Rebellious Angels Are Cast Out, and Adam and Eve Fall
39
Satan went alone to mature plans that would most surely secure
the fall of Adam and Eve. He shuddered at the thought of plunging
the holy, happy pair into the misery and remorse he was himself
enduring. He seemed in a state of indecision; at one time firm and
determined, then hesitating and wavering. His angels were seeking
him, their leader, to acquaint him with their decision. They will unite
with Satan in his plans, and with him bear the responsibility, and share
the consequences.
Satan cast off his feelings of despair and weakness, and, as their
leader, fortified himself to brave out the matter, and do all in his power
to defy the authority of God and His Son.—
The Spirit of Prophecy
1:31-33
.
Satan declared that he would prove to the worlds which God has
created, and to the heavenly intelligences, that it was an impossibility
to keep the law of God.—
The Review and Herald, September 3, 1901
.
God assembled the angelic host to take measures to avert the threat-
ened evil. It was decided in Heaven’s council for angels to visit Eden
and warn Adam that he was in danger from the foe. Accordingly, two
angels sped on their way to visit our first parents.—
The Signs of the
Times, January 16, 1879
.
Heavenly messengers opened to them [Adam and Eve] the history
of Satan’s fall, and his plots for their destruction, unfolding more fully
the nature of the divine government, which the prince of evil was
trying to overthrow....
The angels warned them to be on their guard against the devices
of Satan; for his efforts to ensnare them would be unwearied. While
[52]
they were obedient to God, the evil one could not harm them; for, if
need be, every angel in heaven would be sent to their help. If they
steadfastly repelled his first insinuations, they would be as secure as
the heavenly messengers. But should they once yield to temptation,
their nature would become so depraved that in themselves they would
have no power, and no disposition, to resist Satan.—
Patriarchs and
Prophets, 52, 53
.
The angels cautioned Eve not to separate from her husband in her
employment; for she might be brought in contact with this fallen foe.
If separated from each other, they would be in greater danger than if
both were together. The angels charged them to closely follow the
instructions God had given them in reference to the tree of knowledge;