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The Great Controversy

( Summary)
Introduction

This document provides highlight selected chapters of the book, The Great Controversy . Outstanding Quotes
are included for some chapters to emphasize points that are being made.

CHAPTER1: THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM

• Luke 19: 41-44 warnings about the destruction of Jerusalem

• God’s mercy towards a rebellious Israel.
• Rejection of God’s offer for forgives by the Jews.
• The limit of God’s forbearance with rebellious humanity.
• The destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
• The destiny of individuals, families, and nations.
• The ultimate destiny of our rebellious world.
“The long-suffering of God toward Jerusalem only confirmed the Jews in their stubborn impenitence. In their
hatred and cruelty toward the disciples of Jesus they rejected the last offer of mercy. Then God withdrew His
protection from them and removed His restraining power from Satan and his angels, and the nation was left
to the control of the leader she had chosen.” Great Controversy pg. 23

“Not one Christian perished in the destruction of Jerusalem. Christ had given His disciples warning, and all
who believed His words watched for the promised sign…The besieged, despairing of successful resistance,
were on the point of surrender, when the Roman general withdrew his forces without the least apparent reason.
But God's merciful providence was directing events for the good of His own people. The promised sign had
been given to the waiting Christians, and now an opportunity was offered for all who would, to obey the
Saviour's warning. Events were so overruled that neither Jews nor Romans should hinder the flight of the
Christians. GC 30.1-GC 30.2

CHAPTER 2 ;THE PERSECUTION.

• Why do the wicked persecute the righteous?

• Why do we call the good news, “The gospel of peace” , while it breeds war and persecution?
• Why does God allow the wicked to prosper while the righteous are impoverished due to their
faithfulness towards God?
• Why is that there is apparent peace between the wicked and the righteous today?
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• Why has God given a boss who does not respect the Sabbath, or a most trying spouse? Why is it
important that we do not run away from persecution?
• Why does God take long to punish the wicked immediately?

Christianity spread rapidly in the first century.

Christianity became a threat to paganism.
Pagan adherents persecuted Christians to stop its spread.
However, persecution led to more converts to Christianity.
At some point pagans became half converted to Christianity.
Pagan teachings and practices were adopted by Christians
Compromise, Inducements and threats.
Corrupted Christianity lost power.
‘Silver and gold have I none.’

“ Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great degree to slumber? The only reason is that the church has
conformed to the world’s standard and therefore awakens no opposition. The religion which is current in our
day is not of the pure and holy character that marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ and His apostles.”
Great Controversy pg.39

CHAPTER 3: SPIRITUAL DARKNESS

• The early stages of the development of the principle of papacy (sun worship religion) in the
Christian church.
• The man of sin is exposed.
• The doctrines of paganism were introduced into the church.
• The change of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week.
• The introduction of pagan priesthood and the veneration of saint.
• The consequences of adoption of paganistic practices.
• The effects of withdrawal of the scriptures.

“When the Scriptures are suppressed, and man comes to regard himself as supreme, we need look only for
fraud, deception, and debasing iniquity. With the elevation of human laws and traditions was manifest the
corruption that ever results from setting aside the law of God.” Great Controversy pg. 45.
“ God's law, the standard of righteousness, having been removed, they exercised power without limit, and
practiced vice without restraint. Fraud, avarice, and profligacy prevailed. Men shrank from no crime by which
they could gain wealth or position. The palaces of popes and prelates were scenes of the vilest debauchery.
Some of the reigning pontiffs were guilty of crimes so revolting that secular rulers endeavored to depose these
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dignitaries of the church as monsters too vile to be tolerated. For centuries Europe had made no progress in
learning, arts, or civilization. A moral and intellectual paralysis had fallen upon Christendom. . GC 60.2
“ The condition of the world under the Romish power presented a fearful and striking fulfilment of the words
of the prophet Hosea: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge,
I will also reject thee: ... seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” “There
is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing,
and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.” Hosea 4:6, 1, 2. Such were the results of
banishing the word of God. . GC 60.3

CHAPTER 4:THE WALDENSES.

• Persecution of minority faithful commandment keepers during the dark ages by papacy.
• Remnants of commandment keepers in Ethiopia and the Waldensians in Europe (Alps).
• Preservation of truth from papal influence.
• Waldensian Missionaries (Colporteurs) travel to distant lands to share scriptures on peril of death.

“Pure, simple, and fervent was the piety of these followers of Christ. The principles of truth they valued above
houses and lands, friends, kindred, even life itself. These principles they earnestly sought to impress upon the
hearts of the young. From earliest childhood the youth were instructed in the Scriptures and taught to regard
sacredly the claims of the law of God. Great Controversy pg.68

“Copies of the Bible were rare; therefore, its precious words were committed to memory. Many were able to
repeat large portions of both the Old and the New Testament. Thoughts of God were associated alike with the
sublime scenery of nature and with the humble blessings of daily life.” Great Controversy pg. 68

CHAPTER 5 : JOHN WYCLIFF

“Copies of the Bible were rare; therefore, its precious words were committed to memory. Many were able to
repeat large portions of both the Old and the New Testament. Thoughts of God were associated alike with the
sublime scenery of nature and with the humble blessings of daily life.” Great Controversy pg. 68
“ The character of Wycliffe is a testimony to the educating, transforming power of the Holy Scriptures. It was
the Bible that made him what he was. The effort to grasp the great truths of revelation imparts freshness and
vigour to all the faculties. It expands the mind, sharpens the perceptions, and ripens the judgment. The study
of the Bible will ennoble every thought, feeling, and aspiration as no other study can. It gives stability of
purpose, patience, courage, and fortitude; it refines the character and sanctifies the soul. An earnest, reverent
study of the Scriptures, bringing the mind of the student in direct contact with the infinite mind, would give
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to the world men of stronger and more active intellect, as well as of nobler principle, than has ever resulted
from the ablest training that human philosophy afford. GC 94.2

