THE
GREAT CONTROVERSY, BETWEEN
CHRIST AND HIS ANGELS, AND SATAN
AND HIS ANGELS.
__________________
BY ELLEN G. WHITE.
BATTLE CREEK, MICH.
PUBLISHED BY JAMES WHITE.
1858
Contents
Biographical Sketch
Foreword
Word List
Chapter 1 The Fall of Satan
2 The Fall of Man
3 The Plan of Salvation
4 The First Advent of Christ
5 The Ministry of Christ
6 The Transfiguration
7 The Betrayal of Christ
8 The Trial of Christ
9 The Crucifixion of Christ
10 The Resurrection of Christ
11 The Ascension of Christ
12 The Disciples of Christ
13 The Death of Stephen
14 The Conversion of Saul
15 The Jews Decided to Kill Paul
16 Paul Visited Jerusalem
17 The Great Apostasy
18 Mystery of Iniquity
19 Death, Not Eternal Life in Misery
20 The Reformation
21 The Church and World United
22 William Miller
23 The First Angel's Message
24 The Second Angel's Message
25 Advent Movement Illustrated
26 Another Illustration
27 The Sanctuary
28 The Third Angel's Message
29 A Firm Platform
30 Spiritualism
31 Covetousness
32 The Shaking
33 The Sins of Babylon
34 The Loud Cry
35 The Third Message Closed
36 The Time of Jacob's Trouble
37 Deliverance of the Saints
38 The Saints' Reward
39 The Earth Desolated
40 The Second Resurrection
41 The Second Death
Biographical Sketch
Ellen Gould White 1827 - 1915
A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, Ellen was a Methodist until the age of 17. She was disfellowshipped for
talking about and believing in the soon coming of Christ in 1843. God gave her visions and a message to bear to the
world, only after 2 other people had rejected that burden. She wrote many articles and books giving reproof and
exhortation. After receiving light on the health message, she became a strong health advocate, calling for a diet similar
to the original diet in the Garden of Eden, abstinence from harmful things, and temperance in all things.
Mrs. White never called herself a 'prophet', although she had no problem with those who called her that, but when
asked, she referred to herself as a 'messenger'. In that reply, she showed that her work of health reform, calling for
repentance from sin, and supporting a movement to "repair the breach", involved more than what a prophet is usually
considered as doing - telling about future events from God's point of view. She produced several devotional classics
with "Steps to Christ" being among her most popular. But she considered this book, "The Great Controversy Between
Christ and His Angels, and Satan and His Angels" her most important.
Foreword
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because
there is no light in them.
Isaiah 8:20 Here at the beginning of the 21st century, it seems like everybody has become a prophet. There are even
prophetic web-rings on the internet. But some of them say things that seem a little strange. How can we know for sure
they are truly who they say they are - receivers of the words of God? - by comparing what they say with the law and the
testimony. Surely the same God who gave his words in times past to people and had them written down (which later
became the several books in the Bible), would not contradict himself!
Jesus directly prophesied of this, knowing that the issue of prophecy would be a big test for those in the last days:
"And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." Matthew 24:11. For added emphasis, God gave these
words to John: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets
are gone out into the world." 1John 4:1. Of course Ellen White is no exception. Take this book and compare it to the
Holy Scriptures; does it meet the test or not? Pray to our merciful Father in heaven, and he will send his Spirit to guide
us into all truth (^-^).
It seems almost unbelieveable now, but until the last couple of years in the 20th century, nearly all who called
themselves 'Christians' were dead-set against anyone who claimed to have revelations from God. They usually quoted
Revelation 22:18-19 to prove their point: "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book,
If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man
shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out
of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."
But is this saying that after John died that there would be no more prophets from God? If so, why would Jesus
have us beware of 'false' prophets? Why did the Holy Spirit thru John say to test the spirits? Wouldn't all this be so
much easier if we knew just to ignore all those after John who claimed to have words from God? But that isn't God's
plan. He gives new truth when needed, and makes his will known, and the true in heart will check to see that it is true,
and then joyfully accept and follow it. Of course Satan will be allowed to work too. If he wasn't allowed to, he could
accuse God of being unfair.
The Holy Spirit thru Paul asks some very important, and often overlooked, questions in 1Corinthians 12. Are all
apostles? Are all prophets? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have the gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues?
Then he declares that he will show unto us a "more excellent way", saying the gifts are of no benefit to us if we do not
have Love. In chapter 14, he goes a step further by telling us to "Pursue love, and desire spiritual (gifts), but especially
that you may prophesy." "Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues."
"Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1Thessalonians
5:19-21.
Ellen White was given the "Great Controversy" vision in the spring of 1858 at Lovett's Grove, Ohio, U.S.A.
Most of it she had seen in vision 11 years earlier, but this time she was instructed to write it out even though Satan would
make strong efforts to hinder her. Some portions, especially chapter 30, were published in the 1847 "Little Flock", 1851
"Christian Experiences and Views", and 1854 "Supplement" book(let)s. It is all inspired by the Holy Spirit, penned by a
frail, but Godly woman and first published in 1858.
There are those who question why there are so many problems in our world with wars, crime, unholy sex, and yes,
even with religious beliefs. The basis for answers to these questions can be found in understanding the great controversy
between Christ and Satan which has been going on since before any of us humans ever existed.
May the Lord bestow his best gifts upon you, Reader, as you "prove all things" which are written in this book by
the Word of God - The Bible.
For your own free copy of this book, please download it at: http://www.earlysda.com. For questions or comments, email
Daniel Winters at [email protected] (^-^).
*NOTE: The Biographical Sketch, Foreword, Word List and references at the end of each chapter were not written by
Ellen White or in the original book.
Word List
Word Meaning First Appearance Jesus Christ One of the 3 beings who are (is) God. He made Title
everything in the world and universe. He was born as a
human around 2,000 years ago, was killed when he was
33 years old, was resurrected, and is now working in
heaven for our salvation. He will come back to this earth
soon, and will be given rulership of all things in the
universe forever and ever.
Satan The Devil. He is the father of all evil. He was created Title
as the most beautiful, perfect being ever created, but he
decided to rebel. He continues doing evil now, but will
eventually be destroyed by God.
Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father. Chapter 1
I saw, I was shown When the author - Ellen White - saw this vision, an angel Chapter 1
was by her telling her and showing her things. She wrote
down what she actually saw with her own eyes.
God The Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Chapter 1
All 3 make up the Godhead.
The Son of God Jesus Christ. Chapter 1
God's word 1. What God says. Chapter 2
2. The Bible. Chapter 18
Redeem, Ransom Humans originally belonged to God, but because our Chapter 3
ancestors sinned, we all belong to Satan now. Name of
Jesus' work to save us from Satan.
The angel The angel that was actually sent to be with Ellen White Chapter 3
http://www.earlysda.com/
when she saw this vision.
Advent Jesus officially coming to this earth. The first time was Chapter 4
around 2,000 years ago, and the second time will be
soon (^-^).
The Lamb of God Jesus Christ. Chapter 4
John the Baptist A prophet, the cousin of Jesus. He called for repentance Chapter 4
and baptism.