The Truth About Angels

The Truth About Angels
Ellen G. White
1996
Copyright 2011
Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.
Information about this Book

Overview
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Web site.
About the Author
Ellen G. White (1827-1915) is considered the most widely translated
American author, her works having been published in more than 160
languages. She wrote more than 100,000 pages on a wide variety of
spiritual and practical topics. Guided by the Holy Spirit, she exalted
Jesus and pointed to the Scriptures as the basis of ones faith.
Further Links
A Brief Biography of Ellen G. White
About the Ellen G. White Estate
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i
To the Reader
This book deals with a subject of worldwide interest. In unprecedented numbers, television programs feature purported accounts of angel involvement in human affairs. Tabloid newspapers publish stories
about numerous reported sightings of extraterrestrial visitors. Bookstores display shelf after shelf of volumes dealing with the supernatural,
and sales are brisk. In every land people are asking questions such as,
if angels actually exist, who are they? Are they the spirits of the dead?
Are they friendly or hostile? Can they communicate with us?
Most answers given by authorities do not satisfy the sincere
seeker for truth. Many of the answers represent mere speculation.
Some are purposely sensational. Others are based on false interpretations of scripture.
By contrast, the present volume is filled with inspired information.
It offers answers grounded firmly in the word of God. It not only sets
forth the truth about angels, but, we believe, will lead the reader into a
deeper spiritual experience.
The first chapter provides a general overview of the existence
and activities of beings in the unseen world. The second chapter
illustrates a few of the numerous ways in which angels are involved in
the personal lives of human beings. Beginning with Chapter 3, the book
sets forth in historical sequence a galaxy of events and experiences in
[5] which angels have been major players. It begins with the rebellion of
Lucifer in heaven before the creation of this world and concludes with
the role of angels in the great hereafter.
This volume is a priceless resource book, but it is much more than
that; it is a book that lifts the veil between the seen and the unseen
world. It reveals angel involvement in events that secular historians
recorded but could not explain, and gives the reader the feeling that
he or she is an eyewitness of these eventsan exciting experience
indeed!
We believe that this book will be prized by seekers of truth all over
the world, that it will help them recognize counterfeit manifestations
ii
of spirits, and that in their daily walk with God it will lead them to
seek and enjoy the fellowship of holy angels.
The Trustees of the
Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.
Silver Spring, Maryland 20904
[6]
Contents
Information about this Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
To the Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Chapter 1Angels and Youa Brief Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
The Number and Power of Angels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Angels Help Gods Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Satan and Evil Angels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Christs Followers Are Safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Chapter 2Angel Ministry Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Angels Guard Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Angels Involved in Family Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Angels Enlighten Our Minds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Angels Help Us Do Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Angels Aid Efforts for the Lost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Angels Strengthen Our Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Chapter 3Angels in Heaven, Before the Rebellion . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Christ as Creator-God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Before Sin Arose, God Had a Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Creation of the Angels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Creation of Lucifer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Lucifers High Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Before Evil Originated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 4The Origin of Evil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
The Origin of Evil a Mystery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
The First Inklings of Evil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
God Sets Forth Christs True Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Lucifer Begins His Campaign Against Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Lucifer Is Given Time to Develop His Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
The Angels Debate the Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
God Meets Satans Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Lucifer Becomes Satan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
The Angels Appear Before the Father . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Chapter 5The Rebellious Angels Are Cast Out, and Adam and
Eve Fall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
War in Heaven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
iv
Contents
The Effects of Rebellion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

The Creation of Earth and Humankind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Adam and Eve in Eden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Satan Plans to Cause Mans Fall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Satan Speaks to Eve Through a Serpent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Eve Eats the Fruit and Tempts Adam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
The Council of Peace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Adam and Eve Expelled From Eden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Chapter 6Angels Before and After Noahs Flood . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
The Plan of Salvation Explained Further . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Worship at the Cherubim-guarded Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Adam and Angels Instructed Antediluvians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Enoch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Noah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
The Flood Comes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
After the Flood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
The Builders of Babel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Chapter 7Angels in the Patriarchal Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Abraham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Two Angels Visit Lot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Abraham Tested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
The Marriage of Isaac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Jacob and Esau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Chapter 8Angels at the Time of the Exodus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
The Birth of Moses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Moses in Midian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
The Plagues of Egypt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Christ, Israels Invisible Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Chapter 9Angels From Sinai to the Taking of Jericho . . . . . . . . 71
Angels in Israels Wilderness Wanderings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Israel at Sinai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Let Them Make Me a Sanctuary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
The Death and Resurrection of Moses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Balaam, a Prophet Gone Wrong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Joshua Leads Israel Into Canaan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
The Taking of Jericho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
vi
Chapter 10Angels From the Time of the Judges to the Early

Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Christ as the Angel of the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Gideon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Samson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Samuel and Eli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Saul and Jonathan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Davids Early Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Saul Encounters an Angel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Sauls Sance at Endor and His Death . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Chapter 11Angels From Davids Time to the Babylonian
Captivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Davids Reign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Solomon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Elijah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Elisha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Isaiah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Ezekiel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Chapter 12Angels From the Captivity to John the Baptist . . . . . 99
Daniel and His Three Companions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Nebuchadnezzars Fiery Furnace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Belshazzars Feast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Daniel in the Lions Den . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Gabriel Sent to Explain the Vision of Daniel 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
The Struggle for Influence Over the Kings of Persia . . . . . . . . . 102
The Second Temple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Ezra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Nehemiah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
The Visions of Zechariah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
The Vision of Joshua and the Angel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
The Vision of the Seven Lamps and the Two Olive Trees . . . . . 106
Angels in the Time of Esther . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
The Father of John the Baptist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Chapter 13The Incarnation and Early Life of Christ . . . . . . . . . 110
The Incarnation a Profound Mystery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
The Universe Was Watching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Why Christ Took Human Nature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Christs Human Nature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Contents
vii
The Annunciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Before Christs Birth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
The Magi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
The Silent Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Chapter 14Angels at Christs Baptism and in the Wilderness . 120
Christs Baptism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Christs Threefold Temptation in the Wilderness . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
The First Temptation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
The Second Temptation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
The Third Temptation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Heavenly Angels Watched Christ Being Tempted . . . . . . . . . . . 126
After the Third Temptation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Chapter 15Good and Evil Angels During Christs Ministry . . . 128
Devil Possession in Jesus Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Rejection at Nazareth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
The Demoniac in the Synagogue at Capernaum . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
The Healing of the Centurions Servant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
The Demoniacs of Gadara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
The Healing of the Demoniac Son . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Jesus Is Accused of Being Demon Possessed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Evil Angels in Human Form Were Among Christs Hearers . . 134
The Resurrection of Lazarus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Jesus Hunted From City to City During His Ministry . . . . . . . . 135
Chapter 16Angels From Christs Passion Until His Death . . . . 136
Jesus and His Disciples Go to Gethsemane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Angels in Gethsemane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Before the Court of Annas and Caiaphas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Before Pilate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Christs Crucifixion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Chapter 17Angels From Christs Resurrection Until His
Ascension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
The Morning of Christs Resurrection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Immediately After Christs Resurrection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
The Women Come to the Sepulcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Christs Ascension to His Father . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Other Post-resurrection Appearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Christs Final Appearance at His Ascension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Christ Is Escorted Into the Fathers Presence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
viii
Chapter 18Angels From Pentecost to the Last Days . . . . . . . . . 157

Angels Protect Vital Truths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Peter and John Delivered From Prison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Pauls Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Paul Leaves Damascus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Cornelius and Peter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Peter Delivered From Prison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
The Stoning of Stephen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Angels During Pauls Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
The Siege of Jerusalem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
John the Revelator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Angels in the Middle Ages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
The Protestant Reformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Luther . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Melancthon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
The Pilgrim Fathers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
The Three Angels of Revelation 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
William Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Chapter 19Angels in Ellen Whites Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Ellen Whites Call to Be a Prophet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
The Ark of the Covenant in Heaven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Satan Before He Fell, and As He Is Now . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Angels Ellen White Saw in Visions and Dreams . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
The Battle of Manassas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
The Sanitarium Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
The Brown Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
N. D. Faulkhead and the Secret Sign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Angelic Presences While Ellen White Was Awake . . . . . . . . . . 180
Chapter 20Angels in the Final Crisis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Good and Evil Angels Will Appear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
The Work of Evil Angels Through Spiritualism . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Miracles in the End Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Evil Spirits Active Among the Remnant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Angels Will Do the Work Men Neglected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Angels Will Supply the Needs of Gods People . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Satans Personations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Evil Angels Incite Persecution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Contents
ix
Satans Personation After the Close of Probation . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Angels and the Universal Death Decree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
God Interposes as the Wicked Try to Kill Gods People . . . . . . 193
The Second Coming of Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Satan and His Evil Angels Confined to This Earth . . . . . . . . . . 196
Chapter 21Angels in the Great Hereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
When We Get to Heaven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
The Millennial Judgment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
The Third Coming of Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
The Last Judgment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
The Earth Made New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
The New Earth and Our Eternal Inheritance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Epilogue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Chapter 1Angels and Youa Brief Overview

The connection of the visible with the invisible world, the ministration of angels of God, and the agency of evil spirits, are plainly
revealed in the Scriptures, and inseparably interwoven with human
history....
Before the creation of man, angels were in existence; for when the
foundations of the earth were laid, the morning stars sang together,
and all the sons of God shouted for joy. Job 38:7.... Angels are in
nature superior to men, for the psalmist says that man was made a
little lower than the angels. Psalm 8:5.
The Number and Power of Angels
We are informed in Scripture as to the number, and the power and
glory, of the heavenly beings, of their connection with the government
of God, and also of their relation to the work of redemption. The Lord
hath prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth over
all. And, says the prophet, I heard the voice of many angels round
about the throne. In the presence chamber of the King of kings they
[10] waitangels, that excel in strength, ministers of His, that do His
pleasure, hearkening unto the voice of His word. Psalm 103:19-21;
Revelation 5:11.
Ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands, were
the heavenly messengers beheld by the prophet Daniel. The apostle
Paul declared them an innumerable company. Daniel 7:10; Hebrews
12:22. As Gods messengers they go forth, like the appearance of
a flash of lightning, (Ezekiel 1:14), so dazzling their glory, and so
swift their flight. The angel that appeared at the Saviours tomb, his
countenance like lightning, and his raiment white as snow, caused
the keepers for fear of him to quake, and they became as dead men.
Matthew 28:3, 4.
When Sennacherib, the haughty Assyrian, reproached and blasphemed God, and threatened Israel with destruction, it came to pass
10
Angels and Youa Brief Overview
11
that night, that the angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp
of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand. There were
cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains,
from the army of Sennacherib. So he returned with shame of face to
his own land. 2 Kings 19:35; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
Angels Help Gods Children
Angels are sent on missions of mercy to the children of God. To
Abraham, with promises of blessing; to the gates of Sodom, to rescue
righteous Lot from its fiery doom; to Elijah, as he was about to perish
from weariness and hunger in the desert; to Elisha, with chariots and
horses of fire surrounding the little town where he was shut in by his [11]
foes; to Daniel, while seeking divine wisdom in the court of a heathen
king, or abandoned to become the lions prey; to Peter, doomed to
death in Herods dungeon; to the prisoners at Philippi; to Paul and His
companions in the night of tempest on the sea; to open the mind of
Cornelius to receive the gospel; to dispatch Peter with the message of
salvation to the Gentile strangerthus holy angels have, in all ages,
ministered to Gods people.
Thus Gods people, exposed to the deceptive power and unsleeping
malice of the prince of darkness, and in conflict with all the forces
of evil, are assured of the unceasing guardianship of heavenly angels.
Nor is such assurance given without need. If God has granted to
His children promise of grace and protection, it is because there are
mighty agencies of evil to be metagencies numerous, determined,
and untiring, of whose malignity and power none can safely be ignorant
or unheeding.
Satan and Evil Angels
Evil spirits, in the beginning created sinless, were equal in nature,
power, and glory with the holy beings that are now Gods messengers.
But fallen through sin, they are leagued together for the dishonor of
God and the destruction of men. United with Satan in his rebellion,
and with him cast out from heaven, they have, through all succeeding
ages, cooperated with him in his warfare against the divine authority.
We are told in Scripture of their confederacy and government, of their
12
various orders, of their intelligence and subtlety, and of their malicious

[12] designs against the peace and happiness of men....
None are in greater danger from the influence of evil spirits than
those who, notwithstanding the direct and ample testimony of the
Scriptures, deny the existence and agency of the devil and his angels.
So long as we are ignorant of their wiles, they have almost inconceivable advantage; many give heed to their suggestions while they
suppose themselves to be following the dictates of their own wisdom.
This is why, as we approach the close of time, when Satan is to work
with greatest power to deceive and destroy, he spreads everywhere the
belief that he does not exist. It is his policy to conceal himself and his
manner of working....
It is because he has masked himself with consummate skill that
the question is so widely asked: Does such a being really exist? It is
an evidence of his success that theories giving the lie to the plainest
testimony of the Scriptures are so generally received in the religious
world. And it is because Satan can most readily control the minds
of those who are unconscious of his influence, that the Word of God
gives us so many examples of his malignant work, unveiling before us
his secret forces, and thus placing us on our guard against his assaults.
Christs Followers Are Safe
The power and malice of Satan and his host might justly alarm us
were it not that we may find shelter and deliverance in the superior
power of our Redeemer. We carefully secure our houses with bolts
[13] and locks to protect our property and our lives from evil men; but we
seldom think of the evil angels who are constantly seeking access to
us, and against whose attacks we have, in our own strength, no method
of defense. If permitted, they can distract our minds, disorder and
torment our bodies, destroy our possessions and our lives. Their only
delight is in misery and destruction.
Fearful is the condition of those who resist the divine claims and
yield to Satans temptations, until God gives them up to the control
of evil spirits. But those who follow Christ are ever safe under His
watchcare. Angels that excel in strength are sent from heaven to protect
them. The wicked one cannot break through the guard which God has
Angels and Youa Brief Overview
13
stationed about His people.The Great Controversy, 511-513, 516,

[14]
517.
Chapter 2Angel Ministry Today

Angels Guard Us
A guardian angel is appointed to every follower of Christ. These
heavenly watchers shield the righteous from the power of the wicked
one. This Satan himself recognized when he said: Doth Job fear God
for nought? Hast not Thou made an hedge about him, and about his
house, and about all that he hath on every side? Job 1:9, 10. The
agency by which God protects His people is presented in the words
of the psalmist: The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them
that fear Him, and delivereth them. Psalm 34:7. Said the Saviour,
speaking of those that believe in Him: Take heed that ye despise not
one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels
do always behold the face of My Father. Matthew 18:10. The angels
appointed to minister to the children of God have at all times access to
His presence.The Great Controversy, 512, 513.
We know not what results a day, an hour, or a moment may determine, and never should we begin the day without committing our
ways to our heavenly Father. His angels are appointed to watch over
[15] us, and if we put ourselves under their guardianship, then in every
time of danger they will be at our right hand. When unconsciously we
are in danger of exerting a wrong influence, the angels will be by our
side, prompting us to a better course, choosing our words for us, and
influencing our actions.Christs Object Lessons, 341, 342.
Angels of God are all around us.... Oh, we want to know these
things, and fear and tremble, and to think much more of the power
of the angels of God that are watching over and guarding us than we
have done hitherto.... Angels of God are commissioned from heaven
to guard the children of men, and yet they draw away from their
restraining influences and go where they can have communication
with the evil angels.... Oh, that we might all obey the injunction of the
apostle (read 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18).5MR 125.
14
Angel Ministry Today
15
Angels are sent to minister to the children of God who are physically blind. Angels guard their steps and save them from a thousand
dangers, which, unknown to them, beset their path.Welfare Ministry,
240.
I was today to write upon Christ walking on the sea and stilling
the tempest. Oh, how this scene was impressed upon my mind.... The
majesty of God and His works occupied my thoughts. He holds the
winds in His hands, He controls the waters. Finite beings, mere specks
upon the broad, deep waters of the Pacific, were we in the sight of
God, yet angels of heaven were sent from His excellent glory to guard
that little sailboat that was careening over the waves.This Day With
[16]
God, 110.
Angels Involved in Family Life
The Lord is served as much, yes, more, by the faithful home worker
as by the one who preaches the Word. Fathers and mothers should
realize that they are the educators of their children. Children are the
heritage of the Lord; and they should be trained and disciplined to form
characters that the Lord can approve. When this work is carried on
judiciously and with faithfulness and prayer, angels of God will guard
the family, and the most commonplace life will be made sacred.
(Australasian) Union Conference Record, September 6, 1909.
Before leaving the house for labor, all the family should be called
together; and the father, or the mother in the fathers absence, should
plead fervently with God to keep them through the day. Come in
humility, with a heart full of tenderness, and with a sense of the temptations and dangers before yourselves and your children; by faith bind
them upon the altar, entreating for them the care of the Lord. Ministering angels will guard children who are thus dedicated to God.Child
Guidance, 519.
The angels of God, thousands upon thousands, ... guard us against
evil and press back the powers of darkness that are seeking our destruction. Have we not reason to be thankful every moment, thankful
even when there are apparent difficulties in our pathway?My Life
Today, 171.
Angels of God are watching over us. Upon this earth there are
thousands and tens of thousands of heavenly messengers commis-
16
[17] sioned by the Father to prevent Satan from obtaining any advantage
over those who refuse to walk in the path of evil. And these angels
who guard Gods children on earth are in communication with the
Father in heaven.In Heavenly Places, 99.
We need to understand better than we do the mission of the angels.
It would be well to remember that every true child of God has the
cooperation of heavenly beings. Invisible armies of light and power
attend the meek and lowly ones who believe and claim the promises of
God. Cherubim and seraphim, and angels that excel in strength, stand
at Gods right hand, All ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for
them who shall be heirs of salvation.The Acts of the Apostles, 154.
Angels Enlighten Our Minds
God calls upon His creatures to turn their attention from the confusion and perplexity around them and admire His handiwork. The
heavenly bodies are worthy of contemplation. God has made them
for the benefit of man, and as we study His works, angels of God will
be by our side to enlighten our minds and guard them from satanic
deception.The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 4:1145.
Heavenly angels watch those who are seeking for enlightenment.
They cooperate with those who try to win souls to Christ.The Bible
Echo, December 10, 1900.
Your ... [ministry to] the sick is an exhausting process and would
gradually dry up the very springs of life if there were no change,
[18] no opportunity for recreation, and if angels of God did not guard
and protect you. If you could see the many perils through which
you are conducted safely every day by these messengers of Heaven,
gratitude would spring up in your hearts and find expression from
your lips. If you make God your strength, you may, under the most
discouraging circumstances, attain a height and breadth of Christian
perfection which you hardly think it possible to reach. Your thoughts
may be elevated, you may have noble aspirations, clear perceptions
of truth, and purposes of action which shall raise you above all sordid
motives.Counsels on Health, 384.
I have been shown your [a physicians] peril, and I have also
been shown your guardian angel preserving you again and again from
yourself, keeping you from making shipwreck of faith. My brother,
17
lift up the standard, lift it up, and be not fainthearted or discouraged.

