.” harmony with God, as it is brought into
accord with His law. When this mighty
The law reveals to man his sins, change has taken place in the sinner, he
but it provides no remedy. While has passed from death unto life, from
it promises life to the obedient, it sin unto holiness, from transgression
declares that death is the portion and rebellion to obedience and loyalty.
of the transgressor. The gospel of The old life of alienation from God has
Christ alone can free him from the ended; the new life of reconciliation,
condemnation or the defilement of faith and love, has begun. Then
of sin. “the righteousness of the law” will “be
fulfilled in us, who walk not after the
The first step in reconciliation to flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:4.
God is the conviction of sin. “Sin is the And the language of the soul will be: “O
transgression of the law.” By the law is how love I Thy law! it is my meditation
the knowledge of sin.” 1 John 3:4; Ro- all the day.” Psalm 119:97.
mans 3:20. In order to see his guilt, the
sinner must test his character by God’s “The law of the Lord is perfect, con-
great standard of righteousness. It is a verting the soul.” Psalm 19:7. Without
mirror which shows the perfection of a the law, men have no just conception
righteous character and enables him to of the purity and holiness of God or
discern the defects in his own. of their own guilt and uncleanness.
They have no true conviction of sin
The law reveals to man his sins, but and feel no need of repentance. Not
it provides no remedy. While it promises seeing their lost condition as violators
life to the obedient, it declares that death of God’s law, they do not realize their
is the portion of the transgressor. The
gospel of Christ alone can free him from Without the law, men have no
the condemnation or the defilement of just conception of the purity and
sin. He must exercise repentance toward holiness of God or of their own
God, whose law has been transgressed; guilt and uncleanness. They have
and faith in Christ, his atoning sacrifice. no true conviction of sin and feel
Thus he obtains “remission of sins that no need of repentance. Not seeing
are past” and becomes a partaker of their lost condition as violators
the divine nature. He is a child of God, of God’s law, they do not realize
having received the spirit of adoption, their need of the atoning blood
whereby he cries: “Abba, Father!” of Christ.

Modern Revivals 267

need of the atoning blood of Christ. The of Christ are to become like Him—by
hope of salvation is accepted without a the grace of God to form characters in
radical change of heart or reformation harmony with the principles of His holy
of life. Thus superficial conversions law. This is Bible sanctification.
abound, and multitudes are joined to
the church who have never been united This work can be accomplished only
to Christ. through faith in Christ, by the power
of the indwelling Spirit of God. Paul
Erroneous theories of sanctification, admonishes believers: “Work out your
also, springing from neglect or rejection own salvation with fear and trembling.
of the divine law, have a prominent place For it is God which worketh in you both
in the religious movements of the day. to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
These theories are both false in doctrine Philippians 2:12, 13. The Christian will
and dangerous in practical results; and feel the promptings of sin, but he will
the fact that they are so generally finding maintain a constant warfare against it.
favor, renders it doubly essential that all Here is where Christ’s help is needed.
have a clear understanding of what the Human weakness becomes united to
Scriptures teach upon this point. divine strength, and faith exclaims:
“Thanks be to God, which giveth us the
True sanctification is a Bible doc- victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
trine. The apostle Paul, in his letter to 1 Corinthians 15:57.
the Thessalonian church, declares: “This
is the will of God, even your sanctifica- When in conversion the sinner finds
tion.” And he prays: “The very God of peace with God through the blood
peace sanctify you wholly.” 1 Thessalo- of the atonement, the Christian life
nians 4:3; 5:23. The Bible clearly teaches has but just begun. Now he is to “go
what sanctification is and how it is to on unto perfection;” to grow up
be attained. The Saviour prayed for His “unto the measure of the stature
disciples: “Sanctify them through Thy of the fullness of Christ.”
truth: Thy word is truth.” John 17:17.
And Paul teaches that believers are The Scriptures plainly show that the
to be “sanctified by the Holy Ghost.” work of sanctification is progressive.
Romans 15:16. What is the work of the When in conversion the sinner finds
Holy Spirit? Jesus told His disciples: peace with God through the blood of
“When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, the atonement, the Christian life has
He will guide you into all truth.” John but just begun. Now he is to “go on
16:13. And the psalmist says: “Thy law unto perfection;” to grow up “unto the
is the truth.” By the word and the Spirit measure of the stature of the fullness of
of God are opened to men the great Christ.” Says the apostle Paul: “This one
principles of righteousness embodied thing I do, forgetting those things which
in His law. And since the law of God is are behind, and reaching forth unto
“holy, and just, and good,” a transcript those things which are before, I press
of the divine perfection, it follows that toward the mark for the prize of the high
a character formed by obedience to calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philip-
that law will be holy. Christ is a perfect pians 3:13, 14. And Peter sets before us
example of such a character. He says: “I the steps by which Bible sanctification
have kept My Father’s commandments.”
“I do always those things that please
Him.” John 15:10; 8:29. The followers

268 The Great Controversy

is to be attained: “Giving all diligence, the least of all saints.” 2 Corinthians
add to your faith virtue; and to virtue 12:2-4, margin; Ephesians 3:8. It was
knowledge; and to knowledge temper- the beloved John, who leaned on Jesus’
ance; and to temperance patience; and breast and beheld His glory, that fell as
to patience godliness; and to godliness one dead before the feet of the angel.
brotherly kindness; and to brotherly Revelation 1:17.
kindness charity. … If ye do these things,
ye shall never fall.” 2 Peter 1:5-10. There can be no self-exaltation, no
boastful claim to freedom from sin,
Those who experience the sanctifi- on the part of those who walk in the
cation of the Bible will manifest a spirit shadow of Calvary’s cross. They feel
of humility. Like Moses, they have had that it was their sin which caused the
a view of the awful majesty of holiness, agony that broke the heart of the Son of
and they see their own unworthiness God, and this thought will lead them to
in contrast with the purity and exalted self-abasement. Those who live nearest
perfection of the Infinite One. to Jesus discern most clearly the frailty
and sinfulness of humanity, and their
The prophet Daniel was an example only hope is in the merit of a crucified
of true sanctification. His long life was and risen Saviour.
filled up with noble service for his
Master. He was a man “greatly beloved” The sanctification now gaining
(Daniel 10:11) of Heaven. Yet instead of prominence in the religious world car-
claiming to be pure and holy, this hon- ries with it a spirit of self-exaltation and a
ored prophet identified himself with the disregard for the law of God that mark it
really sinful of Israel as he pleaded before as foreign to the religion of the Bible. Its
God in behalf of his people: “We do not advocates teach that sanctification is an
present our supplications before Thee instantaneous work, by which, through
for our righteousness, but for Thy great faith alone, they attain to perfect holi-
mercies.” “We have sinned, we have done ness. “Only believe,” say they, “and the
wickedly.” He declares: “I was speaking, blessing is yours.” No further effort on
and praying, and confessing my sin and the part of the receiver is supposed to
the sin of my people.” And when at a be required. At the same time they deny
later time the Son of God appeared, to the authority of the law of God, urging
give him instruction, Daniel says: “My that they are released from obligation
comeliness was turned in me into cor- to keep the commandments. But is it
ruption, and I retained no strength.” possible for men to be holy, in accord
Daniel 9:18, 15,20; 10:8. with the will and character of God,
without coming into harmony with the
When Job heard the voice of the principles which are an expression of His
Lord out of the whirlwind, he ex- nature and will, and which show what
claimed: “I abhor myself, and repent is well pleasing to Him?
in dust and ashes.” Job 42:6. It was
when Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord, The desire for an easy religion that
and heard the cherubim crying, “Holy, requires no striving, no self-denial, no
holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts,” that he divorce from the follies of the world,
cried out, “Woe is me! for I am undone.” has made the doctrine of faith, and
Isaiah 6:3, 5. Paul, after he was caught up faith only, a popular doctrine; but what
into the third heaven and heard things saith the word of God? Says the apostle
which it was not possible for a man to James: “What doth it profit, my breth-
utter, speaks of himself as “less than ren, though a man say he hath faith,

