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The Great Controversy 1888
for God was supreme, love for one another impartial. Christ the Word,
the only begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father,—one in
nature, in character, and in purpose,—the only being in all the universe
that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. By Christ,
the Father wrought in the creation of all heavenly beings. “By him
were all things created, that are in Heaven, ... whether they be thrones,
or dominions, or principalities, or powers;” [
Colossians 1:16
.] and to
Christ, equally with the Father, all Heaven gave allegiance.
The law of love being the foundation of the government of God,
the happiness of all created beings depended upon their perfect accord
with its great principles of righteousness. God desires from all his
creatures the service of love,—homage that springs from an intelligent
appreciation of his character. He takes no pleasure in a forced alle-
giance, and to all he grants freedom of will, that they may render him
voluntary service.
But there was one that chose to pervert this freedom. Sin originated
with him, who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God, and who
stood highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of Heaven.
Before his fall, Lucifer was first of the covering cherubs, holy and
undefiled. “Thus saith the Lord God: Thou sealest up the sum, full of
wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of
God; every precious stone was thy covering.” “Thou art the anointed
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cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so; thou wast upon the holy
mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the
stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou
wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” [
Ezekiel 28:12-15, 17
.]
Lucifer might have remained in favor with God, beloved and hon-
ored by all the angelic host, exercising his noble powers to bless others
and to glorify his Maker. But, says the prophet, “Thine heart was lifted
up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of
thy brightness.” [
Ezekiel 28:12-15, 17
.] Little by little, Lucifer came
to indulge a desire for self-exaltation. “Thou hast set thine heart as
the heart of God.” “Thou hast said: ... I will exalt my throne above
the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation.”
“I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most
High.” [
Ezekiel 28:6
;
Isaiah 14:13, 14
.] Instead of seeking to make
God supreme in the affections and allegiance of his creatures, it was
Lucifer’s endeavor to win their service and homage to himself. And,