Testimonies for the Church 8:175.
Angels Help Us Do Right
Learn to trust in God. Learn to go to Him who is mighty to save....
Tell the dear Saviour just what you need. He that said, Suffer little
children to come unto me, and forbid them not, will not reject your
prayer. But He will send His angels to guard you and protect you from
the evil angels, and will make it easy for you to do right. Then it will
be much easier than if you should try in your own strength. You may
ever feel like this: I have asked God to help me, and He will do it. I
will do right in His strength. I will not grieve the dear angels that God [19]
has appointed to watch over me. I will never take a course to drive
them from me.An Appeal to the Youth, 55, 56.
If you will try to suppress every evil thought through the day, then
the angels of God will come and dwell with you. These angels are
beings that excel in strength. You remember how the angel came to the
sepulcher, and the Roman soldiers fell like dead men before the glory
of his countenance; and if one angel could work with such power, how
would it have been if all the angels that are with us here, had been
present? The angels are with us every day, to guard and protect us
from the assaults of the enemy.
You are not alone in the warfare against wrong. Could the curtain
be rolled back, you would see heavenly angels fighting with you.
This they must do; it is their work to guard the youth. Are they not
all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be
heirs of salvation? Ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands
of thousands of angels minister to the youth.The Youths Instructor,
January 1, 1903.
I am very thankful that I could visit your school [now Oakwood
College]. For years I have done what I could to help the colored people,
and I have never found the work so well begun in any place as I find it
here at the present time. In all your experiences, remember that angels
of God are beside you. They know what you do; they are present to
guard you. Do not do anything to displease them. As you work and
they work, this school will become consecrated ground. I shall want
to hear how you succeed. All heaven is interested in the moves you [20]
18
are making. Let us do our utmost to help one another to obtain the
victory. Let us so live that the light of heaven can shine into our hearts
and minds, enabling us to grasp the treasures of heaven.Southern
Field Echo, June 1, 1909.
Angels Aid Efforts for the Lost
When heavenly intelligences see those who claim to be sons and
daughters of God putting forth Christlike efforts to help the erring,
manifesting a tender, sympathetic spirit for the repentant and the fallen,
angels press close to them, and bring to their remembrance the very
words that will soothe and uplift the soul.... Jesus has given His
precious life, His personal attention, to the least of Gods little ones;
and the angels that excel in strength encamp round about them that
fear God.Healthful Living, 277.
Angels are sent from the heavenly courts, not to destroy, but to
watch over and guard imperiled souls, to save the lost, to bring the
straying ones back to the fold. I came not to condemn, but to save,
Christ declared. Have you, then, no pitying words to speak to the
straying? Will you let them perish, or will you reach out to them a
helping hand? Right around you there are souls who are in danger
of perishing. Will you not with the cords of love draw them to the
Saviour? Will you not cease your reproaches, and speak words that
will inspire them with faith and courage?The Review and Herald,
[21] May 10, 1906.
It is the privilege of all who comply with the conditions to know
for themselves that pardon is freely extended for every sin. Put away
the suspicion that Gods promises are not meant for you. They are for
every repentant transgressor. Strength and grace have been provided
through Christ to be brought by ministering angels to every believing
soul.Steps to Christ, 52.
Those who labor for the good of others are working in union with
the heavenly angels. They have their constant companionship, their
unceasing ministry. Angels of light and power are ever near, to protect,
to comfort, to heal, to instruct, to inspire. The highest education, the
truest culture, the most exalted service possible to human beings in
this world, are theirs.The Review and Herald, July 11, 1912.
19
The angels of heaven are moving upon human minds to arouse

investigation in the themes of the Bible. A far greater work will be
done than has yet been done and none of the glory of it will flow to
men, for angels that minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation
are working night and day.Counsels to Writers and Editors, 140.
God might have committed the message of the gospel, and all
the work of loving ministry, to the heavenly angels. He might have
employed other means for accomplishing His purpose. But in His
infinite love He chose to make us co-workers with Himself, with
Christ and the angels, that we might share the blessing, the joy, the
spiritual uplifting, which results from this unselfish ministry.Steps
[22]
to Christ, 79.
Angels Strengthen Our Faith
The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him,
and delivereth them. Psalm 34:7. God commissions His angels to save
His chosen ones from calamity, to guard them from the pestilence that
walketh in darkness and the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
Psalm 91:6. Again and again have angels talked with men as a man
speaketh with a friend, and led them to places of security. Again and
again have the encouraging words of angels renewed the drooping
spirits of the faithful and, carrying their minds above the things of
earth, caused them to behold by faith the white robes, the crowns, the
palm branches of victory, which overcomers will receive when they
surround the great white throne.The Acts of the Apostles, 153.
Among these that stand bythe hosts of the enemy, who are
trying to bring Gods people into disrepute, and the hosts of heaven,
ten thousand times ten thousand angels, who watch over and guard the
tempted people of God, uplifting and strengthening them. These are
they who stand by. And God says to His believing ones, You shall walk
among them. You shall not be overcome by the powers of darkness.
You shall stand before Me in the sight of the holy angels, who are
sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation.The
[23]
General Conference Bulletin, April 23, 1901.
Chapter 3Angels in Heaven, Before the Rebellion

Christ as Creator-God
Before men or angels were created, the Word was with God, and
was God.
The world was made by Him, and without Him was not anything
made that was made. If Christ made all things, He existed before
all things. The words spoken in regard to this are so decisive that
no one need be left in doubt. Christ was God essentially, and in the
highest sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed
forevermore.
The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity,
a distinct person, yet one with the Father. He was the surpassing glory
of heaven. He was the commander of the heavenly intelligences,
and the adoring homage of the angels was received by Him as His
right.The Review and Herald, April 5, 1906.
Through Solomon Christ declared: The Lord possessed Me in
the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I was set up
[24] from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.... When
He gave to the sea His decree, that the waters should not pass His
commandment; when He appointed the foundations of the earth; then I
was by Him, as one brought up with Him; and I was daily His delight,
rejoicing always before Him. [Proverbs 8:22-25, 29, 30.]
In speaking of His pre-existence, Christ carries the mind back
through dateless ages. He assures us that there never was a time when
He was not in close fellowship with the eternal God. He ... had been
with God as one brought up with Him.The Signs of the Times,
August 29, 1900.
What is the work of angels in comparison with His [Christs]
condescension? His throne is from everlasting. He has reared every
arch and pillar in natures great temple.In Heavenly Places, 40.
Christ the Word, the Only Begotten of God, was one with the
eternal Fatherone in nature, in character, and in purposethe only
20
Angels in Heaven, Before the Rebellion
21
being in all the universe that could enter into all the counsels and
purposes of God.The Great Controversy, 493.
Before Sin Arose, God Had a Plan
God and Christ knew from the beginning, of the apostasy of Satan
and of the fall of Adam through the deceptive power of the apostate.
The plan of salvation was designed to redeem the fallen race, to give
them another trial. Christ was appointed to the office of Mediator from
the creation of God, set up from everlasting to be our substitute and [25]
surety.Selected Messages 1:250.
Known unto God are all His works, and from eternal ages the
covenant of grace (unmerited favor) existed in the mind of God. It is
called the everlasting covenant; for the plan of salvation was not conceived after the fall of man, but it was that which was kept in silence
through times eternal, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures
of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God,
is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith. Romans
16:25, 26, A.R.V.The Signs of the Times, December 15, 1914.
The plan for our redemption was not an afterthought, a plan formulated after the fall of Adam. It was a revelation of the mystery
which hath been kept in silence through times eternal. Romans 16:25,
R.V. It was an unfolding of the principles that from eternal ages have
been the foundation of Gods throne.... God did not ordain that sin
should exist, but He foresaw its existence, and made provision to meet
the terrible emergency.The Desire of Ages, 22.
Creation of the Angels
The Father wrought by His Son in the creation of all heavenly
beings. By Him were all things created, ... whether they be thrones,
or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by
Him, and for Him.Patriarchs and Prophets, 34.
Before the creation of man, angels were in existence; for when the [26]
foundations of the earth were laid, the morning stars sang together,
and all the sons of God shouted for joy. Job 38:7. After the fall of man,
angels were sent to guard the tree of life, and this before a human being
had died. Angels are in nature superior to men, for the psalmist says
22
that man was made a little lower than the angels. Psalm 8:5.The
Great Controversy, 511.
From eternal ages it was Gods purpose that every created being,
from the bright and holy seraph to man, should be a temple for the
indwelling of the Creator.The Desire of Ages, 161.
All created beings live by the will and power of God. They are
dependent recipients of the life of God. From the highest seraph to
the humblest animate being, all are replenished from the Source of
life.The Desire of Ages, 785.
When the Lord created these [angelic] beings to stand before His
throne, they were beautiful and glorious. Their loveliness and holiness
were equal to their exalted station. They were enriched by the wisdom
of God, and girded with the panoply of heaven.The Signs of the
Times, April 14, 1898.
Creation of Lucifer
God made him [Lucifer] good and beautiful, as near as possible
like Himself.The Review and Herald, September 24, 1901.
God had made him [Lucifer] noble, had given him rich endowments. He gave him a high, responsible position. He asked of him
[27] nothing that was unreasonable. He was to administer the trust given
him of God in a spirit of meekness and devotion, seeking to promote the glory of God, who had given him glory and beauty and
loveliness.Sabbath-School Worker, March 1, 1893.
Though God had created Lucifer noble and beautiful, and had
exalted him to high honor among the angelic host, yet he had not
placed him beyond the possibility of evil. It was in Satans [Ellen
White sometimes used prolepsisi.e., speaking of something in the
future as if it had already happened. Here she referred to Lucifer as
Satan even though he had not yet rebelled. Since she used the two
namesLucifer and Satanwithout making a distinction between
them, this compilation has followed her usage.] power, did he choose
to do so, to pervert these gifts.4SP 317.
Angels in Heaven, Before the Rebellion
23
Lucifers High Position

Lucifer in heaven, before his rebellion, was a high and exalted
angel, next in honor to Gods dear Son. His countenance, like those of
the other angels, was mild and expressive of happiness. His forehead
was high and broad, showing a powerful intellect. His form was
perfect; his bearing noble and majestic. A special light beamed in
his countenance and shone around him brighter and more beautiful
than around the other angels; yet Christ, Gods dear Son, had the preeminence over all the angelic host. He was one with the Father before
the angels were created.The Story of Redemption, 13.
Lucifer was the covering cherub, the most exalted of the heavenly
created beings; he stood nearest the throne of God, and was most [28]
closely connected and identified with the administration of Gods
government, most richly endowed with the glory of His majesty and
power.The Signs of the Times, April 28, 1890.
The Lord Himself gave to Satan his glory and wisdom, and made
him the covering cherub, good, noble, and exceeding lovely.The
Signs of the Times, September 18, 1893.
Among the inhabitants of heaven, Satan, next to Christ, was at
one time most honored of God, and highest in power and glory.The
Signs of the Times, July 23, 1902.
Lucifer, the son of the morning, in glory surpassing all the angels
that surround the throne, ... [was] united in closest ties to the Son of
God.The Desire of Ages, 435.
Lucifer, son of the morning, was first of the covering cherubs,
holy and undefiled. He stood in the presence of the great Creator, and
the ceaseless beams of glory enshrouding the eternal God rested upon
him.Patriarchs and Prophets, 35.
He [Lucifer] had been the highest of all created beings, and had
been foremost in revealing Gods purposes to the universe.The
Desire of Ages, 758.
Before Evil Originated
Peace and joy, in perfect submission to the will of Heaven, existed
throughout the angelic host. Love to God was supreme, love for one
another impartial. Such was the condition that existed for ages before [29]
24
the entrance of sin.The Spirit of Prophecy 4:316, 317.

He [Lucifer] had a knowledge of the inestimable value of eternal
riches that man did not possess. He had experienced the pure contentment, the peace, the exalted happiness and unalloyed joys, of the
heavenly abode. He had realized, before his rebellion, the satisfaction
of the full approval of God. He had had a full appreciation of the glory
that enshrouded the Father, and knew that there was no limit to His
power.The Signs of the Times, August 4, 1887.
There was a time when ... it was his [Satans] joy to execute the
divine commands. His heart was filled with love and joy in serving his
Creator.The Signs of the Times, September 18, 1893.
Satan was a beautiful, exalted angel, and would have remained so
forever had he not withdrawn his allegiance from God.The Signs of
[30] the Times, December 21, 1891.
Chapter 4The Origin of Evil

The Origin of Evil a Mystery
The angels had been created full of goodness and love. They
loved one another impartially and their God supremely, and they were
prompted by this love to do His pleasure. The law of God was not a
grievous yoke to them, but it was their delight to do His commandments, to hearken unto the voice of His Word. But in this state of
peace and purity, sin originated with him who had been perfect in
all his ways. The prophet writes of him: Thine heart was lifted up
because of thy beauty; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of
thy brightness. Sin is a mysterious, unexplainable thing. There was
no reason for its existence; to seek to explain it is to seek to give a
reason for it, and that would be to justify it. Sin appeared in a perfect
universe, a thing that was shown to be inexcusable.The Signs of the
Times, April 28, 1890.
God had a knowledge of the events of the future, even before the
creation of the world. He did not make His purposes to fit circumstances, but He allowed matters to develop and work out. He did not
work to bring about a certain condition of things, but He knew that [31]
such a condition would exist. The plan that should be carried out upon
the defection of any of the high intelligences of heaventhis is the
secret, the mystery which has been hid from ages. And an offering
was prepared in the eternal purposes to do the very work which God
has done for fallen humanity.The Signs of the Times, March 25,
1897.
The entrance of sin into heaven cannot be explained. If it were
explainable, it would show that there was some reason for sin. But
as there was not the least excuse for it, its origin will ever remain
shrouded in mystery.The Review and Herald, March 9, 1886.
God did not create evil. He only made the good, which was like
Himself.... Evil, sin, and death ... are the result of disobedience, which
originated in Satan.The Review and Herald, August 4, 1910.
25
26
The First Inklings of Evil