“But God’s providence still shielded His servant. The man who for a whole lifetime had stood boldly in defense
of the truth, in daily peril of his life, was not to fall a victim of the hatred of its foes. Wycliffe had never sought
to shield himself, but the Lord had been his protector; and now, when his enemies felt sure of their prey, God’s
hand removed him beyond their reach”.

CHAPTER 6: JOHN HUSS AND JEROME

• The works of John Wycliffe influenced other reformers among them Jerome of Prague and John Huss
of Bohemia.
• The work of these early reformers shows that God is able to endow his servants the skill and talents
required to accomplish a task.
• Jerome and John Huss lost their lives after courageous confrontation with papacy at stake.
• Their martyrdom encouraged others to take stand in the defense of truth and reformation.
• Despite great dangers faced by the work of reformation , it was divinely preserved.
• After persecution failed to stop the work of reformation papacy resorted to persecution, enticements,
and compromise.

John Huss

“ John Huss was of humble birth. He was left orphan very early (fatherless) by the death of his father. His
pious mother, regarding education and the fear of God as the most valuable of possessions, sought to secure
this heritage for her son. Great Controversy pg.82 (Italics supplied)

Jerome

“ A citizen of Prague, Jerome, who afterward became so closely associated with Huss, had, on returning from
England, brought with him the writings of Wycliffe. The queen of England, who had been a convert to
Wycliffe’s teachings, was a Bohemian princess, and through her influence also the Reformer’s works were
widely circulated in her native country. These works Huss read with interest; he believed their author to be a
sincere Christian and was inclined to regard with favor the reforms which he advocated. Already, though he
knew it not, Huss had entered upon a path which was to lead him far away from Rome. Great Controversy pg.
83“ A citizen of Prague, Jerome, who afterward became so closely associated with Huss, had, on returning
from England, brought with him the writings of Wycliffe. The queen of England, who had been a convert to
Wycliffe’s teachings, was a Bohemian princess, and through her influence also the Reformer’s works were
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widely circulated in her native country. These works Huss read with interest; he believed their author to be a
sincere Christian and was inclined to regard with favor the reforms which he advocated. Already, though he
knew it not, Huss had entered upon a path which was to lead him far away from Rome. Great Contr. pg. 83

CHAPTER 7 : MARTIN LUTHER

th
• Martin Luther was leading reformer in German in the 16 century.
• Luther’s humble background provided the necessary foundation for a strong character development
of a highly disciplined.
• Luther acquired higher education, as a Catholic priest with great devotion to spiritual things.
• Luther was an ordained Catholic priest and a monk.
• Luther was zealous for his church and determined to visit Rome.
• At Luther encountered many inconsistencies among them corruption, pomp, pride among clergy,
doctrines and teachings that were contradictory to scriptures.
• Luther became determined to enlighten the masses with truth.
• Luther’s efforts to enlighten the masses bought him into conflict with church authorities.
• Luther emphasized in his teachings, the sinfulness of sin before God.
• Luther was approached with inducements to recant his teachings.
• Luther rejected the inducements and refused to change his stand or recant these teachings.
• Luther was threatened with excommunication from the church.
• The church issued a bill that declared him separated from the church and denounced him as accursed.
• Luther’s followers were also denounced by the church.
• Luther as a leader set an example by remaining steadfast.
• The life of Luther teaches how the power of God restrains the enemies of truth from stopping the
progress of His work.

“Foremost among those who were called to lead the church from the darkness of popery into the light of a
purer faith, stood Martin Luther… Zealous, ardent, and devoted, knowing no fear but the fear of God, and
acknowledging no foundation for religious faith but the Holy Scriptures, Luther was the man for his time;
through him God accomplished a great work for the reformation of the church and the enlightenment of the
world. G C pg. 105

“Luther was still a true son of the papal church and had no thought that he would ever be anything else. In the
providence of God, he was led to visit Rome. He pursued his journey on foot, lodging at the monasteries on
the way. At a convent in Italy, he was filled with wonder at the wealth, magnificence, and luxury that he
witnessed GC pg. 105
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“ Endowed with a princely revenue, the monks dwelt in splendid apartments, attired themselves in the richest
and most costly robes, and feasted at a sumptuous table. With painful misgivings Luther contrasted this scene
with the self-denial and hardship of his own life. His mind was becoming perplexed. GCpg.105

Note: Luther was a reformer and not a Satan like revolutionist.

CHAPTER 8: LUTHER BEFORE THE DIET.

• Luther was finally called by the authorities to account for and defend his teachings before a diet.
• At that point his life was at a great risk from hos enemies.
• God preserved the life of Luther and his ministry.
• Nevertheless, Luther was not careless or presumptuous when faced with danger, so as not to cut
short his life and thus shorted his ministry.
• However, Luther did not concern himself with self-interests at the cost of truth.
• Luther’s life teaches us that, when God has a cut job for a person, no power can stop it.

