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Why the Great Controversy Was Permitted, December
30
All Life´s Expiriences Will Be Made Plain
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.
Ephesians 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.
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