What follows is an examination of the Great Controversy Theme (view) That the SDA church represents as its reason to exist. I will use several Adventist writers to document these beliefs. Here is an overview from Messenger of the Lord by Herbert E Douglass:
The Great Controversy Theme
All significant theologies have an organizing principle. Many scholars have identified Ellen White’s unifying principle as the Great Controversy Theme. This provided a coherent framework for her theological thought as well as for her principles in education, health, missiology, social issues, and environmental topics. Not that she single-handedly devised these interacting thought patterns, but she was the conceptual nurturer, urging study, noting errors, always exhorting freshness, not novelty. Along with nurturing, her own writings helped to form a core of Biblical understanding that provided integrity to the development of Adventist thought.
George Knight, church historian, suggests that by focusing on the Great Controversy Theme “we can tell when we are on center or chasing stray geese near the edges of what is really important.” In pointing to what Ellen White calls the “grand central theme” of the Bible, Knight wrote that “in such passages we find our marching orders for the reading of both the Bible and the writings of Ellen White.... All our reading takes place within that context, and those issues closest to the grand central theme are obviously of more importance than those near its edges.”
The conceptual key. Ellen White defined the Great Controversy Theme as the conceptual “key” to understanding humanity’s greatest questions: How did life begin? Why good and evil, and how does one know the difference? What happens after death? Why suffering and death? The Great Controversy Theme provides the background for the development of evil—the story of Lucifer’s (Satan’s) rebellion against the government of God. The thrust of Satan’s argument is that God cannot be trusted, that His law is severe and unfair, and thus the Lawgiver is unfair, severe, and arbitrary.
Satan’s initial success in winning the allegiance of one-third of the angels in heaven was followed by his deceiving Adam and Eve (Revelation 12:4, 7-9; Genesis 3:1-16). By so doing, this earth has experienced all the bitter fruit of distrusting God and spurning His will.
God’s response has been, not to destroy Satan, but to expose him. God’s long-term interest is to demonstrate how wrong Satan has been to charge Him with being supremely selfish, arbitrary, and unfair. Primarily through the life and death of Jesus, and through His designated people on earth, God has been revealing and demonstrating His side of the story.
The controversy ends on this earth only after God’s people give glory to Him (Revelation 14:7) in such a way that all earthly inhabitants can make an intelligent decision as to whether God’s program is something they should choose for themselves. All must decide whether they would be eternally comfortable in keeping “the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). After ushering in the return of Jesus, the controversy is reviewed during the millennium and finally settled when the chorus echoes from world to world, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for His judgments are true and just.’ ... ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns, Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory’” (Revelation 19:1-7). The rebellion is over.
Here Pastor Preibe tells us that the Great Controversy View is not from the Bible but from Ellen White.
https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkxj53InKuJsITYZAH8mhpLLhbXXEfsJ-c2?si=dlqtO31mb-yAup0l
Transcript:
9:40 you will notice that I quote a lot from the writings of Ellen White because we have no other source for which to understand how things developed in heaven before Lucifer sinned we do not have anything in the Bible except two verses and that's not quite enough so I'm very very thankful for the writings of Ellen White on this this point Patriarchs and Prophets 37 he worked with mysterious secrecy and for a Time concealed his real purpose under an appearance of reverence for God he began to insinuate doubts concerning the laws that governed Heavenly beings intimating that through law that though laws might be necessary for the inhabitants of the worlds Angels being more exalted needed no such restraint for their own wisdom was a sufficient guide change in other words change to exalt Lucifer's wisdom have you figured out I think you have it's very hard to submit isn't it very hard to submit one's thoughts one's ideas control to someone else maybe even God it's very hard to submit great controversy 498 when he urged that changes be made in the order and laws of God's government it was under the pretense that these were necessary in order to preserve Harmony in 11:04 heaven Patriarchs and Prophets page 38
Lucifers rebellion why Great Controversy view should be studied
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxUnTkHoM017DiU0cFb-ke-7xlsv_15zpE?si=fQcgaERraWDYmzef
Transcript:
7:05 was to be a lesson to the universe through all coming ages a Perpetual testimony to the nature and terrible results of sin the working out of Satan's rule would testify that with the existence of God's government and his law is bound up the well-being of all the creatures he has made thus the history of this terrible experiment of rebellion was to be a Perpetual Safeguard to all Heavenly intelligences to prevent them from being deceived as to the nature of transgression to save them from committing sin and suffering its punishment so if that's true shouldn't we make the study of the great controversy between Christ and Satan one of our primary study areas to understand why things are happening this way to us the subject to be taught to our children and our students shouldn't we make sure that that is number one on the priority list of things that we need to cover all right now back to the time when Lucifer is making his case for change in heaven can you imagine that a case for change in heaven how how do you even8:11 imagine that that's beyond our capability.
Lucifer took over the duties of the Creator gradually
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxRIji2GdWwG1M_zbly4eFQYxtJ8wkVDfH?si=MjDz4nl6WppAVfv4
Satan in Heaven, before his rebellion, was a high and exalted angel, next in honor to God's dear Son. His countenance, like those of the other angels, was mild and expressive of happiness. His forehead was high and broad, showing a powerful intellect. His form was perfect; his bearing noble and majestic. A special light beamed in his countenance, and shone around him brighter and more beautiful than around the other angels; yet Jesus, God's dear Son, had the pre-eminence over all the angelic host. He was one with the Father before the angels were created. Satan was envious of Christ, and gradually assumed command which devolved on Christ alone. Spirit of Prophecy Vol 1 p 17
Elements of the Great Controversy View which are not found in the Bible:
Lucifer is Satan [Improper interpretation of Ez 14 and Isa 28]
3:35 Almighty in order for us to understand the issues that are at stake that have to be settled before the battle can come to its end we need to understand the beginning of the battle so we're going to take a little bit of time to do that make sure we know how it all started what transpired what transpired in heaven with the defection of Lucifer has reverberated throughout the Universe it is everywhere so what happened and why did it happen great controversy 499 Satan's Rebellion no let's let's read first uh a different one we'll come to that later the one we want to look at right here is great controversy 797 Satan had been so highly honored and all his Acts were so clothed with mystery that it was difficult to 4:25
Number 1 priority to teach about the Great Controversy
7:05 was to be a lesson to the universe through all coming ages a Perpetual testimony to the nature and terrible results of sin the working out of Satan's rule would testify that with the existence of God's government and his law is bound up the well-being of all the creatures he has made thus the history of this terrible experiment of rebellion was to be a Perpetual Safeguard to all Heavenly intelligences to prevent them from being deceived as to the nature of transgression to save them from committing sin and suffering its punishment so if that's true shouldn't we make the study of the great controversy between Christ and Satan one of our primary study areas to understand why things are happening this way to us the subject to be taught to our children and our students shouldn't we make sure that that is number one on the priority list of things that we need to cover all right now back to the time when Lucifer is making his case for change in heaven can you imagine that a case for change in heaven how do you even 8:11 imagine that that's beyond our capability.
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Satan wanted to change order and laws in heaven
11:09 while claiming for himself perfect loyalty to God he urged that changes in the order and laws of Heaven were necessary for the stability of the Divine government he was ostensibly seeking to remove dissatisfaction and to reconcile 11:24 disaffected angels to the order of Heaven
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In Heaven Christ submitted himself to the Father. This is in Heaven not the incarnation. Eternal Three?
11:48 who Michael was to clarify who the Archangel was the father summoned the heavenly host and he would show the reasons to all the Angels why Lucifer could not take the place of Christ in administering the universe one thing to note about Christ, Christ is God remember that he is part of the Eternal three and Christ voluntarily submitted his authority to the final authority of the father you know he could have held out and said I know just as much as the father knows I was with him from the very beginning of whatever Beginnings are with the godhead I could I could tell you exactly what his mind is but he said no we will have the father as our final and ultimate ruler and I will submit to his decisions even uncertainty in heaven over the roles of the godhead how about that we've noticed a little uncertainty in our church in recent years maybe 12:51
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Heaven assembled to see that special honor conferred upon his son, So one of the co equal beings of the trinity was given special honor that had not apparently been known by the angels:
13:02 story of redemption page 13 the great Creator assembled the heavenly host that he might in the presence of all the Angels confer special honor upon his son the son was Seated on the throne with the Father the father then made known that it was ordained by himself that wherever was the presence of his son it was as his own presence the Father the word of the son was to be obeyed as readily as the word of the father especially was his son to work in Union with himself in the anticipated creation of the earth and every living thing that should exist upon the Earth his son would carry out his will and his purposes but would do nothing of himself once again Christ lays a aside his own legitimate Authority he is God remember to preserve Harmony in heaven 13:53
The great Creator assembled the heavenly host, that He might in the presence of all the angels confer special honor upon His Son. The Son was seated on the throne with the Father, and the heavenly throng of holy angels was gathered around them. The Father then made known that it was ordained by Himself that Christ, His Son, should be equal with Himself; so that wherever was the presence of His Son, it was as His own presence. The word of the Son was to be obeyed as readily as the word of the Father. His Son He had invested with authority to command the heavenly host. Especially was His Son to work in union with Himself in the anticipated creation of the earth and every living thing that should exist upon the earth. His Son would carry out His will and His purposes but would do nothing of Himself alone. The Father's will would be fulfilled in Him. SR 13.2
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Satan requested to be the prince of the soon to be created earth
14:27 manuscript 34b 1891 the creation of our world was brought into the councils of Heaven there the covering cherub prepared his request that he should be made Prince to govern the world then in Prospect this was not accorded him Jesus Christ was to rule the Earthly Kingdom so it was all about who was going to call the final shots for this planet and the creation of you and me who was going to be in charge Christ or Lucifer and Lucifer was playing for big Stakes right here great controversy 497 God's government included not only the inhabitants of heaven but of all the worlds that he had created and Satan thought that if he could carry the angels of heaven with him in Rebellion he could carry also the other worlds get this very clearly Lucifer's final plan his final issue was to take at least some control away from the father to himself and he would make some final decisions the defection of Lucifer was probably the most tragic event of all 15:37 time in the history of the universe
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Once again noting Christ who is God, received special honor in heaven from the Father who is God also. Angels knew of Lucifer/Satan wicked design
16:15 that Christ's receiving special honor from the father in the presence of the Angels did not detract from the honor that Lucifer had here to for received the Angels wept they anxiously sought to move him to renounce his Wicked design and yield submission to their creator
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Satan's principles vs God's principles is the key issue in the GC, Again no biblical basis. And what are these councils in heaven?