Modern Revivals 269

and have not works? can faith save him? commandments, and teach men so,
… Wilt thou know, O vain man, that they shall be of no esteem in the sight
faith without works is dead? Was not of Heaven, and we may know that their
Abraham our father justified by works, claims are without foundation.
when he had offered Isaac his son upon
the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought The desire for an easy religion that
with his works, and by works was faith requires no striving, no self-denial,
made perfect? … Ye see then how that no divorce from the follies of the
by works a man is justified, and not by world, has made the doctrine of
faith only.” James 2:14-24. faith, and faith only, a popular
doctrine
The testimony of the word of God
is against this ensnaring doctrine of And the claim to be without sin is,
faith without works. It is not faith that in itself, evidence that he who makes
claims the favor of Heaven without this claim is far from holy. It is because
complying with the conditions upon he has no true conception of the infi-
which mercy is to be granted, it is nite purity and holiness of God or of
presumption; for genuine faith has its what they must become who shall be
foundation in the promises and provi- in harmony with His character; be-
sions of the Scriptures. cause he has no true conception of the
purity and exalted loveliness of Jesus,
Let none deceive themselves with and the malignity and evil of sin, that
the belief that they can become holy man can regard himself as holy. The
while willfully violating one of God’s greater the distance between himself
requirements. The commission of a and Christ, and the more inadequate
known sin silences the witnessing voice his conceptions of the divine character
of the Spirit and separates the soul and requirements, the more righteous
from God. “Sin is the transgression he appears in his own eyes.
of the law.” And “whosoever sinneth
[transgresseth the law] hath not seen The sanctification set forth in the
Him, neither known Him.” 1 John 3:6. Scriptures embraces the entire being—
Though John in his epistles dwells so spirit, soul, and body. Paul prayed for
fully upon love, yet he does not hesitate the Thessalonians that their “whole spirit
to reveal the true character of that class and soul and body be preserved blameless
who claim to be sanctified while living unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
in transgression of the law of God. “He 1 Thessalonians 5:23. Again he writes
that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not to believers: “I beseech you therefore,
His commandments, is a liar, and the brethren, by the mercies of God, that
truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
His word, in him verily is the love of holy, acceptable unto God.” Romans 12:1.
God perfected.” 1 John 2:4, 5. Here is In the time of ancient Israel every offering
the test of every man’s profession. We brought as a sacrifice to God was carefully
cannot accord holiness to any man examined. If any defect was discovered in
without bringing him to the measure- the animal presented, it was refused; for
ment of God’s only standard of holiness God had commanded that the offering
in heaven and in earth. If men feel no be “without blemish.” So Christians are
weight of the moral law, if they belittle
and make light of God’s precepts, if
they break one of the least of these

270 The Great Controversy

bidden to present their bodies, “a living supply. Were Jesus to enter the churches
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” In of today and behold the feasting and
order to do this, all their powers must be unholy traffic there conducted in the
preserved in the best possible condition. name of religion, would He not drive
Every practice that weakens physical or out those desecrators, as He banished
mental strength unfits man for the service the money-changers from the temple?
of his Creator. And will God be pleased
with anything less than the best we can The apostle James declares that the
offer? Said Christ: “Thou shalt love the wisdom from above is “first pure.” Had
Lord thy God with all thy heart.” Those he encountered those who take the pre-
who do love God with all the heart will cious name of Jesus upon lips defiled by
desire to give Him the best service of their tobacco, those whose breath and person
life, and they will be constantly seeking are contaminated by its foul odor, and
to bring every power of their being into who pollute the air of heaven and force
harmony with the laws that will promote all about them to inhale the poison—
their ability to do His will. They will not, had the apostle come in contact with a
by the indulgence of appetite or passion, practice so opposed to the purity of the
enfeeble or defile the offering which they gospel, would he not have denounced it
present to their heavenly Father. as “earthly, sensual, devilish”? Slaves of
tobacco, claiming the blessing of entire
Peter says: “Abstain from fleshly sanctification, talk of their hope of
lusts, which war against the soul.” heaven; but God’s word plainly declares
1 Peter 2:11. Every sinful gratifica- that “there shall in no wise enter into it
tion tends to benumb the faculties anything that defileth.” Revelation 21:27.
and deaden the mental and spiritual
perceptions, and the word or the Spirit “Know ye not that your body is the
of God can make but a feeble impres- temple of the Holy Ghost which is in
sion upon the heart. Paul writes to the you, which ye have of God, and ye are
Corinthians: “Let us cleanse ourselves not your own? for ye are bought with a
from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, price: therefore glorify God in your body,
perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1
2 Corinthians 7:1. And with the fruits Corinthians 6:19, 20. He whose body is
of the Spirit—“love, joy, peace, long- the temple of the Holy Spirit will not be
suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, enslaved by a pernicious habit. His pow-
meekness”—he classes “temperance.” ers belong to Christ, who has bought him
Galatians 5:22, 23. with the price of blood. His property is
the Lord’s. How could he be guiltless in
Notwithstanding these inspired squandering this entrusted capital? Pro-
declarations, how many professed fessed Christians yearly expend an im-
Christians are enfeebling their powers mense sum upon useless and pernicious
in the pursuit of gain or the worship of indulgences, while souls are perishing
fashion; how many are debasing their for the word of life. God is robbed in
godlike manhood by gluttony, by wine tithes and offerings, while they consume
drinking, by forbidden pleasure. And upon the altar of destroying lust more
the church, instead of rebuking, too than they give to relieve the poor or
often encourages the evil by appealing for the support of the gospel. If all who
to appetite, to desire for gain or love profess to be followers of Christ were
of pleasure, to replenish her treasury, truly sanctified, their means, instead of
which love for Christ is too feeble to being spent for needless and even hurtful

Modern Revivals 271

indulgences, would be turned into the world, in whom there “is no darkness
Lord’s treasury, and Christians would set at all.” The bright beams of the Sun of
an example of temperance, self-denial, Righteousness shine upon the servants
and self-sacrifice. Then they would be of God, and they are to reflect His rays.
the light of the world. As the stars tell us that there is a great
light in heaven with whose glory they are
The world is given up to self- made bright, so Christians are to make
indulgence. “The lust of the flesh, and it manifest that there is a God on the
the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” throne of the universe whose character
control the masses of the people. But is worthy of praise and imitation. The
Christ’s followers have a holier calling. graces of His Spirit, the purity and holi-
“Come out from among them, and be ness of His character, will be manifest
ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch in His witnesses.
not the unclean.” In the light of God’s
word we are justified in declaring that Paul in his letter to the Colossians
sanctification cannot be genuine which sets forth the rich blessings granted
to the children of God. He says: We
In the light of God’s word we “do not cease to pray for you, and to
are justified in declaring that desire that ye might be filled with the
sanctification cannot be genuine knowledge of His will in all wisdom and
which does not work this utter spiritual understanding; that ye might
renunciation of the sinful pursuits walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleas-
and gratifications of the world. ing, being fruitful in every good work,
does not work this utter renunciation and increasing in the knowledge of God;
of the sinful pursuits and gratifications strengthened with all might, according
of the world. to His glorious power, unto all patience
and long-suffering with joyfulness.”
To those who comply with the Colossians 1:9-11.
conditions, “Come out from among
them, and be ye separate, … and touch Again he writes of his desire that
not the unclean,” God’s promise is, “I the brethren at Ephesus might come
will receive you, and will be a Father to understand the height of the Chris-
unto you, and ye shall be My sons and tian’s privilege. He opens before them,
daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 in the most comprehensive language,
Corinthians 6:17, 18. It is the privilege the marvelous power and knowledge
and the duty of every Christian to have that they might possess as sons and
a rich and abundant experience in the daughters of the Most High. It was theirs
things of God. “I am the light of the “to be strengthened with might by His
world,” said Jesus. “He that followeth Spirit in the inner man,” to be “rooted
Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall and grounded in love,” to comprehend
have the light of life.” John 8:12. “The with all saints what is the breadth, and
path of the just is as the shining light, length, and depth, and height; and to
that shineth more and more unto the know the love of Christ, which passeth
perfect day.” Proverbs 4:18. Every step of knowledge.” But the prayer of the apostle
faith and obedience brings the soul into reaches the climax of privilege when he
closer connection with the Light of the prays that “ye might be filled with all
the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19.

