The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 7

Introduction
Before the entrance of sin, Adam enjoyed open communion with his
Maker; but since man separated himself from God by transgression, the
human race has been cut off from this high privilege. By the plan of
redemption, however, a way has been opened whereby the inhabitants of
the earth may still have connection with heaven. God has communicated
with men by His Spirit, and divine light has been imparted to the world
by revelations to His chosen servants. “Holy men of God spake as they
were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21.
During the first twenty-five hundred years of human history, there
was no written revelation. Those who had been taught of God,
communicated their knowledge to others, and it was handed down from
father to son, through successive generations. The preparation of the
written word began in the time of Moses. Inspired revelations were then
embodied in an inspired book. This work continued during the long
period of sixteen hundred years—from Moses, the historian of creation
and the law, to John, the recorder of the most sublime truths of the
gospel.
The Bible points to God as its author; yet it was written by human
hands; and in the varied style of its different books it presents the
characteristics of the several writers. The truths revealed are all “given
by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16); yet they are expressed in the
words of men. The Infinite One by His Holy Spirit has shed light into
the minds and hearts of His servants. He has given dreams and visions,
symbols and figures; and those to whom the truth was thus revealed have
themselves embodied the thought in human language.
The Ten Commandments were spoken by God Himself, and were
written by His own hand. They are of divine,