The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 671
The aim of the great rebel has ever been to justify himself and
to prove the divine government responsible for the rebellion. To this
end he has bent all the power of his giant intellect. He has worked
deliberately and systematically, and with marvelous success, leading
vast multitudes to accept his version of the great controversy which has
been so long in progress. For thousands of years this chief of conspiracy
has palmed off falsehood for truth. But the time has now come when the
rebellion is to be finally defeated and the history and character of Satan
disclosed. In his last great effort to dethrone Christ, destroy His people,
and take possession of the City of God, the archdeceiver has been fully
unmasked. Those who have united with him see the total failure of his
cause. Christ’s followers and the loyal angels behold the full extent of
his machinations against the government of God. He is the object of
universal abhorrence.
Satan sees that his voluntary rebellion has unfitted him for heaven.
He has trained his powers to war against God; the purity, peace, and
harmony of heaven would be to him supreme torture. His accusations
against the mercy and justice of God are now silenced. The reproach
which he has endeavored to cast upon Jehovah rests wholly upon
himself. And now Satan bows down and confesses the justice of his
sentence.
“Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? for Thou
only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before Thee;
for Thy judgments are made manifest.” Verse 4. Every question of
truth and error in the long-standing controversy has now been made
plain. The results of rebellion, the fruits of setting aside the divine
statutes, have been laid open to the view of all created intelligences.
The working out of Satan’s rule in contrast with the government of God
has been presented to the whole universe. Satan’s own works have
condemned him. God’s wisdom, His justice, and His goodness stand
fully vindicated. It is seen that all His dealings in the great controversy
have been conducted
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