Here are revealed the heights of
attainment that we may reach through

272 The Great Controversy

faith in the promises of our heavenly the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah
Father, when we fulfill His requirements. 8:10. And Paul says: “Rejoice in the Lord
Through the merits of Christ we have alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” “Rejoice
access to the throne of Infinite Power. evermore. Pray without ceasing. In ev-
“He that spared not His own Son, but erything give thanks: for this is the will
delivered Him up for us all, how shall of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
He not with Him also freely give us all Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
things?” Romans 8:32. The Father gave
His Spirit without measure to His Son, Such are the fruits of Bible conver-
and we also may partake of its full- sion and sanctification; and it is because
ness. Jesus says, “If ye then, being evil, the great principles of righteousness
know how to give good gifts unto your set forth in the law of God are so in-
children: how much more shall your differently regarded by the Christian
heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to world that these fruits are so rarely
them that ask Him?” Luke 11:13. “If ye witnessed. This is why there is manifest
shall ask anything in My name, I will do so little of that deep, abiding work of the
it.” “Ask, and ye shall receive, that your Spirit of God which marked revivals in
joy may be full.” John 14:14, 16:24. former years.

While the Christian’s life will be It is by beholding that we become
characterized by humility, it should not changed. And as those sacred precepts
be marked with sadness and self-depre- in which God has opened to men the
ciation. It is the privilege of everyone so perfection and holiness of His charac-
to live that God will approve and bless ter are neglected, and the minds of the
him. It is not the will of our heavenly people are attracted to human teachings
Father that we should be ever under and theories, what marvel that there
condemnation and darkness. There is has followed a decline of living piety
no evidence of true humility in going in the church. Saith the Lord: “They
with the head bowed down and the heart have forsaken Me the fountain of living
filled with thoughts of self. We may go to waters, and hewed them out cisterns,
Jesus and be cleansed, and stand before broken cisterns, that can hold no water.”
the law without shame and remorse. Jeremiah 2:13.
“There is therefore now no condemna-
tion to them which are in Christ Jesus, “Blessed is the man that walketh not
who walk not after the flesh, but after in the counsel of the ungodly. … But his
the Spirit.” Romans 8:1. delight is in the law of the Lord; and in
His law doth he meditate day and night.
Through Jesus the fallen sons of And he shall be like a tree planted by
Adam become “sons of God.” “Both the rivers of water, that bringeth forth
He that sanctifieth and they who are his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall
sanctified are all of one: for which cause not wither; and whatsoever he doeth
He is not ashamed to call them breth- shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3. It is only as
ren.” Hebrews 2:11. The Christian’s life the law of God is restored to its rightful
should be one of faith, of victory, and position that there can be a revival of
joy in God. “Whatsoever is born of primitive faith and godliness among His
God overcometh the world: and this is professed people. “Thus saith the Lord,
the victory that overcometh the world, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask
even our faith.” I John 5:4. Truly spoke for the old paths, where is the good way,
God’s servant Nehemiah: “The joy of and walk therein, and ye shall find rest
for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16.

CHAPTER 28

Facing Life’s Record

“I beheld,” says the prophet Dan- here described is not His second coming
iel, “till thrones were placed, to the earth. He comes to the Ancient
and One that was Ancient of of Days in heaven to receive dominion
Days did sit: His raiment was white and glory and a kingdom, which will
as snow, andthe hair of His head like be given Him at the close of His work
pure wool; His throne was fiery flames, as a mediator. It is this coming, and not
and the wheels thereof burning fire. His second advent to the earth, that was
A fiery stream issued and came forth foretold in prophecy to take place at the
from before Him: thousand thousands termination of the 2300 days in 1844.
ministered unto Him, and ten thousand Attended by heavenly angels, our great
times ten thousand stood before Him: High Priest enters the holy of holies and
the judgment was set, and the books there appears in the presence of God to
were opened.” Daniel 7:9, 10, R.V. engage in the last acts of His ministration
in behalf of man—to perform the work
Thus was presented to the prophet’s of investigative judgment and to make
vision the great and solemn day when an atonement for all who are shown to
the characters and the lives of men be entitled to its benefits.
should pass in review before the Judge
of all the earth, and to every man should “The judgment was set, and the
be rendered “according to his works.” books were opened.” Daniel 7:10.
The Ancient of Days is God the Father.
Says the psalmist: “Before the mountains In the typical service only those who
were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst had come before God with confession
formed the earth and the world, even and repentance, and whose sins, through
from everlasting to everlasting, Thou the blood of the sin offering, were trans-
art God.” Psalm 90:2. It is He, the source ferred to the sanctuary, had a part in the
of all being, and the fountain of all law, service of the Day of Atonement. So in
that is to preside in the judgment. And the great day of final atonement and in-
holy angels as ministers and witnesses, vestigative judgment the only cases con-
in number “ten thousand times ten sidered are those of the professed people
thousand, and thousands of thousands,” of God. The judgment of the wicked is
attend this great tribunal. a distinct and separate work, and takes
place at a later period. “Judgment must
“And, behold, one like the Son of begin at the house of God: and if it first
man came with the clouds of heaven, begin at us, what shall the end be of them
and came to the Ancient of Days, and that obey not the gospel?” 1 Peter 4:17.
they brought Him near before Him. And
there was given Him dominion, and The books of record in heaven,
glory, and a kingdom, that all people, in which the names and the deeds of
nations, and languages, should serve men are registered, are to determine
Him: His dominion is an everlasting
dominion, which shall not pass away.”
Daniel 7:13, 14. The coming of Christ

274 The Great Controversy

the decisions of the judgment. Says the every act of sacrifice, every suffering
prophet Daniel: “The judgment was set, and sorrow endured for Christ’s sake,
and the books were opened.” The rev- is recorded. Says the psalmist: “Thou
elator, describing the same scene, adds: tellest my wanderings: put Thou my
“Another book was opened, which is the tears into Thy bottle: are they not in Thy
book of life: and the dead were judged book?” Psalm 56:8.
out of those things which were written
in the books, according to their works.” “Behold, it is written before Me, …
Revelation 20:12. your iniquities, and the iniquities
of your fathers together, saith the
The book of life contains the names Lord.” Isaiah 65:6, 7.
of all who have ever entered the service
of God. Jesus bade His disciples: “Re- There is a record also of the sins of
joice, because your names are written in men. “For God shall bring every work
heaven.” Luke 10:20. Paul speaks of his into judgment, with every secret thing,
faithful fellow workers, “whose names whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
are in the book of life.” Philippians 4:3. Every idle word that men shall speak,
Daniel, looking down to “a time of they shall give account thereof in the day
trouble, such as never was,” declares that of judgment.” Says the Saviour: “By thy
God’s people shall be delivered, “every- words thou shalt be justified, and by thy
one that shall be found written in the words thou shalt be condemned.” Eccle-
book.” And the revelator says that those siastes 12:14; Matthew 12:36, 37. The
only shall enter the city of God whose secret purposes and motives appear in
names “are written in the Lamb’s book the unerring register; for God “will bring
of life.” Daniel 12:1; Revelation 21:27. to light the hidden things of darkness,
and will make manifest the counsels of
“For God shall bring every work into the hearts.” I Corinthians 4:5. “Behold,
judgment, with every secret thing, it is written before Me, … your iniqui-
whether it be good, or whether it ties, and the iniquities of your fathers
be evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:14. together, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 65:6, 7.

