THE EIGHTH SDA FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS

8. THE GREAT CONROVERSY
     All humanity is now involved in a great  controversy between Christ and Satan regarding the character of God, his law, and his sovereignty over the universe. This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God’s adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin.
    This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the time of the worldwide flood. Observed by the whole creation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated. To assist his people in this controversy, Christ sends the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain them in way  of salvation.
    The root cause of all the evil we see on earth today is Lucifer’s (Satan) rebellion against God, which has led to a universe-wide conflict.
ØThe conflict began in heaven. Revelation 12:4-9
ØSatan was created perfect. Ezekiel 28:12-18
ØSatan’s pride led him to want to be equal to God. Isaiah 14:12-14
    When he was cast out of heaven, Satan came to earth and tempted Adam and Eve to join his rebellion. Their fall changed earth from a paradise to a battlefield. All the inhabitants of the universe have witnessed the results of Satan’s work here.
ØWhen Adam and Eve followed Satan in rebellion, all of mankind became tainted by sin. Genesis 3
ØSin has distorted the image of God in mankind. Romans 1:19-32
ØSin caused God’s beautiful creation to become so vile that he had to destroy it in a flood.
ØAll of creation watches events here, waiting for redemption of God’s children. Romans 8:19-22
ØGods sends his Son, his spirit, and his angels to help us in our struggles against evil. Romans 5:15-21
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     In the end, all the universe will see that God’s way is right and Satan’s way wrong, and God will be vindicated as the only just ruler for the universe.
ØEvery knee will finally bow to Christ. Philippians 2:5-11
ØAll will acknowledge Christ as worthy of worship. Revelation 5:11-14