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Consequences of Rebellion
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the gates of heaven never more to open to 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.
These spirits had become turbulent with disappointed hopes.
Instead of greater good, they were experiencing the sad results of
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disobedience and disregard of law. Never more would these unhappy
beings be swayed by the mild rule of Jesus Christ. Never more would
their spirits be stirred by the deep, earnest love, peace, and joy which
His presence had ever inspired in them, to be returned to Him in
cheerful obedience and reverential honor.
Satan Seeks Reinstatement
Satan trembled as he viewed his work. He was alone in medi-
tation 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