“A book of remembrance” is written Every man’s work passes in review
before God, in which are recorded the before God and is registered for faithful-
good deeds of “them that feared the ness or unfaithfulness. Opposite each
Lord, and that thought upon His name.” name in the books of heaven is entered
Malachi 3:16. Their words of faith, their with terrible exactness every wrong
acts of love, are registered in heaven. Ne- word, every selfish act, every unfulfilled
hemiah refers to this when he says: “Re- duty, and every secret sin, with every art-
member me, O my God, … and wipe not ful dissembling. Heaven-sent warnings
out my good deeds that I have done for or reproofs neglected, wasted moments,
the house of my God.” Nehemiah 13:14. unimproved opportunities, the influ-
In the book of God’s remembrance every ence exerted for good or for evil, with
deed of righteousness is immortalized. its far-reaching results, all are chronicled
There every temptation resisted, every by the recording angel.
evil overcome, every word of tender pity
expressed, is faithfully chronicled. And The law of God is the standard by
which the characters and the lives of

Facing Life’s Record 275

men will be tested in the judgment. Says As the books of record are opened
the wise man: “Fear God, and keep His in the judgment, the lives of all who
commandments: for this is the whole have believed on Jesus come in review
duty of man. For God shall bring every before God. Beginning with those who
work into judgment.” Ecclesiastes 12:13,
14. The apostle James admonishes his “Whosoever hath sinned against
brethren: “So speak ye, and so do, as Me, him will I blot out of My book.”
they that shall be judged by the law of Exodus 32:33.
liberty.” James 2:12. first lived upon the earth, our Advocate
presents the cases of each successive
Those who in the judgment are generation, and closes with the living.
“accounted worthy” will have a part in Every name is mentioned, every case
the resurrection of the just. Jesus said: closely investigated. Names are accept-
“They which shall be accounted worthy ed, names rejected. When any have sins
to obtain that world, and the resurrec- remaining upon the books of record,
tion from the dead, … are equal unto unrepented of and unforgiven, their
the angels; and are the children of God, names will be blotted out of the book of
being the children of the resurrection.” life, and the record of their good deeds
Luke 20:35, 36. And again He declares will be erased from the book of God’s
that “they that have done good” shall remembrance. The Lord declared to
come forth “unto the resurrection of Moses: “Whosoever hath sinned against
life.” John 5:29. The righteous dead will Me, him will I blot out of My book.”
not be raised until after the judgment Exodus 32:33. And says the prophet Eze-
at which they are accounted worthy of kiel: “When the righteous turneth away
“the resurrection of life.” Hence they will from his righteousness, and committeth
not be present in person at the tribunal iniquity, … all his righteousness that
when their records are examined and he hath done shall not be mentioned.”
their cases decided. Ezekiel 18:24.

“So speak ye, and so do, as they All who have truly repented of sin,
that shall be judged by the law of and by faith claimed the blood of Christ
liberty.” James 2:12. as their atoning sacrifice, have had par-
don entered against their names in the
Jesus will appear as their advocate, books of heaven; as they have become
to plead in their behalf before God. “If partakers of the righteousness of Christ,
any man sin, we have an advocate with and their characters are found to be in
the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” harmony with the law of God, their sins
I John 2:1. “For Christ is not entered will be blotted out, and they themselves
into the holy places made with hands, will be accounted worthy of eternal life.
which are the figures of the true; but The Lord declares, by the prophet Isaiah:
into heaven itself, now to appear in the “I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy
presence of God for us.” “Wherefore He transgressions for Mine own sake, and
is able also to save them to the uttermost will not remember thy sins.” Isaiah 43:25.
that come unto God by Him, seeing Said Jesus: “He that overcometh, the
He ever liveth to make intercession for same shall be clothed in white raiment;
them.” Hebrews 9:24; 7:25.

276 The Great Controversy

and I will not blot out his name out of the claiming for them forgiveness, He lifts
book of life, but I will confess his name His wounded hands before the Father
before My Father, and before His angels.” and the holy angels, saying: I know
“Whosoever therefore shall confess Me them by name. I have graven them on
before men, him will I confess also be- the palms of My hands. “The sacrifices
fore My Father which is in heaven. But of God are a broken spirit: a broken
whosoever shall deny Me before men, and a contrite heart, O God, Thou
him will I also deny before My Father wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17. And to
which is in heaven.” Revelation 3:5; the accuser of His people He declares:
Matthew 10:32, 33. “The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even
the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem
The deepest interest manifested rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked
among men in the decisions of earthly out of the fire?” Zechariah 3:2. Christ
tribunals but faintly represents the will clothe His faithful ones with His
interest evinced in the heavenly courts own righteousness, that He may present
when the names entered in the book of them to His Father “a glorious church,
life come up in review before the Judge not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such
of all the earth. The divine Interces- thing.” Ephesians 5:27. Their names
sor presents the plea that all who have stand enrolled in the book of life, and
overcome through faith in His blood be concerning them it is written: “They
forgiven their transgressions, that they shall walk with Me in white: for they
be restored to their Eden home, and are worthy.” Revelation 3:4.
crowned as joint heirs with Himself to
“the first dominion.” Micah 4:8. Satan in Thus will be realized the complete
his efforts to deceive and tempt our race fulfillment of the new-covenant prom-
had thought to frustrate the divine plan ise: “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will
in man’s creation; but Christ now asks remember their sin no more.” “In those
that this plan be carried into effect as if days, and in that time, saith the Lord,
man had never fallen. He asks for His the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for,
people not only pardon and justifica- and there shall be none; and the sins
tion, full and complete, but a share in of Judah, and they shall not be found.”
His glory and a seat upon His throne. Jeremiah 31:34; 50:20. “In that day shall
the branch of the Lord be beautiful and
While Jesus is pleading for the glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall
subjects of His grace, Satan accuses be excellent and comely for them that
them before God as transgressors. are escaped of Israel. And it shall come
The great deceiver has sought to lead to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and
them into skepticism, to cause them he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall
to lose confidence in God, to separate be called holy, even everyone that is
themselves from His love, and to break written among the living in Jerusalem.”
His law. Now he points to the record of Isaiah 4:2, 3.
their lives, to the defects of character,
the unlikeness to Christ, which has dis- The work of the investigative judg-
honored their Redeemer, to all the sins ment and the blotting out of sins is to
that he has tempted them to commit, be accomplished before the second
and because of these he claims them advent of the Lord. Since the dead are
as his subjects. to be judged out of the things written
in the books, it is impossible that the
Jesus does not excuse their sins, but sins of men should be blotted out until
shows their penitence and faith, and,

Facing Life’s Record 277

after the judgment at which their cases Sins that have not been repented of
are to be investigated. But the apostle and forsaken will not be pardoned and
Peter distinctly states that the sins of blotted out of the books of record, but
believers will be blotted out “when the will stand to witness against the sinner in
times of refreshing shall come from the the day of God. He may have committed
presence of the Lord; and He shall send his evil deeds in the light of day or in the
Jesus Christ.” Acts 3:19, 20. When the darkness of night; but they were open
investigative judgment closes, Christ and manifest before Him with whom
will come, and His reward will be with we have to do. Angels of God witnessed
Him to give to every man as his work each sin and registered it in the unerring
shall be. records. Sin may be concealed, denied,
covered up from father, mother, wife,
In the typical service the high children, and associates; no one but
priest, having made the atonement the guilty actors may cherish the least
for Israel, came forth and blessed the
congregation. So Christ, at the close Sins that have not been repented of
of His work as mediator, will appear, and forsaken will not be pardoned
“without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews and blotted out of the books of
9:28), to bless His waiting people with record, but will stand to witness
eternal life. As the priest, in removing against the sinner in the day
the sins from the sanctuary, confessed of God.
them upon the head of the scapegoat, suspicion of the wrong; but it is laid bare
so Christ will place all these sins upon before the intelligences of heaven. The
Satan, the originator and instigator of darkness of the darkest night, the secrecy
sin. The scapegoat, bearing the sins of of all deceptive arts, is not sufficient to
Israel, was sent away “unto a land not veil one thought from the knowledge of
inhabited” (Leviticus 16:22); so Satan, the Eternal. God has an exact record of
bearing the guilt of all the sins which every unjust account and every unfair
he has caused God’s people to commit, dealing. He is not deceived by appear-
will be for a thousand years confined to ances of piety. He makes no mistakes in
the earth, which will then be desolate, His estimation of character. Men may
without inhabitant, and he will at last be deceived by those who are corrupt
suffer the full penalty of sin in the fires in heart, but God pierces all disguises
that shall destroy all the wicked. Thus the and reads the inner life.
great plan of redemption will reach its
accomplishment in the final eradication How solemn is the thought! Day after
of sin and the deliverance of all who have day, passing into eternity, bears its burden
been willing to renounce evil. of records for the books of heaven. Words
once spoken, deeds once done, can never
At the time appointed for the judg- be recalled. Angels have registered both
ment—the close of the 2300 days, in the good and the evil. The mightiest
1844—began the work of investigation conqueror upon the earth cannot call
and blotting out of sins. All who have back the record of even a single day. Our
ever taken upon themselves the name acts, our words, even our most secret
of Christ must pass its searching scru- motives, all have their weight in deciding
tiny. Both the living and the dead are
to be judged “out of those things which
were written in the books, according to
their works.”