There was a time when Satan was in harmony with God, and it was
his joy to execute the divine commands. His heart was filled with love
and joy in serving his Creator, until he began to think that his wisdom
was not derived from God, but was inherent in himself, and that he
was as worthy as was God to receive honor and power.The Signs of
the Times, September 18, 1893.
Though God had created Lucifer noble and beautiful, and had exalted him to high honor among the angelic host, yet He had not placed
[32] him beyond the possibility of evil. It was in Satans power, did he
choose to do so, to pervert these gifts. He might have remained in favor
with God, beloved and honored by all the angelic throng, presiding in
his exalted position with generous, unselfish care, exercising his noble
powers to bless others and to glorify his Maker. But, little by little,
he began to seek his own honor, and to employ his powers to attract
attention and win praise to himself. He also gradually led the angels
over whom he ruled to do him service, instead of devoting all their
powers to the service of their Creator.The Spirit of Prophecy 4:317.
Little by little, Lucifer came to indulge the desire for selfexaltation.... Though all his glory was from God, this mighty angel
came to regard it as pertaining to himself.Patriarchs and Prophets,
35.
God Sets Forth Christs True Position
Before the great contest should open, all were to have a clear
presentation of His [Gods] will, whose wisdom and goodness were
the spring of all their joy.
The King of the universe summoned the heavenly host before Him,
that in their presence He might set forth the true position of His Son,
and show the relation He sustained to all created beings.... Before
the assembled inhabitants of heaven the King declared that none but
Christ, the Only Begotten of God, could fully enter into His purposes,
and to Him it was committed to execute the mighty counsels of His
will.Patriarchs and Prophets, 36.
The great Creator assembled the heavenly host, that He might in the
[33] presence of all the angels confer special honor upon His Son. The Son
Origin of Evil
27
was seated on the throne with the Father, and the heavenly throng of
holy angels was gathered around them. The Father then made known
that it was ordained by Himself that Christ, His Son, should be equal
with Himself; so that wherever was the presence of His Son, it was as
His own presence. The word of the Son was to be obeyed as readily
as the word of the Father. His Son He had invested with authority to
command the heavenly host. Especially was His Son to work in union
with Himself in the anticipated creation of the earth....
Satan was envious and jealous of Jesus Christ. Yet when all the angels bowed to Jesus to acknowledge His supremacy and high authority
and rightful rule, Satan bowed with them; but his heart was filled with
envy and hatred. Christ had been taken into the special counsel of God
in regard to His plans, while Satan was unacquainted with them. He
did not understand, neither was he permitted to know, the purposes of
God. But Christ was acknowledged sovereign of heaven, His power
and authority to be the same as that of God Himself.
Satan thought that he was himself a favorite in heaven among the
angels. He had been highly exalted; but ... he aspired to the height
of God Himself. He gloried in his loftiness. He knew that he was
honored by the angels. He had a special mission to execute. He had
been near the great Creator, and the ceaseless beams of glorious light
enshrouding the eternal God, had shone especially upon him. Satan
thought how angels had obeyed his command with pleasurable alacrity.
Were not his garments light and beautiful? Why should Christ thus be [34]
honored before himself?The Spirit of Prophecy 1:17, 18.
The angels joyfully acknowledged the supremacy of Christ, and
prostrating themselves before Him, poured out their love and adoration.
Lucifer bowed with them, but in his heart there was a strange, fierce
conflict. Truth, justice, and loyalty were struggling against envy and
jealousy. The influence of the holy angels seemed for a time to carry
him with them.... But again he was filled with pride in his own glory.
His desire for supremacy returned, and envy of Christ was once more
indulged.Patriarchs and Prophets, 36, 37.
Lucifer Begins His Campaign Against Christ
Satan ... began his work of rebellion with the angels under his
command, seeking to diffuse among them the spirit of discontent. And
28
he worked in so deceptive a way that many of the angels were won to

his allegiance before his purposes were fully known.The Review
and Herald, January 28, 1909.
Satan ... had been ambitious for the more exalted honors which
God had bestowed upon His Son. He became envious of Christ, and
represented to the angels who honored him as covering cherub that he
had not the honor conferred upon him which his position demanded.
The Review and Herald, February 24, 1874.
By sly insinuations, by which he made it appear that Christ had
[35] assumed the place that belonged to himself, Lucifer sowed the seeds
of doubt in the minds of many of the angels.The Educational Messenger, September 11, 1908, par.1.
His [Lucifers] work of deception was done in so great secrecy that
the angels in less exalted positions supposed that he was the Ruler of
heaven.This Day With God, 256.
Angels that were loyal and true sought to reconcile this mighty,
rebellious angel to the will of his Creator. They justified the act of God
in conferring honor upon Jesus Christ, and with forcible reasoning
sought to convince Satan that no less honor was his now than before
the Father had proclaimed the honor which He had conferred upon His
Son. They clearly set forth that Jesus was the Son of God, existing with
Him before the angels were created; and that He had ever stood at the
right hand of God, and His mild, loving authority had not heretofore
been questioned; and that He had given no commands but what it was
joy for the heavenly host to execute. They urged that Christs receiving
special honor from the Father, in the presence of the angels, did not
detract from the honor that he [Satan] had heretofore received.The
Spirit of Prophecy 1:19.
He [Lucifer] gained the sympathy of some of his associates by
suggesting thoughts of criticism regarding the government of God.
This evil seed was scattered in a most seducing manner; and after
it had sprung up and taken root in the minds of many, he gathered
the ideas that he himself had first implanted in the minds of others,
[36] and brought them before the highest order of angels as the thoughts
of other minds against the government of God.The S.D.A. Bible
Commentary 4:1143.
Lucifer ... at first so conducted his temptations that he himself stood
uncommitted. The angels whom he could not bring fully to his side, he
Origin of Evil
29
accused of indifference to the interests of heavenly beings. The very

work which he himself was doing, he charged upon the loyal angels.
It was his policy to perplex with subtle arguments concerning the
purposes of God. Everything that was simple he shrouded in mystery,
and by artful perversion cast doubt upon the plainest statements of
Jehovah. And his high position, so closely connected with the divine
government, gave greater force to his representations.Patriarchs and
Prophets, 41.
The very first effort of Satan to overthrow Gods lawundertaken
among the sinless inhabitants of heavenseemed for a time to be
crowned with success. A vast number of the angels were seduced.
Patriarchs and Prophets, 331.
Gods government included not only the inhabitants of heaven but
of all the created worlds; and Satan thought that if he could carry the
intelligences of heaven with him in rebellion, he could also carry with
him the other worlds.The Review and Herald, March 9, 1886.
Here, for a time, Satan had the advantage; and he exulted in his
arrogated superiority, in this one respect, to the angels of heaven, and
even to God himself.... [Lucifer] had disguised himself in a cloak of
falsehood, and for a time it was impossible to tear off the covering, so [37]
that the hideous deformity of his character could be seen. He must be
left to reveal himself in his cruel, artful, wicked works.The Spirit of
Prophecy 4:319.
Lucifer Is Given Time to Develop His Principles
God in His wisdom did not immediately thrust Satan out of heaven.
This act would not have changed his principles, and would only have
strengthened his rebellion, for it would have created sympathy for him
as one unjustly dealt with; and he would have carried a much larger
number with him. He must be displaced, and have time to more fully
develop his principles.The Review and Herald, March 9, 1886.
Satan complained of the supposed defects in the management of
heavenly things, and sought to fill the minds of the angels with his
disaffection. Because he was not supreme, he sowed seeds of doubt
and unbelief. Because he was not as God, he strove to instill into the
minds of the angels his own envy and dissatisfaction. Thus the seeds
of alienation were planted, afterward to be drawn out and presented
30
before the heavenly courts as originating, not with Satan, but with the
angels. So the deceiver would show that the angels thought as he did....
That which Satan had instilled into the minds of the angelsa word
here and a word thereopened the way for a long list of suppositions.
In his artful way he drew expressions of doubt from them. Then, when
[38] he was interviewed, he accused those whom he had educated. He laid
all the disaffection on the ones he had led.The Review and Herald,
September 7, 1897.
He [Lucifer] began to insinuate doubts concerning the laws that
governed heavenly beings, intimating that though laws might be necessary for the inhabitants of the worlds, angels, being more exalted,
needed no such restraint, for their own wisdom was sufficient guide.
Lucifer ... sought to abolish the law of God. He claimed that
the unfallen intelligences of holy heaven had no need of law, but
were capable of governing themselves and of preserving unspotted
integrity.The Signs of the Times, April 28, 1890.
Even the loyal angels did not fully discern his [Satans] character.
This was why God did not at once destroy Satan. Had He done so,
the holy angels would not have perceived the justice and love of God.
A doubt of Gods goodness would have been as evil seed that would
yield the bitter fruit of sin and woe. Therefore the author of evil was
spared, fully to develop his character.Christs Object Lessons, 72.
The Angels Debate the Issues
While some of the angels joined Satan in his rebellion, others
reasoned with him to dissuade him from his purposes, contending for
the honor and wisdom of God in giving authority to His Son. Satan
urged, for what reason was Christ endowed with unlimited power and
[39] such high command above himself!Spiritual Gifts 3:37.
Satan refused to listen. And then he turned from the loyal and true
angels, denouncing them as slaves. These angels, true to God, stood
in amazement as they saw that Satan was successful in his efforts to
excite rebellion. He promised them a new and better government than
they then had, in which all would be freedom. Great numbers signified
their purpose to accept Satan as their leader and chief commander. As
he saw his advances were met with success, he flattered himself that
Origin of Evil
31
he should yet have all the angels on his side, and that he would be
equal with God Himself, and his voice of authority would be heard in
commanding the entire host of heaven.
Again the loyal angels warned Satan and assured him what must be
the consequence if he persisted; that He who could create the angels,
could by His power overturn all their authority and terrible rebellion.
To think that an angel should resist the law of God which was as sacred
as Himself! They warned the rebellious to close their ears to Satans
deceptive reasonings, and advised Satan, and all who had been affected
by him, to go to God and confess their wrong for even admitting a
thought of questioning His authority.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:20.
Satan was artful in presenting his side of the question. As soon as
he found that one position was seen in its true character, he changed it
for another. Not so with God. He could work with only one class of
weaponstruth and righteousness. Satan could use what God could
notcrookedness and deceit.The Review and Herald, March 9,
[40]
1886.
The underworking [of Satan] was so subtle that it could not be
made to appear before the heavenly host as the thing that it really was
.... This condition of things had existed a long period of time before
Satan was unmasked.The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 4:1143.
God in His great mercy bore long with Lucifer. He was not immediately degraded from his exalted station when he first indulged the spirit
of discontent, not even when he began to present his false claims before
the loyal angels. Long was he retained in heaven. Again and again he
was offered pardon on condition of repentance and submission.The
Great Controversy, 495, 496.
The spirit of discontent and disaffection had never before been
known in heaven. It was a new element, strange, mysterious, unaccountable. Lucifer himself had not at first been acquainted with the
real nature of his feelings; for a time he had feared to express the
workings and imaginings of his mind; yet he did not dismiss them. He
did not see whither he was drifting. But such efforts as infinite love
and wisdom only could devise, were made to convince him of his error.
His disaffection was proved to be without cause, and he was made
to see what would be the result of persisting in revolt. Lucifer was
convinced that he was in the wrong. He saw that the divine statutes are
just, and that he ought to acknowledge them as such before all heaven.
32
Had he done this, he might have saved himself and many angels.
He had not at that time fully cast off his allegiance to God. Though he
[41] had left his position as covering cherub, yet if he had been willing to
return to God, acknowledging the Creators wisdom, and satisfied to
fill the place appointed him in Gods great plan, he would have been
reinstated in his office. The time had come for a final decision; he
must fully yield to the divine sovereignty or place himself in open
rebellion. He nearly reached the decision to return, but pride forbade
God Meets Satans Challenge
In the councils of heaven it was decided that principles must be
acted upon that would not at once destroy Satans power; for it was
Gods purpose to place things upon an eternal basis of security. Time
must be given for Satan to develop the principles which were the foundation of his government. The heavenly universe must see worked out
the principles which Satan declared to be superior to Gods principles.
Gods order must be contrasted with Satans order. The corrupting
principles of Satans rule must be revealed. The principles of righteousness expressed in Gods law must be demonstrated as unchangeable,
perfect, eternal.The Review and Herald, September 7, 1897.
The loyal angels hasten speedily to the Son of God and acquaint
Him with what is taking place among the angels. They find the Father
in conference with His beloved Son, to determine the means by which,
for the best good of the loyal angels, the assumed authority of Satan
could be forever put down. The great God could at once have hurled
[42] this arch deceiver from heaven; but this was not His purpose. He would
give the rebellious an equal chance to measure strength and might with
His own Son and His loyal angels. In this battle every angel would
choose his own side, and be manifested to all.The Spirit of Prophecy
1:21.
Lucifer Becomes Satan
Satan ... determined to make himself a center of influence. If he
could not be the highest authority in heaven, he would be the highest
authority in rebellion against the government of heaven. Head he
Origin of Evil
33
would be, to control, not to be controlled.The Review and Herald,

April 16, 1901.
Many of Satans sympathizers were inclined to heed the counsel
of the loyal angels, and repent of their dissatisfaction, and be again
received to the confidence of the Father and his dear Son. The mighty
revolter then declared that he was acquainted with Gods law, and if
he should submit to servile obedience, his honor would be taken from
him. No more would he be intrusted with his exalted mission. He told
them that himself and they also had now gone too far to go back, and
he would brave the consequences; for to bow in servile worship to the
Son of God he never would; that God would not forgive, and now they
must assert their liberty and gain by force the position and authority
which was not willingly accorded them.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:20,
21.
So far as Satan himself was concerned, it was true that he had now
gone too far to return. But not so with those who had been blinded [43]
by his deceptions. To them the counsel and entreaties of the loyal
angels opened a door of hope; and had they heeded the warning, they
might have broken away from the snare of Satan. But pride, love for
their leader, and the desire for unrestricted freedom were permitted
to bear sway, and the pleadings of divine love and mercy were finally
rejected.Patriarchs and Prophets, 41.
The Angels Appear Before the Father
All the heavenly host were summoned to appear before the Father,
to have each case determined. Satan unblushingly made known his
dissatisfaction that Christ should be preferred before him. He stood
up proudly and urged that he should be equal with God, and should
be taken into conference with the Father and understand His purposes.
God informed Satan that to His Son alone He would reveal His secret
purposes, and He required all the family in heaven, even Satan, to
yield Him implicit, unquestioned obedience; but that he had proved
himself unworthy a place in heaven. Then Satan exultingly pointed
to his sympathizers, comprising nearly one half of all the angels, and
exclaimed, These are with me! Will you expel these also, and make
such a void in heaven? He then declared that he was prepared to resist
34
the authority of Christ, and to defend his place in heaven by force and
might, strength against strength.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:22.
To the very close of the controversy in heaven, the great usurper
[44] continued to justify himself. When it was announced that with all
his sympathizers he must be expelled from the abodes of bliss, then
the rebel leader boldly avowed his contempt for the Creators law.
He reiterated his claim that angels needed no control, but should be
left to follow their own will, which would ever guide them right. He
denounced the divine statutes as a restriction of their liberty, and
declared that it was his purpose to secure the abolition of law; that,
freed from this restraint, the hosts of heaven might enter upon a more
exalted, more glorious state of existence.
With one accord, Satan and his host threw the blame of their rebellion wholly upon Christ, declaring that if they had not been reproved,
they would never have rebelled.The Great Controversy, 499, 500.
The knowledge which Satan, as well as the angels who fell with
him, had of the character of God, of His goodness, His mercy, wisdom,
and excellent glory, made their guilt unpardonable.The Review and
[45] Herald, February 24, 1874.
Chapter 5The Rebellious Angels Are Cast Out, and

