Why the Great
Controversy Was Permitted
And
to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the
beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus
Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly
places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God. Eph. 3:9,
10
For what was the great controversy
permitted to continue throughout the ages? Why was it that Satan's existence
was not cut short at the outset of his rebellion?--It was that the universe
might be convinced of God's justice in His dealing with evil, that sin might
receive eternal condemnation. In the plan of redemption there are heights and
depths that eternity itself can never exhaust, marvels into which the angels
desire to look. The redeemed only, of all created beings, have in their own
experience known the actual conflict with sin; they have wrought with Christ,
and, as even the angels could not do, have entered into the fellowship of His
sufferings. . . .
He "hath raised us up together, and
made us sit together in heavenly places: . . . that in the ages to come He
might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through
Christ Jesus."
As the nations of the saved look upon their
Redeemer, and behold the eternal glory of the Father shining in His
countenance; as they behold His throne, which is from everlasting to
everlasting, and know that His kingdom is to have no end, they break forth in
rapturous song. . . .
Mercy, tenderness, and parental love are seen to blend with
holiness, justice, and power. While we behold the majesty of His throne, high
and lifted up, we see His character in its gracious manifestations, and comprehend,
as never before, the significance of that endearing title, "Our
Father." . . .
The result of the Saviour's conflict with
the powers of darkness is joy to the redeemed, redounding to the glory of God
throughout eternity.
From My Life Today - Page 368
