Overview of The Great Controversy
“Through the illumination of the Holy Spirit, the scenes of the long-continued conflict between good and evil have been opened to the writer of these pages.
From time to time I have been permitted to behold the working, in different ages, of the great controversy between Christ, the Prince of life, the author of our salvation, and Satan, the prince of evil, the author of sin, the first transgressor of God’s holy law.
Satan’s enmity against Christ has been manifested against his followers.“
E. G. White, Preface, The Great Controversy 1888.
The author defines the object of her book as to:
- Trace the history of the controversy in past ages.
- Unfold the truths that have been given to the world at different periods. And its terrible intensity never witnessed before.
- Bring out facts and principles which have a bearing upon coming events.
- Show in details the scenes of the great controversy between truth and error.
- Reveal the wiles of Satan and the means by which he may be successfully resisted.
- Expose sin and manifest the justice and benevolence of God in all His dealings with His creatures.
- Show the holy, unchanging nature of His moral Law.
Foreword
We explore the chapters with vital importance for the end of time.
Satan’s deceptions will be more subtle and his assaults more determined.
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The last conflict of the controversy
It is about the holy and unchanging nature of God’s moral Law.
Satan has been working on earth what he began in heaven – to change the Law of God.
So, he snares that the very means by which Christ establishes the Law, are actually destroying it.
This is foretold by the Bible prophecy. The prophet Daniel said about a great apostate worldly power:
He shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High;
And think to change times and laws, and they shall be given into his hand. Daniel 7:25.
Leaders will set up their laws to counter-work the laws of God.
Thus they will compel the conscience and oppress their fellow citizens.
All will be called to choose between the Law of God and the laws of people.
There will be but two classes – showing their loyalty or disloyalty:
- The worshipers of the true and living God.
- The worshipers of the beast and his image.
Chapters contents
The Origin Of Evil – Chapter 29
Emphasizing the the teaching of Scriptures, that:
- God was in nowise responsible for the entrance of sin.
- There was no deficiency in the Divine Government.
- God gave no occasion for the uprising of rebellion.
Snares Of Satan – Chapter 32
The accuser of our brethren was cast down into the earth.
This is your adversary the devil. Now as a roaring lion he is seeking whom he may devour.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony;
and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11.
The First Great Deception – Chapter 33
Ye shall not surely die. This was Satan’s first lying sermon on immortality of the soul.
Thus he deceived our first parents Eve and Adam.
Ye shall not surely die; for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened,
and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:2-5.
The Impending Conflict – Chapter 36
The conflict between truth and error, concerning the Law of God is the final battle of the long-standing controversy.
Whether this be accomplished by casting aside the law altogether, or by rejecting one of its precepts, the result will be ultimately the same.
The Scriptures A Safeguard – Chapter 37
The Bible enjoins that:
- Every statement and miracle must be tested by the Holy Scriptures.
- The events connected with the close of probation need to be studied.
- There is a work of preparation for the time of trouble.
The Time Of Trouble – Chapter 39
- Preparation for the day of God cannot be obtained in the time of trouble, or at any subsequent time
- Probation granted to all to prepare for that time is now. Return to God with true repentance
- Now, while our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ.
God’s People Delivered – Chapter 40
- Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matthew 25:34.
- The living righteous are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. 1 Corinthians 15:52.
Throughout the earth the dead who will hear the Son of God’s voice will live – O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is the victory? 1 Corinthians 15:55.
Desolation Of The Earth – Chapter 41
- The gain of a life-time of many is swept away in a moment
- Christ takes His people to the City of God, and the earth is emptied of its inhabitants
Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof;
because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Isaiah 24:1, 5.
The Controversy Ended – Chapter 42
Christ returns to the earth at the close of the thousand years. He is with His redeemed and angels.
He descends in terrific majesty and resurrects the wicked. Their final push is of no effect. And ultimately:
- God’s wisdom, justice and goodness is vindicated.
- The entire universe is clean, declaring that God is love.
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References:
- GC, 1888 – The Ellen G. White Estate
- The Bible, King James Version (KJV)
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section.
- What resonated with you most in this article, and why?
- How do you understand the importance of the chapters with applications for our time now? Share more about it.
- Do you think there are more chapters to be included here with importance for today?
- Reach out if you need more information on this topic.
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