Adam and Eve Fall
War in Heaven
Christ had worked in the heavenly courts to convince Satan of his
terrible error, till at last the evil one and his sympathizers were found
in open rebellion against God Himself.This Day With God, 256.
Christ, as Commander of heaven, was appointed to put down the
rebellion.The Review and Herald, May 30, 1899.
Then there was war in heaven. The Son of God, the Prince of
Heaven, and His loyal angels, engaged in conflict with the arch rebel
and those who united with him. The Son of God and true, loyal
angels prevailed; and Satan and his sympathizers were expelled from
heaven.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:23.
Angels were engaged in the battle; Satan wished to conquer the
Son of God and those who were submissive to His will. But the good
and true angels prevailed, and Satan, with his followers, was driven
[46]
from heaven.Early Writings, 146.
The Effects of Rebellion
Satan stood in amazement at his new condition. His happiness was
gone. He looked upon the angels who, with him, were once so happy,
but who had been expelled from heaven.... Now all seemed changed.
Countenances which had reflected the image of their Maker were
gloomy and despairing. Strife, discord, and bitter recrimination, were
among them.... Satan now beholds the terrible results of his rebellion.
He shuddered, and feared to face the future, and to contemplate the
end of these things.
The hour for joyful, happy songs of praise to God and His dear Son
had come. Satan had led the heavenly choir. He had raised the first
note, then all the angelic host united with him, and glorious strains of
music had resounded through heaven in honor of God and His dear
Son. But now, instead of strains of sweetest music, discord and angry
35
36
words fall upon the ear of the great rebel leader.... The hour of worship
draws nigh, when bright and holy angels bow before the Father. No
more will he unite in heavenly song. No more will he bow in reverence
and holy awe before the presence of the eternal God....
Satan trembled as he viewed his work. He was alone in meditation
upon the past, the present, and his future plans. His mighty frame
shook as with a tempest. An angel from heaven was passing. He called
him, and entreated an interview with Christ. This was granted him.
He then related to the Son of God that he repented of his rebellion,
and wished again the favor of God. He was willing to take the place
[47] God had previously assigned him, and be under his wise command.
Christ wept at Satans woe, but told him, as the mind of God, that he
could never be received into heaven.... The seeds of rebellion were
still within him....
When Satan became fully convinced that there was no possibility
of his being reinstated in the favor of God, he manifested his malice
with increased hatred and fiery vehemence....
As he could not gain admission within the gates of heaven, he
would wait just at the entrance, to taunt the angels and seek contention
with them as they went in and out.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:28-30.
The Creation of Earth and Humankind
The loyal angels mourned the fate of those who had been their
companions in happiness and bliss. Their loss was felt in heaven. The
Father consulted Jesus in regard to at once carrying out their purpose
to make man to inhabit the earth.The Signs of the Times, January 9,
1879.
The brightest and most exalted of the sons of the morning heralded
... [Christs] glory at creation, and announced His birth with songs of
gladness.The Signs of the Times, January 4, 1883.
When God formed the earth, there were mountains, hills, and
plains, and interspersed among them were rivers and bodies of water.
The earth was not one extensive plain, but the monotony of the scenery
was broken by hills and mountains, not high and ragged as they are
[48] now, but regular and beautiful in shape.... Angels beheld and rejoiced
at the wonderful and beautiful works of God.Spiritual Gifts 3:33.
Rebellious Angels Are Cast Out, and Adam and Eve Fall
37
All heaven took a deep and joyful interest in the creation of the
world and of man. Human beings were a new and distinct order.The
Review and Herald, February 11, 1902.
Next to the angelic beings, the human family, formed in the image
of God, are the noblest of His created works.The Review and Herald,
December 3, 1908.
The Lord ... had endowed Adam with powers of mind superior to
any living creature that He had made. His mental powers were but little
lower than those of the angels.The Review and Herald, February 24,
1874.
As soon as the Lord through Jesus Christ created our world, and
placed Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, Satan announced his
purpose to conform to his own nature the father and mother of all
humanity.The Review and Herald, April 14, 1896.
When the Lord presented Eve to Adam, angels of God were witnesses to the ceremony.In Heavenly Places, 203.
This sinless pair wore no artificial garments. They were clothed
with a covering of light and glory, such as the angels wear.The Signs
of the Times, January 9, 1879.
God created man for His own glory, that after test and trial the
human family might become one with the heavenly family. It was
Gods purpose to repopulate heaven with the human family.The [49]
S.D.A. Bible Commentary 1:1082.
The vacancies made in heaven by the fall of Satan and his angels
will be filled by the redeemed of the Lord.The Review and Herald,
May 29, 1900.
Adam and Eve in Eden
Although everything God had made was in the perfection of beauty,
and there seemed nothing wanting upon the earth which God had
created to make Adam and Eve happy, yet He manifested His great
love to them by planting a garden especially for them. A portion of
their time was to be occupied in the happy employment of dressing the
garden, and a portion in receiving the visits of angels, listening to their
instruction, and in happy meditation. Their labor was not wearisome,
but pleasant and invigorating.The Signs of the Times, January 9,
1879.
38
Holy angels ... gave instruction to Adam and Eve concerning their
employment, and also taught them concerning the rebellion of Satan
and his fall.Spiritual Gifts 1:20.
He [Adam] stood before God in the strength of perfect manhood, all
the organs and faculties of his being fully developed and harmoniously
balanced; and he was surrounded with things of beauty, and conversed
daily with the holy angels.The Spirit of Prophecy 2:88.
The law of God existed before man was created. It was adapted to
the condition of holy beings; even angels were governed by it.The
[50] Signs of the Times, April 15, 1886.
Man was to be tested and proved, and if he should bear the test of
God, and remain loyal and true after the first trial, he was not to be
beset with continual temptations; but was to be exalted equal with the
angels, and henceforth immortal.The Review and Herald, February
24, 1874.
Satan Plans to Cause Mans Fall
He [Satan] ... informed them [his angel followers] of his plans
to wrest from God the noble Adam and his companion Eve. If he
could, in any way, beguile them to disobedience, God would make
some provision whereby they might be pardoned, and then himself
and all the fallen angels would be in a fair way to share with them of
Gods mercy. If this should fail, they could unite with Adam and Eve;
for when once they should transgress the law of God, they would be
subjects of Gods wrath, like themselves. Their transgression would
place them also in a state of rebellion; and they could unite with Adam
and Eve, take possession of Eden, and hold it as their home. And if
they could gain access to the tree of life in the midst of the garden,
their strength would, they thought, be equal to that of the holy angels,
and even God Himself could not expel them.
Satan held a consultation with his evil angels. They did not all
readily unite to engage in this hazardous and terrible work. He told
them that he would not intrust any one of them to accomplish this
work; for he thought that he alone had wisdom sufficient to carry
forward so important an enterprise. He wished them to consider the
matter while he should leave them and seek retirement, to mature his
[51] plans....
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 threatened evil. It was decided in Heavens 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 Satans 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;
40
for in perfect obedience they were safe, and this fallen foe could have
access to them only at the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Adam and Eve assured the angels that they should never transgress
the express command of God; for it was their highest pleasure to
do His will. The angels united with Adam and Eve in holy strains
of harmonious music; and as their songs pealed forth from blissful
Eden, Satan heard the sound of their strains of joyful adoration to the
Father and Son. And as Satan heard it, his envy, hatred, and malignity,
increased, and he expressed his anxiety to his followers to incite them
(Adam and Eve) to disobedience.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:34, 35.
Satan Speaks to Eve Through a Serpent
[53]
In order to accomplish his work unperceived, Satan chose to employ as his medium the serpenta disguise well adapted for his purpose of deception. The serpent was then one of the wisest and most
beautiful creatures on the earth. It had wings, and while flying through
the air presented an appearance of dazzling brightness, having the
color and brilliancy of burnished gold.Patriarchs and Prophets, 53.
Eve went from the side of her husband, viewing the beautiful things
of nature in Gods creation, delighting her senses with the colors and
fragrance of the flowers and the beauty of the trees and shrubs. She
was thinking of the restriction God had laid upon them in regard to
the tree of knowledge. She was pleased with the beauties and bounties
which the Lord had furnished for the gratification of every want. All
these, said she, God has given us to enjoy. They are all ours; for God
has said, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of
the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it.
Eve had wandered near the forbidden tree, and her curiosity was
aroused to know how death could be concealed in the fruit of this fair
tree. She was surprised to hear her queries taken up and repeated by a
strange voice. Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of
the garden? Eve was not aware that she had revealed her thoughts
by conversing to herself aloud, therefore she was greatly astonished
to hear her queries repeated by a serpent.The Review and Herald,
February 24, 1874.
With soft and pleasant words, and with musical voice, he [Satan]
[54] addressed the wondering Eve. She was startled to hear a serpent
41
speak. He extolled her beauty and exceeding loveliness, which was

not displeasing to Eve.
Eve was beguiled, flattered, infatuated.The Spirit of Prophecy
1:35, 36.
She [Eve] really thought the serpent had a knowledge of her
thoughts, and that he must be very wise. She answered him, We
may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the
tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not
eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto
the woman, Ye shall not surely die; for God doth know that in the day
ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods,
knowing good and evil. [Genesis 3:2-5.]
Here the father of lies made his assertion in direct contradiction to
the expressed word of God. Satan assured Eve that she was created
immortal, and that there was no possibility of her dying. He told
her that God knew that if they ate of the tree of knowledge their
understanding would be enlightened, expanded, and ennobled, making
them equal with Himself.... Eve thought the discourse of the serpent
very wise.... She looked with longing desire upon the tree laden with
fruit which appeared very delicious. The serpent was eating it with
apparent delight.
Eve had overstated the words of Gods command. He had said to
Adam and Eve, But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil
thou shalt not eat of it, for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt
surely die. In Eves controversy with the serpent, she added the clause,
Neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. Here the subtlety of the serpent [55]
was seen. This statement of Eve gave him advantage.The Review
and Herald, February 24, 1874.
By partaking of this tree, he [Satan] declared they would attain
to a more exalted sphere of existence, and enter a broader field of
knowledge. He himself had eaten of the forbidden fruit, and as a result
had acquired the power of speech. And he insinuated that the Lord
jealously desired to withhold it from them, lest they should be exalted
to equality with Himself.Patriarchs and Prophets, 54.
Eves curiosity was aroused. Instead of fleeing from the spot, she
listened to hear a serpent talk. It did not occur to her mind that it
might be that fallen foe, using the serpent as a medium.The Spirit
of Prophecy 1:36.
42
With what intense interest the whole universe watched the conflict
that was to decide the position of Adam and Eve. How attentively
the angels listened to the words of Satan, the originator of sin, as he
placed his own ideas above the commands of God, and sought to make
of none effect the law of God through his deceptive reasoning! How
anxiously they waited to see if the holy pair would be deluded by the
tempter, and yield to his arts....
Satan represented God as a deceiver, as one who would debar His
creatures from the benefit of His highest gift. The angels heard with
sorrow and amazement this statement in regard to the character of God,
as Satan represented Him as possessing his own miserable attributes;
but Eve was not horror-stricken to hear the holy and supreme God thus
[56] falsely accused. If she had ... remembered all the tokens of His love, if
she had fled to her husband, she might have been saved from the subtle
temptation of the evil one.The Signs of the Times, May 12, 1890.
The tempter plucked the fruit and passed it to Eve. She took it
in her hand. Now, said the tempter, you were prohibited from even
touching it lest you die. He told her that she would realize no more
sense of evil and death in eating than in touching or handling the
fruit. Eve was emboldened because she felt not the immediate signs of
Gods displeasure. She thought the words of the tempter all wise and
correct. She ate, and was delighted with the fruit. It seemed delicious
to her taste, and she imagined that she realized in herself the wonderful
effects of the fruit.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:38.
There was nothing poisonous in the fruit of the tree of knowledge
itself, nothing that would cause death in partaking of it. The tree had
been placed in the garden to test their loyalty to God.The Signs of
the Times, February 13, 1896.
Eve Eats the Fruit and Tempts Adam
Eve ate and imagined that she felt the sensations of a new and
more exalted life.... She felt no ill effects from the fruit, nothing
which could be interpreted to mean death, but, just as the serpent had
said, a pleasurable sensation which she imagined was as the angels
felt.Testimonies for the Church 3:72.
She then plucked for herself of the fruit and ate, and imagined
[57] she felt the quickening power of a new and elevated existence as the
43
result of the exhilarating influence of the forbidden fruit. She was in

a strange and unnatural excitement as she sought her husband, with
her hands filled with the forbidden fruit. She related to him the wise
discourse of the serpent, and wished to conduct him at once to the tree
of knowledge. She told him she had eaten of the fruit, and instead of
her feeling any sense of death, she realized a pleasing, exhilarating
influence. As soon as Eve had disobeyed, she became a powerful
medium through which to occasion the fall of her husband.The
Spirit of Prophecy 1:38, 39.
An expression of sadness came over the face of Adam. He appeared
astonished and alarmed. To the words of Eve he replied that this must
be the foe against whom they had been warned; and by the divine
sentence she must die. In answer she urged him to eat, repeating the
words of the serpent, that they should not surely die. She reasoned that
this must be true, for she felt no evidence of Gods displeasure....
Adam understood that his companion had transgressed the command of God, disregarded the only prohibition laid upon them as a
test of their fidelity and love. There was a terrible struggle in his mind.
He mourned that he had permitted Eve to wander from his side. But
now the deed was done; he must be separated from her whose society
had been his joy. How could he have it thus? He resolved to share her
fate; if she must die, he would die with her. After all, he reasoned,
might not the words of the wise serpent be true? Eve was before him,
as beautiful, and apparently as innocent, as before this act of disobedience. She expressed greater love for him than before. No sign of death [58]
appeared in her, and he decided to brave the consequences. He seized
the fruit, and quickly ate.
After his transgression, Adam at first imagined himself entering
upon a higher state of existence. But soon the thought of his sin filled
him with terror. The air, which had hitherto been of a mild and uniform
temperature, seemed to chill the guilty pair. The love and peace which
had been theirs was gone, and in its place they felt a sense of sin, a
dread of the future, a nakedness of soul.Patriarchs and Prophets, 56,
57.
Satan exulted in his success. He had now tempted the woman to
distrust God, to question His wisdom, and to seek to penetrate His
all-wise plans. And through her he had also caused the overthrow
44
of Adam, who, in consequence of his love for Eve, disobeyed the

command of God, and fell with her.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:42.
Satan, the fallen angel, had declared that no man could keep Gods
law, and he pointed to the disobedience of Adam as proving the declaration true.The Signs of the Times, April 10, 1893.
Satan ... proudly boasted that the world which God had made was
his dominion. Having conquered Adam, the monarch of the world,
he had gained the race as his subjects, and he should now possess
Eden, and make that his headquarters. And he would there establish
his throne, and be monarch of the world.The Review and Herald,
[59] February 24, 1874.
The Council of Peace
The news of mans fall spread through heavenevery harp was
hushed. The angels cast their crowns from their heads in sorrow. All
heaven was in agitation.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:42.
A council was held to decide what must be done with the guilty
pair.Spiritual Gifts 3:44.
The anxiety of the angels seemed to be intense while Jesus was
communing with His Father. Three times He was shut in by the
glorious light about the Father, and the third time He came from the
Father, His person could be seen.... He then made known to the angelic
host that a way of escape had been made for lost man. He told them
that He had been pleading with His Father, and had offered to give His
life a ransom, to take the sentence of death upon Himself, that through
Him man might find pardon....
At first the angels could not rejoice; for their Commander concealed
nothing from them, but opened before them the plan of salvation. Jesus
told them that He would ... leave all His glory in heaven, appear upon
earth as a man, humble Himself as a man, ... and that finally, after His
mission as a teacher would be accomplished, He would be delivered
into the hands of men, and endure almost every cruelty and suffering
that Satan and his angels could inspire men to inflict; that He would
die the cruelest of deaths, hung up between the heavens and the earth
as a guilty sinner; that He should suffer dreadful hours of agony, which
[60] even angels could not look upon, but would veil their faces from the
sight....
45
The angels prostrated themselves before Him. They offered their

lives. Jesus said to them that He would by His death save many; that
the life of an angel could not pay the debt. His life alone could be
accepted of the Father as a ransom for man.Early Writings, 149,
150.
The angels feared that they [Adam and Eve] would put forth the
hand, and eat of the tree of life, and be immortal sinners. But God
said that He would drive the transgressors from the garden. Angels
were commissioned immediately to guard the way of the tree of life.
Spiritual Gifts 1:22.
The angels who had been appointed to guard Adam in his Eden
home before his transgression and expulsion from paradise were now
appointed to guard the gates of paradise and the way of the tree of
life.The Review and Herald, February 24, 1874.
When Adam and Eve realized how exalted and sacred was the
law of God, the transgression of which made so costly a sacrifice
necessary to save them and their posterity from utter ruin, they pled to
die themselves, or to let them and their posterity endure the penalty
of their transgression, rather than that the beloved Son of God should
make this great sacrifice....
Adam was informed that an angels life could not pay the debt. The
law of Jehovah, the foundation of His government in heaven and upon
earth, was as sacred as God Himself; and for this reason the life of an [61]
angel could not be accepted of God as a sacrifice for its transgression....
The Father could not abolish nor change one precept of His law to
meet man in his fallen condition. But the Son of God, who had in
unison with the Father created man, could make an atonement for man
acceptable to God....
When Adam, according to Gods special directions, made an offering for sin, it was to him a most painful ceremony. His hand must be
raised to take life, which God alone could give, and make an offering
for sin. It was the first time he had witnessed death. As he looked upon
the bleeding victim, writhing in the agonies of death, he was to look
forward by faith to the Son of God, whom the victim prefigured.The
Spirit of Prophecy 1:50-53.
46
Adam and Eve Expelled From Eden

They [Adam and Eve] were informed that they would have to lose
their Eden home.... It was not safe for them to remain in the garden of
Eden, lest in their state of sin, they gain access to the tree of life.The
They [Adam and Eve] earnestly entreated that they might remain
in the home of their innocence and joy. They confessed that they had
forfeited all right to that happy abode, but pledged themselves for the
future to yield strict obedience to God. But they were told that their
nature had become depraved by sin; they had lessened their strength to
resist evil, and had opened the way for Satan to gain more ready access
to them. In their innocence they had yielded to temptation; and now,
[62] in a state of conscious guilt, they would have less power to maintain
their integrity.
In humility and unutterable sadness they bade farewell to their
beautiful home, and went forth to dwell upon the earth, where rested
the curse of sin.Patriarchs and Prophets, 61.
Holy angels were sent to drive out the disobedient pair from the
garden, while other angels guarded the way to the tree of life. Each
one of these mighty angels had in his right hand a glittering sword.
Spiritual Gifts 3:45.
Strong angels, with beams of light representing flaming swords
turning in every direction, were placed as sentinels to guard the way
of the tree of life from the approach of Satan and the guilty pair.The
It was Satans studied plan that Adam and Eve should disobey God,
receive His frown, and then partake of the tree of life, that they might
perpetuate a life of sin. But holy angels were sent to debar their way
to the tree of life. Around these angels flashed beams of light on every
side, which had the appearance of glittering swords.The Spirit of
Prophecy 1:44.
After the fall, Satan bade his angels make special effort to foster
the belief in mans natural immortality; and when they had induced the
people to receive this error, they led them to conclude that the sinner
[63] would live in eternal misery.The Spirit of Prophecy 4:354.
Chapter 6Angels Before and After Noahs Flood

