If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raise Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9, ESV). and convents were full of people, very few of whom escaped.” 482 “The terror of the people was beyond Satan consults with his angels, and then with these kings and conquerors and mighty men. They look upon the strength and numbers on their side, and declare that the army within the city is small in comparison with theirs, and that it can be overcome. They lay their plans to take possession of the riches and glory of the New Jerusalem. All immediately begin to prepare for battle. Skillful artisans construct implements of war. Military leaders, famed for their success, marshal the throngs of warlike men into companies and divisions. GC 664.2 The 1884 book was reaching beyond the ranks of Seventh-day Adventists. Yet the terminology and, in some cases, the content was directed largely to Adventists. Expressions familiar to Adventists were sometimes incomprehensible to the ordinary reader. Also, some subjects were too briefly treated because the readers were expected to be familiar with them. Some adaptation of wording seemed desirable and also changing of the verb tense from present to past. [11] Earth is the only place God created that contains sin, and all God’s creations have their eyes on it, witnessing the devastating effect sin is having on our world (1 Corinthians 4:9).

One day, God promises us He will put an end to sin, destroy Satan and his followers, and make all things right again. But before that happens, everyone has to make a choice. The Great Controversy was written using the Bible as its foundation for interpreting how history has unfolded. So many major events of the past lineup with specific predictions in biblical prophecy, and it can be fascinating to go through it all. The book begins with a historical overview, which begins with the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, covers the Reformation and Advent movement in detail, and culminates with a lengthy description of the end times. It also outlines several key Seventh-day Adventist doctrines, including the heavenly sanctuary, the investigative judgment and the state of the dead. [2]

12. The French Reformation

It’s not uncommon to see people do horrible things for good causes. Others try their best to do the right thing but end up making things worse. How can pure good and pure evil exist in such a confusing world? Reference works were chosen that were readily available to most readers where facts might be challenged. The followers of Christ know little of the plots which Satan and his hosts are forming against them. But He who sitteth in the heavens will overrule all these devices for the accomplishment of His deep designs. The Lord permits His people to be subjected to the fiery ordeal of temptation, not because He takes pleasure in their distress and affliction, but because this process is essential to their final victory. He could not, consistently with His own glory, shield them from temptation; for the very object of the trial is to prepare them to resist all the allurements of evil. GC 528.3 This battle encompasses the entire world and was being fought before humanity even began. And, just like in all good stories, the Bible tells us that good eventually comes out on top. God will prevail, and evil will be destroyed.

This synopsis is of the current, 1911 edition and its predecessor, the 1888 edition. While the original 1858 edition covered the entire history of sin from its beginning in heaven until it is eradicated in the new earth, these two editions cover just the Christian dispensation. By reading this book, you get an in-depth look at this significant time in the world’s and Christianity’s history. It covers biblical doctrines such as the sanctuary, death, and the Sabbath The great deceiver has many agents ready to present any and every kind of error to ensnare souls—heresies prepared to suit the varied tastes and capacities of those whom he would ruin. It is his plan to bring into the church insincere, unregenerate elements that will encourage doubt and unbelief, and hinder all who desire to see the work of God advance and to advance with it. Many who have no real faith in God or in His word assent to some principles of truth and pass as Christians, and thus they are enabled to introduce their errors as Scriptural doctrines. GC 520.1 It would be easy for God to destroy Satan and his angels in an instant. But if God did that, the angels who remained would only follow Him out of fear. God didn’t want His people to follow Him out of fear, but out of choice. They had to see what Satan was like, so they could witness what sin was like and choose for themselves who they were going to serve.

He was a splendid being, wise and beautiful, one of God’s perfect creations. He was one of the great commanders of the angelic host. He even held a place of honor upon God’s Holy mountain, serving as the right-hand man to the Trinity itself.