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The Mystery of Sin, January 9
Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so. ...
Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created,
till iniquity was found in thee.
Ezekiel 28:14, 15
.
It is impossible to explain the origin of sin so as to give a reason for
its existence. Yet enough may be understood concerning both the origin
and the final disposition of sin, to make fully manifest the justice and
benevolence of God in all His dealings with evil. Nothing is more plainly
taught in Scripture than that God was in no wise responsible for the entrance
of sin.... Sin is an intruder, for whose presence no reason can be given. It
is mysterious, unaccountable; to excuse it, is to defend it. Could excuse
for it be found, or cause be shown for its existence, it would cease to be
sin. Our only definition of sin is that given in the word of God; it is “the
transgression of the law;” (
1 John 3:4
) it is the outworking of a principle
at war with the great law of love which is the foundation of the divine
government
Sin originated in self-seeking. Lucifer, the covering cherub, desired to
be first in heaven. He sought to gain control of heavenly beings, to draw
them away from their Creator, and to win their homage to himself.... Thus
he deceived angels. Thus he deceived men. He led them to doubt the word
of God, and to distrust His goodness.... Thus he drew men to join him in
rebellion against God, and the night of woe settled down upon the world
Sin appeared in a perfect universe.... The reason of its inception or
development was never explained and never can be, even at the last great
day when the judgment shall sit and the books be opened.... At that day it
will be evident to all that there is not, and never was, any cause for sin. At
the final condemnation of Satan and his angels and of all men who have
finally identified themselves with him as transgressors of God’s law, every
mouth will be stopped. When the hosts of rebellion, from the first great
rebel to the last transgressor, are asked why they have broken the law of
God, they will be speechless. There will be no answer to give
[16]
19
The Great Controversy, 492, 493
.
20
The Desire of Ages, 21, 22
.
21
Signs of the Times, April 28, 1890.
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