The Plan of Salvation Explained Further
Angels held communication with Adam after his fall, and informed
him of the plan of salvation, and that the human race was not beyond
redemption.Spiritual Gifts 3:52.
Angels informed Adam that, as his transgression had brought
death and wretchedness, life and immortality would be brought to light
through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:51.
The garden of Eden remained upon the earth long after man had
become an outcast from its pleasant paths. The fallen race were long
permitted to gaze upon the home of innocence, their entrance barred
only by the watching angels.Patriarchs and Prophets, 62.
Worship at the Cherubim-guarded Gate
At the cherubim-guarded gate of Paradise the glory of the Lord
was revealed, and hither came the first worshipers.... It was here that
Cain and Abel had brought their sacrifices, and God had condescended [64]
to communicate with them.
Skepticism could not deny the existence of Eden while it stood just
in sight, its entrance barred by watching angels. The order of creation,
the object of the garden, the history of its two trees so closely connected
with mans destiny, were undisputed facts. And the existence and
supreme authority of God, the obligation to His law, were truths which
men were slow to question while Adam was among them.Patriarchs
and Prophets, 83, 84.
[Cain and Abel] had been instructed in regard to the provision
made for the salvation of the human race. They were required to
carry out a system of humble obedience, showing their reverence for
God, and their faith and dependence upon the promised Redeemer, by
slaying the firstlings of the flock, and solemnly presenting it with the
blood, as a burnt offering to God....
47
48
He [Cain] was unwilling to strictly follow the plan of obedience,

and procure a lamb and offer it with the fruit of the ground. He merely
took of the fruit of the ground and disregarded the requirement of
God.... Abel advised his brother not to come before the Lord without
the blood of a sacrifice. Cain being the eldest, would not listen to his
brother....
Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat as God
had commanded; and in full faith of the Messiah to come, and with
humble reverence, he presented the offering. God had respect unto
his offering. A light flashes from heaven and consumes the offering
of Abel. Cain sees no manifestation that his is accepted. He is angry
[65] with the Lord, and with his brother. God condescends to send an angel
to Cain to converse with him.
The angel inquires of him the reason of his anger, and informs him
that if he does well, and follows the directions God has given, He will
accept him, and respect his offering. But if he will not humbly submit
to Gods arrangements, and believe and obey Him, He cannot accept
his offering. The angel tells Cain that it was no injustice on the part of
God, or partiality shown to Abel; but that it was on account of his own
sin, and disobedience of Gods express command, why He could not
respect his offeringand if he would do well he would be accepted
of God.... But even after being thus faithfully instructed, Cain did
not repent.... In his jealousy and hatred he contends with Abel, and
reproaches him.... While Abel justifies the plan of God, Cain becomes
enraged, and his anger increases and burns against Abel, until in his
rage he slays him.Spiritual Gifts 3:47-49.
Adam and Angels Instructed Antediluvians
The advantages enjoyed by men of that age [pre-Flood] to gain a
knowledge of God through His works have never been equaled since.
And so far from being an era of religious darkness, that was an age of
great light. All the world had opportunity to receive instruction from
Adam, and those who feared the Lord had also Christ and angels for
their teachers.Patriarchs and Prophets, 83.
Men lived nearly a thousand years in those days [before the
Flood], and angels visited them with instruction directly from Christ.
[66] Selected Messages 1:230.
Angels Before and After Noahs Flood
49
Enoch
Enoch learned from the lips of Adam the painful story of the fall,
and the precious story of Gods condescending grace in the gift of His
Son as the worlds Redeemer. He believed and relied upon the promise
given. Enoch was a holy man. He served God with singleness of
heart. He realized the corruptions of the human family, and separated
himself from the descendants of Cain, and reproved them for their great
wickedness.... His soul was vexed as he daily beheld them trampling
upon the authority of God.... He chose to be separate from them
and spent much of his time in solitude, giving himself to reflection
and prayer. He waited before God, and prayed to know His will
more perfectly, that he might perform it. God communed with Enoch
through His angels, and gave him divine instruction. He made known
to him that He would not always bear with man in his rebellionthat
it was His purpose to destroy the sinful race by bringing a flood of
waters upon the earth.
The Lord opened more fully to Enoch the plan of salvation, and
by the Spirit of prophecy carried him down through the generations
which should live after the flood, and showed him the great events
connected with the second coming of Christ and the end of the world.
Enoch was troubled in regard to the dead. It seemed to him that
the righteous and the wicked would go to the dust together, and that
would be their end. He could not see the life of the just beyond the
grave. In prophetic vision he was instructed in regard to the Son of
God, who was to die mans sacrifice, and was shown the coming of
Christ in the clouds of heaven, attended by the angelic host, to give [67]
life to the righteous dead, and ransom them from their graves....
Enoch faithfully rehearsed to the people all that had been revealed
to him by the Spirit of prophecy. Some believed his words, and turned
from their wickedness to fear and worship God.The Signs of the
Times, February 20, 1879.
He [Enoch] chose certain periods for retirement, and would not
suffer the people to find him, for they interrupted his holy meditation
and communion with God. He did not exclude himself at all times
from the society of those who loved him and listened to his words
of wisdom; neither did he separate himself wholly from the corrupt.
50
He met with the good and bad at stated times, and labored to turn the
ungodly from their evil course.Spiritual Gifts 3:56.
Enoch continued to grow more heavenly while communing with
God.... The Lord loved Enoch, because he steadfastly followed Him,
and abhorred iniquity, and earnestly sought a more perfect knowledge
of His will that he might perform it. He yearned to unite himself still
more closely to God, whom he feared, reverenced, and adored. The
Lord would not permit Enoch to die like other men, but sent His angels
to take him to heaven without seeing death. In the presence of the
righteous and the wicked, Enoch was removed from them. Those who
loved him thought that God might have left him in some of his places
of retirement; but after seeking diligently, and being unable to find
him, they reported that he was not, for God took him.The Signs of
[68] the Times, February 20, 1879.
The flaming chariots of God were sent for this holy man, and he
was borne to heaven.The Review and Herald, April 19, 1870.
The Lord has given me a view of other worlds. Wings were given
me, and an angel attended me from the city to a place that was bright
and glorious.... Then I was taken to a world which had seven moons.
There I saw good old Enoch, who had been translated. On his right
arm he bore a glorious palm, and on each leaf was written Victory.
Around his head was a dazzling white wreath, and leaves on the wreath,
and in the middle of each leaf was written Purity, and around the
wreath were stones of various colors, that shone brighter than the stars,
and cast a reflection upon the letters and magnified them. On the back
part of his head was a bow that confined the wreath, and upon the bow
was written Holiness. Above the wreath was a lovely crown that
shone brighter than the sun. I asked him if this was the place he was
taken to from the earth. He said, It is not; the city is my home, and I
have come to visit this place.Early Writings, 39, 40.
Enoch represents those who shall remain upon the earth and be
translated to heaven without seeing death. He represents that company
that are to live amid the perils of the last days, and withstand all the
corruption, vileness, sin, and iniquity, and yet be unsullied by it all.
We can stand as did Enoch. There has been provision made for us....
Angels of God that excel in strength, are sent to minister to those who
shall be heirs of salvation. These angels, when they see that we are
doing the very utmost on our part to be overcomers, will do their part,
51
and their light will shine around about us, and sway back the influence [69]
of the evil angels that are around us, and will make a fortification
around us as a wall of fire.The Review and Herald, April 19, 1870.
Noah
Those who lived in the days of Noah and Abraham were more like
the angels in form, in comeliness and strength. But every generation
has been growing weaker.Spiritual Gifts 1:69.
More than one hundred years before the flood the Lord sent an
angel to faithful Noah to make known to him that He would no longer
have mercy upon the corrupt race. But He would not have them
ignorant of His design. He would instruct Noah, and make him a
faithful preacher to warn the world of its coming destruction, that the
inhabitants of the earth might be left without excuse....
Angels were sent to collect from the forest and field the beasts
which God had created.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:69, 72.
Angels went before these animals and they followed two and two,
male and female, and clean beasts by sevens.Spiritual Gifts 3:67.
Everything was now ready for the closing of the ark, which could
not have been done by Noah from within. An angel is seen by the
scoffing multitude descending from heaven, clothed with brightness
like the lightning. He closes that massive outer door, and then takes
[70]
his course upward to heaven again.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:72.
The Flood Comes
Notwithstanding the solemn exhibition they [the antediluvians] had
witnessed of Gods powerof the unnatural occurrence of the beasts
leaving the forests and fields, and going into the ark, and the angel
of God clothed with brightness, and terrible in majesty, descending
from heaven and closing the door; yet they hardened their hearts, and
continued to revel and sport over the signal manifestations of divine
power. But upon the eighth day the heavens gathered blackness....
The rain descended from the clouds above them. This was something
they had never witnessed.... The storm increased in violence until
water seemed to come from heaven like mighty cataracts.... Jets of
water would burst up from the earth with indescribable force, throwing
52
massive rocks hundreds of feet into the air, and then they would bury
themselves deep in the earth....
The violence of the storm increased, and there were mingled with
the warring of the elements the wailings of the people who had despised the authority of God. Trees, buildings, rocks, and earth were
hurled in every direction. The terror of man and beast was beyond
description. And even Satan himself, who was compelled to be amid
the warring elements, feared for his own existence....
Angels that excel in strength guided the ark and preserved it from
harm. Every moment during that frightful storm of forty days and
forty nights the preservation of the ark was a miracle of almighty
[71] power.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:73, 75.
After the Flood
Anxiously did Noah and his family watch the decrease of the
waters. He desired to go forth upon the earth again. He sent out a
raven which flew back and forth to and from the ark. He did not receive
the information he desired, and he sent forth a dove which, finding
no rest, returned to the ark again. After seven days the dove was sent
forth again, and when the olive leaf was seen in its mouth, there was
great rejoicing by this family of eight, which had so long been shut
up in the ark. Again an angel descends and opens the door of the ark.
Noah could remove the top, but he could not open the door which God
had shut. God spoke to Noah through the angel who opened the door,
and bade the family of Noah go forth out of the ark, and bring forth
with them every living thing....
After Noah had come forth from the ark, he looked around upon
the powerful and ferocious beasts which he brought out of the ark, and
then upon his family numbering eight, and was greatly afraid that they
would be destroyed by the beasts. But the Lord sent His angel to say
to Noah, The fear of you, and the dread of you, shall be upon every
beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth
upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hands are
they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you;
even as the green herb have I given you all things.The Spirit of
[72] Prophecy 1:76, 78, 79.
53
The Builders of Babel

Some of the descendants of Noah soon began to apostatize.... Some
disbelieved in the existence of God.... Others believed that God existed.... Those who were enemies of God felt daily reproved by the
righteous conversation and godly lives of those who loved, obeyed,
and exalted God. The unbelieving consulted among themselves and
agreed to separate from the faithful.... They journeyed a distance from
them, and selected a large plain wherein to dwell. They built them
a city, and then conceived the idea of building a large tower to reach
unto the clouds, that they might ... be no more scattered.... They would
build their tower to a much greater height than the waters prevailed in
the time of the Flood ... and they would be as gods and rule over the
people....
They exalted themselves against God. But He would not permit
them to complete their work. They had built their tower to a lofty
height, when the Lord sent two angels to confound them in their
work.... The angels confounded their language.... After this, there
was no harmony in their work. Angry with one another and unable to
account for the misunderstanding, and strange words among them, they
left the work and separated from each other, and scattered abroad in the
earth. Up to this time, men had spoken but one language. Lightning
from heaven, as a token of Gods wrath, broke off the top of their
[73]
tower, casting it to the ground.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:92, 93.
Chapter 7Angels in the Patriarchal Age

