The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 512

Chap. 31 - Agency of Evil Spirits
The connection of the visible with the invisible world, the
ministration of angels of God, and the agency of evil spirits, are plainly
revealed in the Scriptures, and inseparably interwoven with human
history. There is a growing tendency to disbelief in the existence of evil
spirits, while the holy angels that “minister for them who shall be heirs
of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14) are regarded by many as spirits of the dead.
But the Scriptures not only teach the existence of angels, both good and
evil, but present unquestionable proof that these are not disembodied
spirits of dead men.
Before the creation of man, angels were in existence; for when the
foundations of the earth were laid, “the morning stars sang together, and
all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. After the fall of man,
angels were sent to guard the tree of life, and this before a human being
had died. Angels are in nature superior to men, for the psalmist says that
man was made “a little lower than the angels.” Psalm 8:5.
We are informed in Scripture as to the number, and the power and
glory, of the heavenly beings, of their connection with the government
of God, and also of their relation to the work of redemption. “The Lord
hath prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth over
all.” And, says the prophet, “I heard the voice of many angels round
about the throne.” In the presence chamber of the King of kings

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