own glory,” but the glory of Him that sent Me. (John
8:28; 6:57; 8:50; 7:18). In these words is set forth
the great principle which is the law of life for the
universe. All things Christ received from God, but
He took to give. So in the heavenly courts, in His
ministry for all created beings: through the beloved
Son, the Father’s life flows out to all; through the
Son it returns, in praise and joyous service, a tide
of love, to the great Source of all. And thus through
Christ the circuit of beneficence is complete,
representing the character of the great Giver, the
law of life.
In heaven itself this law was broken. Sin
originated in self-seeking. Lucifer, the covering
cherub, desired to be first in heaven. He sought
to gain control of heavenly beings, to draw them
away from their Creator, and to win their homage
to himself. Therefore he misrepresented God,
attributing to Him the desire for self-exaltation.
With his own evil characteristics he sought to invest
the loving Creator. Thus he deceived angels. Thus
he deceived men. He led them to doubt the word of
God, and to distrust His goodness. Because God is
a God of justice and terrible majesty, Satan caused
them to look upon Him as severe and unforgiving.
Thus he drew men to join him in rebellion against