Abraham
God conferred great honor upon Abraham. Angels of heaven
walked and talked with him as friend with friend.Patriarchs and
Prophets, 138.
The Lord communicated His will to Abraham through angels.
Christ appeared to him, and gave him a distinct knowledge of the
requirements of the moral law, and of the great salvation which would
be accomplished through Himself.The Review and Herald, April
29, 1875.
After the birth of Ishmael, the Lord manifested Himself again to
Abraham, and said unto him, I will establish my covenant between me
and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generations, for an everlasting
covenant. Again the Lord repeated by His angel His promise to give
Sarah a son, and that she should be a mother of many nations.The
When judgments were about to be visited upon Sodom, the fact
was not hidden from him, and he became an intercessor with God
[74] for sinners. His interview with the angels presents also a beautiful
example of hospitality.
In the hot summer noontide the patriarch was sitting in his tent
door, looking out over the quiet landscape, when he saw in the distance
three travelers approaching. Before reaching his tent, the strangers
halted, as if consulting as to their course. Without waiting for them
to solicit favors, Abraham rose quickly, and as they were apparently
turning in another direction, he hastened after them, and with the
utmost courtesy urged them to honor him by tarrying for refreshment.
With his own hands he brought water that they might wash the dust
of travel from their feet. He himself selected their food, and while
they were at rest under the cooling shade, an entertainment was made
ready, and he stood respectfully beside them while they partook of his
hospitality....
54
Angels in the Patriarchal Age
55
Abraham had seen in his guests only three tired wayfarers, little
thinking that among them was One whom he might worship without
sin. But the true character of the heavenly messengers was now revealed. Though they were on their way as ministers of wrath, yet to
Abraham, the man of faith, they spoke first of blessings....
Abraham had honored God, and the Lord honored him, taking
him into His counsels, and revealing to him His purposes.... God
knew well the measure of Sodoms guilt; but He expressed himself
after the manner of men, that the justice of His dealings might be
understood. Before bringing judgment upon the transgressors, He
would go Himself to institute an examination of their course; if they
had not passed the limits of divine mercy, He would still grant them [75]
space for repentance.Patriarchs and Prophets, 138, 139.
The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
Two of the heavenly messengers departed, leaving Abraham alone
with Him whom he now knew to be the Son of God.... With deep
reverence and humility he urged his plea: I have taken upon me to
speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes. ... He came close
to the heavenly messenger, and fervently urged his petition. Though
Lot had become a dweller in Sodom, he did not partake in the iniquity
of its inhabitants. Abraham thought that in that populous city there
must be other worshipers of the true God. And in view of this he
pleaded, That be far from thee, to do after this manner, to slay the
righteous with the wicked; ... that be far from thee. Shall not the Judge
of all the earth do right? Abraham asked not once merely, but many
times. Waxing bolder as his requests were granted, he continued until
he gained the assurance that if even ten righteous persons could be
found in it, the city would be spared.Patriarchs and Prophets, 139,
140.
Two Angels Visit Lot
In the twilight, two strangers drew near to the city gate. They
were apparently travelers coming in to tarry for the night. None
could discern in those humble wayfarers the mighty heralds of divine
judgment, and little dreamed the gay, careless multitude that in their
56
[76] treatment of these heavenly messengers that very night they would
reach the climax of the guilt which doomed their proud city. But there
was one man who manifested kindly attention toward the strangers,
and invited them to his home. Lot did not know their true character,
but politeness and hospitality were habitual with him.Patriarchs and
Prophets, 158.
The angels revealed to Lot the object of their mission: We will
destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the
face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it. The strangers
whom Lot had endeavored to protect, now promised to protect him,
and to save also all the members of his family who would flee with
him from the wicked city.... Lot went out to warn his children. He
repeated the words of the angels, Up, get you out of this place; for
the Lord will destroy this city. But he seemed to them as one that
mocked....
Lot returned sorrowfully to his home, and told the story of his
failure. Then the angels bade him arise, and take his wife and two
daughters who were yet in his house, and leave the city.... Stupified
with sorrow, he lingered, loath to depart. But for the angels of God,
they would all have perished in the ruin of Sodom. The heavenly
messengers took him and his wife and daughters by the hand, and led
them out of the city.
Here the angels left them, and turned back to Sodom to accomplish
their work of destruction. AnotherHe with whom Abraham had
pleadeddrew near to Lot....
The Prince of heaven was by his side, yet he pleaded for his own
[77] life as though God, who had manifested such care and love for him,
would not still preserve him. He should have trusted himself wholly to
the divine Messenger, giving his will and his life into the Lords hands
without a doubt or a question. But like so many others, he endeavored
to plan for himself....
Again the solemn command was given to hasten, for the fiery storm
would be delayed but little longer. But one of the fugitives [Lots wife]
ventured to cast a look backward to the doomed city, and she became
a monument of Gods judgment.Patriarchs and Prophets, 158-161.
57
Abraham Tested
When Abraham was nearly one hundred years old, the promise
of a son was repeated to him, with the assurance that the future heir
should be the child of Sarah.... The birth of Isaac, bringing, after a
life-long waiting, the fulfillment of their dearest hopes, filled the tents
of Abraham and Sarah with gladness....
Sarah saw in Ishmaels turbulent disposition a perpetual source
of discord, and she appealed to Abraham, urging that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away from the encampment. The patriarch was thrown
into great distress. How could he banish Ishmael his son, still dearly
beloved? In his perplexity he pleaded for divine guidance. The Lord,
through a holy angel, directed him to grant Sarahs desire.... And
the angel gave him the consoling promise that though separated from
his fathers home, Ishmael should not be forsaken by God; his life
should be preserved, and he should become the father of a great nation. Abraham obeyed the angels word, but it was not without keen [78]
suffering.Patriarchs and Prophets, 146, 147.
God had called Abraham to be the father of the faithful, and his life
was to stand as an example of faith to succeeding generations. But his
faith had not been perfect.... That he might reach the highest standard,
God subjected him to another test, the closest which man was ever
called to endure. In a vision of the night he was directed to repair to
the land of Moriah, and there offer up his son as a burnt offering upon
a mountain that should be shown him....
The command was expressed in words that must have wrung with
anguish that fathers heart: Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac,
whom thou lovest, ... and offer him for a burnt offering. Isaac was the
light of his home, the solace of his old age, above all else the inheritor
of the promised blessing....
Satan was at hand to suggest that he must be deceived, for the divine
law commands, Thou shalt not kill, and God would not require what
He had once forbidden. Going outside his tent, Abraham looked up to
the calm brightness of the unclouded heavens, and recalled the promise
made nearly fifty years before, that his seed should be innumerable as
the stars. If this promise was to be fulfilled through Isaac, how could
he be put to death? Abraham was tempted to believe that he might be
under a delusion.... He remembered the angels sent to reveal to him
58
Gods purpose to destroy Sodom, and who bore to him the promise
of this same son Isaac, and he went to the place where he had several
[79] times met the heavenly messengers, hoping to meet them again, and
receive some further direction; but none came to his relief.Patriarchs
All day he had hopes of meeting an angel coming to bless and comfort him, or perhaps to revoke the command of God, but no messenger
of mercy appeared.... The second long day comes to a close, another
sleepless night is spent in humiliation and prayer, and the journey of
the third day is commenced.The Signs of the Times, April 1, 1875.
At the appointed place they built the altar and laid the wood upon
it. Then with trembling voice, Abraham unfolded to his son the divine
message. It was with terror and amazement that Isaac learned his fate,
but he offered no resistance.... He was a sharer in being called to give
his life as an offering to God....
And now the last words of love are spoken, the last tears are shed,
the last embrace is given. The father lifts the knife to slay his son,
when suddenly his arm is stayed. An angel of God calls to the patriarch
out of heaven, Abraham, Abraham! He quickly answers, Here am
I. And again the voice is heard, Lay not thine hand upon the lad,
neither do thou anything unto him; for now I know that thou fearest
God, seeing thou has not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me.
...
God gave His Son to a death of agony and shame. The angels who
witnessed the humiliation and soul anguish of the Son of God were
not permitted to interpose, as in the case of Isaac. There was no voice
[80] to cry, It is enough. To save the fallen race, the King of glory yielded
up His life....
Heavenly beings were witnesses of the scene as the faith of Abraham and the submission of Isaac were tested.... All heaven beheld with
wonder and admiration Abrahams unfaltering obedience. All heaven
applauded his fidelity. Satans accusations were shown to be false....
It had been difficult even for the angels to grasp the mystery of
redemptionto comprehend that the Commander of heaven, the Son
of God, must die for guilty man. When the command was given to
Abraham to offer up his son, the interest of all heavenly beings was
enlisted. With intense earnestness they watched each step in the fulfillment of this command. When to Isaacs question, Where is the lamb
59
for a burnt offering? Abraham made answer, God will provide himself a lamb: and when the fathers hand was stayed as he was about to
slay his son, and the ram which God had provided was offered in the
place of Isaacthen light was shed upon the mystery of redemption,
and even the angels understood more clearly the wonderful provision
that God had made for mans salvation.Patriarchs and Prophets, 152,
154, 155.
The Marriage of Isaac
In the mind of Abraham, the choice of a wife for his son [Isaac]
was a matter of grave importance; he was anxious to have him marry
one who would not lead him from God....
Isaac, trusting to his fathers wisdom and affection, was satisfied to
commit the matter to him, believing also that God Himself would direct [81]
in the choice made. The patriarchs thoughts turned to his fathers
kindred in the land of Mesopotamia.... [He] committed the important
matter to his eldest servant [Eliezar], a man of piety, experience, and
sound judgment, who had rendered him long and faithful service....
The Lord God of heaven, he said, which took me from my fathers
house, and from the land of my kindred, ... He shall send His angel
before thee. ....
The messenger set out without delay.... [At] Haran, the city of
Nahor, he halted outside the walls, near the well to which the women
of the place came at evening for water.... Remembering the words
of Abraham, that God would send His angel with him, he prayed
earnestly for positive guidance. In the family of his master he was
accustomed to the constant exercise of kindness and hospitality, and
he now asked that an act of courtesy might indicate the maiden whom
God had chosen.
Hardly had the prayer been uttered before the answer was given.
Among the women who were gathered at the well, the courteous
manners of one [Rebekah] attracted his attention. As she came from
the well, the stranger went to meet her, asking for some water from
the pitcher upon her shoulder. The request received a kindly answer,
with an offer to draw water for the camels also, a service which it
was customary even for the daughters of princes to perform for their
fathers flocks and herds. Thus the desired sign was given....
60
Abraham dwelt at Beersheba, and Isaac, who had been attending

to the flocks in the adjoining country, had returned to his fathers tent
[82] to await the arrival of the messenger from Haran.... And Isaac went
out to meditate in the field at the eventide.... And the servant told Isaac
all the things that he had done. And Isaac brought her into his mother
Sarahs tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife.Patriarchs
and Prophets, 171-173.
Jacob and Esau
Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac, present a striking contrast,
both in character and life. This unlikeness was foretold by the angel of
God before their birth. When in answer to Rebekahs troubled prayer
he declared that two sons would be given her, he opened to her their
future history, that each would become the head of a mighty nation, but
that one would be greater than the other, and that the younger would
have the preeminence....
Isaac ... plainly stated that Esau, as the eldest, was the one entitled
to the birthright. But Esau had no love for devotion, no inclination to
a religious life.... Rebekah remembered the words of the angel, and ...
she was convinced that the heritage of divine promise was intended
for Jacob. She repeated to Isaac the angels words; but the fathers
affections were centered upon the elder son, and he was unshaken in
his purpose.Patriarchs and Prophets, 177, 178.
Jacob had learned from his mother of the divine intimation that the
birthright should fall to him, and he was filled with an unspeakable de[83] sire for the privileges which it would confer. It was not the possession
of his fathers wealth that he craved; the spiritual birthright was the
object of his longing....
When Esau, coming home one day faint and weary from the chase,
asked for the food that Jacob was preparing, the latter ... offered to
satisfy his brothers hunger at the price of the birthright. Behold, I am
at the point to die, cried the reckless, self-indulgent hunter, and what
profit shall this birthright do to me? And for a dish of red pottage he
parted with his birthright....
Jacob and Rebekah succeeded in their purpose, but they gained
only trouble and sorrow by their deception. God had declared that
Jacob should receive the birthright, and His word would have been
61
fulfilled in His own time, had they waited in faith for Him to work for
them....
Threatened with death by the wrath of Esau, Jacob went out from
his fathers home a fugitive.... The evening of the second day found
him far away from his fathers tents. He felt that he was an outcast,
and he knew that all this trouble had been brought upon him by his
own wrong course. The darkness of despair pressed upon his soul,
and he hardly dared to pray. But he was so utterly lonely that he felt
the need of protection from God as he had never felt it before. With
weeping and deep humiliation he confessed his sin, and entreated for
some evidence that he was not utterly forsaken....
God did not forsake Jacob.... The Lord compassionately revealed
just what Jacob neededa Saviour.... Wearied with his journey, the
wanderer lay down upon the ground, with a stone for his pillow. As
he slept, he beheld a ladder, bright and shining, whose base rested [84]
upon the earth, while the top reached to heaven. Upon this ladder,
angels were ascending and descending; above it was the Lord of glory,
and from the heavens His voice was heard: I am the Lord God of
Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac. ....
In this vision the plan of redemption was presented to Jacob.... The
ladder represents Jesus, the appointed medium of communication. Had
He not with His own merits bridged the gulf that sin had made, the
ministering angels could have held no communion with fallen man....
With a new and abiding faith in the divine promises, and assured
of the presence and guardianship of heavenly angels, Jacob pursued
his journey to the land of the children of the East.Patriarchs and
Prophets, 178-180, 183, 184, 188.
Though Jacob had left Padan-aram in obedience to the divine
direction, it was not without many misgivings that he retraced the
road which he had trodden as a fugitive twenty years before. His
sin in the deception of his father was ever before him.... As he drew
nearer his journeys end, the thought of Esau brought many a troubled
foreboding.... Again the Lord granted Jacob a token of the divine
care.Patriarchs and Prophets, 195.
As Jacob went on his way, the angels of God met him. And when
he saw them, he said, This is Gods host. He saw the angels of God
in a dream, encamping around about him.Spiritual Gifts 3:127.
62
Directly before ... [Jacob], as if leading the way, he beheld two

[85] armies of heavenly angels marching as a guide and guard; and when he
saw them he broke forth in language of praise, and exclaimed, This
is Gods host. And he called the name of the place Mahanaim, which
signifies two hosts, or camps.The Signs of the Times, November 20,
1879.
Yet Jacob felt that he had something to do to secure his own safety.
He therefore dispatched messengers with a conciliatory greeting to
his brother.... But the servants returned with the tidings that Esau was
approaching with four hundred men, and no response was sent to the
friendly message.... Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. ... He
accordingly divided them [his family and servants] into two bands, so
that if one should be attacked, the other might have an opportunity to
escape....
They had now reached the river Jabbok, and as night came on,
Jacob sent his family across the ford of the river, while he alone
remained behind. He had decided to spend the night in prayer, and he
desired to be alone with God....
Suddenly a strong hand was laid upon him. He thought that an
enemy was seeking his life, and he endeavored to wrest himself from
the grasp of his assailant. In the darkness the two struggled for the
mastery. Not a word was spoken, but Jacob put forth all his strength,
and did not relax his efforts for a moment. While he was thus battling
for his life, the sense of his guilt pressed upon his soul; his sins rose up
before him, to shut him out from God. But in his terrible extremity he
remembered Gods promises, and his whole heart went out in entreaty
[86] for His mercy. The struggle continued until near the break of day,
when the stranger placed his finger upon Jacobs thigh, and he was
crippled instantly. The patriarch now discerned the character of his
antagonist. He knew that he had been in conflict with a heavenly
messenger, and this was why his almost superhuman effort had not
gained the victory.Patriarchs and Prophets, 196, 197.
The One who wrestled with Jacob is called a man; Hosea calls
Him the angel; while Jacob said, I have seen God face to face. He is
also said to have had power with God. It was the Majesty of heaven,
the Angel of the covenant, that came, in the form and appearance of a
man, to Jacob.The Signs of the Times, November 20, 1879.
63
It was Christ, the Angel of the covenant, who had revealed Himself to Jacob. The patriarch was now disabled, and suffering the keenest
pain, but he would not loosen his hold.... He must have the assurance
that his sin was pardoned.... The Angel tried to release Himself; He
urged, Let me go, for the day breaketh: but Jacob answered, I will
not let thee go, except thou bless me. Had this been a boastful, presumptuous confidence, Jacob would have been instantly destroyed; but
his was the assurance of one who confesses his own unworthiness, yet
trusts the faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God. Jacob had power
over the Angel, and prevailed. ...
While Jacob was wrestling with the Angel, another heavenly messenger was sent to Esau. In a dream, Esau beheld his brother for twenty
years an exile from his fathers house; he witnessed his grief at finding
his mother dead; and saw him encompassed by the hosts of God. This [87]
dream was related by Esau to his soldiers, with the charge not to harm
Jacob, for the God of his father was with him....
Jacobs experience during that night of wrestling and anguish represents the trial through which the people of God must pass just before
[88]
Christs second coming.Patriarchs and Prophets, 197-201.
Chapter 8Angels at the Time of the Exodus

The Birth of Moses
As time rolled on, [Joseph] the great man to whom Egypt owed
so much ... passed to the grave. And there arose up a new king
over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. ... And he said unto his people,
Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than
we. .... Orders were issued ... to destroy the Hebrew male children
at their birth. Satan was the mover in this matter. He knew that a
deliverer was to be raised up among the Israelites; and by leading the
king to destroy their children he hoped to defeat the divine purpose....
While this decree was in full force, a son was born to Amram and
Jochebed.... The mother succeeded in concealing the child [Moses]
for three months. Then, finding that she could no longer keep him
safely, she prepared a little ark of rushes, making it watertight by
means of slime and pitch; and laying the babe therein, she placed it
[89] among the flags at the rivers brink. She dared not remain to guard
it, lest the childs life and her own should be forfeited; but his sister,
Miriam, lingered near, ... anxiously watching to see what would
become of her little brother. And there were other watchers. The
mothers earnest prayers had committed her child to the care of God;
and angels, unseen, hovered above his lowly resting place. Angels
directed Pharaohs daughter thither. Her curiosity was excited by the
little basket, and as she looked upon the beautiful child within, she read
the story at a glance. The tears of the babe awakened her compassion,
and ... she determined that he should be saved; she would adopt him
as her own.Patriarchs and Prophets, 241-243.
The elders of Israel were taught by angels that the time for their
deliverance was near, and that Moses was the man whom God would
employ to accomplish this work. Angels instructed Moses also that Jehovah had chosen him to break the bondage of his people. He, supposing that they were to obtain their freedom by force of arms, expected
64
Angels at the Time of the Exodus
65
to lead the Hebrew host against the armies of Egypt.Patriarchs and

Prophets, 245.
Moses remained at court until he was forty years of age.... One day
while thus abroad, seeing an Egyptian smiting an Israelite, he sprung
forward, and slew the Egyptian ... and immediately buried the body in
the sand.... [Moses] made his escape and fled toward Arabia.... After a
time, Moses married one of the daughters of Jethro; and here, in the
service of his father-in-law, as keeper of his flocks, he remained forty
[90]
years.Patriarchs and Prophets, 246, 247.
Moses in Midian
Could his [Moses] eyes have been opened, he would have seen
the messengers of God, pure, holy angels, bending lovingly over him,
shedding their light around him.The Signs of the Times, February
19, 1880.
While engaged in his round of duties he [Moses] saw a bush,
branches, foliage, and trunk, all burning, yet not consumed. He drew
near to view the wonderful sight, when a voice addressed him from
out of the flame. It was the voice of God. It was He who, as the angel
of the covenant, had revealed Himself to the fathers in ages past. The
frame of Moses quivered, he was thrilled with terror as the Lord called
him by name. With trembling lips he answered, Here am I. He was
warned not to approach his Creator with undue familiarity: Put off
thy shoes from off thy feet; for the place whereon thou standest is
holy ground. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon
God.The Signs of the Times, February 26, 1880.
With his wife and children, Moses set forth on the journey [to
Egypt].... On the way from Midian, Moses received a startling and
terrible warning of the Lords displeasure. An angel appeared to him
in a threatening manner, as if he would immediately destroy him. No
explanation was given; but Moses remembered that he had disregarded
one of Gods requirements; yielding to the persuasion of his wife, he
had neglected to perform the rite of circumcision upon their youngest
son. He had failed to comply with the condition by which his child [91]
could be entitled to the blessings of Gods covenant with Israel....
Zipporah, fearing that her husband would be slain, performed the rite
herself, and the angel then permitted Moses to pursue his journey. In
66
his mission to Pharaoh, Moses was to be placed in a position of great

peril; his life could be preserved only through the protection of holy
angels. But while living in neglect of a known duty, he would not be
secure; for he could not be shielded by the angels of God.Patriarchs
Aaron, being instructed by angels, went forth to meet his brother,
from whom he had been so long separated; and they met amid the
desert solitudes, near Horeb.... Together they journeyed to Egypt; and
having reached the land of Goshen, they proceeded to assemble the
elders of Israel.Patriarchs and Prophets, 257.
The Plagues of Egypt
Moses and Aaron were Gods representatives to a bold, defiant
king, and to impenitent priests, hardened in rebellion, who had allied
themselves to evil angels. Pharaoh and the great men of Egypt were
not ignorant in regard to the wise government of God. A bright light
had been shining through the ages, pointing to God, to His righteous
government, and to the claims of His law. Joseph and the children of
Israel in Egypt had made known the knowledge of God. Even after the
people of Israel had been brought into bondage to the Egyptians, not
all were regarded as slaves. Many were placed in important positions,
and these were witnesses for God.The Youths Instructor, April 8,
[92] 1897.
Satan ... well knew that Moses was chosen of God to break the
yoke of bondage upon the children of Israel.... He consulted with
his angels how to accomplish a work which should answer a twofold
purpose: 1. To destroy the influence of the work wrought by God
through His servant Moses, by working through his agents, and thus
counterfeiting the true work of God; 2. To exert an influence by his
work through the magicians which would reach down through all ages
and destroy in the minds of many true faith in the mighty miracles
and works to be performed by Christ when He should come to this
world.Testimonies for the Church 1:291.
Moses and Aaron entered the lordly halls of the king of Egypt.
There, ... before the monarch of the most powerful kingdom then in
existence, stood the two representatives of the enslaved race, to repeat
the command from God for Israels release. The king demanded a
67
miracle, in evidence of their divine commission.... Aaron now took

