In the final execution of the judgment it will be seen that no cause for sin exists . When the Judge of all the earth shall demand of Satan , " Why hast thou rebelled against Me , and robbed Me of the subjects of My kingdom ?" the originator of evil can render no excuse . Every mouth will be stopped , and all the hosts of rebellion will be speechless . The cross of Calvary , while it declares the law immutable , proclaims to the universe that the wages of sin is death . In the Saviour ' s expiring cry , " It is finished ," the death knell of Satan was rung . The great controversy which had been so long in progress was then decided , and the final eradication of evil was made certain . The Son of God passed through the portals of the tomb , that " through death He might destroy him that had the power of death , that is , the devil ." Hebrews 2:14 . Lucifer ' s desire for self-exaltation had led him to say : " I will exalt my throne above the stars of God : . . . I will be like the Most High ." God declares : " I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth , . . . and never shalt thou be any more ." Isaiah 14:13 , 14 ; Ezekiel 28:18 , 19 . When " the day cometh , that shall burn as an oven ;. . . . all the proud , yea , and all that do wickedly , shall be stubble : and the day that cometh shall burn them up , saith the Lord of hosts , that it shall leave them neither root nor branch ." Malachi 4:1 .
The whole universe will have become witnesses to the nature and results of sin . And its utter extermination , which in the beginning would have brought fear to angels and dishonor to God , will now vindicate His love and establish His honor before the universe of beings who delight to do His will , and in whose heart is His law . Never will evil again be manifest . Says the word of God : " Affliction shall not rise up the second time ." Nahum 1:9 . The law of God , which Satan has reproached as the yoke of bondage , will be honored as the law of liberty . A tested and proved creation will never again be turned from allegiance to Him whose character has been fully manifested before them as fathomless love and infinite wisdom .
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