18:32 upon that would not at once destroy Satan's power for it was God purpose to place things upon an eternal basis of security time must be given for Satan to develop the principles which were the foundation of his government the Heavenly Universe must see worked out the principles which Satan declared were Superior to God's principles God's order must be contrasted with Satan's order that's the key issue in the great controversy God's order and Satan's order the corrupting principles of Satan's rule must be revealed so once again no arbitrary power that God did
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Satan was convinced but did not repent for fear of what the other angels would think
19:17 time and time again during the controversy Satan was ready to be convinced ready to admit that he was wrong now notice but those he had deceived were also ready to accuse him of leaving them what should he do submit to God or continue in a course of deception he chose to deny
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Satan wants to be equal with God by having himself raised instead of Christ. Satan expelled and going to be expelled again by the 144,000 (There is a large contingent in the SDA church which believes they are the remnant church and that that remnant is to become the 144,000, This is called Last Generation Theology (LGT) it is based on the Great Controversy theme but not accepted by another large contingent of Adventist. Preibe thinks the fit man in the KJV bible account of the Scapegoat is actually the 144,000.
22:12 Satan unblushingly made known his dissatisfaction that Christ should be preferred before him he stood up proudly and urged that he should be equal with God equal with God story of redemption 19 the Son of God the prince of heaven and his loyal angels was engaged in conflict with the arch Rebel and those who United with him not a taint of rebellion was left in heaven all was again peaceful and harmonious as before so Heaven did restore its peace and Harmony after Satan was expelled and by the way it's going to be that way again in the 144,000 there's going to be peace and there's going to be Harmony among them not with the others around but among them and they have learned submission are you learning submission today in areas where you are convicted that the holy spirit is speaking 23:11
Rejecting with disdain the arguments and entreaties of the loyal angels, he denounced them as deluded slaves. The preference shown to Christ he declared an act of injustice both to himself and to all the heavenly host, and announced that he would no longer submit to this invasion of his rights and theirs. He would never again acknowledge the supremacy of Christ. He had determined to claim the honor which should have been given him, and take command of all who would become his followers; and he promised those who would enter his ranks a new and better government, under which all would enjoy freedom. Great numbers of the angels signified their purpose to accept him as their leader. Flattered by the favor with which his advances were received, he hoped to win all the angels to his side, to become equal with God Himself, and to be obeyed by the entire host of heaven. PP 40.1
Good angels wept to hear the words of Satan and his exulting boasts. God declared that the rebellious should remain in heaven no longer. Their high and happy state had been held upon condition of obedience to the law which God had given to govern the high order of intelligences. But no provision had been made to save those who should venture to transgress His law. Satan grew bold in his rebellion, and expressed his contempt of the Creator's law. This Satan could not bear. He claimed that angels needed no law but should be left free to follow their own will, which would ever guide them right; that law was a restriction of their liberty; and that to abolish law was one great object of his standing as he did. The condition of the angels, he thought, needed improvement. Not so the mind of God, who had made laws and exalted them equal to Himself. The happiness of the angelic host consisted in their perfect obedience to law. Each had his special work assigned him, and until Satan rebelled, there had been perfect order and harmonious action in heaven. SR 18.2
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24:52 Satan repented but was not pardoned
Satan trembled as he viewed his work an angel from heaven was passing he called him and entreated an interview with Christ this was granted him he then related to the Son of God that he repented of his rebellion and wished again the favor of God he was willing to take the place God had previously assigned him Christ wept at Satan's woe but told him as the mind of God that he could never be received into heaven all Heaven would be marred should he be received back for sin and Rebellion originated with him and the seeds of rebellion were still within him do you see why Angels needed some demonstration up in heaven
Satan trembled as he viewed his work. He was alone in meditation upon the past, the present, and his future plans. His mighty frame shook as with a tempest. An angel from heaven was passing. He called him and entreated an interview with Christ. This was granted him. He then related to the Son of God that he repented of his rebellion and wished again the favor of God. He was willing to take the place God had previously assigned him, and be under His wise command. Christ wept at Satan's woe but told him, as the mind of God, that he could never be received into heaven. Heaven must not be placed in jeopardy. All heaven would be marred should he be received back, for sin and rebellion originated with him. The seeds of rebellion were still within him. He had, in his rebellion, no occasion for his course, and he had hopelessly ruined not only himself but the host of angels also, who would then have been happy in heaven had he remained steadfast. The law of God could condemn but could not pardon. SR 26.1
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People were created to repopulate heaven
26:08 us story of redemption 19 the father consulted his son in regard to at once carrying out their purpose to make men to inhabit the Earth and of course that's generic man he should eventually be equal with the angels did you know that you and I the Human family Adam and Eve's descendants were to repopulate Heaven eventually the third of the Angels who had fallen human beings were made a distinct order of being and the crowning Act of God's creation they were made with a capacity for development which even the angels did not have they were designed to be a counterpart of God my life today page 126 then from Sons and Daughters of God 26:50
The Father consulted His Son in regard to at once carrying out their purpose to make man to inhabit the earth. He would place man upon probation to test his loyalty before he could be rendered eternally secure. If he endured the test wherewith God saw fit to prove him, he should eventually be equal with the angels. He was to have the favor of God, and he was to converse with angels, and they with him. He did not see fit to place them beyond the power of disobedience. SR 19.2
God created man for His own glory, that after test and trial the human family might become one with the heavenly family. It was God's purpose to re-populate heaven with the human family, if they would show themselves obedient to His every word. The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 1:1082. Conflict and Courage 21.5
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Humans are needed to vindicate God. Disprove the claims of Lucifer which are not found in the Bible, thus you need the Great Controversy
28:01 we were brought into existence because we were needed God needed the human race he needed something to be demonstrated by them God needed someone to help him counter the allegations of Lucifer Man was created to disprove the the claims of Lucifer Bible uh review in Herald February 24 1874 if the holy pair should be obedient the race would after a Time be made equal to the angels that would prove the falsity of Satan's claims that God's laws were restrictive and would prevent intelligent beings from rising to a higher state of existence 28:42
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Satan thought that making the new people would cause him to be taken back to heaven
29:16 newly created Adam and Eve he reasoned that by causing their fall there might be a chance for him and his angels to be readmitted into heaven he had for a Time withdrawn himself from his angels to formulate his plans so what was his final decision wanted to go back to Heaven
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Angels told Adam and Eve about Satan and that he was at the tree. Satan took form of dragon like flying beast.