the rod, and cast it down before Pharaoh. It became a serpent. The
monarch sent for his wise men and the sorcerers, who cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents; but Aarons rod swallowed
up their rods. ...
The magicians did not really cause their rods to become serpents;
but by magic, aided by the great deceiver, they were able to produce
this appearance. It was beyond the power of Satan to change the rods
to living serpents. The prince of evil, though possessing all the wisdom
and might of an angel fallen, has not power to create, or to give life;
this is the prerogative of God alone. But all that was in Satans power
to do, he did; he produced a counterfeit. To human sight the rods [93]
were changed to serpents.... There was nothing in their appearance to
distinguish them from the serpent produced by Moses. Though the
Lord caused the real serpent to swallow up the spurious ones, yet even
this was regarded by Pharaoh, not as a work of Gods power, but as
the result of a kind of magic superior to that of his servants.
Pharaoh desired to justify his stubbornness in resisting the divine
command, and hence he was seeking some pretext for disregarding the
miracles that God had wrought through Moses. Satan gave him just
what he wanted. By the work that he wrought through the magicians,
he made it appear to the Egyptians that Moses and Aaron were only
magicians and sorcerers, and that the message they brought could
not claim respect as coming from a superior being. Thus Satans
counterfeit accomplished its purpose, of emboldening the Egyptians
in their rebellion, and causing Pharaoh to harden his heart against
conviction. Satan hoped also to shake the faith of Moses and Aaron in
the divine origin of their mission.Patriarchs and Prophets, 263, 264.
When the miracles were wrought before the king, Satan was on
the ground to counteract their influence and prevent Pharaoh from
acknowledging the supremacy of God and obeying his mandate. Satan
wrought to the utmost of his power to counterfeit the work of God
and resist His will. The only result was to prepare the way for greater
exhibitions of the divine power and glory, and to make more apparent,
both to the Israelites and to all Egypt, the existence and sovereignty of
[94]
the true and living God.Patriarchs and Prophets, 334.
The storm [the seventh plague] came on the morrow as predicted
thunder and hail, and fire mingled with it, destroying every herb,
68
shattering trees, and smiting man and beast. Hitherto none of the
lives of the Egyptians had been taken, but now death and desolation
followed in the track of the destroying angel. The land of Goshen
alone was spared.The Signs of the Times, March 18, 1880.
The Lord through Moses gave direction to the children of Israel
concerning their departure from Egypt, and especially for their preservation from the coming judgment. Each family, alone or in connection
with others, was to slay a lamb or a kid without blemish, and with a
bunch of hyssop sprinkle its blood on the two sideposts and on the
upper doorpost of the house, that the destroying angel, coming at
midnight, might not enter that dwelling....
The Lord declared: I will pass through the land of Egypt this
night, and will smite all the first-born in the land.... And the blood
shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are; and when I
see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon
you to destroy you.Patriarchs and Prophets, 274.
The children of Israel had followed the directions given them of
God; and while the angel of death was passing from house to house
among the Egyptians, they were all ready for their journey.The Spirit
of Prophecy 1:204.
About midnight every Egyptian household was aroused from their
sleep by the cry of pain. They feared they were all to die. They
[95] remembered when the cry of distress and mourning was heard from
the Hebrews because of the inhuman decree of a cruel king to slay
all their male infants as soon as they were born. The Egyptians could
not see the avenging angel, who entered every house and dealt the
death blow, but they knew that it was the Hebrews God who was
causing them to suffer the same distress they had made the Israelites
to suffer.The Youths Instructor, May 1, 1873.
Christ, Israels Invisible Leader
In Egypt the report was spread that the children of Israel ... were
pressing on toward the Red Sea.... Pharaoh collected his forces ...
[and] attended by the great men of his realm, headed the attacking
army.
The Hebrews were encamped beside the sea.... Suddenly they beheld in the distance the flashing armor and moving chariots betokening
69
the advance guard of a great army.... Terror filled the hearts of Israel.
Some cried unto the Lord, but the far greater part hastened to Moses
with their complaints.... His calm and assuring reply to the people was,
Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. ...
The wonderful pillar of cloud had been followed as the signal of
God to go forward; but now they questioned among themselves if it
might not foreshadow some great calamity; for had it not led them
on the wrong side of the mountain, into an impassable way? Thus
the angel of God appeared to their deluded minds as the harbinger of
disaster.
But now, as the Egyptian host approached them, expecting to
make them an easy prey, the cloudy column rose majestically into [96]
the heavens, passed over the Israelites, and descended between them
and the armies of Egypt. A wall of darkness interposed between the
pursued and their pursuers. The Egyptians could no longer discern the
camp of the Hebrews, and were forced to halt. But as the darkness of
night deepened, the wall of cloud became a great light to the Hebrews,
flooding the entire encampment with the radiance of day.
Then hope returned to the hearts of Israel. And Moses lifted up his
voice unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Moses, ... Speak unto
the children of Israel, that they go forward. But lift thou up thy rod,
and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children
of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. ...
The Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the
sea, even all Pharaohs horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it
came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host
of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled
the host of the Egyptians.Patriarchs and Prophets, 283-287.
Angels of God went through their host and removed their chariot
wheels.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:209.
The Egyptians were seized with confusion and dismay..., they
endeavored to retrace their steps, and flee to the shore they had quitted.
But Moses stretched out his rod, and the piled-up waters, hissing,
roaring, and eager for their prey, rushed together, and swallowed the
Egyptian army in their black depths.Patriarchs and Prophets, 287. [97]
[The] Leader [of the Israelites] was a mighty general of armies. His
angels, that do His bidding, walked on either side of the vast armies of
Israel, and no harm could come to them. Israel was safe.... Then came
70
the sacred song of triumph, led by Miriam.The Review and Herald,

June 1, 1897.
Jesus was the angel enshrouded in the pillar of cloud by day and
[98] the pillar of fire by night.The Review and Herald, June 17, 1890.
Chapter 9Angels From Sinai to the Taking of

Jericho
Angels in Israels Wilderness Wanderings
Christ was the angel appointed of God to go before Moses in the
wilderness, conducting the Israelites in their travels to the land of
Canaan.The Review and Herald, May 6, 1875.
In all the way of Gods leading, they [the Israelites] had found
water to refresh the thirsty, bread from heaven to satisfy their hunger,
and peace and safety under the shadowy cloud by day and the fiery
pillar by night. Angels were ministering to them as they climbed the
rocky heights, or threaded the rugged paths of the wilderness.The
Signs of the Times, October 21, 1880.
God manifested His great care and love for His people in sending
them bread from heaven. Man did eat angels food: that is, food
provided for them by the angels.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:226.
Israel at Sinai
And now before them in solemn majesty Mount Sinai lifted its [99]
massive front. The cloudy pillar rested upon its summit, and the people
spread their tents upon the plain beneath. Here was to be their home
for nearly a year. At night the pillar of fire assured them of the divine
protection, and while they were locked in slumber, the bread of heaven
fell gently upon the encampment....
Soon after the encampment at Sinai, Moses was called up into the
mountain to meet with God. Alone he climbed the steep and rugged
path, and drew near to the cloud that marked the place of Jehovahs
presence. Israel was now to be taken into a close and peculiar relation
to the Most High....
Speaking out of the thick darkness that enshrouded Him, as He
stood upon the mount, surrounded by a retinue of angels, the Lord
made known His law.... Arrangements were now to be made for the
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72
full establishment of the chosen nation under Jehovah as their king.

Patriarchs and Prophets, 301, 303, 304, 312.
Let Them Make Me a Sanctuary
During his stay in the mount, Moses received directions for the
building of a sanctuary in which the divine presence would be specially
manifested. Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among
them, was the command of God.Patriarchs and Prophets, 313.
The building [tabernacle] was divided into two apartments by a
rich and beautiful curtain, or veil, suspended from gold-plated pillars;
and a similar veil closed the entrance of the first apartment. These,
[100] like the inner covering, which formed the ceiling, were of the most
gorgeous colors, blue, purple, and scarlet, beautifully arranged, while
inwrought with threads of gold and silver were cherubim to represent
the angelic host who are connected with the work of the heavenly
sanctuary, and who are ministering spirits to the people of God on
earth.Patriarchs and Prophets, 347.
After the building of the tabernacle was completed, Moses examined all the work, and compared it with the pattern, and directions he
had received of God, and he saw that every part of it agreed with the
pattern; and he blessed the people. God gave a pattern of the ark to
Moses, with special directions how to make it. The ark was made to
contain the tables of stone, on which God engraved, with His own
finger, the ten commandments. It was in form like a chest, and was
overlaid and inlaid with pure gold. It was ornamented with crowns of
gold round about the top.
The cover of this sacred chest was the mercy-seat, made of solid
gold. On each end of the mercy-seat was fixed a cherub of pure, solid
gold. Their faces were turned toward each other, and were looking
reverentially downward toward the mercy-seat, which represents all
the heavenly angels looking with interest and reverence to the law of
God deposited in the ark in the heavenly sanctuary. These cherubs had
wings. One wing of each angel was stretched forth on high, while the
other wing of each angel covered their forms.
The ark of the earthly sanctuary was the pattern of the true ark in
heaven. There, beside the heavenly ark, stand living angels, at either
end of the ark, each with one wing overshadowing the mercy-seat, and
Angels From Sinai to the Taking of Jericho
73
stretching forth on high, while the other wings are folded over their [101]
forms in token of reverence and humility.The Spirit of Prophecy
1:272.
Above the mercy-seat was the shekinah, the manifestation of the
divine presence; and from between the cherubim, God made known
His will. Divine messages were sometimes communicated to the high
priest by a voice from the cloud.Patriarchs and Prophets, 349.
When the Lord did not answer by a voice, He let the sacred beams
of light and glory rest upon the cherubim upon the right of the ark, in
approbation, or favor. If their requests were refused, a cloud rested
upon the cherubim at the left.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:399.
Through Christ was to be fulfilled the purpose of which the tabernacle was a symbolthat glorious building, its walls of glistening
gold reflecting in rainbow hues the curtains inwrought with cherubim,
the fragrance of ever-burning incense pervading all, the priests robed
in spotless white, and in the deep mystery of the inner place, above
the mercy-seat, between the figures of the bowed, worshiping angels,
the glory of the Holiest. In all, God desired His people to read His
purpose for the human soul. It was the same purpose long afterward
set forth by the apostle Paul, speaking by the Holy Spirit:
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of
God dwelleth in you?Education, 36.
At the very foot of Sinai, Satan began to execute his plans for
overthrowing the law of God, thus carrying forward the same work [102]
he had begun in heaven. During the forty days while Moses was in
the mount with God, Satan was busy, exciting doubt, apostasy, and
rebellion. While God was writing down His law, to be committed to
His covenant people, the Israelites, denying their loyalty to Jehovah,
were demanding gods of gold! ...
The whole universe had been witness to the scenes at Sinai. In the
working out of the two administrations was seen the contrast between
the government of God and that of Satan. Again the sinless inhabitants
of other worlds beheld the results of Satans apostasy, and the kind
of government he would have established in heaven, had he been
permitted to bear sway.Patriarchs and Prophets, 335, 336.
Can we marvel that the excellent glory reflected from Omnipotence shone in Moses face with such brightness that the people could
not look upon it? The impress of God was upon him, making him
74
appear as one of the shining angels from the throne.Testimonies for

the Church 4:533.
Throughout their journeyings, as they [the Israelites] complained
of the difficulties in the way, and murmured against their leaders,
Moses had told them, Your murmurings are against God. It is not I,
but God, who has wrought in your deliverance. But his hasty words
before the rock, Shall we bring water? were a virtual admission of
their charge.... The Lord would remove this impression forever from
their minds, by forbidding Moses to enter the Promised Land. Here
was unmistakable evidence that their leader was not Moses, but the
mighty Angel of whom the Lord had said, Behold, I send an Angel
[103] before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place
which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice; ... for my
name is in him.Patriarchs and Prophets, 419.
The Death and Resurrection of Moses
Moses turned from the congregation, and in silence and alone
made his way up the mountainside.... Upon that lonely height he
stood, and gazed with undimmed eye upon the scene spread out before
It was not the will of God that anyone should go up with Moses
to the top of Pisgah. There he stood, upon a high prominence upon
Pisgahs top, in the presence of God and heavenly angels.Spiritual
Gifts 4a:57.
The angels also revealed to Moses that although he mourned because he had sinned and could not enter the Promised Land, and
although he felt that he had caused the children of Israel to sin, yet it
was their own sin, their murmuring and complaining spirit, that had
led him to deviate from the right and commit a sin that kept him out of
the Promised Land. The angels told him that he was not the greatest
sufferer, that he did not feel in his heart the fullest depth of their sin,
but that Christ, their invisible leader, was the one against whom they
had transgressed....
The heavenly messengers also referred to the sacrificial offerings
typifying the crucifixion of Christ, and opened before Moses mind
the events that should take place in the future.... When the view of
[104] the crucifixion was presented before Moses, what a scene there must
75
have been on Pisgahs summit! ... He viewed the panoramic scenes

passing before him in which he saw the sufferings of the Angel who
had led the Israelites through the wilderness, guiding them in their
wandering journey from Egypt to Canaan.... When he beheld the
Saviours ascension and saw that he himself would be one of those
who should attend the Saviour and open to Him the everlasting gates,
what a change took place in the expression on his face! ...
He saw the earth purified by fire and cleansed from every vestige
of sin, every mark of the curse, and renovated and given to the saints
to possess forever and ever.... As Moses beheld this scene, joy and
triumph were expressed in his countenance. He could understand the
force of all the angels revealed to him. He took in the whole scene as
it was presented before him.10MR 151, 152, 154, 155, 158, 159.
After he had viewed Canaan to his satisfaction, he lay down like
a tired warrior, to rest. Sleep came upon him, but it was the sleep of
death. Angels took his body and buried it in the valley. The Israelites
could never find the place where he was buried....
Satan exulted that he had succeeded in causing Moses to sin against
God. For this transgression, Moses came under the dominion of death.
If he had continued faithful, and his life had not been marred with
that one transgression, in failing to give to God the glory of bringing
water from the rock, he would have entered the Promised Land, and
would have been translated to heaven without seeing death. Michael,
or Christ, with the angels that buried Moses, came down from heaven, [105]
after he had remained in the grave a short time, and resurrected him.
Spiritual Gifts 4a:57, 58.
The power of the grave had never been broken, and all who were
in the tomb he [Satan] claimed as his captives, never to be released
from his dark prison-house.
For the first time, Christ was about to give life to the dead. As the
Prince of life and the shining ones approached the grave, Satan was
alarmed for his supremacy. With his evil angels he stood to dispute an
invasion of the territory that he claimed as his own.Patriarchs and
Prophets, 478.
As Christ and the angels approached the grave, Satan and his angels
appeared at the grave, and were guarding the body of Moses, lest it
should be removed. As Christ and His angels drew nigh, Satan resisted
their approach, but was compelled, by the glory and power of Christ
76
and His angels to fall back. Satan claimed the body of Moses, because
of his one transgression; but Christ meekly referred him to His Father,
saying, The Lord rebuke thee. Christ told Satan that He knew that
Moses had humbly repented of this one wrong, and no stain rested
upon his character, and his name in the heavenly book of records stood
untarnished. Then Christ resurrected the body of Moses.Spiritual
Gifts 4a:58.
Balaam, a Prophet Gone Wrong
God came to Balaam in the night, through one of His angels, and
[106] inquired of him, What men are these with thee? And Balaam said
unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto
me, saying, Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt.... Come,
now, curse me them.... And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go
with them. Thou shalt not curse the people; for they are blessed. The
angel tells Balaam that the children of Israel are conducted under the
banner of the God of heaven; and no curse from man could retard their
progress.
In the morning he [Balaam] arose, and reluctantly told the men to
return to Balak, for the Lord would not suffer him to go with them.
Then Balak sent other princes, ... occupying a more exalted position
than the former messengers; and this time Balaks call was more
urgent. Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee coming unto me, for I
will promote thee unto very great honor.... And Balaam answered and
said, ... If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I
cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more.
Spiritual Gifts 4a:44.
A second time Balaam was tested.... He longed to comply with
the kings request; and although the will of God had already been
definitely made known to him, he urged the messengers to tarry, that
he might further inquire of God; as though the Infinite One were a
man, to be persuaded.Patriarchs and Prophets, 440.
An angel was sent to Balaam to say unto him, If the men come to
call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say
[107] unto thee, that shalt thou do.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:321.
Balaam had received permission to go with the messengers from
Moab, if they came in the morning to call him. But annoyed at his de-
77
lay, and expecting another refusal, they set out their homeward journey
without further consultation with him. Every excuse for complying
with the request of Balak had now been removed. But Balaam was
determined to secure the reward; and taking the beast upon which
he was accustomed to ride, he set out on the journey. He feared that
even now the divine permission might be withdrawn, and he pressed
eagerly forward, impatient lest he should by some means fail to gain
the coveted reward.Patriarchs and Prophets, 441.
Gods anger was kindled against Balaam for his Heaven-daring
folly, and an angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary
against him. The animal, seeing the divine messenger, who was,
however, invisible to the master, turned aside from the highway into a
field. With cruel blows, Balaam brought the beast back into the path;
but again, in a narrow place hemmed in by walls, the angel appeared,
and the animal, trying to avoid the menacing figure, crushed the riders
foot against the wall.The Signs of the Times, November 25, 1880.
Balaams rage was unbounded, and with his staff he smote the
animal more cruelly than before. God now opened its mouth, and by
the dumb ass speaking with mans voice, He forbade the madness
of the prophet. 2 Peter 2:16. What have I done unto thee, it said,
that thou hast smitten me these three times?
Furious at being thus hindered in his journey, Balaam answered
the beast as he would have addressed an intelligent beingBecause [108]
thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for
now would I kill thee. ...
The eyes of Balaam were now opened, and he beheld the angel
of God standing with drawn sword ready to slay him. In terror he
bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. The angel said to him,
Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? Behold, I
went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:
and the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she
had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee. ...
When he beheld the messenger of God, Balaam exclaimed in terror,
I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against
me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.
Patriarchs and Prophets, 442, 443.
After the angel had impressively warned Balaam against gratifying
the Moabites, he gave him permission to pursue his journey....
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Balak met Balaam, and inquired of him why he thus delayed to

