Chapter 2—The Temptation and Fall
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.
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.
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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.
While some of the angels joined Satan in his rebellion, others
reasoned with him to dissuade him from his purposes, contending for
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