The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 48

are in perfect harmony. The gospel is a message of peace. Christianity
is a system which, received and obeyed, would spread peace, harmony,
and happiness throughout the earth. The religion of Christ will unite in
close brotherhood all who accept its teachings. It was the mission of
Jesus to reconcile men to God, and thus to one another. But the world
at large are under the control of Satan, Christ’s bitterest foe. The gospel
presents to them principles of life which are wholly at variance with
their habits and desires, and they rise in rebellion against it. They hate
the purity which reveals and condemns their sins, and they persecute and
destroy those who would urge upon them its just and holy claims. It is
in this sense—because the exalted truths it brings occasion hatred and
strife—that the gospel is called a sword.
The mysterious providence which permits the righteous to suffer
persecution at the hand of the wicked has been a cause of great perplexity
to many who are weak in faith. Some are even ready to cast away their
confidence in God because He suffers the basest of men to prosper, while
the best and purest are afflicted and tormented by their cruel power. How,
it is asked, can One who is just and merciful, and who is also infinite in
power, tolerate such injustice and oppression? This is a question with
which we have nothing to do. God has given us sufficient evidence
of His love, and we are not to doubt His goodness because we cannot
understand the workings of His providence. Said the Saviour to His
disciples, foreseeing the doubts that would press upon their souls in days
of trial and darkness: “Remember the word that I said unto you, The
servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will
also persecute you.” John 15:20. Jesus suffered for us more than any of
His followers can be made to suffer through the cruelty of wicked men.
Those who are called to endure torture and martyrdom are but following
in the steps of God’s dear Son.

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