CHAPTER 9: ZWINGLI
• Chapter 9 of the Great Controversy explain how reformation work started and grew in Switzerland
against great opposition.
• God bypassed those obsessed with rank and prejudice and used humble instrumentalities to
achieve great work.
• God used Zwingli a man of humble origins to introduce the work of reformation in German. God
gave special gifts of erudition( scholarly skills) to those he called.

“ In the choice of instrumentalities for the reforming of the church, the same divine plan is seen as in that for
the planting of the church. The heavenly Teacher passed by the great men of the earth, the titled and wealthy,
who were accustomed to receive praise and homage as leaders of the people.

“ They were so proud and self-confident in their boasted superiority that they could not be molded to
sympathize with their fellow men and to become co-laborers with the humble Man of Nazareth. To the
unlearned, toiling fishermen of Galilee was the call addressed: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of
men.” Matthew 4:19. GC 44.

“ These disciples were humble and teachable. The less they had been influenced by the false teaching of their
time, the more successfully could Christ instruct and train them for His service. So, in the days of the Great
Reformation.
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“ The leading Reformers were men from humble life—men who were most free of any of their time from
pride of rank and from the influence of bigotry and priest craft. It is God’s plan to employ humble instruments
to accomplish great results. Then the glory will not be given to men, but to Him who works through them to
will and to do of His own good pleasure. GC. pg. 144.

CHAPTER 11: PROREST OF THE PRINCES

• Luther work was eventually declared to be an outlaw, and his teachings, beliefs and doctrines
became forbidden due to the influence of papacy.
• There was a protest by princes in Europe in response to imperial draconian decrees that violated
freedom to exercise conscience in religious matters supported by papacy.
• As the opposition ganged itself to war the protestants , Luther resorted to prayer, God did listen to
the cries of His servant.
• God gave to princes and ministers grace and courage to maintain the truth against the rulers of the
darkness of this world. Saith the Lord: “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious:
and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded.” 1 Peter 2:6.
• The Protestant Reformers had built their work on the foundation of Christ, and the gates of hell did
not prevail against them.

CHAPTER 12: THE BIBLE AND THE FRENCH REVOLUTION

• Chapter 12 discusses the French Reformation.

• Reformation in France was started by Berquin.
• It faced great opposition from the start, and his life was not spared.
• When he was martyred, others took their stand with the reformation were resulting in further
martyrdom.
• The important lesson that we learn from the progress of reformation in France is that freedom
of conscience has come to us at a great cost.
• Men and women have lost their lives for the sake of truth and only the power of God has
preserved truth from utter destruction.
• The destroyer and the enemy of souls is unrelenting and seek every opportunity to destroy the
truth and its proponents.
• Great efforts have been made continually by the enemies of truth to prevent it from being
accessed by the masses.
• Efforts have been made to keep the masses captivated in ignorance poverty and in
superstitions.
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• In France reformation faced great resistance, but God withheld the peace of the papist until ,
reformation had taken root. Martyrdom only increased the interest in understanding the truth
as presented in the holy scriptures. As a result of persecution, the reformers scattered to other
lands, leading to further spread of the reformation.
• The Colporteurs played a key role in the work of reformation. The Colporteurs used ingenious
means to get books to people in manner like the work of the Waldenses.
• To crush the reformation the Jesuit order was created to crash down the work of reformation
and the work done by the Colporteurs.

The Jesuit Order

“ At this time the order of the Jesuits was created, the most cruel, unscrupulous, and powerful of all the
champions of popery. Cut off from earthly ties and human interests, dead to the claims of natural affection,
reason and conscience wholly silenced, they knew no rule, no tie, but that of their order, and no duty but to
extend its power. The gospel of Christ had enabled its adherents to meet danger and endure suffering,
undismayed by cold, hunger, toil, and poverty, to uphold the banner of truth in face of the rack, the dungeon,
and the stake. To combat these forces. GC pg. 199

Jesuitism inspired its followers with a fanaticism that enabled them to endure like dangers, and to oppose to
the power of truth all the weapons of deception. There was no crime too great for them to commit, no deception
too base for them to practice, no disguise too difficult for them to assume. Vowed to perpetual poverty and
humility, it was their studied aim to secure wealth and power, to be devoted to the overthrow of Protestantism,
and the re-establishment of the papal supremacy. Great Controversy pg. 199.

“When appearing as members of their order, they wore a garb of sanctity, visiting prisons and hospitals,
ministering to the sick and the poor, professing to have renounced the world, and bearing the sacred name of
Jesus, who went about doing good. But under this blameless exterior the most criminal and deadly purposes
were often concealed.

“It was a fundamental principle of the order that the end justifies the means. By this code, lying, theft, perjury,
assassination, were not only pardonable but commendable, when they served the interests of the church. Under
various disguises the Jesuits worked their way into offices of state, climbing up to be the counselors of kings,
and shaping the policy of nations.

“They became servants to act as spies upon their masters. They established colleges for the sons of princes
and nobles, and schools for the common people; and the children of Protestant parents were drawn into an
observance of popish rites.
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“All the outward pomp and display of the Romish worship was brought to bear to confuse the mind and dazzle
and captivate the imagination, and thus the liberty for which the fathers had toiled and bled was betrayed by
the sons. The Jesuits rapidly spread themselves over Europe, and wherever they went, there followed a revival
of popery“ To give them greater power, a bull was issued re-establishing the inquisition.
Notwithstanding the general abhorrence with which it was regarded, even in Catholic countries, this terrible
tribunal was again set up by popish rulers, and atrocities too terrible to bear the light of day were repeated in
its secret dungeons.

