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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4
wholly upon himself. And now Satan bows down, and confesses the
justice of his sentence.
Every question of truth and error in the long-standing controversy
is made plain. God’s justice stands fully vindicated. Before the
whole world is clearly presented the great sacrifice made by the
Father and the Son in man’s behalf. The hour has come when Christ
occupies his rightful position, and is glorified above principalities
and powers and every name that is named.
It was for the joy that was set before him,—that he might bring
many sons unto glory,—that he endured the cross and despised the
shame. And inconceivably great as was the sorrow and the shame, so
great is the joy and the glory. He looks upon the redeemed, renewed
in his own image, every face reflecting the likeness of their King.
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In their perfect purity and surpassing joy he beholds the result of
the travail of his soul, and he is satisfied. Then, in a voice that
reaches the assembled multitudes of the righteous and the wicked,
he declares, “Behold the purchase of my blood! For these I suffered;
for these I died; that they might dwell in my presence throughout
eternal ages.” And the song of praise ascends from the white-robed
ones about the throne, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive
power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory,
and blessing.”
Notwithstanding Satan has been constrained to acknowledge
God’s justice, and to bow to the supremacy of Christ, his character
remains unchanged. The spirit of rebellion, like a mighty torrent,
again bursts forth. Filled with frenzy, he determines not to yield the
great controversy. The time has come for a last desperate struggle
against the King of Heaven. He rushes into the midst of his subjects,
and endeavors to inspire them with his own fury, and arouse them to
instant battle. But of all the countless millions whom he has allured
into rebellion, there are none now to acknowledge his supremacy.
His power is at an end. The wicked are filled with the same hatred of
God that inspires Satan; but they see that their case is hopeless, that
they cannot prevail against Jehovah. Their rage is kindled against
Satan and those who have been his agents in deception. With the
fury of demons they turn upon them, and there follows a scene of
universal strife.
Then are fulfilled the words of the prophet: “The indignation of
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