278 The Great Controversy

our destiny for weal or woe. Though they counted genuine. Yet it is love alone
may be forgotten by us, they will bear which in the sight of Heaven makes
their testimony to justify or condemn. any act of value. Whatever is done from
love, however small it may appear in
Our acts, our words, even our the estimation of men, is accepted and
most secret motives, all have their rewarded of God.
weight in deciding our destiny for
weal or woe. Though they may be The hidden selfishness of men
forgotten by us, they will bear their stands revealed in the books of heaven.
testimony to justify or condemn. There is the record of unfulfilled duties
to their fellow men, of forgetfulness
As the features of the countenance of the Saviour’s claims. There they
are reproduced with unerring accuracy will see how often were given to Satan
on the polished plate of the artist, so the the time, thought, and strength that
character is faithfully delineated in the belonged to Christ. Sad is the record
books above. Yet how little solicitude is which angels bear to heaven. Intelligent
felt concerning that record which is to beings, professed followers of Christ,
meet the gaze of heavenly beings. Could are absorbed in the acquirement of
the veil which separates the visible from worldly possessions or the enjoyment
the invisible world be swept back, and of earthly pleasures. Money, time, and
the children of men behold an angel strength are sacrificed for display and
recording every word and deed, which self-indulgence; but few are the mo-
they must meet again in the judgment, ments devoted to prayer, to the searching
how many words that are daily uttered of the Scriptures, to humiliation of soul
would remain unspoken, how many and confession of sin.
deeds would remain undone.
Satan invents unnumbered schemes
In the judgment the use made of to occupy our minds, that they may not
every talent will be scrutinized. How dwell upon the very work with which
have we employed the capital lent us of we ought to be best acquainted. The
Heaven? Will the Lord at His coming archdeceiver hates the great truths that
receive His own with usury? Have we bring to view an atoning sacrifice and
improved the powers entrusted us, in an all-powerful mediator. He knows that
hand and heart and brain, to the glory with him everything depends on his di-
of God and the blessing of the world? verting minds from Jesus and His truth.
How have we used our time, our pen,
our voice, our money, our influence? Those who would share the benefits
What have we done for Christ, in the of the Saviour’s mediation should permit
person of the poor, the afflicted, the nothing to interfere with their duty to
orphan, or the widow? God has made perfect holiness in the fear of God. The
us the depositaries of His holy word; precious hours, instead of being given
what have we done with the light and to pleasure, to display, or to gain seek-
truth given us to make men wise unto ing, should be devoted to an earnest,
salvation? No value is attached to a prayerful study of the word of truth.
mere profession of faith in Christ; only The subject of the sanctuary and the
the love which is shown by works is investigative judgment should be clearly
understood by the people of God. All
need a knowledge for themselves of the
position and work of their great High
Priest. Otherwise it will be impossible

Facing Life’s Record 279

for them to exercise the faith which is “He that covereth his sins shall not
essential at this time or to occupy the prosper: but whoso confesseth and for-
position which God designs them to saketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs
fill. Every individual has a soul to save 28:13. If those who hide and excuse their
or to lose. Each has a case pending at the faults could see how Satan exults over
bar of God. Each must meet the great them, how he taunts Christ and holy
Judge face to face. How important, then, angels with their course, they would
that every mind contemplate often the make haste to confess their sins and to
solemn scene when the judgment shall put them away. Through defects in the
sit and the books shall be opened, when, character, Satan works to gain control
with Daniel, every individual must stand of the whole mind, and he knows that if
in his lot, at the end of the days. these defects are cherished, he will suc-
ceed. Therefore he is constantly seeking
All who have received the light upon to deceive the followers of Christ with
these subjects are to bear testimony of his fatal sophistry that it is impossible
the great truths which God has commit- for them to overcome. But Jesus pleads
ted to them. The sanctuary in heaven is in their behalf His wounded hands, His
the very center of Christ’s work in behalf
of men. It concerns every soul living The intercession of Christ in man’s
upon the earth. It opens to view the behalf in the sanctuary above is as
plan of redemption, bringing us down to essential to the plan of salvation as
the very close of time and revealing the was His death upon the cross. By
triumphant issue of the contest between His death He began that work which
righteousness and sin. It is of the utmost after His resurrection He ascended
importance that all should thoroughly to complete in heaven. We must by
investigate these subjects and be able to faith enter within the veil, “whither
give an answer to everyone that asketh the forerunner is for us entered.”
them a reason of the hope that is in them. Hebrews 6:20.
bruised body; and He declares to all who
The intercession of Christ in man’s would follow Him: “My grace is suffi-
behalf in the sanctuary above is as es- cient for thee.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. “Take
sential to the plan of salvation as was My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I
His death upon the cross. By His death am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall
He began that work which after His find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is
resurrection He ascended to complete easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew
in heaven. We must by faith enter within 11:29, 30. Let none, then, regard their
the veil, “whither the forerunner is for us defects as incurable. God will give faith
entered.” Hebrews 6:20. There the light and grace to overcome them.
from the cross of Calvary is reflected.
There we may gain a clearer insight We are now living in the great day
into the mysteries of redemption. The of atonement. In the typical service,
salvation of man is accomplished at an while the high priest was making the
infinite expense to heaven; the sacrifice atonement for Israel, all were required
made is equal to the broadest demands to afflict their souls by repentance of
of the broken law of God. Jesus has sin and humiliation before the Lord,
opened the way to the Father’s throne,
and through His mediation the sincere
desire of all who come to Him in faith
may be presented before God.