“In many countries, thousands upon thousands of the very flower of the nation, the purest and noblest, the
most intellectual and highly educated, pious and devoted pastors, industrious and patriotic citizens, brilliant
scholars, talented artists, skillful artisans, were slain or forced to flee to other lands.

CHAPTER 14: LATER ENGLISH REFORMERS

• Wycliff began reformation in England and completed the translation of the Bible from Greek to
English. Then , God raised Tyndale to give the masses a more complete work.
• Tyndale died a Martyrs death after betrayal into the hands of his enemies.
• God raised others to take forward the work of reformation, many who sealed their ministry with
martyrdom on papist hands.
• In England Protestantism was adopted as a state religion and the Monarch took the place of the
pope. This abated persecution, but at a compromise to the spirit of reformation.
• Other reformers, John Knox, Hamilton, Wishart, Baxter, Charlse Wesley, Whitefield, and others

“The Methodists of those early days—people as well as preachers—endured ridicule and persecution, alike
from church members and from the openly irreligious who were inflamed by their misrepresentations. They
were arraigned before courts of justice—such only in name, for justice was rare in the courts of that time.
Often, they suffered violence from their persecutors.

“Mobs went from house to house, destroying furniture and goods, plundering whatever they chose, and
brutally abusing men, women, and children. In some instances, public notices were posted, calling upon those
who desired to assist in breaking the windows and robbing the houses of the Methodists, to assemble at a
given time and place. These open violations of both human and divine law were allowed to pass without a
reprimand. A systematic persecution was carried on against a people whose only fault was that of seeking to
turn the feet of sinners from the path of destruction to the path of holiness. . GC 259.2
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CHAPTER 15:THE FRENCH REVOLUTION

• Light that God had graciously given was rejected by individual, families and the nation of France.
• When the light is despised and rejected, the restraining power of the Holy Spirit is removed and
evil reigns in people’s hearts.
• Evil quickly developed to maturity and results in baleful fruit.
• The reformation became unpopular and was rejected due to the influence of papacy.
• France sank into a total darkness, anarchy and suffering.
• “Atheists, infidels, and apostates oppose and denounce God’s law; but the results of their influence prove that
the well-being of man is bound up with his obedience of the divine statutes. Those who will not read the lesson
from the book of God are bidden to read it in the history of nations. GC pg. 248

CHAPTER 16: THE PILGRIM FATHERS

• The Pilgrim Fathers fled Europe to America to escape religious persecution .

• The reformed the churches in Europe became absorbed in formalism that was adopted from papacy.
The argument used by the churches was that certain things were not expressly forbidden by
scriptures. In this way papal practices found their way into protestant churches.
• The puritans, who refused to bow down to pressure from formalism, became unpopular with the
church. Hence, they suffered persecution from the state.
• The puritans resorted to self-exile, first to Dutch and then to the United states where they founded
a colony on the foundation of the freedom of conscience in matters of religion and worship for all.
• This foundation became the basis of the prosperity of this new nation.
• Roger Williams their first leader dreamed of an American republican based on religious Liberty

“The fundamental principle of Roger Williams’s colony was “that every man should have liberty to worship
God according to the light of his own conscience.”—Ibid., vol. 5, p. 354.

His little state, Rhode Island, became the asylum of the oppressed, and it increased and prospered until its
foundation principles—civil and religious liberty—became the cornerstones of the American Republic.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator
with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” And the
Constitution guarantees, in the most explicit terms, the inviolability of conscience: “No religious test shall
ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” “Congress shall make
no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” “The framers of the
Constitution recognized the eternal principle that man’s relation with his God is above human legislation, and
his rights of conscience inalienable. Reasoning was not necessary to establish this truth; we are conscious of
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it in our own bosoms. It is this consciousness which, in defiance of human laws, has sustained so many martyrs
in tortures and flames. They felt that their duty to God was superior to human enactments, and that man could
exercise no authority over their consciences. It is an inborn principle which nothing can eradicate.”—
Congressional documents (U.S.A.)

CHAPTER 16: THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS

• The Scriptures’ teaching about the Second Coming of Jesus.

• The chapter expounds, the doctrine of the Second Coming, as taught by Jesus taught as taught by
His disciples.
• This teaching was a source of hope to the disciples of Jesus as they faced persecution.
• It remained a source of hope to the succeeding generations.
• Paul was inspired by the same teaching an inspired others using the same teaching.
• The second coming of Jesus is the basis on which Paul taught about resurrection.

CHAPTER 17 SIGNS OF THE TIMES

• At that time, in the year 1750, one of the signs of the beginning of the end, the Lisbon earthquake
took place.
• And again, on May 19, 1780, another sign , the dark day took place. These signs found the
churches, that had descendent into formalism, unprepared.
• The churches were busy engaged in worldly business marrying and giving into marriage, as it was
in the Day of Noah, as predicted in the scriptures.
• However, keen bible students were able to note that these were the signs predicted by Jesus , in
connection with the second coming.