32:54 The Good the angels in heaven specifically warned Adam and Eve about the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil and that Satan could only have access to them at that forbidden tree Adam and Eve assured the angels that they would never transgress God's commands story of redemption 32-34 Satan assumes the form of a serpent and enters Eden now catch that one little phrase right there he assumed the form of a serpent which would probably be better translated in the ways we would think of today as a dragon-like being but he assumed the form of the serpent so it wasn't a real serpent he looked like a serpent and talked unlike a serpent the serpent was a beautiful creature with wings and while flying through the air his appearance was bright resembling burnished gold he ate fruit like man
This sinless pair wore no artificial garments. They were clothed with a covering of light and glory, such as the angels wear. While they lived in obedience to God, this circle of light enshrouded them. Although everything God had made was in the perfection of beauty, and there seemed nothing wanting upon the earth which God had created to make Adam and Eve happy, yet He manifested His great love to them by planting a garden especially for them. A portion of their time was to be occupied in the happy employment of dressing the garden, and a portion in receiving the visits of angels, listening to their instruction, and in happy meditation. Their labor was not wearisome but pleasant and invigorating. This beautiful garden was to be their home. SR 21.1
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Eve seperated from Adam though the Bible says that Adam was with her: When the When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Genesis 3:6 NIV
...and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. KJV
33:50 Eve unconsciously at first separated from her husband in her in employment she thought herself secure even if she did not remain close by the side of her husband she had wisdom and strength to know if evil came and to meet it this the Angels had cautioned her not to do so once again
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Greatly expanded story of the serpent and the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
36:08 The tempter assured Eve that as soon as she ate of the fruit she would receive a new and Superior knowledge that would make her equal with God he stated that his eating of the fruit of the tree forbidden to them was the reason he had attained the power of speech that's why I'm talking to you God didn't wouldn't let me have this until I ate the fruit he further told them that they could not die had they not eaten of the Tree of Life the tempter plucked the fruit and passed it to Eve this is the fruit of the Knowledge Tree she took it in her hand now said the tempter you were prohibited from even touching it lest you die is that what you read in the record of the Book of Genesis don't touch the fruit no that was not it so he starts in with a misstatement of what God Said should not happen he told her that she would realize no more sense of evil and death in eating than in Touching or handling the fruit catch the idea here one little step at a time she ate and was delighted with the fruit it seemed delicious to her taste and she imagined that she realized in herself the wonderful effects of the fruit Adam was well aware that she had transgressed the only provision prohibition God had given to test their loyalty but his love for Eve led him to share her fate and he took of the fruit and ate it Adam also felt a delightful effect from the fruit of the two beings the sin of Adam is the more serious one isn't it with 37:53
In the midst of the garden, near the tree of life, stood the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This tree was especially designed of God to be the pledge of their obedience, faith, and love to Him. Of this tree the Lord commanded our first parents not to eat, neither to touch it, lest they die. He told them that they might freely eat of all the trees in the garden except one, but if they ate of that tree they should surely die. SR 24.1
When Adam and Eve were placed in the beautiful garden they had everything for their happiness which they could desire. But God chose, in His all-wise arrangements, to test their loyalty before they could be rendered eternally secure. They were to have His favor, and He was to converse with them and they with Him. Yet He did not place evil out of their reach. Satan was permitted to tempt them. If they endured the trial they were to be in perpetual favor with God and the heavenly angels. SR 24.2
Eve had overstated the words of God's command. He had said to Adam and Eve, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” In Eve's controversy with the serpent, she added the clause, “Neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.” Here the subtlety of the serpent was seen. This statement of Eve gave him advantage, and he plucked the fruit, and placed it in her hand, and used her own words, “He hath said, ‘If ye touch it, ye shall die.’ You see no harm comes to you from touching the fruit, neither will you receive any harm by eating it.” Eve yielded to the lying sophistry of the devil in the form of a serpent. She ate the fruit, and realized no immediate harm. She then plucked the fruit for herself and for her husband. “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat.” The Review and Herald February 24, 1874 par 14
Intercession ends Last Generation Theology:
The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of sin, ascend from true believers as incense to the heavenly sanctuary, but passing through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by blood, they can never be of value with God. They ascend not in spotless purity, and unless the intercessor who is at God’s right hand presents and purifies all by His righteousness, it is not acceptable to God. All incense from earthly tabernacles must be moist with the cleansing drops of the blood of Christ. He holds before the Father the censor of His own merits, in which there is no taint of earthly corruption. He gathers into this censor the prayers, the praise, and the confessions of His people, and with these He puts His own spotless righteousness. Then, perfumed with the merits of Christ’s propitiation, the incense comes up before God wholly and entirely acceptable. Then gracious answers are returned. Ms 50, 1900
Says the prophet: “Who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers’ soap: and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” Malachi 3:2, 3. Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort they must be conquerors in the battle with evil. While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God's people upon earth. This work is more clearly presented in the messages of Revelation 14. Christ in His Sanctuary 153.2
Continued
You can see more of how this is all set out by Ellen White in the YouTube and accompanying Miro board which is kind of hard to see by itself but if you watch the video, the host leads you through all the steps in what the Adventist church thinks is the central theme, the Great Controversy.
If you read this article it is pretty easy to see that Ellen White was Arian or Semi-Arian:
Arius held that the Father and the Son are of distinct essences or substances (ousiai) and that the Son derived his divinity from the Father, was created in time, and is inferior to the Father. Semi-Arians, however, admitted that the Son is “of similar substance” (homoiousios) with the Father but not of one substance (homoousios) with him. This doctrinal controversy, revolving around two words distinguished by a single iota (ι), gave rise to the popular expression, “It makes not one iota of difference.” To Orthodox Christians, however, the iota was of great importance. Both Arianism and semi-Arianism were condemned at the Council of Nicaea (325). https://www.britannica.com/topic/semi-Arianism
Arius advanced the argument that the Son is not coeternal with the Father but is the supreme creation. He argued: “If the Logos is divine in the same sense that God the Father is divine, then God’s nature would be changed by the human life of Jesus in time and God would have suffered in him.” The implication that God changes and suffers seemed blasphemous! So it must be then, Arius concluded, that only God the Father is without beginning. The Son came into existence—as the first thing created—through the will of the Father.
Arius believed that the Father and the Son are two separate beings and that the biblical model for their relationship is one of eternal subordination: the Father is the one who decides matters and the Son is the one who obeys. In Arius’s model the Son is a loyal creature serving his creator.
Arius argued that the Son was created before the rest of creation. He is not coeternal with the Father. As he put it, “Before he was begotten or created or appointed or established, he did not exist; for he was not unbegotten.” Further, Arius believed the Son is not of one divine substance with the Father. He is rather of a similar substance with the Father (Greek homoiousios). On this view, the divine qualities of the Son are derivative (contingent, not essential), given to the Son by the Father. As Arius described Jesus, “He is not God truly, but by participation in grace . . . He too is called God in name only.”
https://credomag.com/2020/08/arianism-its-teaching-and-rebuttal/
Update. I just saw that the Great Controversy presentation has a full explanation with all the EGW quotes. His presentation is anti-trinity and I think he captures Ellen Whites thoughts quite well. Here is the link and I will copy the material here because Google documents can easily get moved.
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The Rebellion in Heaven
Sin is the transgression of the Law. In Heaven, Satan sinned. His sin was the original sin. This leads us to the core question: what Law did Lucifer transgress? What were the precedents of this law? What were the claims against that law? Are we also under that law? Is Satan still warring against that law?
The following study lays down the chronological order of events of the rebellion of Satan in Heaven before the creation of Earth. This fascinating study reveals in detail what was the law and the sin Satan committed in Heaven. It wasn’t the law of God’s Ten Commandments, but rather the law that God “had ordained to govern heavenly beings”.
“They [loyal angels] told Adam and Eve that the most exalted angel, next in order to Christ, refused obedience to the law of God which he had ordained to govern heavenly beings; that this rebellion had caused war in Heaven which resulted in the rebellious being expelled therefrom, and every angel was driven out of Heaven who united with him in questioning the authority of the great Jehovah; and that this fallen foe was now an enemy to all that concerned the interest of God and his dear Son.” {EGW; 1SP 33.2; 1870}
In this study we will examine what was the requisite of that law, and what was the nature of that law. What were the precedents of this law, and could they be altered and changed?
The precedent for this law was the order of Heaven. This order Satan wanted to change. But the law is unchangeable and the main question is why?
In the following we will examine what was the order of Heaven.
The order of Heaven
The position of Christ
“The Sovereign of the universe was not alone in His work of beneficence. He had an associate—a co-worker who could appreciate His purposes, and could share His joy in giving happiness to created beings. ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.’ John 1:1, 2. Christ, the Word, the only begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father—one in nature, in character, in purpose—the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God.” {EGW; PP 34.1; 1890}
Christ was the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of the Father.
"God is the Father of Christ; Christ is the Son of God. To Christ has been given an exalted position. He has been made equal with the Father. All the counsels of God are opened to His Son.” {EGW; 8T 268.3; 1904}
Christ’s position in Heaven was equal to the Father. He was one with the eternal Father—one in nature, in character, in purpose. The Father made Him equal with Himself.
“From eternity there was a complete unity between the Father and the Son. They were two, yet little short of being identical; two in individuality, yet one in spirit, and heart, and character.” {EGW; YI December 16, 1897, par. 5; 1897}
“All things Christ received from God, but He took to give. So in the heavenly courts, in His ministry for all created beings: through the beloved Son, the Father’s life flows out to all; through the Son it returns, in praise and joyous service, a tide of love, to the great Source of all. And thus through Christ the circuit of beneficence is complete, representing the character of the great Giver, the law of life.” {EGW; DA 21.2; 1898}
The law of life is the law of God. The Father’s life flows out to all, through the Son, and the Son ministers to all created beings; this life returns through the Son, to the great Source of all—the Father. This law represents the character of the great Giver.
“Before the entrance of evil there was peace and joy throughout the universe. All was in perfect harmony with the Creator’s will. Love for God was supreme, love for one another impartial. Christ the Word, the Only Begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father,—one in nature, in character, and in purpose,—the only being in all the universe that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. By Christ the Father wrought in the creation of all heavenly beings. ‘By Him were all things created, that are in heaven, ... whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers’ (Colossians 1:16); and to Christ, equally with the Father, all heaven gave allegiance.” {EGW; GC 493.1; 1911}
Christ the Word, the Only Begotten of the Father, was one with Him, and equal with Him. He was the only being in all the universe that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. Through Christ, God wrought the creation of all heavenly beings, and all gave allegiance to Christ equally as to the Father.