280 The Great Controversy

lest they be cut off from among the the appearing of the Lord in the clouds
people. In like manner, all who would of heaven. Christ in the Revelation,
have their names retained in the book looking forward to that time, declares:
of life should now, in the few remaining “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still:
days of their probation, afflict their souls and he which is filthy, let him be filthy
before God by sorrow for sin and true still: and he that is righteous let him be
repentance. There must be deep, faithful righteous still: and he that is holy, let
searching of heart. The light, frivolous him be holy still. And, behold, I come
spirit indulged by so many professed quickly; and My reward is with Me, to
Christians must be put away. There is give every man according as his work
earnest warfare before all who would shall be.” Revelation 22:11, 12.
subdue the evil tendencies that strive for
the mastery. The work of preparation is The righteous and the wicked will
an individual work. We are not saved in still be living upon the earth in their
groups. The purity and devotion of one mortal state—men will be planting
will not offset the want of these quali- and building, eating and drinking, all
ties in another. Though all nations are unconscious that the final, irrevocable
to pass in judgment before God, yet He decision has been pronounced in the
will examine the case of each individual sanctuary above. Before the Flood, after
with as close and searching scrutiny as Noah entered the ark, God shut him in
if there were not another being upon and shut the ungodly out; but for seven
the earth. Everyone must be tested and days the people, knowing not that their
found without spot or wrinkle or any doom was fixed, continued their care-
such thing. less, pleasure-loving life and mocked the
warnings of impending judgment. “So,”
Solemn are the scenes connected says the Saviour, “shall also the coming
with the closing work of the atonement. of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:39.
Momentous are the interests involved Silently, unnoticed as the midnight
therein. The judgment is now pass- thief, will come the decisive hour which
ing in the sanctuary above. For many marks the fixing of every man’s destiny,
years this work has been in progress. the final withdrawal of mercy’s offer to
Soon—none know how soon—it will guilty men.
pass to the cases of the living. In the
awful presence of God our lives are to “Watch ye therefore: … lest coming
come up in review. At this time above all suddenly He find you sleeping.” Mark
others it behooves every soul to heed the 13:35, 36. Perilous is the condition of
Saviour’s admonition: “Watch and pray: those who, growing weary of their watch,
for ye know not when the time is.” Mark turn to the attractions of the world.
13:33. “If therefore thou shalt not watch, While the man of business is absorbed
I will come on thee as a thief, and thou in the pursuit of gain, while the pleasure
shalt not know what hour I will come lover is seeking indulgence, while the
upon thee.” Revelation 3:3. daughter of fashion is arranging her
adornments—it may be in that hour
When the work of the investigative the Judge of all the earth will pronounce
judgment closes, the destiny of all will the sentence: “Thou art weighed in
have been decided for life or death. the balances, and art found wanting.”
Probation is ended a short time before Daniel 5:27.

CHAPTER 29

The Origin of Evil

T o many minds the origin of sin rebellion. Sin is an intruder, for whose
and the reason for its existence presence no reason can be given. It is
are a source of great perplexity. mysterious, unaccountable; to excuse
They see the work of evil, with its terrible it is to defend it. Could excuse for it
results of woe and desolation, and they be found, or cause be shown for its
question how all this can exist under existence, it would cease to be sin. Our
the sovereignty of One who is infinite only definition of sin is that given in
in wisdom, in power, and in love. Here the word of God; it is “the transgres-
is a mystery of which they find no ex- sion of the law;” it is the outworking
planation. And in their uncertainty and of a principle at war with the great law
doubt they are blinded to truths plainly of love which is the foundation of the
revealed in God’s word and essential to divine government.
salvation. There are those who, in their
inquiries concerning the existence of sin, Sin is an intruder, for whose
endeavor to search into that which God presence no reason can be given.
has never revealed; hence they find no It is mysterious, unaccountable;
solution of their difficulties; and such as to excuse it is to defend it. Could
are actuated by a disposition to doubt excuse for it be found, or cause be
and cavil seize upon this as an excuse shown for its existence, it would
for rejecting the words of Holy Writ. cease to be sin.
Others, however, fail of a satisfactory
understanding of the great problem of Before the entrance of evil there was
evil, from the fact that tradition and peace and joy throughout the universe.
misinterpretation have obscured the All was in perfect harmony with the Cre-
teaching of the Bible concerning the ator’s will. Love for God was supreme,
character of God, the nature of His love for one another impartial. Christ the
government, and the principles of His Word, the Only Begotten of God, was
dealing with sin. one with the eternal Father,—one in na-
ture, in character, and in purpose,—the
It is impossible to explain the origin only being in all the universe that could
of sin so as to give a reason for its exis- enter into all the counsels and purposes
tence. Yet enough may be understood of God. By Christ the Father wrought in
concerning both the origin and the final the creation of all heavenly beings. “By
disposition of sin to make fully manifest Him were all things created, that are in
the justice and benevolence of God in heaven, … whether they be thrones, or
all His dealings with evil. Nothing is dominions, or principalities, or pow-
more plainly taught in Scripture than ers” (Colossians 1:16); and to Christ,
that God was in no wise responsible equally with the Father, all heaven gave
for the entrance of sin; that there was allegiance.
no arbitrary withdrawal of divine grace,
no deficiency in the divine government,
that gave occasion for the uprising of

282 The Great Controversy

The law of love being the founda- glorify his Maker. But, says the prophet,
tion of the government of God, the “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy
happiness of all created beings de- beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom
pended upon their perfect accord with by reason of thy brightness.” Verse 17.
its great principles of righteousness. Little by little, Lucifer came to indulge a
God desires from all His creatures the desire for self-exaltation. “Thou hast set
service of love—homage that springs thine heart as the heart of God.” “Thou
from an intelligent appreciation of His hast said, … I will exalt my throne above
character. He takes no pleasure in a the stars of God: I will sit also upon the
forced allegiance, and to all He grants mount of the congregation. … I will
freedom of will, that they may render ascend above the heights of the clouds;
Him voluntary service. I will be like the Most High.” Verse 6;
Isaiah 14:13,14. Instead of seeking to
Our only definition of sin is that make God supreme in the affections
given in the word of God; it is “the and allegiance of His creatures, it was
transgression of the law;” it is the Lucifer’s endeavor to win their service
outworking of a principle at war and homage to himself. And coveting
with the great law of love which the honor which the infinite Father had
is the foundation of the divine bestowed upon His Son, this prince of
government. angels aspired to power which it was
the prerogative of Christ alone to wield.
But there was one that chose to
pervert this freedom. Sin originated All heaven had rejoiced to reflect
with him who, next to Christ, had been the Creator’s glory and to show forth
most honored of God and who stood His praise. And while God was thus
highest in power and glory among the honored, all had been peace and glad-
inhabitants of heaven. Before his fall, ness. But a note of discord now marred
Lucifer was first of the covering cherubs, the celestial harmonies. The service
holy and undefiled. “Thus saith the Lord and exaltation of self, contrary to the
God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of Creator’s plan, awakened forebodings of
wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou evil in minds to whom God’s glory was
hast been in Eden the garden of God; supreme. The heavenly councils pleaded
every precious stone was thy covering. with Lucifer. The Son of God presented
… Thou art the anointed cherub that before him the greatness, the goodness,
covereth; and I have set thee so: thou and the justice of the Creator, and the
wast upon the holy mountain of God; sacred, unchanging nature of His law.
thou hast walked up and down in the God Himself had established the order
midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast of heaven; and in departing from it, Luci-
perfect in thy ways from the day that fer would dishonor his Maker, and bring
thou wast created, till iniquity was found ruin upon himself. But the warning,
in thee.” Ezekiel 28:12-15. given in infinite love and mercy, only
aroused a spirit of resistance. Lucifer
Lucifer might have remained in allowed jealousy of Christ to prevail,
favor with God, beloved and honored and he became the more determined.
by all the angelic host, exercising his
noble powers to bless others and to Pride in his own glory nourished the
desire for supremacy. The high honors
conferred upon Lucifer were not appre-
ciated as the gift of God and called forth

