The Adventist Way of Life

As Seventh Day Adventist Christians we have coined the term “The Great Controversy” to describe the war between “good” and “evil”. And is it not, from our perspective as mortal beings, a “great controversy”? Indeed it is!

Seventh Day Adventist author, Ellen G. White wrote the famous “Conflict of the Ages” series which became a four volume set. The last book in this set is titled, “The Great Controversy”. The preface of the 1950 version, written by the publishers reads:

“The present impending conflict, with the vital principles involved, in which no one can be neutral, is simply, lucidly, strongly, set forth.”

The book is well written and a must read for any serious student of God’s word. Now, what is this “Great Controversy” over? It is understood by Scripture that this controversy has to do with what choice we as individuals are going to take in regards to our position on Bible Truth. Are we going to trust God and His word? Or are we going to side with Satan and his group[s]?

Is there a controversy as to who will win this battle of Good verses Evil? NO! Some believe that God has been doing His very best to win the battle over evil for over 6000 years, but Satan has resisted Him. Some believe that the contest is ultimately between God and the Devil. Seems that the best God can now do is take revenge.

This sad idea presents Satan as more powerful than God.  As a Christian you must understand that God is in control, He has always been in control and will forever be in control. So what is really going on?

The fact is that Salvation is merely the completion of creation! God has given His children, all of them, a “window” of free will. This is God creating by letting us participate. We can choose God or the Devil. This is truly OUR Great Controversy!

Character is created by experience. Experience requires time and effort. This is the character phase of creation. We all have characters of our own. Living by God’s word and by God’s Laws we gain the true purpose of life.

So what will your choice be in this Great Controversy? Whom will you choose? God and His ways? Or Satan and his ways? Remember, this time [down here] is not always easy….”and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” [Acts 14:22]

If you choose God then you must choose Jesus Christ! “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” [1 John 2:15]

As far as God is concerend there is no ultimate “great controversy”. Why? Because God wins! And who wins with God? God’s people!

Won’t you be numbered among them?

Written by, Eric W. King [September 4th,2007]

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