“The Son of God had wrought the Father’s will in the creation of all the hosts of heaven; and to Him, as well as to God, their homage and allegiance were due. Christ was still to exercise divine power, in the creation of the earth and its inhabitants. But in all this He would not seek power or exaltation for Himself contrary to God’s plan, but would exalt the Father’s glory and execute His purposes of beneficence and love.” {EGW; PP 36.2; 1890}
Although Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was next to God, He was equal with Him. He was never seeking power or exaltation for Himself contrary to God’s plan, but would exalt the Father’s glory and execute His purposes of beneficence and love.
“Our great Exemplar was exalted to be equal with God. He was high commander in heaven. All the holy angels delighted to bow before Him.” {EGW; 2T 426.2; 1868}
“The Son of God was next in authority to the great Lawgiver.” {EGW; 2SP 9.1; 1877}
“The Son was the brightness of the Father’s glory, and the express image of his person. He possessed divine excellence and greatness. He was equal with God. It pleased the Father that in him all fullness should dwell.” {EGW; RH December 31, 1872, par. 16; 1872}
The Son of God was equal with God because God exalted Him to be in that position. As the Only Begotten Son of the Father, He was the express image of the Father’s person.
“[...] Christ was above all. He was the commander of all Heaven. He imparted to the angelic family the high commands of his Father.” {EGW; 3SG 36.1; 1864}
The Son was above all angels.
Lucifer’s position in Heaven
“The Lord has shown me that Satan was once an honored angel in heaven, next to Jesus Christ.” {EGW; 1SG 17.1; 1858}
Christ was next to God and equal in honor to the Father; Lucifer was next to Jesus Christ, next in honor to God’s dear Son.
“Satan in Heaven, before his rebellion, was a high and exalted angel, next in honor to God’s dear Son.” {EGW; 1SP 17.1; 1870}
“Satan, the chief of the fallen angels, once had an exalted position in Heaven. He was next in honor to Christ.” {EGW; RH February 24, 1874, par. 33; 1874}
“Speaking of Satan, our Lord says that ‘he abode not in the truth.’ He was once the covering cherub, glorious in beauty and holiness. He was next to Christ in exaltation and character.” {EGW; RH October 22, 1895, par. 1; 1895}
Not only was Lucifer next in honor to Christ, he was also next in exaltation and character, in power and majesty!
“Was not Satan the light-bearer, the sharer of God’s glory in heaven, and next to Jesus in power and majesty?” {RH, 17. Novembar, 1891 par. 3}
“Sin originated with him, who, next to Christ, stood highest in the favor of God, and highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of Heaven. Before his fall, Lucifer was the covering cherub, holy and undefiled.” {EGW; 4SP 316.3; 1884}
Lucifer enjoyed the highest honors, exaltations, power and glory of all angels. He was next to God’s dear Son.
“Once Satan was in co-partnership with God, Jesus Christ, and the holy angels. He was highly exalted in heaven, and was radiant in light and glory that came to him from the Father and the Son; but he became disloyal, and lost his high and holy position as covering cherub.” {RH April 14, 1896, par. 4}
The order of Heaven was as follows: God was First, the Only Begotten Son of God was next to His Father, exalted to be equal with Him, then Lucifer was next to Christ.
With this in mind, let’s have a look at the chronological order of events in the Great Controversy.
Rebellion against the authority of the Son
How did sin originate in Lucifer? Remember, sin is transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). Which law in particular did Lucifer transgress in Heaven? How did this transgression happen?
Meetings about the creation of man
“The hour for joyful, happy songs of praise to God and his dear Son had come. Satan had led the heavenly choir. He had raised the first note, then all the angelic host united with him, and glorious strains of music had resounded through Heaven in honor of God and his dear Son.” {EGW; 1SP 28.1; 1870}
“Christ had been taken into the special counsel of God in regard to his plans, while Satan was unacquainted with them. He did not understand, neither was he permitted to know, the purposes of God. But Christ was acknowledged sovereign of Heaven, his power and authority to be the same as that of God himself.” {EGW; 1 SP 18.1; 1870}
“Before the fall of Satan, the Father consulted his Son in regard to the formation of man. They purposed to make this world, and create beasts and living things upon it, and to make man in the image of God, to reign as a ruling monarch over every living thing which God should create. When Satan learned the purpose of God, he was envious at Christ, and jealous because the Father had not consulted him in regard to the creation of man. Satan was of the highest order of angels; but Christ was above all. He was the commander of all Heaven. He imparted to the angelic family the high commands of his Father. The envy and jealousy of Satan increased. Until his rebellion all Heaven was in harmony, and perfect subjection to the government of God.” {EGW; 3SG 36.1; 1864}
“Satan was once an honored angel in heaven, next to Christ. His countenance, like those of the other angels, was mild and expressive of happiness. His forehead was high and broad, showing great intelligence. His form was perfect; his bearing noble and majestic. But when God said to His Son, ‘Let us make man in our image,’ Satan was jealous of Jesus. He wished to be consulted concerning the formation of man, and because he was not, he was filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred. He desired to receive the highest honors in heaven next to God.” {EGW; EW 145.1; 1882}
“Satan was envious of Christ, and gradually assumed command which devolved on Christ alone.” {EGW; 1SP 17.1; 1870}
Before the fall of Satan, there was a consultation between the Father and His Son in regards to creation of man. The only being who could enter into all the councils and purposes of God was God’s dear Son. Satan was not consulted in regard to the creation of man. When he learned of the purpose of God, he was envious of Christ. Satan coveted the position of Christ. This was not in accordance with the government of God, which has an established order in Heaven.
1. First wish for exaltation
As Lucifer coveted the position of Christ, and as he wanted to be exalted to Christ’s position, he would consequently break the established order of Heaven. Thus, Satan started to insinuate questions in regards to the order of Heaven.
“Satan commenced to insinuate his dissatisfied feelings to other angels, and a number agreed to aid him in his rebellion. Satan was dissatisfied with his position. Although very exalted, he aspires to be equal with God; and unless the Lord gratifies his ambition, determines to rebel, and refuse submission. He desires, yet dare not at once venture to make known his envious, hateful feelings. But he contents himself with gaining all he can to sympathize with him, as though deeply wronged. He relates to them his thoughts of warring against Jehovah.” {EGW; 3SG 36.1; 1864}
“Pride in his own glory nourished the desire for supremacy. The high honors conferred upon Lucifer were not appreciated as the gift of God and called forth no gratitude to the Creator. He gloried in his brightness and exaltation, and aspired to be equal with God. He was beloved and reverenced by the heavenly host. Angels delighted to execute his commands, and he was clothed with wisdom and glory above them all. Yet the Son of God was the acknowledged Sovereign of heaven, one in power and authority with the Father. In all the councils of God, Christ was a participant, while Lucifer was not permitted thus to enter into the divine purposes. ‘Why,’ questioned this mighty angel, ‘should Christ have the supremacy? Why is He thus honored above Lucifer?’” {EGW; GC 495.1; 1911}
“Sin originated with him who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God and who stood highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven. Before his fall, Lucifer was first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. ‘Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering....Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.’ Ezekiel 28:12-15.” {EGW; GC 493.3; 1911}
“Little by little, Lucifer came to indulge the desire of self-exaltation. The Scripture says: ‘Thine heart was lifted up because of thine beauty; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.’ ‘Thou hast said in thine heart, ... I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; ... I will be like the Most High.’ Though all his glory was from God, this mighty angel came to regard it as pertaining to himself. Not content with his position, though honored above the heavenly host, he ventured to covet homage due alone to the Creator. Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of all created beings, it was his endeavor to secure their service and loyalty to himself. And coveting the glory with which the infinite Father had invested His Son, this prince of angels aspired to power that was the prerogative of Christ alone.” {EGW; Ms140-1903.2; 1903}
Lucifer coveted the glory with which the infinite Father had invested His Son. In glory, the Son of God was equal with God, next to Him, and above Lucifer, while Lucifer was next to Christ. This was the order of Heaven. Lucifer was not content with this order that clearly defined his position. Lucifer wanted to change this order and reorganize the government of God.
2. Sowing seeds of doubts amongst the angels
What was the difference between Christ and Satan, and does this difference have anything to do with the order of Heaven?
“Lucifer was the most beautiful angel in the heavenly courts next to Jesus Christ, but Christ was one with God, assimilated to the image of God to do the will of God. Satan, knowing that Christ had the first place next to God, began to insinuate to the angels that he should be next to God. His great beauty and exalted position made him feel that he was not receiving due honor in being second to Christ. Therefore he would suggest this to the angels, and this suggestion [began] to be communicated to the heavenly angels, and finally [it was] brought before God that Lucifer was the one who should be next to God. Thus the seed was sown and the result was that angels sympathized with Lucifer; next, there was war in heaven. Lucifer’s beautiful appearance was constantly exalted and the Lord God of heaven [saw] that Lucifer and his party were very strong against Christ.” {EGW; Ms90-1910.4; 1910}
The difference between Christ and Satan was that Christ was one with God, assimilated to the image of God. He was the Son of God assimilated or made in the express image of the Father’s person.