The Origin of Evil 283

no gratitude to the Creator. He gloried efforts as only infinite love and wisdom
in his brightness and exaltation, and could devise were made to convince him
aspired to be equal with God. He was of his error. The spirit of discontent had
beloved and reverenced by the heavenly never before been known in heaven. Lu-
host. Angels delighted to execute his cifer himself did not at first see whither
commands, and he was clothed with he was drifting; he did not understand
wisdom and glory above them all. Yet the real nature of his feelings. But as his
the Son of God was the acknowledged dissatisfaction was proved to be without
Sovereign of heaven, one in power and cause, Lucifer was convinced that he was
authority with the Father. In all the coun- in the wrong, that the divine claims were
cils of God, Christ was a participant, just, and that he ought to acknowledge
while Lucifer was not permitted thus to them as such before all heaven. Had he
enter into the divine purposes. “Why,” done this, he might have saved himself
questioned this mighty angel, “should and many angels. He had not at this
Christ have the supremacy? Why is He time fully cast off his allegiance to God.
thus honored above Lucifer?” Though he had forsaken his position
as covering cherub, yet if he had been
Leaving his place in the immediate willing to return to God, acknowledging
presence of God, Lucifer went forth to the Creator’s wisdom, and satisfied to fill
diffuse the spirit of discontent among the place appointed him in God’s great
the angels. Working with mysterious plan, he would have been reinstated
secrecy, and for a time concealing his in his office. But pride forbade him to
real purpose under an appearance of submit. He persistently defended his
reverence for God, he endeavored to own course, maintained that he had no
excite dissatisfaction concerning the need of repentance, and fully committed
laws that governed heavenly beings, himself, in the great controversy, against
intimating that they imposed an unnec- his Maker.
essary restraint. Since their natures were
holy, he urged that the angels should All the powers of his master mind
obey the dictates of their own will. He were now bent to the work of deception,
sought to create sympathy for himself by to secure the sympathy of the angels that
representing that God had dealt unjustly had been under his command. Even
with him in bestowing supreme honor the fact that Christ had warned and
upon Christ. He claimed that in aspiring counseled him was perverted to serve
to greater power and honor he was not his traitorous designs. To those whose
aiming at self-exaltation, but was seeking loving trust bound them most closely
to secure liberty for all the inhabitants to him, Satan had represented that he
of heaven, that by this means they might was wrongly judged, that his position
attain to a higher state of existence. was not respected, and that his liberty
was to be abridged. From misrepresen-
God in His great mercy bore long tation of the words of Christ he passed
with Lucifer. He was not immediately to prevarication and direct falsehood,
degraded from his exalted station when accusing the Son of God of a design to
he first indulged the spirit of discontent, humiliate him before the inhabitants of
nor even when he began to present his heaven. He sought also to make a false
false claims before the loyal angels. Long issue between himself and the loyal
was he retained in heaven. Again and angels. All whom he could not subvert
again he was offered pardon on condi- and bring fully to his side he accused of
tion of repentance and submission. Such

284 The Great Controversy

indifference to the interests of heavenly deceive was very great, and by disguising
beings. The very work which he himself himself in a cloak of falsehood he had
was doing he charged upon those who gained an advantage. Even the loyal an-
remained true to God. And to sustain gels could not fully discern his character
his charge of God’s injustice toward or see to what his work was leading.
him, he resorted to misrepresentation
of the words and acts of the Creator. Satan had been so highly honored,
It was his policy to perplex the angels and all his acts were so clothed with
with subtle arguments concerning the mystery, that it was difficult to disclose
purposes of God. Everything that was to the angels the true nature of his work.
simple he shrouded in mystery, and by Until fully developed, sin would not
artful perversion cast doubt upon the appear the evil thing it was. Heretofore
plainest statements of Jehovah. His high it had had no place in the universe of
position, in such close connection with God, and holy beings had no conception
the divine administration, gave greater of its nature and malignity. They could
force to his representations, and many not discern the terrible consequences
were induced to unite with him in rebel- that would result from setting aside the
lion against Heaven’s authority. divine law. Satan had, at first, concealed
his work under a specious profession of
God in His wisdom permitted Satan loyalty to God. He claimed to be seeking
to carry forward his work, until the spirit to promote the honor of God, the sta-
of disaffection ripened into active revolt. bility of His government, and the good
It was necessary for his plans to be fully of all the inhabitants of heaven. While
developed, that their true nature and instilling discontent into the minds of
the angels under him, he had artfully
God in His wisdom permitted Satan made it appear that he was seeking to
to carry forward his work, until the remove dissatisfaction. When he urged
spirit of disaffection ripened into that changes be made in the order and
active revolt. It was necessary for laws of God’s government, it was under
his plans to be fully developed, the pretense that these were necessary
that their true nature and tendency in order to preserve harmony in heaven.
might be seen by all.
tendency might be seen by all. Lucifer, In His dealing with sin, God could
as the anointed cherub, had been highly employ only righteousness and truth.
exalted; he was greatly loved by the heav- Satan could use what God could not—
enly beings, and his influence over them flattery and deceit. He had sought to
was strong. God’s government included falsify the word of God and had misrep-
not only the inhabitants of heaven, but of resented His plan of government before
all the worlds that He had created; and the angels, claiming that God was not
Satan thought that if he could carry the just in laying laws and rules upon the
angels of heaven with him in rebellion, inhabitants of heaven; that in requiring
he could carry also the other worlds. submission and obedience from His
He had artfully presented his side of creatures, He was seeking merely the
the question, employing sophistry and exaltation of Himself. Therefore it must
fraud to secure his objects. His power to be demonstrated before the inhabitants
of heaven, as well as of all the worlds,
that God’s government was just, His law
perfect. Satan had made it appear that
he himself was seeking to promote the

The Origin of Evil 285

good of the universe. The true character God from fear rather than from love.
of the usurper, and his real object, must The influence of the deceiver would not
be understood by all. He must have time have been fully destroyed, nor would
to manifest himself by his wicked works. the spirit of rebellion have been utterly
eradicated. Evil must be permitted to
The inhabitants of heaven and of come to maturity. For the good of the
other worlds, being unprepared entire universe through ceaseless ages
to comprehend the nature or Satan must more fully develop his prin-
consequences of sin, could not then ciples, that his charges against the divine
have seen the justice and mercy of government might be seen in their true
God in the destruction of Satan. light by all created beings, that the justice
Had he been immediately blotted and mercy of God and the immutabil-
from existence, they would have ity of His law might forever be placed
served God from fear rather than beyond all question.
from love.
Satan’s rebellion was to be a lesson
The discord which his own course to the universe through all coming ages,
had caused in heaven, Satan charged a perpetual testimony to the nature and
upon the law and government of God. terrible results of sin. The working out
All evil he declared to be the result of the of Satan’s rule, its effects upon both
divine administration. He claimed that men and angels, would show what must
it was his own object to improve upon be the fruit of setting aside the divine
the statutes of Jehovah. Therefore it was authority. It would testify that with the
necessary that he should demonstrate existence of God’s government and His
the nature of his claims, and show the law is bound up the well-being of all the
working out of his proposed changes creatures He has made. Thus the history
in the divine law. His own work must of this terrible experiment of rebellion
condemn him. Satan had claimed from was to be a perpetual safeguard to all
the first that he was not in rebellion. The holy intelligences, to prevent them from
whole universe must see the deceiver being deceived as to the nature of trans-
unmasked. gression, to save them from committing
sin and suffering its punishments.
Even when it was decided that he
could no longer remain in heaven, Satan’s rebellion was to be a lesson
Infinite Wisdom did not destroy Satan. to the universe through all coming
Since the service of love can alone be ages, a perpetual testimony to the
acceptable to God, the allegiance of nature and terrible results of sin.
His creatures must rest upon a convic-
tion of His justice and benevolence. To the very close of the controversy
The inhabitants of heaven and of other in heaven the great usurper continued to
worlds, being unprepared to compre- justify himself. When it was announced
hend the nature or consequences of that with all his sympathizers he must
sin, could not then have seen the justice be expelled from the abodes of bliss,
and mercy of God in the destruction of then the rebel leader boldly avowed
Satan. Had he been immediately blotted his contempt for the Creator’s law. He
from existence, they would have served reiterated his claim that angels needed