CHAPTER 18 :WILLIAM MILLER

• Among the diligent bible students of the times was William Miller.
• William Miller , a farmer had enjoined himself with Deism early in life.
• As a deist, he learned diligence in study, keen reasoning, rationalization, to be affable to others and
kind manners.
• Though possessing these good traits, being a sincere, and a good person as one can be, he failed to
have peace of mind and fulfilment in life.
• He realized that he often, failed to meet his own expectations, and lived a life of self-condemnation.
• As a Deist he was taught to despise and reject any form of information taught as a revelation as untrue.
• He was expected to follow only convictions that are verifiable by reasoning and logic.
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• Miller had many questions that remained unanswered in his life because they could not be addressed
by reasoning. These questions continued to mount pressure on him.
• Miller needed a Savior and that is exactly what Deism could not provide.
• As a result, Millers was dissatisfied and by deism and began to look for answers to his questions
elsewhere.
• Miller decided to do personal studies that includes searching the scriptures in particular to refute
arguments presented by theologians whose ideas and arguments, he had learnt to despise..
• He used the Bible , Concordance and Cross reference for his research.
• Miller started with efforts to challenge the consistency of the scriptures because he had been made to
belief that the Bible is contradictory.
• To his surprise he found the scriptures to be both harmonious and consistent. He later found that one
portion of scriptures explained another.
• As Miller studied the Bible, he came to understand the love of Jesus, accepted him as his savior and
began to experience a peace beyond measure.
• Miler’s attention was drawn to bible prophecies and their fulfilment.
• He found the Bible prophecies had been fulfilled literally as predicted.
• Miller devoted more time, to study the prophecies more keenly. His attention was drawn to the
prophecies of the second coming.
• He found that signs that relate to the second coming had been fulfilled as predicted, and he concluded
that the second coming was imminent..
• His attention was further drawn to the prophecies of Daniel that discuss the 2300-year prophesy.
• From this prophecy Miller learned that the sanctuary was to be cleansed in a few years.
• With keen effort he studied this prophecy in great depth to establish the validity of his interpretations.
• His interpretations were however influenced by popular teachings among Christians of his day , in
particular on the meaning of the sanctuary.
• It was popularly taught that the sanctuary is the earth and he thought that the cleansing of the
sanctuary was the end of the world.
• This error would later result in the great disappointment.
• Through this error Miller had misunderstood the event that was to take place in 1844.
• Miller teachings at first faced great opposition from the Christian churches of the day.
• Just like in the days of Noah, the scoffers despised him and his message. Jesus is going to come as a
thief when the professed people of God are busy enjoined with the world in pursuit of materialism
and pleasure.
• We should never imagine that everyone is excited about the idea of the second coming of Jesus. It
annoys those who do not love Jesus.
• His second coming to them is an interference with their long-term plans.
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• When the believers failed to discern the message of hope in the first angel’s message, it was sent
graciously to call unbelievers out of worldliness.
• The world embraced the message of the second coming of Jesus.
• With a great conviction Miller felt impressed that he must warn the world of this great event that was
about to take place.
• He faced great resistance from the Christians and the secular world. However, many people heeded
Millers warnings and accepted his message.
• Miller received little financial support and hence he used his means to fund his ministry.
• God helped Miller in His efforts to give the world a warning message.
• Miller became unpopular among theologians of his day, who failed to refute his arguments.
• His life came under threat often. God send massagers in the form of men to protect him when in
danger until his mission was complete..
• Miller had found a ministry that was in fulfilment of the purpose of his life.

CHAPTER 19: LIGHT THROUGH DARKNESS

• This chapters teaching that the work of a man and his life are directed by God so as to fulfil a
specific purpose.
• This is an important lesson taught in the lives of the reformers.
• The life of each person serves a specific purpose.
• We are playing our part in the fulfilment of the purposes of God.
• In the final judgment it will be clear the role played in the Great Controversy.
• The purposes of God are beyond human comprehension.
• God’s purposes knows no haste nor delay.
• Few people are privileged to understand their purpose in life.
• Not even the prophets, fully understood the things they prophesied about.
• This chapter explains what causes the great disappointment of 1844.
• It shows that the message by William Miller and others about the second coming was right, but
the event and the date they predicted was not right..
• The chapter clearly explains that before the second coming of Jesus could take place another event
must happen.
• The second coming can only take place after there has been an investigative judgment.
• Through the great disappointment, God tested the sincerity of those who had received the message
to see if their response to message was out of fear or excitement.
• Those who would quickly abandon the message after being scoffed , would show that they had not
obeyed the message.
• The genuine followers of truth would wait for God to explain to them their error.
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• In disappointments the genuine seek to learn where their error is and accept the correction of the
Lord.
• A disappointment must lead to a need to a further explanation.
• Despite the prophets not fully comprehending the messages they were given on behalf of future
generations; they had extraordinary zeal in searching the meaning of the prophecies.
• Their attitude was not like that of professed believers of today who though bestowed with great
light do not pay much attention to the revealed light.
• Many people cannot understand the revealed light because they are blinded by personal opinions,
prejudices errors , traditions , superficiality common and popular beliefs.
• As they strongly hold onto delusion, they are not able to accept new light.
• The disciples of Jesus were disappointed at His death, because they had not comprehended the
light given about his death.
• As a result, they expected him to ascent to the throne and establish temporal universal kingdom.
This was in accordance with popular teaching, opinions and expectation.
• In a similar manner in the year 1844, the Millerites were disappointed, when Jesus did not come at
the date, they had expected him to come.
• They hand misconstrued the cleansing of the sanctuary to mean the destruction of the earth. This
expectation and teaching was erroneous and was based on popular teaching of the time that the
earth is the sanctuary.