“[Satan was] the exalted angel who was given a position next to Jesus Christ in the heavenly courts. Lucifer was enshrouded with glory as the covering cherub. Yet this angel whom God had created, and entrusted with power, became desirous of being as God. He gained the sympathy of some of his associates by suggesting thoughts of criticism regarding the government of God. This evil seed was scattered in a most seducing manner; and after it sprung up and taken root in the minds of many, he gathered the ideas that he himself had first implanted in the minds of others and brought them before the highest order of angels as the thoughts of other minds against the government of God. Thus, by ingenious methods of his own devising, Lucifer introduced rebellion in heaven.” {EGW; Lt162-1906.5; 1906}
In order to ascend to the position of the Most High, to be equal with the Father, Lucifer sowed seeds of doubt in the government of God. The government of God was governed by God’s law. This law was the law that described the order of Heaven. Christ was next to God, exalted to be equal with Him, and Lucifer was next to Christ. Lucifer rebelled against this particular law.
“The rebellion against God’s law was begun by Satan in heaven. By this rebellion sin was brought into existence. There is only one definition of sin. ‘Sin is the transgression of the law.’” {EGW; Ms1-1902.1; 1902}
“Jesus was made one with God. His exaltation created envy and jealousy in Satan’s heart. Satan insisted that God had not dealt with him justly. He criticized God’s plan of government. He declared the divine law to be arbitrary, detrimental to the interests of the heavenly universe, and in need of change.” {EGW; Ms1-1902.2; 1902}
“Vital interests were at stake in the worlds that God had created. Would these supposed defects be made so apparent that the inhabitants of the heavenly universe would be justified in claiming that the law could be improved? Would Satan succeed in undermining their confidence in the law?” {EGW; Ms1-1902.3; 1902}
Satan insinuated that the law which governs the order of Heaven was arbitrary and should be changed. Why wasn’t this possible?
“Not the smallest jot or tittle of the law has ever been given over to Satan, to be manipulated according to his fancy. If this could have been done, it would have been when the matter was first agitated in the heavenly courts. But there the first intimation of a change in God’s law was met by a decided No. This led to a battle in heaven, and Satan, next to Christ the most exalted being in the heavenly courts, was overcome, and with his sympathizers cast out of heaven.'' {EGW; RH August 9, 1898, par. 7; 1898}
The main question is, “is the law governing the order of Heaven, arbitrary, meaning it can be changed, and if not, why?” Any intimation to change this law was met by a decided NO. Why?
“The service and exaltation of self, contrary to the Creator’s plan, awakened forebodings of evil in minds to whom God’s glory was supreme. The heavenly councils pleaded with Lucifer. The Son of God presented before him the greatness, the goodness, and the justice of the Creator, and the sacred, unchanging nature of his law. God himself had established the order of Heaven; and in departing from it, Lucifer would dishonor his Maker, and bring ruin upon himself. But the warning, given in infinite love and mercy, only aroused a spirit of resistance. Lucifer allowed jealousy of Christ to prevail, and he became the more determined.” {EGW; GC 494.2; 1911}
This law which Lucifer rebelled against is a law of unchanging nature. It cannot be changed. It is not an arbitrary law. The Father has established this law. The Father has established the order of Heaven.
“God is a moral governor as well as a Father. He is the Lawgiver.” {EGW; 12MR 208.2; 1876}
“He, the originator of sin, worked with all his deceptive powers and satanic subtlety to become equal with God in heaven, as the Son of God was. Then, he thought, he could sway the heavenly angels as he desired. This specious, deceptive work was carried on secretly. The archdeceiver himself concealed his identity, so far as was possible, and the Lord permitted this rebellion to develop before anything was done to save the angelic host from apostasy.” {EGW; Lt271a-1903.7; 1903}
3. First great meeting before the Father
In order to solve newly aroused questions in regards to God’s law, the order of Heaven, and the true position of His Son, the Father assembled entire heavenly hosts to clear these questions up. He had set forth the true position of His Son.
“The great Creator assembled the heavenly host, that he might in the presence of all the angels confer special honor upon his Son. The Son was seated on the throne with the Father, and the heavenly throng of holy angels was gathered around them. The Father then made known that it was ordained by Himself that Christ, His Son, should be equal with Himself; so that wherever was the presence of his Son, it was as his own presence. The word of the Son was to be obeyed as readily as the word of the Father. His Son he had invested with authority to command the heavenly host. Especially was his Son to work in union with himself in the anticipated creation of the earth and every living thing that should exist upon the earth. His Son would carry out his will and his purposes, but would do nothing of himself alone. The Father’s will would be fulfilled in him.” {EGW; 1SP 17.2; 1870}
“The King of the universe summoned the heavenly hosts before Him, that in their presence He might set forth the true position of His Son and show the relation He sustained to all created beings. The Son of God shared the Father’s throne, and the glory of the eternal, self-existent One encircled both. About the throne gathered the holy angels, a vast, unnumbered throng—’ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands’ (Revelation 5:11.), the most exalted angels, as ministers and subjects, rejoicing in the light that fell upon them from the presence of the Deity. Before the assembled inhabitants of heaven the King declared that none but Christ, the Only Begotten of God, could fully enter into His purposes, and to Him it was committed to execute the mighty counsels of His will. The Son of God had wrought the Father’s will in the creation of all the hosts of heaven; and to Him, as well as to God, their homage and allegiance were due. Christ was still to exercise divine power, in the creation of the earth and its inhabitants. But in all this He would not seek power or exaltation for Himself contrary to God’s plan, but would exalt the Father’s glory and execute His purposes of beneficence and love.” {EGW; PP 36.2: 1890}
The Father had set forth the true position of Christ. “None but Christ, the Only Begotten of God, could fully enter into His purposes”. “It was ordained by the [Father] Himself that Christ, His Son, should be equal with Him”.
“The angels joyfully acknowledged the supremacy of Christ, and prostrating themselves before Him, poured out their love and adoration. Lucifer bowed with them, but in his heart there was a strange, fierce conflict. Truth, justice, and loyalty were struggling against envy and jealousy. The influence of the holy angels seemed for a time to carry him with them. As songs of praise ascended in melodious strains, swelled by thousands of glad voices, the spirit of evil seemed vanquished; unutterable love thrilled his entire being; his soul went out, in harmony with the sinless worshippers, in love to the Father and the Son. But again he was filled with pride in his own glory. His desire for supremacy returned, and envy of Christ was once more indulged. The high honors conferred upon Lucifer were not appreciated as God’s special gift, and therefore, called forth no gratitude to his Creator. He gloried in his brightness and exaltation and aspired to be equal with God. He was beloved and reverenced by the heavenly host, angels delighted to execute his commands, and he was clothed with wisdom and glory above them all. Yet the Son of God was exalted above him, as one in power and authority with the Father. He shared the Father’s counsels, while Lucifer did not thus enter into the purposes of God. ‘Why,’ questioned this mighty angel, ‘should Christ have the supremacy? Why is He honored above Lucifer?’” {EGW; PP 36.3; 1890}
Why should Christ have supremacy? Even after the great council of God, and after the Father set forth to clear this question, Lucifer still asked this question. Why should Christ have supremacy? What is the basis of Christ’s supremacy over Lucifer? Again, is this order something arbitrarily defined, or is there something more to it? Lucifer wanted to change the order by coveting Christ’s position, and in order to gain his means, he started to insinuate that the order of Heaven is arbitrarily defined. The Son of God was exalted above him. Why was Christ exalted to His position? Is Chirst’s position arbitrary or is there a reason why this law is of unchangeable nature?
4. Departure from the presence of the Father, and diffusing the spirit of discontent for the second time
Lucifer continued to strive for supremacy over Christ. After the Father had publicly stated the true position of His Son, Lucifer started to work more openly. What were his arguments in face of a clear revelation of the Father?
“Leaving his place in the immediate presence of the Father, Lucifer went forth to diffuse the spirit of discontent among the angels. He worked with mysterious secrecy, and for a time concealed his real purpose under an appearance of reverence for God. He began to insinuate doubts concerning the laws that governed heavenly beings, intimating that though laws might be necessary for the inhabitants of the worlds, angels, being more exalted, needed no such restraint, for their own wisdom was a sufficient guide. They were not beings that could bring dishonor to God; all their thoughts were holy; it was no more possible for them than for God Himself to err. The exaltation of the Son of God as equal with the Father was represented as an injustice to Lucifer, who, it was claimed, was also entitled to reverence and honor. If this prince of angels could but attain to his true, exalted position, great good would accrue to the entire host of heaven; for it was his object to secure freedom for all. But now even the liberty which they had hitherto enjoyed was at an end; for an absolute Ruler had been appointed them, and to His authority all must pay homage. Such were the subtle deceptions that through the wiles of Lucifer were fast obtaining in the heavenly courts.” {EGW; PP 37.1; 1890}
Lucifer wanted to reform the government of God. He wanted to change “the laws that governed heavenly beings”. This law is not arbitrary but he presented it as such. In the great assembly before the Father, the Father had set forth the true position of His Son. The Father exalted His Son to be equal with Him. Now Satan insinuated that this exaltation had just happened, that now there is an absolute ruler set over them, and this exaltation Lucifer presented as injustice to himself. But was the exaltation before all the assembly of the host a change of Christ’s position?