286 The Great Controversy

no control, but should be left to follow restrictions had led to man’s fall, as they
their own will, which would ever guide had led to his own rebellion.
them right. He denounced the divine
statutes as a restriction of their liberty But the Eternal One Himself pro-
and declared that it was his purpose to claims His character: “The Lord God,
secure the abolition of law; that, freed merciful and gracious, long-suffering,
from this restraint, the hosts of heaven and abundant in goodness and truth,
might enter upon a more exalted, more keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving
glorious state of existence. iniquity and transgression and sin, and
that will by no means clear the guilty.”
With one accord, Satan and his host Exodus 34:6, 7.
threw the blame of their rebellion wholly
upon Christ, declaring that if they had In the banishment of Satan from
not been reproved, they would never heaven, God declared His justice and
have rebelled. Thus stubborn and defi- maintained the honor of His throne. But
ant in their disloyalty, seeking vainly to when man had sinned through yielding
overthrow the government of God, yet to the deceptions of this apostate spirit,
blasphemously claiming to be themselves God gave an evidence of His love by
the innocent victims of oppressive power, yielding up His only-begotten Son to die
the archrebel and all his sympathizers for the fallen race. In the atonement the
were at last banished from heaven. character of God is revealed. The mighty
argument of the cross demonstrates to
The same spirit that prompted rebel- the whole universe that the course of
lion in heaven still inspires rebellion on sin which Lucifer had chosen was in
earth. Satan has continued with men no wise chargeable upon the govern-
the same policy which he pursued with ment of God.
the angels. His spirit now reigns in the
children of disobedience. Like him they In the contest between Christ and
seek to break down the restraints of the Satan, during the Saviour’s earthly
law of God and promise men liberty ministry, the character of the great
through transgression of its precepts. deceiver was unmasked. Nothing could
Reproof of sin still arouses the spirit of so effectually have uprooted Satan from
hatred and resistance. When God’s mes- the affections of the heavenly angels and
sages of warning are brought home to the the whole loyal universe as did his cruel
conscience, Satan leads men to justify warfare upon the world’s Redeemer.
themselves and to seek the sympathy of The daring blasphemy of his demand
others in their course of sin. Instead of that Christ should pay him homage,
correcting their errors, they excite indig- his presumptuous boldness in bearing
nation against the reprover, as if he were Him to the mountain summit and the
the sole cause of difficulty. From the days pinnacle of the temple, the malicious
of righteous Abel to our own time such intent betrayed in urging Him to cast
is the spirit which has been displayed Himself down from the dizzy height, the
toward those who dare to condemn sin. unsleeping malice that hunted Him from
place to place, inspiring the hearts of
By the same misrepresentation of priests and people to reject His love, and
the character of God as he had practiced at the last to cry, “Crucify Him! crucify
in heaven, causing Him to be regarded Him!—all this excited the amazement
as severe and tyrannical, Satan induced and indignation of the universe.
man to sin. And having succeeded
thus far, he declared that God’s unjust It was Satan that prompted the world’s
rejection of Christ. The prince of evil

The Origin of Evil 287

exerted all his power and cunning to to control the inhabitants of heaven.
destroy Jesus; for he saw that the Saviour’s He had claimed that the transgression
mercy and love, His compassion and of God’s law would bring liberty and
pitying tenderness, were representing exaltation; but it was seen to result in
to the world the character of God. Satan bondage and degradation.
contested every claim put forth by the Son
of God and employed men as his agents Satan’s lying charges against the
to fill the Saviour’s life with suffering and divine character and government ap-
sorrow. The sophistry and falsehood by peared in their true light. He had ac-
which he had sought to hinder the work cused God of seeking merely the exalta-
of Jesus, the hatred manifested through tion of Himself in requiring submission
the children of disobedience, his cruel and obedience from His creatures, and
accusations against Him whose life was had declared that, while the Creator
one of unexampled goodness, all sprang exacted self-denial from all others, He
from deep-seated revenge. The pent-up Himself practiced no self-denial and
fires of envy and malice, hatred and made no sacrifice. Now it was seen that
revenge, burst forth on Calvary against for the salvation of a fallen and sinful
the Son of God, while all heaven gazed race, the Ruler of the universe had
upon the scene in silent horror. made the greatest sacrifice which love
could make; for “God was in Christ,
When the great sacrifice had been reconciling the world unto Himself.”
consummated, Christ ascended on 2 Corinthians 5:19. It was seen, also,
high, refusing the adoration of angels that while Lucifer had opened the door
until He had presented the request: “I for the entrance of sin by his desire for
will that they also, whom Thou hast honor and supremacy, Christ had, in
given Me, be with Me where I am.” John order to destroy sin, humbled Himself
17:24. Then with inexpressible love and and become obedient unto death.
power came forth the answer from the
Father’s throne: “Let all the angels of God had manifested His abhor-
God worship Him.” Hebrews 1:6. Not rence of the principles of rebellion. All
a stain rested upon Jesus. His humili- heaven saw His justice revealed, both in
ation ended, His sacrifice completed, the condemnation of Satan and in the
there was given unto Him a name that redemption of man. Lucifer had declared
is above every name. that if the law of God was changeless, and
its penalty could not be remitted, every
Now the guilt of Satan stood forth transgressor must be forever debarred
without excuse. He had revealed his from the Creator’s favor. He had claimed
true character as a liar and a murderer. that the sinful race were placed beyond
It was seen that the very same spirit with redemption and were therefore his right-
which he ruled the children of men, ful prey. But the death of Christ was an
who were under his power, he would argument in man’s behalf that could
have manifested had he been permitted not be overthrown. The penalty of the

It was Satan that prompted the world’s rejection of Christ. The prince of
evil exerted all his power and cunning to destroy Jesus; for he saw that the
Saviour’s mercy and love, His compassion and pitying tenderness, were
representing to the world the character of God.

288 The Great Controversy

law fell upon Him who was equal with originator of evil can render no excuse.
God, and man was free to accept the Every mouth will be stopped, and all
righteousness of Christ and by a life of the hosts of rebellion will be speechless.
penitence and humiliation to triumph,
as the Son of God had triumphed, over The cross of Calvary, while it declares
the power of Satan. Thus God is just and the law immutable, proclaims to the uni-
yet the justifier of all who believe in Jesus. verse that the wages of sin is death. In the
Saviour’s expiring cry, “It is finished,” the
Its [sin’s] utter extermination, death knell of Satan was rung. The great
which in the beginning would have controversy which had been so long in
brought fear to angels and dishonor progress was then decided, and the final
to God, will now vindicate His love eradication of evil was made certain. The
and establish His honor before the Son of God passed through the portals of
universe of beings who delight to the tomb, that “through death He might
do His will, and in whose heart destroy him that had the power of death,
is His law. Never will evil again that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14. Lucifer’s
be manifest. desire for self-exaltation had led him to
say: “I will exalt my throne above the stars
But it was not merely to accomplish of God: … I will be like the Most High.”
the redemption of man that Christ God declares: “I will bring thee to ashes
came to the earth to suffer and to die. upon the earth, … and never shalt thou
He came to “magnify the law” and to be any more.” Isaiah 14:13, 14; Ezekiel
“make it honorable.” Not alone that the 28:18, 19. When “the day cometh, that
inhabitants of this world might regard shall burn as an oven; … all the proud,
the law as it should be regarded; but it yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be
was to demonstrate to all the worlds of stubble: and the day that cometh shall
the universe that God’s law is unchange- burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts,
able. Could its claims have been set that it shall leave them neither root nor
aside, then the Son of God need not have branch.” Malachi 4:1.
yielded up His life to atone for its trans-
gression. The death of Christ proves it The whole universe will have be-
immutable. And the sacrifice to which come witnesses to the nature and results
infinite love impelled the Father and the of sin. And its utter extermination,
Son, that sinners might be redeemed, which in the beginning would have
demonstrates to all the universe—what brought fear to angels and dishonor to
nothing less than this plan of atonement God, will now vindicate His love and
could have sufficed to do—that justice establish His honor before the universe
and mercy are the foundation of the law of beings who delight to do His will, and
and government of God. in whose heart is His law. Never will evil
again be manifest. Says the word of God:
In the final execution of the judg- “Affliction shall not rise up the second
ment it will be seen that no cause for sin time.” Nahum 1:9. The law of God, which
exists. When the Judge of all the earth Satan has reproached as the yoke of
shall demand of Satan, “Why hast thou bondage, will be honored as the law of
rebelled against Me, and robbed Me liberty. A tested and proved creation will
of the subjects of My kingdom?” the never again be turned from allegiance
to Him whose character has been fully
manifested before them as fathomless
love and infinite wisdom.