• Here we learn that holding an erroneous doctrine leads to disappointment and the disappointment is
always proportional to the level of depth of error. If by our neglect of study, we neglect to establish
the truth. God will not remove from us error due to our willingly ignorance.
• At will come when the errors we hold becomes a source of trial and disappointment. It the duty of
every person to search and establish revealed truth.
• If we neglect study and devote our time to pleasure and frivolity that should have been devoted to keen
study, disappoints in life are inevitable.
•
• The ignorance of the Jews and the disciples did not stop the purposes of God.
• Prophecies were fulfilled as declared. However, because of ignorance they were not ready to receive
or accept the Messiah. In like manner the ignorance of the Millerites, led to a disappointment.
• So, it is with our life's todays. Our ignorance does not delay the fulfilment of God’s purposes for our
lives.
• Half-truths and partial ignorance due to neglect or rejection of available light is responsible for most
disappointments in our lives.
• It is our duty to search in depth to understand all revealed light.
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• The death of Christ which was at the center of the plan of Salvation marked the establishment of the
kingdom of grace.
• God allowed the disciple to go through disappointment so that they might appreciate the light that they
had neglected in preference to error.
• After the resurrection when Jesus explained the scriptures to the disciples, their hope was reignited.
• The Millerites had similar experience after they discovered their errors in interpretation of the
scriptures, their experience turned into a great source of faith in the advent hope.
• It is because we have misunderstood the purpose of God for our lives that we think that our lives is
one long chain of sufferings and disappointments.
• If only our tears could be wiped so that we can see more clearly the purpose of our lives, we could
jump up in celebration as we see the hand of God in our lives and the fulfilment of His grand purposes.
• We are just playing our part in history , whether we know it or not. It remains our duty to choose to
comply with the purpose of God or fulfil it in disappointments.

CHAPTER 23: THE SANCTUARY

• Chapter 23 of the Great controversy discusses the meaning of the sanctuary and its services.
• There was a commonly belief that the sanctuary is the earth or a portion of the earth. However, that
belief was not founded on the scriptures.
• That erroneous idea became the reason for the misapplication of the scriptures and the cause of the
great disappointment. The year 1844 was clearly established from scriptures, that it was the end of
the 2300 days prophecy.
• The meaning of the sanctuary should also have been established form the scriptures.
• However, the believers were overtaken by excitement and despite there being no place in scripture to
base their belief , it was accepted as such.

• After the disappointment as they delved deeper into the sanctuary it was found that there was an earthly
sanctuary that was a replica of a sanctuary in heaven.
• The earthly sanctuary was an object lesson regarding symbolic lessons to take place in the heavenly
sanctuary in dealing with the sim problem in the plan of redemption.
• The sanctuary services on earth represented the heavenly services which would be carried out by Jesus
in the plan of salvation.
• The yearly cycle of services in the earthly sanctuary were a type of the service to take place in heaven
in consummation of the plan of salvation.
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The principle of substitution in the plan of redemption.

• In the earthly sanctuary, in the daily services, a method was used for a sinner to find forgiveness by
a substitutional sacrifice. The sacrificial lamb died in the place of the sinner. The blood of the lamb
was used to cleanse the sinner form his sin. By this system the sin was transferred from the sinner to
the sanctuary.
• A record of confessed sins was kept in the sanctuary records for all sins confessed. Once in the year
during the day of atonement, the sanctuary was cleansed, and a ceremony was done that transferred
the sins of the congregation of Israel to the scapegoat known as Azazel.
• The Azazel goat bearing the guilt due to the sins of Israel was driven to the wilderness and left there.
The sanctuary services represented the ministry of Jesus in the plan of salvation.
• After his ascension, Jesus ministered in the Holy Place. At 1844, the work of cleansing the sanctuary
started in the heavenly sanctuary and his ministry moved from the holy place to the Most holy place.
This was the meaning of the cleansing of the sanctuary after 2300 days.

CHAPTER 28: FACING LIFE’S RECORD

• There are three books in heaven: the book of life, the book of remembrance and the book of record.
• Everyone who ever accepted Jesus is written in the book of life.
• Every good act ever done by a person during his lifetime is written in the book of remembrance.
• Every good or evil act , every talent endowed, money, time and other gifts are written in the book of
record to be reviewed in the judgment. Every act and talent must be accounted for.
• A judgment shall sit and the book of life shall be brought forward and those written there shall be
mentioned and the book of records shall be brought forward and the life of everyone shall be reviewed
and everyone shall be judged according to what is written in the book of records.
• If a name is retained in the book of life , that person shall be counted worthy of resurrection. If a name
is not retained , that person shall be counted worthy of eternal loss. The same shall be translated or
resurrection to receive immortality.

The book of remembrance .