“The true position of the Son of God had been the same from the beginning. Many of the angels were, however, blinded by Lucifer’s deceptions. He so artfully instilled into their minds his own distrust and discontent that his agency was not discerned. Lucifer had presented the purposes of God in a false light to excite dissent and dissatisfaction. While claiming for himself perfect loyalty to God, he urged that changes were necessary for the stability of the divine government. While secretly fomenting discord and rebellion, he caused it to appear as his sole purpose to promote loyalty, and to preserve harmony and peace.” {EGW; EP 12.1; 1983}
“He sought to create sympathy for himself by representing that God had dealt unjustly with him in bestowing supreme honor upon Christ. He claimed that in aspiring to greater power and honor he was not aiming at self-exaltation, but was seeking to secure liberty for all the inhabitants of heaven, that by this means they might attain to a higher state of existence.” {EGW; GC 495.2; 1911}
The government of God cannot be changed unless the law of God that governs the heavenly beings would be changed. This law defines the order of Heaven, which Lucifer wanted to change, and put himself to be in Christ’s place, equal with God. But this law is of unchangeable nature for a reason. But Lucifer insinuated that it is arbitrary, and the proof to back it up, was the exaltation of Christ at this great meeting before the Creator. “He sought to create sympathy for himself by representing that God had dealt unjustly with him in bestowing supreme honor upon Christ”. But the supreme honor of Christ was unchanged, the position of Christ was the same from the beginning. This was the artful insinuation of Lucifer to present God’s Holy Law as arbitrary. But why is the law that governs the heavenly beings not an arbitrary law? Why can’t Lucifer ascend to the position of Christ? Why does Christ have supremacy over Satan?
“While there was no open outbreak, division of feeling imperceptibly grew up among the angels. Some looked with favor upon Lucifer’s insinuations. They were discontented and unhappy, dissatisfied with God’s purpose in exalting Christ. But angels who were loyal maintained the wisdom and justice of the divine decree. Christ was the Son of God, one with Him before the angels were called into existence. He had ever stood at the right hand of the Father. Wherefore should there now be discord?” {EGW; EP 12.2; 1983}
The reason why Christ has supremacy over Luifer was not because of some arbitrary and questionable decree of the Father. It was because Christ is the Son of God! Accepting the Sonship of Christ as the basis to His authority was the differentiating factor between the loyal and rebellious angels. The true Sonship of Christ was the argument that the Father had stated in the great assembly, and that argument was supposed to quench the rebellion.
“The loyal angels hasten speedily to the Son of God, and acquaint him with what is taking place among the angels. They find the Father in conference with his beloved Son, to determine the means by which, for the best good of the loyal angels, the assumed authority of Satan could be forever put down.” {EGW; 1SP 21.1; 1970}
“True, faithful angels, listening, hear the awful threats of Satan, and immediately report to their great commander. Christ tells them that he and the Father are acquainted with the purposes of Satan, and that they are forbearing only to see how many will unite with him to rebel against the government of God. He tells them that every purpose of Satan is understood. It was the highest crime to rebel against the government of God. All Heaven seemed in commotion. The angels were marshaled in companies, each with a higher commanding angel at their head. All the angels were astir. Satan was warring against the government of God, because ambitious to exalt himself and unwilling to submit to the authority of God’s Son, Heaven’s great commander.” {EGW; 3SG 37.1; 1864}
Satan rebelled against the government of God, against the law of God and the order that governed the heavenly beings. He wanted to change that order because he coveted the position of God’s Only Begotten Son.
“It was the highest crime to rebel against the government of God. All Heaven seemed in commotion. The angels were marshaled in companies, each division with a higher commanding angel at their head. Satan was warring against the law of God, because ambitious to exalt himself, and unwilling to submit to the authority of Gods’ Son, Heaven’s great commander.” {EGW; 1SP 22.1; 1864}
How did God counteract Satan’s rebellion? The means of God to suppress Satan’s rebellion was His word and His testimony to the Sonship of Christ. Why didn’t He use force?
“God in His wisdom did not use measures of force to suppress Satan’s rebellion. Such measures would have aroused sympathy for Satan, strengthening his rebellion rather than changing his principles. If God had summarily punished him, many would have looked upon him as one who had dealt with unjustly, and he would have carried a much larger number with him in his apostasy.” {EGW; Ms1-1902.4; 1902}
“It was necessary to give Satan time to develop his principles. He has had every opportunity to present his side of the question. He has been artful. As often as his position has been seen in its true light, he has changed to some other position. By making false charges, and by misstating the purposes and declared will of God, he has secured sympathizers.” {EGW; Ms1-1902.5; 1902}
“God in His great mercy bore long with Lucifer. He was not immediately degraded from his exalted station when he first indulged the spirit of discontent, nor even when he began to present his false claims before the loyal angels. Long was he retained in heaven. Again and again he was offered pardon on condition of repentance and submission. Such efforts as only infinite love and wisdom could devise were made to convince him of his error. The spirit of discontent had never before been known in heaven. Lucifer himself did not at first see whither he was drifting; he did not understand the real nature of his feelings. But as his dissatisfaction was proved to be without cause, Lucifer was convinced that he was in the wrong, that the divine claims were just, and that he ought to acknowledge them as such before all heaven. Had he done this, he might have saved himself and many angels. He had not at this time fully cast off his allegiance to God. Though he had forsaken his position as covering cherub, yet if he had been willing to return to God, acknowledging the Creator’s wisdom, and satisfied to fill the place appointed him in God’s great plan, he would have been reinstated in his office. But pride forbade him to submit. He persistently defended his own course, maintained that he had no need of repentance, and fully committed himself, in the great controversy, against his Maker.” {EGW; GC 495.3; 1911}
The Maker did not use force to suppress Satan’s rebellion. He bore long with Lucifer. The only means by which God dealt with Satan was by divine mercy, love, longsuffering and by His word and His testimony. How did Satan manage to deceive one third of the angels?
“All the powers of his master mind were now bent to the work of deception, to secure the sympathy of the angels that had been under his command. Even the fact that Christ had warned and counseled him was perverted to serve his traitorous designs. To those whose loving trust bound them most closely to him, Satan had represented that he was wrongly judged, that his position was not respected, and that his liberty was to be abridged. From misrepresentation of the words of Christ he passed to prevarication and direct falsehood, accusing the Son of God of a design to humiliate him before the inhabitants of heaven. He sought also to make a false issue between himself and the loyal angels. All whom he could not subvert and bring fully to his side he accused of indifference to the interests of heavenly beings. The very work which he himself was doing he charged upon those who remained true to God. And to sustain his charge of God’s injustice toward him, he resorted to misrepresentation of the words and acts of the Creator. It was his policy to perplex the angels with subtle arguments concerning the purposes of God. Everything that was simple he shrouded in mystery, and by artful perversion cast doubt upon the plainest statements of Jehovah. His high position, in such close connection with the divine administration, gave greater force to his representations, and many were induced to unite with him in rebellion against Heaven’s authority.” {EGW; GC 496.1; 1911}
The Father stated plainly “that none but Christ, the Only Begotten of God, could fully enter into His purposes, and to Him it was committed to execute the mighty counsels of His will”, and “it was ordained by Himself that Christ, His Son, should be equal with Himself”. By artful perversion, the great deceiver cast doubt upon the most plain statements of Jehovah. Everything that was simple he shrouded in mystery.
“There was contention among the angels. Satan and his sympathizers were striving to reform the government of God. They were discontented and unhappy because they could not look into his unsearchable wisdom and ascertain his purposes in exalting his Son Jesus, and endowing him with such unlimited power and command. They rebelled against the authority of the Son.” {EGW; ST January 9, 1879, Art. B, par. 3; 1879}
But Satan was not fully successful with his rebellion against the authority of the Son. There were angels who were loyal, and they argued with Lucifer against his artful perversion against the Son of God.
“While some of the angels joined Satan in his rebellion, others reasoned with him to dissuade him from his purposes, contending for the honor and wisdom of God in giving authority to his Son. Satan urged, for what reason was Christ endowed with unlimited power and such high command above himself! He stood up proudly, and urged that he should be equal with God. He makes his boasts to his sympathizers that he will not submit to the authority of Christ.” {EGW; 3SG 37.2; 1864}
For what reason was Christ endowed with unlimited power? Why is Christ exalted to be equal with God? Satan insinuated that the Father’s exaltation before all angels was the proof that this law which governs the order of Heaven is arbitrary, and that he should occupy his desired position. Lucifer hid the fact that Christ retained the same position after the great assembly before the Father. In this way, he presented the law to be arbitrary. But the position of Christ was not arbitrary. There is a reason why Christ occupied His position and why Lucifer could not have this position. The loyal angels set forth the counterargument:
“Angels that were loyal and true sought to reconcile this mighty, rebellious angel to the will of his Creator. They justified the act of God in conferring honor upon Jesus Christ, and with forcible reasoning sought to convince Satan that no less honor was his now than before the Father had proclaimed the honor which he had conferred upon his Son. They clearly set forth that Jesus was the Son of God, existing with him before the angels were created; and that he had ever stood at the right hand of God, and his mild, loving authority had not heretofore been questioned; and that he had given no commands but what it was joy for the heavenly host to execute. They urged that Christ’s receiving special honor from the Father, in the presence of the angels, did not detract from the honor that he had heretofore received. The angels wept. They anxiously sought to move Satan to renounce his wicked design and yield submission to their Creator; for all had heretofore been peace and harmony, and what could occasion this dissenting, rebellious voice?” {EGW; 1SP 19.1, 1870}
The argument by which the loyal angels defended the order of Heaven was that Christ was the Son of God: “They clearly set forth that Jesus was the Son of God, existing with him before the angels were created; and that he had ever stood at the right hand of God”. There was no change in the position of Christ. The reason Lucifer could not occupy the position of Christ was because Christ was the Only Begotten Son of God. Lucifer was also a son of God, but not in the same sense as Christ was. How was Christ, the Son of God, different to Lucifer, the fallen angel?
“[speaking of Christ, He was] ...not a son by creation, as were the angels, nor a son by adoption, as is the forgiven sinner, but a Son begotten in the express image of the Father’s person, and in all the brightness of his majesty and glory, one equal with God in authority, dignity, and divine perfection. In him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” {EGW, ST May 30, 1895, par. 3; 1895}
The Sonship of Christ was under question. Christ is not the Son of God in an arbitrary sense, but rather in the natural sense, begotten in the express image of the Father’s person. For this reason, the law of God that governs the order of Heaven could not have been changed.
“[Satan] He occupied a special, exalted position in the heavenly courts. He must have no one higher than himself. He must be next to God in efficiency. But Christ was above him, and he claimed he must be above Christ. Christ was the only begotten Son of God, united with God.” {EGW; Lt157-1910.1; 1901}
“Christ was the Son of God; He had been one with Him before the angels were called into existence.” {EGW; PP 38.3; 1890}
Satan’s insinuations that the Father’s statement of the position of His Son is injustice towards him, is based only on Lucifer’s misrepresentations of Jehovah’s plain words. Christ’s position couldn’t have changed on that event since Christ's position was based not on arbitrary decision, but rather on the fact that Christ was the Only Begotten Son of God, made in the express image of the Father’s person.
“There had been no change in the position or authority of Christ. Lucifer’s envy and misrepresentation and his claims to equality with Christ had made necessary a statement of the true position of the Son of God; but this had been the same from the beginning. Many of the angels were, however, blinded by Lucifer’s deceptions.” {EGW; PP 38.1; 1890}
Was the fact that Christ was the begotten Son of God unknown to Satan and other angels?
“Satan was well acquainted with the position of honor Christ had held in Heaven as the Son of God, the beloved of the Father.” {RH March 3, 1874, par. 21}
“[Angels] They fell from their high estate because they wanted to be exalted. They had come to exalt themselves, and they forgot that their beauty of person and of character came from the Lord Jesus. This fact the [fallen] angels would obscure, that Christ was the only begotten Son of God, and they came to consider that they were not to consult Christ. One angel began the controversy and carried it on until there was rebellion in the heavenly courts, among the angels.” {EGW; Lt 42, 1910, par. 3; 1910}
The fact that Christ was the only begotten Son of God was the fact which alone, if accepted, would suppress the entire rebellion of Satan. But the fallen angels, together with Lucifer himself, would obscure this crucial fact.
“To dispute the supremacy of the Son of God, thus impeaching the wisdom and love of the Creator, had become the purpose of this prince of angels. To this object he was about to bend the energies of that master mind, which, next to Christ’s, was first among the host of God.” {EGW; PP 36.1; 1890}
What was the sin of Satan? Sin is the transgression of God’s law. The law that Satan transgressed was the law which governs the order of Heaven. This law was unchangeable in nature; it was not arbitrary. It was unchangeable because Christ’s position was rooted in the fact that He was the only begotten Son of God, equal in power, majesty and excellence.
“It was in seeking to exalt himself above the Son of God that Satan had sinned in heaven.” {EGW; DA 129.3; 1898}
“It is stated, Thou wast exalted because of thy beauty, et cetera. But he wanted to have the place of Christ, and Christ was one with the Infinite God; and because this was not accorded him, he became jealous, and he was the originator of sin”. {EGW; Ms57-1890.; 1890}
“Until this time all heaven had been in order, harmony, and perfect subjection to the government of God. It was the highest sin to rebel against His order and will. All heaven seemed in commotion. The angels were marshaled in companies, each division with a higher commanding angel at its head. Satan, ambitious to exalt himself, and unwilling to submit to the authority of Jesus, was insinuating against the government of God. Some of the angels sympathized with Satan in his rebellion, and others strongly contended for the honor and wisdom of God in giving authority to His Son.” {EGW; EW 145.2; 1882}
“But Lucifer, the most glorious angel next to Christ, thought himself equal with God and made the effort, because of his beauty and glory, that he should be next to God, and then he could work out God’s plans. Thus Lucifer claimed the position next to the Creator. But Christ was the only begotten Son of God. Lucifer made war in heaven and would not take the position God assigned him, therefore he fell from his high estate…” {EGW; Lt189-1909.29; 1909}
“[Satan] He commenced war in heaven for the preeminence, worked with the angels until they were deceived, and concluded they would war against God. But the [loyal angels] would not yield the point that Christ should have the preeminence next to God. And there was war in heaven.” {EGW; Ms90-1910.1; 1910}
5. The arguments and warnings of loyal angels
“They [loyal angels] urged [Satan] that Christ’s receiving special honor from the Father, in the presence of the angels, did not detract from the honor that he had heretofore received. The angels wept. They anxiously sought to move Satan to renounce his wicked design and yield submission to their Creator; for all had heretofore been peace and harmony, and what could occasion this dissenting, rebellious voice?” {EGW; 1SP 19.1; 1870}
“Rejecting with disdain the entreaties of the loyal angels, he denounced them as deluded slaves. He would never again acknowledge the supremacy of Christ. He had determined to claim the honor which should have been given him. And he promised those who would enter his ranks a new and better government under which all would enjoy freedom. Great numbers of the angels signified their purpose to accept him as their leader. He hoped to win all the angels to his side, to become equal with God Himself, and to be obeyed by the entire host of heaven.” {EGW; EP 13.2; 1983}
“Satan refused to listen. And then he turned from the loyal and true angels, denouncing them as slaves. These angels, true to God, stood in amazement as they saw that Satan was successful in his effort to excite rebellion. He promised them a new and better government than they then had, in which all would be freedom. Great numbers signified their purpose to accept Satan as their leader and chief commander. As he saw his advances were met with success, he flattered himself that he should yet have all the angels on his side, and that he would be equal with God himself, and his voice of authority would be heard in commanding the entire host of Heaven. Again the loyal angels warned Satan, and assured him what must be the consequence if he persisted; that He who could create the angels, could by his power overturn all their authority, and in some signal manner punish their audacity and terrible rebellion. To think that an angel should resist the law of God which was as sacred as himself! They warned the rebellious to close their ears to Satan’s deceptive reasonings, and advised Satan, and all who had been affected by him, to go to God and confess their wrong for even admitting a thought of questioning his authority.” {EGW; 1SP 20.1; 1870}
“Many of Satan’s sympathizers were inclined to heed the counsel of the loyal angels, and repent of their dissatisfaction, and be again received to the confidence of the Father and his dear Son. The mighty revolter then declared that he was acquainted with God’s law, and if he should submit to servile obedience, his honor would be taken from him. No more would he be intrusted with his exalted mission. He told them that himself and they also had now gone too far to go back, and he would brave the consequences; for to bow in servile worship to the Son of God he never would; that God would not forgive, and now they must assert their liberty and gain by force the position and authority which was not willingly accorded to them.” {EGW; 1SP 20.2; 1870}
“Satan had sympathizers in heaven, and took large numbers of the angels with him. God and Christ and heavenly angels were on one side, and Satan on the other. Notwithstanding the infinite power and majesty of God and Christ, angels became disaffected. The insinuations of Satan took effect, and they really came to believe that the Father and the Son were their enemies and that Satan was their benefactor.” {EGW; 3T 328.1; 1872}
6. The second great meeting before the Father
Heaven became polarized. The time had come for each case to be decided.