“ A book of remembrance” is written before God, in which are recorded the good deeds of “them that feared
the Lord, and that thought upon His name.” Malachi 3:16. Their words of faith, their acts of love, are registered
in heaven. Nehemiah refers to this when he says: “Remember me, O my God, ... and wipe not out my good
deeds that I have done for the house of my God.” Nehemiah 13:14. In the book of God’s remembrance every
deed of righteousness is immortalized. There every temptation resisted, every evil overcome, every word of
tender pity expressed, is faithfully chronicled. And every act of sacrifice, every suffering and sorrow endured
for Christ’s sake, is recorded. Says the psalmist: “Thou tellest my wanderings: put Thou my tears into Thy
bottle: are they not in Thy book?” Psalm 56:8 GC pp. 481
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The book of records

“ The books of record in heaven, in which the names and the deeds of men are registered, are to determine the
decisions of the judgment. Says the prophet Daniel: “The judgment was set, and the books were opened.” The
revelator, describing the same scene, adds: “Another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead
were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Revelation 20:12.
GC 481

“There is a record also of the sins of men. “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret
thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account
thereof in the day of judgment.” Says the Saviour: “By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words
thou shalt be condemned.” Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 12:36, 37. The secret purposes and motives appear in
the unerring register; for God “will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the
counsels of the hearts.” 1 Corinthians 4:5. “Behold, it is written before Me, ... your iniquities, and the iniquities
of your fathers together, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 65:6, 7. GC 481

Every man’s work passes in review before God and is registered for faithfulness or unfaithfulness. Opposite
each name in the books of heaven is entered with terrible exactness every wrong word, every selfish act, every
unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with every artful dissembling. Heaven-sent warnings or reproofs
neglected, wasted moments, unimproved opportunities, the influence exerted for good or for evil, with its far-
reaching results, all are chronicled by the recording angel. GC pp. 482

The Judgment

“ Those who in the judgment are “accounted worthy” will have a part in the resurrection of the just. Jesus
said: “They which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, ... are
equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.” Luke 20:35, 36.
And again He declares that “they that have done good” shall come forth “unto the resurrection of life.” John
5:29. The righteous dead will not be raised until after the judgment at which they are accounted worthy of
Facing Life’s Record. “the resurrection of life.” Hence they will not be present in person at the tribunal when
their records are examined and their cases decided. GC. pp. 483

The Investigative judgment

“ Jesus will appear as their advocate, to plead in their behalf before God. “If any man sin, we have an advocate
with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1. …As the books of record are opened in the judgment,
the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first lived
upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and closes with the living.
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Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, names rejected. When any
have sins remaining upon the books of record, unrepented of and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out
of the book of life, and the record of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God’s remembrance.
GC. pp. 483.

The loyalty test.

To be allowed to enter into heaven, one must pass the loyalty test. Rebellion will never be allowed to exist
again in the universe. Every person’s character must be investigated in the judgment. To escape the angel of
death in Egypt only blood was needed on the door post, but to enter into Canaan, there was a test that each
person must pass. The test of loyalty. Only Joshua and Caleb passed this test, among those who were over 20
years when they left Egypt. This is significant. Our attitude towards God and his law must be proven before
we enter in heavenly Canaan.

The Origin of Evil,

• Chapter 29 of the Great Controversy discusses how the great controversy began in heaven and the
origin of evil.
• The chapter explains that the origin of evil, cannot be explained by conjecture without erring in
scripture.
• Only the scriptures cast light that gives us an idea about the origin or evil and the originator of sin.
• It is the venturing into withheld knowledge and reliance on traditions that has obscured the proper
understanding of the scriptures.
• The chapter teaches that it in is not in the nature of God to force intelligent beings love, serve or obey
him.
• God created intelligent beings including man with a free will so that the beings can chose to love him
freely.
• God would like created beings to worship and serve him out of a sense of gratitude.
• This chapter teaches that pride and selfishness is the root of all rebellion.
• When pride is entertained in the heart it takes control of the character and grows to yield the baleful
fruit of disobedience and rebellion against God.
• Those who are proud are set in their ways and are not easy to correct from the path that leeds to self-
destruction.
• When shown where they are at fault, they distort, malign and misrepresent facts and turn everything
around so that they appear innocent and represent those who show them their errors as the ones who
are evil.
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• Those who are proud hate those who keep the law of God. When an opportunity presents itself, the
wicked will seek for the destruction of the righteous.
• The chapter also teaches that it is in the order of God to allow sin and rebellion to grow and develop
to a point where everyone can see the true nature of sin and rebellion before he takes action against it.
• This is important in order to vindicate the fairness and justice of God.
• After millennium of sin and rebellion the fruits of such have been demonstrated to be woe, suffering
and death.
• God will soon act and bring sin and suffering to an end.
• The great controversy was originated in heaven and the originator was a lofty angel known as Lucifer.
• Lucifer ministered in the very presence of God’s throne, but he was not content with his honored
position, because he was not permitted to participate in the purposes of God.
• The Son of God was permitted to participate in the purposes of God, and this made Lucifer jealous.
Lucifer felt unfairly treated.
• So, he began to seek the sympathy of angels who he was in charge and blackmailed the justice,
authority and the law of God.
• He sought for the sympathy of the angels as one who is mistreated and marginalized.
• He argued that the justice and administration of God was unfair, and his law needed to change to
provide heavenly beings freedom from restraint.
• Lucifer undermined the authority of GodHeaven made all efforts possible to warn Lucifer of the
danger of his course.
• However, he was not ready to change his ways because of pride.
• The angels were sympathetic to Lucifer because they did not understand the true nature of the character
of rebellion.
• At some point God made it clear to Lucifer and His sympathizing angels that rebellion and lawlessness
could not be allowed to flourish in heaven, and they would be forced out of heaven, unless they
demonstrated repentance and remorse for their rebellion.
• Lucifer misrepresented this measure of kindness and love as an evidence of God’s misrule.
• Lucifer and his angels decided to fight and overthrow God from His throne in an open rebellion.
• There was war in heaven and Lucifer who now became Satan was thrown out of heaven.
• When Satan was thrown out heaven he came to the earth and deceived Adam and Eve.
• Adam and Eve joined Satan into rebellion against God. Satan took control of the earth and established
a kingdom that is in rebellion against God.
• It is here in hearth where the principle of rebellion has been developed for the universe to see and the
nature of Satan’s character, his kingdom of rebellion has been developed and demonstrated what are
the consequences of rejection of the law of God.
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• The Son of God came to the world and a contest ensued between him and Satan. Satan demonstrated
his true character when he instigated the world to hate and reject the Son of God.
• Satan killed the Son of God and demonstrated to the whole universe his hatred for God and His law.
• By this action, his eternal defeat was sealed and is awaiting the final destruction.