“At length all the angels are summoned to appear before the Father, to have each case decided. Satan unblushingly makes known to all the heavenly family, his discontent, that Christ should be preferred before him, to be in such close conference with God, and he be uninformed as to the result of their frequent consultations. God informs Satan that this he can never know. That to his Son will he reveal his secret purposes, and that all the family of Heaven, Satan not excepted, were required to yield implicit obedience. Satan boldly speaks out his rebellion, and points to a large company who think God is unjust in not exalting him to be equal with God, and in not giving him command above Christ. He declares he cannot submit to be under Christ’s command, that God’s commands alone will he obey. Good angels weep to hear the words of Satan, and to see how he despises to follow the direction of Christ, their exalted and loving commander.” {EGW; 3SG 37.3; 1864}
“God informed Satan that to his Son alone he would reveal his secret purposes, and he required all the family in Heaven, even Satan, to yield him implicit, unquestioned obedience; but that he (Satan) had proved himself unworthy a place in Heaven.” {EGW; 1SP 22.2; 1; 1870}
Lucifer knew that his wish to change the order of Heaven was not possible. The only reason why Satan successfully persist in his cause was because he misrepresented God’s testimony about His Son.
“[Satan] His beauty was so highly exalted that he thought he should be as God, and Christ must be second to him; but the Lord informed Satan this could not be possible. Christ was His only begotten Son.” {EGW; Lt157-1910.7; 1910}
“God desired that a change take place and that the work of Satan be brought out in its genuine aspect. But the exalted angel, standing next to Christ, was opposed to the Son of God. The underworking was so subtle that it could not be made to appear before the heavenly host as the thing that it really was; and so there was war in heaven, and Satan was expelled with all who would not stand on the side of loyalty to God’s government. The Lord God stood forth as Supreme Ruler.” {EGW; Lt162-1906.6; 1906}
“All the heavenly host were summoned to appear before the Father to have each case decided. It was there determined that Satan should be expelled from heaven, with all the angels who had joined him in the rebellion. Then there was war in heaven. Angels were engaged in the battle; Satan wished to conquer the Son of God and those who were submissive to His will. But the good and true angels prevailed, and Satan, with his followers, was driven from heaven.” {EGW; EW 145.2; 1822}
7. The war in Heaven—from arguments to force
“Then Satan exultingly pointed to his sympathizers, comprising nearly one half of all the angels, and exclaimed, These are with me! Will you expel these also, and make such a void in Heaven? He then declared that he was prepared to resist the authority of Christ, and to defend his place in Heaven by force of might, strength against strength.” {EGW; 1SP 22.2; 1870}
“The Father decides the case of Satan, and declares that he must be turned out of Heaven for his daring rebellion, and that all those who united with him in his rebellion, should be turned out with him. Then there was war in Heaven. Christ and his angels fought against Satan and his angels, for they were determined to remain in Heaven with all their rebellion. But they prevailed not. Christ and loyal angels triumphed, and drove Satan and his rebel sympathizers from Heaven.” {EGW; 3SG 38.1; 1864}
“The great God could at once have hurled this arch deceiver from heaven; but this was not His purpose. He would give the rebellious an equal chance to measure strength and might with His own Son and His loyal angels. In this battle every angel would choose his own side, and his character and purposes would be manifested to all. It would not have been safe to suffer any who united with Satan in his rebellion to continue to occupy heaven. They had learned the lesson of genuine rebellion against the unchangeable law of God; and this is incurable.” {EGW; ST January 9, 1879, Art. B, par. 7; 1879}
“Christ, as Commander of heaven, was appointed to put down the rebellion.” {EGW; RH, May 30, 1899. par. 4; 1899}
“Then there was war in Heaven. The Son of God, the Prince of Heaven, and his loyal angels, engaged in conflict with the arch rebel and those who united with him.” {EGW; 1SP 22.3; 1870}
“Satan was warring against the government of God, because ambitious to exalt himself and unwilling to submit to the authority of God’s Son, Heaven’s great commander.” {EGW; 3SG 37.1; 1864}
"Angels were engaged in the battle; Satan wished to conquer the Son of God, and those who were submissive to his will. But the good and true angels prevailed, and Satan, with his followers, was driven from heaven.” {EGW; 1SG 17.2; 1858}
“Two great powers are now on the field of battle. Satan, who at one time stood next to Christ in the courts of heaven, has become the adversary of man. Before the fall of Lucifer, he aspired for the supremacy that had been given to Christ, who was one with the Father in the government of heaven. There was war in heaven, and Satan and all the rebellious angels he had deceived were overcome. Those who had opposed the will of God in appointing Christ as the chief ruler were cast out of the heavenly courts, and since that time they have been warring against the Most High.” {EGW; Lt24-1910.4; 1910}
“Satan’s dissatisfaction first commenced in heaven because He could not be first and highest in command — equal with God, exalted above Christ. He rebelled and lost his estate; and he, and those who sympathized with him, were turned out of heaven.” {EGW; 1T 293.3; 1855}
“... Satan, next to Christ the most exalted being, in the heavenly court, was overcome, and with his sympathizers cast out of heaven. Thus it was shown that Satan was not right, and that God has not abolished His law, as the prince of darkness claimed that He should.” {EGW; Ms4a-1898.10; 1898}
Satan, together with his sympathizers, were cast out from the courts of God. He wasn’t cast down to earth, for earth was not yet created, but he was out of the place where God dwells.
“Satan stood in amazement at his new condition. His happiness was gone. He looked upon the angels who, with him, were once so happy, but who had been expelled from heaven.... Now all seemed changed. Countenances which had reflected the image of their Maker were gloomy and despairing. Strife, discord, and bitter recrimination, were among them.... Satan now beholds the terrible results of his rebellion. He shuddered, and feared to face the future, and to contemplate the end of these things.” {EGW; TA 46.1; 1996}
[In remembrance]
“The hour for joyful, happy songs of praise to God and his dear Son had come. Satan had led the heavenly choir. He had raised the first note, then all the angelic host united with him, and glorious strains of music had resounded through Heaven in honor of God and his dear Son. But now, instead of strains of sweetest music, discord and angry words fall upon the ear of the great rebel leader. Where was he? Was it not all a horrible dream? Was he shut out of Heaven? Were the gates of Heaven never more to open and admit him? The hour of worship draws nigh, when bright and holy angels bow before the Father. No more will he unite in heavenly song. No more will he bow in reverence and holy awe before the presence of the eternal God. Could he be again as he was when he was pure, true and loyal, gladly would he yield up the claims of his authority. But he was lost! beyond redemption, for his presumptuous rebellion! And this was not all; he had led others to rebellion and to the same lost condition with himself—angels, who had never thought to question the will of Heaven, or refuse obedience to the law of God till he had put it into their minds, presenting before them that they might enjoy a greater good, a higher and more glorious liberty. This had been the sophistry whereby he had deceived them. A responsibility now rests upon him from which he would fain be released.” {EGW; 1SP 28.2; 1870}
“The hour for joyful, happy songs of praise to God and His dear Son had come. Satan had led the heavenly choir. He had raised the first note, then all the angelic host united with him, and glorious strains of music had resounded through heaven in honor of God and His dear Son. But now, instead of strains of sweetest music, discord and angry words fall upon the ear of the great rebel leader.... The hour of worship draws nigh, when bright and holy angels bow before the Father. No more will he unite in heavenly song. No more will he bow in reverence and holy awe before the presence of the eternal God....” {EGW; TA 46.2; 1996}
“Satan trembled as he viewed his work. He was alone in meditation upon the past, the present, and his future plans. His mighty frame shook as with a tempest. An angel from heaven was passing. He called him, and entreated an interview with Christ. This was granted him. He then related to the Son of God that he repented of his rebellion, and wished again the favor of God. He was willing to take the place God had previously assigned him, and be under his wise command. Christ wept at Satan’s woe, but told him, as the mind of God, that he could never be received into heaven.... The seeds of rebellion were still within him....” {EGW; TA 46.3; 1996}
“When Satan became fully convinced that there was no possibility of his being reinstated in the favor of God, he manifested his malice with increased hatred and fiery vehemence....” {EGW; TA 47.1; 1996}
“As he could not gain admission within the gates of heaven, he would wait just at the entrance, to taunt the angels and seek contention with them as they went in and out.—The Spirit of Prophecy 1:28-30.” {EGW; TA 47.3; 1996}
“Satan’s rebellion shut him out from the courts of heaven; and all who engaged with him in warfare against Christ were cast out with him. The exercise of Satan’s seductive arts against the government of heaven did not cease with his expulsion from the presence of God. Year by year they have grown more deceptive, more subtle, more determined. Every additional evidence rejected increases his power to resist the government of God and of Christ. And every ray of hope resisted helps to create for him and for his followers a hopeless future.” {EGW; Ms73-1908.9; 1908}
Satan’s rebellion has not ceased. This rebellion is against Christ and against His rightful position. The pivotal argument which could have quenched the entire rebellion was that Christ was the Son of God, not in an arbitrary sense, but in a real and natural sense. This was the unchanging nature of God’s law. If only the testimony of the Father was accepted based on His word, there would not have been suffering nor rebellion. But none of the angels, nor any other creature, saw Christ to be begotten in the express image of the Father’s person. All we should do to be on God’s side is to accept God’s plain and pointed testimony that Christ is His only begotten Son in the real sense.
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