CHAPTER 30 : THE ENMITY BETWEEN MAN AND SATAN

• When Satan was thrown out heaven he came to the earth and deceived Adam and Eve.
• Adam and Eve joined Satan into rebellion against God. Satan took control of the earth and established
a kingdom that is in rebellion against God.
• It is here in hearth where the principle of rebellion has been developed for the universe to see and the
nature of Satan’s character, his kingdom of rebellion has been developed and demonstrated what are
the consequences of rejection of the law of God.
• The Son of God came to the world and a contest ensued between him and Satan. Satan demonstrated
his true character when he instigated the world to hate and reject the Son of God.
• Satan killed the Son of God and demonstrated to the whole universe his hatred for God and His law.
• By this action, his eternal defeat was sealed and is awaiting the final destruction.

CHAPTER 39: THE TIME OF TROUBLE

• This chapter discusses the close of probation, the withdrawal of civil protection for commandment
keepers, the time of Jacobs trouble for the saints and the outpouring of the final plagues to sinners and
the death decree to destroy the saints.
• It also discusses divine protection of the saints during the time of trouble. The chapter emphasizes the
importance of preparation for the time of trouble.

“ Every case has been decided for life or death. Christ has made the atonement for His people and blotted out
their sins. The number of His subjects is made up; “the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the
kingdom under the whole heaven,” is about to be given to the heirs of salvation, and Jesus is to reign as King
of kings and Lord of lords. Great Controversy pg. 521

CHAPTER 40 : GOD’S PEOPLE DELIVERED

• This chapter discusses the deliverance of the saints from the great time of trouble.
• The chapter discusses the intervention that will disrupt a plan to destroy the saint by the masses.
• It also discusses the resurrection and the translation of the saints, and the second coming of Jesus.

“ The people of God—some in prison cells, some hidden in solitary retreats in the forests and the mountains—
still plead for divine protection, while in every quarter companies of armed men, urged on by hosts of evil
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angels, are preparing for the work of death. It is now, in the hour of utmost extremity, that the God of Israel
will interpose for the deliverance of His chosen.” Great Controversy Chapter 40

CHAPTER 41 DESOLATION OF THE EARTH.

• Chapter 41 describes in vivid details the second coming of Jesus, the destruction of the wicked, the
ascension of the saints to heaven for a thousand years.
• The Judgment in heaven and the bondage of Satan here on earth as he bears the sins and guilt for the
sins of the saints that have been forgiven.

“The rich prided themselves upon their superiority to those who were less favored; but they had obtained their
riches by violation of the law of God. They had neglected to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to deal justly,
and to love mercy. They had sought to exalt themselves and to obtain the homage of their fellow creatures.
Now they are stripped of all that made them great and are left destitute and defenseless.” Great Controversy
pg. 555

“ The minister who has sacrificed truth to gain the favor of men now discerns the character and influence of
his teachings. It is apparent that the omniscient eye was following him as he stood in the desk, as he walked
the streets, as he mingled with men in the various scenes of life. Every emotion of the soul, every line written,
every word uttered, every act that led men to rest in a refuge of falsehood, has been scattering seed; and now,
in the wretched, lost souls around him, he beholds the harvest.” The Great Controversy pg. 556

CHAPTER 42: THE CONTROVERSY ENDED

• This chapter discusses the final reward of the saints. What it means to gain eternal life .
• What it means to be lost. How the saints will spend eternity.
• The chapter discusses reward for the saints and the punishment for Satan and sinners after the thousand
years in heaven.
• Where eternity will be spent. What it means to live a live without sin.
• What it means to live in the presence of a holy and gives convincing reasons why one should choose
eternal life in the place of temporal pleasures of this short life full of pain and suffering.

“At the close of the thousand years, Christ again returns to the earth. He is accompanied by the host of the
redeemed and attended by a retinue of angels. As He descends in terrific majesty, He bids the wicked dead
arise to receive their doom. They come forth, a mighty host, numberless as the sands of the sea. What a contrast
to those who were raised at the first resurrection! The righteous were clothed with immortal youth and beauty.
The wicked bear the traces of disease and death…..A lifetime of transgression has not softened their hearts. A
second probation, were it given them, would be occupied as was the first in evading the requirements of God
and exciting rebellion against Him.” Great Controversy pg. 563
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The Final Judgment

“As soon as the books of record are opened, and the eye of Jesus looks upon the wicked, they are conscious
of every sin which they have ever committed. They see just where their feet diverged from the path of purity
and holiness, just how far pride and rebellion have carried them in the violation of the law of God. The
seductive temptations which they encouraged by indulgence in sin, the blessings perverted, the messengers of
God despised, the warnings rejected, the waves of mercy beaten back by the stubborn, unrepentant heart— all
appear as if written in letters of fire.” Great Controversy 566