come when he sent for him; ... Balaam answered, Lo, I am come unto
thee. He then told him that he had no power to say anything. The word
that God should give him, that could he speak, and could go no further.
Balaam ordered the sacrifices according to the religious rites. God
sent His angel to meet with Balaam, to give him words of utterance,
as He had done on occasions when Balaam was wholly devoted to the
service of God. And the Lord put a word in Balaams mouth, and
... he took up his parable, and said, Balak, the king of Moab, hath
[109] brought me from Aram, ... saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come,
defy Israel. How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how
shall I defy, whom the Lord hath not defied? ...
Balak was disappointed and angry. He exclaims, What hast thou
done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou
hast blessed them altogether. Balak thinks it is the grand appearance
of the Israelites in their tents ... that keeps him from cursing them.
He thinks if he takes him to ... where Israel will not appear to such
advantage, he can obtain a curse from Balaam. Again, at Zophim ...
Balaam offered burnt offerings, and then went by himself to commune
with the angel of God. And the angel told Balaam what to say.The
Spirit of Prophecy 1:322-324.
Joshua Leads Israel Into Canaan
The Israelites deeply mourned for [Moses] their departed leader,
and thirty days were devoted to special services in honor of his memory.... Joshua was now the acknowledged leader of Israel....
Orders were now issued to make ready for an advance.... Leaving
their encampment ... the host descended to the border of the Jordan.
Patriarchs and Prophets, 481, 483.
Four heavenly angels always accompanied the ark of God in all
its journeyings, to guard it from all danger, and to fulfill any mission
required of them in connection with the ark. Jesus the Son of God,
followed by heavenly angels, went before the ark as it came to Jordan;
and the waters were cut off before His presence. Christ and angels
[110] stood by the ark and the priests in the bed of the river, until all Israel
had passed over Jordan.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:399.
79
If the eyes of Joshua had been opened ... and he could have endured
the sight, he would have seen the angels of the Lord encamped about
the children of Israel; for the trained army of heaven had come to fight
for the people of God, and the Captain of the Lords host was there to
command.The Review and Herald, July 19, 1892.
As Joshua withdrew from the armies of Israel, to meditate and
pray for Gods special presence to attend him, he saw a man of lofty
stature, clad in warlike garments, with his sword in his hand.... This
was no common angel. It was the Lord Jesus Christ, He who had
conducted the Hebrews through the wilderness, enshrouded in the
pillar of fire by night, and a pillar of cloud by day. The place was made
sacred by His presence, therefore Joshua was commanded to put off
his shoes.Spiritual Gifts 4a:61.
Awe-stricken, Joshua fell upon his face and worshiped, and heard
the assurance, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king
thereof, and the mighty men of valor, and he received instruction for
the capture of the city.Patriarchs and Prophets, 488.
The Captain of the Lords host did not reveal Himself to all the
congregation. He communicated only with Joshua, who related the
story of this interview to the Hebrews. It rested with them to believe
or to doubt the words of Joshua, to follow the commands given by [111]
him in the name of the Captain of the Lords host, or to rebel against
his directions and deny his authority. They could not see the host of
angels, marshaled by the Son of God.Testimonies for the Church
4:162, 163.
The Taking of Jericho
The Captain of the Lords host Himself came from heaven to lead
the armies of heaven in an attack upon the city. Angels of God laid hold
of the massive walls and brought them to the ground.Testimonies
for the Church 3:264.
Christ and angels attended the circuit of the ark around Jericho, and
finally cast down the massive walls of the city, and delivered Jericho
into the hands of Israel.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:399.
When Jericho fell, no human hand touched the walls of the city,
for the angels of the Lord overthrew the fortifications, and entered the
fortress of the enemy. It was not Israel, but the Captain of the Lords
80
host that took Jericho. But Israel had their part to act to show their
faith in the Captain of their salvation.The Review and Herald, July
19, 1892.
If a single warrior had brought his strength to bear against the walls,
the glory of God would have been lessened and His will frustrated.
But the work was left to the Almighty; and had the foundation of
the battlements been laid in the center of the earth and their summits
reached the arch of heaven, the result would have been all the same,
when the Captain of the Lords host led his legions of angels to the
[112] attack.The Signs of the Times, April 14, 1881.
Chapter 10Angels From the Time of the Judges to

the Early Kingdom
Christ as the Angel of the Lord
When God sent His angels anciently to minister or communicate
to individuals, when they learned that it was an angel they had seen
and talked with, they were struck with awe, and were afraid that they
should die. They had such exalted views of the terrible majesty and
power of God, they thought to be brought into such close connection
with one direct from His holy presence, would destroy them.... Judges
6:22, 23; 13:21, 22; Joshua 5:13-15.Spiritual Gifts 4b:152.
After the death of their leader [Joshua] and of the elders who
were associated with him, the people began gradually to relapse into
idolatry....
The Lord did not permit the sins of His people to pass without
rebuke. There were still faithful worshipers in Israel; and many others,
from habit and early association, attended the worship of God at the
tabernacle. A large company were assembled upon the occasion of a
religious feast, when an angel of God, having first appeared at Gilgal, [113]
revealed himself to the congregation at Shiloh....
This angel, the same that appeared to Joshua at the taking of
Jericho, was no less a personage than the Son of God.... He showed
them that He had not broken His promises to them, but they themselves
had violated their solemn covenant.
And it came to pass, when the angel of the Lord spake these words
unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice and
wept. And they sacrificed there unto the Lord. But their repentance
produced no lasting results.The Signs of the Times, June 2, 1881.
Gideon
Gideon was the son of Joash, of the tribe of Manasseh. The division to which this family belonged held no leading position, but the
household of Joash was distinguished for courage and integrity.... To
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Gideon came the divine call to deliver his people. He was engaged
at the time in threshing wheat.... As Gideon labored in secrecy and
silence, he sadly pondered upon the condition of Israel, and considered
how the oppressors yoke might be broken from off his people.
Suddenly the Angel of the Lord appeared and addressed him
with the words, Jehovah is with thee, thou mighty man of valor.
The angel had veiled the divine glory of His presence, but it was
no other than Christ, the Son of God. When a prophet or an angel
delivered a divine message, his words were, The Lord saith, I will do
[114] this, but it is stated of the Person who talked with Gideon, The Lord
said unto him, I will be with thee.
Desiring to show special honor to his illustrious visitor, and having
obtained the assurance that the Angel would tarry, Gideon hastened
to his tent, and out of his scanty store prepared a kid and unleavened
cakes, which he brought forth to set before Him....
As the gift was presented, the Angel said, Take the flesh and
unleavened cakes, and lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth.
Gideon did so, and then the Lord gave him the sign which he desired.
With the staff in His hand, the Angel touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and a fire rose up out of the rock and consumed the whole
as a sacrifice, and not as a hospitable meal; for he was God, and not
man. After this token of His divine character, the Angel disappeared.
When convinced that he had looked upon the Son of God, Gideon
was filled with fear, and exclaimed, Alas, O Lord God! for because I
have seen an angel of the Lord face to face.
Then the Lord graciously appeared to Gideon a second time and
said, Peace be unto thee, fear not, thou shalt not die. These gracious
words were spoken by the same compassionate Saviour who said to
the tempted disciples upon the stormy sea, It is I; be not afraidHe
who appeared to those sorrowing ones in the upper chamber, and spoke
the selfsame words addressed to Gideon, Peace be unto you.The
Signs of the Times, June 23, 1881.
Samson
[115]
Amid the widespread apostasy, the faithful worshipers of God

continued to plead with Him for the deliverance of Israel.... On the
Angels From the Time of the Judges to the Early Kingdom
83
border of the hill country overlooking the Philistine plain, was the
little town of Zorah. Here dwelt the family of Manoah, of the tribe of
Dan, one of the few households that amid the general defection had
remained true to Jehovah. To the childless wife of Manoah, the Angel
of Jehovah appeared with the message that she should have a son,
through whom God would begin to deliver Israel. In view of this, the
Angel gave her instruction concerning her own habits, and also for the
treatment of her child....
The woman sought her husband, and, after describing the Angel,
she repeated His message. Then, fearful that they should make some
mistake in the important work committed to them, the husband prayed,
Let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and
teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.
When the Angel again appeared, Manoahs anxious inquiry was,
How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him? The
previous instruction was repeatedOf all that I said unto the woman
let her beware. She may not eat of anything that cometh of the vine,
neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing.
All that I commanded her let her observe.Patriarchs and Prophets,
560, 561.
Manoah and his wife knew not that the One thus addressing them
was Jesus Christ. They looked upon Him as the Lords messenger,
but whether a prophet or an angel, they were at a loss to determine.
Wishing to manifest hospitality toward their guest, they entreated [116]
him to remain while they should prepare for him a kid. But in their
ignorance of his character, they knew not whether to offer it for a burnt
offering or to place it before him as food.
The angel answered, Although thou detain me, I will not eat of
thy bread; and if thou wilt offer a burnt offering, thou must offer it
unto the Lord. Feeling assured, now, that his visitor was a prophet,
Manoah said, What is thy name, that when thy sayings come to pass
we may do thee honor?
The answer was, Why askest thou after my name, seeing it is
secret? Perceiving the divine character of his guest, Manoah took a
kid, with a meat offering, and offered it upon a rock unto the Lord; and
the angel did wondrously; and Manoah and his wife looked on. Fire
came from the rock, and consumed the sacrifice, and as the flame went
up toward heaven, the angel of the Lord ascended in the flame of the
84
altar. And Manoah and his wife looked on it, and fell on their faces to
the ground. There could be no further question as to the character of
their visitor. They knew that they had looked upon the Holy One, who,
veiling His glory in the cloudy pillar, had been the guide and helper of
Israel in the desert.
Amazement, awe, and terror filled Manoahs heart, and he could
only exclaim, We shall surely die, because we have seen God! But
his companion in that solemn hour possessed more faith than he. She
reminded him that the Lord had been pleased to accept their sacrifice,
and had promised them a son who should begin to deliver Israel. This
was an evidence of favor instead of wrath.The Signs of the Times,
[117] September 15, 1881.
The divine promise to Manoah was in due time fulfilled in the
birth of a son, upon whom the name of Samson was bestowed. By the
command of the angel no razor was to come upon the childs head, he
being consecrated to God as a Nazarite, from his birth.The Signs of
the Times, October 6, 1881.
Samuel and Eli
Samuel was a child surrounded by the most corrupting influences.
He saw and heard things that grieved his soul. The sons of Eli, who
ministered in holy office, were controlled by Satan. These men polluted the whole atmosphere which surrounded them. Men and women
were daily fascinated with sin and wrong, yet Samuel walked untainted.
His robes of character were spotless. He did not fellowship, or have
the least delight in, the sins which filled all Israel with fearful reports.
Samuel loved God; he kept his soul in such close connection with
heaven that an angel was sent to talk with him in reference to the
sins of Elis sons, which were corrupting Israel.Testimonies for the
Church 3:472, 473.
The transgressions of Elis sons were so daring, ... that no sacrifice
could atone for such willful transgression.... These sinners conducted
the ark to the camp of Israel....
God permitted His ark to be taken by their enemies to show Israel
how vain it was to trust in the ark, the symbol of His presence, while
[118] they were profaning the commandments contained in the ark....
85
The Philistines were triumphant, because they had, as they thought,

the famous God of the Israelites, which had performed such wonders
for them, and had made them a terror to their enemies. They took the
ark of God to Ashdod, and set it in a splendid temple, made in honor of
their most popular god, Dagon, and placed it by the side of their god.
In the morning the priests of these gods entered the temple, and they
were terrified to find Dagon fallen upon his face to the ground before
the ark of the Lord.... The angels of God, who ever accompanied the
ark, prostrated the senseless idol god, and afterward mutilated it, to
show that God, the living God, was above all gods, and before Him
every heathen God was as nothing.Spiritual Gifts 4a:106, 107.
The men of Beth-shemesh quickly spread the tidings that the ark
was in their possession, and the people from the surrounding country
flocked to welcome its return. The ark had been placed upon the stone
that first served for an altar, and before it additional sacrifices were
offered unto the Lord.... Instead of preparing a suitable place for its
reception, they permitted it to remain in the harvest field. As they
continued to gaze upon the sacred chest and to talk of the wonderful
manner in which it had been restored, they began to conjecture wherein
lay its peculiar power. At last, overcome by curiosity, they removed
the coverings and ventured to open it....
Even the heathen Philistines had not dared to remove its coverings.
Angels of heaven, unseen, ever attended it in all its journeyings. The
irreverent daring of the people of Beth-shemesh was speedily punished.
Many were smitten with sudden death.Patriarchs and Prophets, 589. [119]
Saul and Jonathan
God had raised up Samuel to judge Israel. He was honored by
all the people. God was to be acknowledged as their great Head,
yet He designated their rulers, and imbued them with His Spirit, and
communicated His will to them through His angels.Spiritual Gifts
4a:67.
Because of Sauls sin in his presumptuous offering, the Lord would
not give him the honor of vanquishing the Philistines. Jonathan, the
kings son, a man who feared the Lord, was chosen as the instrument
to deliver Israel....
86
Angels of heaven shielded Jonathan and his attendant, angels

fought by their side, and the Philistines fell before them.Patriarchs
and Prophets, 623.
Angels of God fought by the side of Jonathan, and the Philistines
fell all around him. Great fear seized the host of the Philistines in
the field and in the garrison.... The earth trembled beneath them, as
though a great multitude with horsemen and chariots were upon the
ground prepared for battle. Jonathan and his armor-bearer, and even
the Philistine host knew that the Lord was working for the deliverance
of the Hebrews.Spiritual Gifts 4a:70.
Davids Early Years
Samuel came no more to Saul with directions from God. The Lord
could not employ him to carry out His purposes. But He sent Samuel
[120] to the house of Jesse, to anoint David, whom He had selected to be
ruler in place of Saul, whom He had rejected.
As the sons of Jesse passed before Samuel, he would have selected
Eliab, who was of high stature, and dignified appearance, but the angel
of God stood by him to guide him in the important decision, and
instructed him that he should not judge from appearance. Eliab did
not fear the Lord. His heart was not right with God. He would make a
proud, exacting ruler. None were found among the sons of Jesse but
David, the youngest, whose humble occupation was that of tending
sheep.Spiritual Gifts 4a:77, 78.
David was not of lofty stature; but his countenance was beautiful,
expressive of humility, honesty, and true courage. The angel of God
signified to Samuel that David was the one for him to anoint, for he
was Gods chosen. From that time the Lord gave David a prudent and
understanding heart.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:368.
Davids eldest brother, Eliab, ... was jealous of David, because
he was honored before him. He despised David, and looked upon
him as inferior to himself. He accused him before others of stealing
away unknown to his father to see the battle.... David repels the unjust
charge, and says, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? David
is not careful to explain to his brother that he had come to the help of
Israel; that God had sent him to slay Goliath. God had chosen him to
be a ruler of Israel; and as the armies of the living God were in such
87
peril, he had been directed by an angel to save Israel.The Spirit of

[121]
Prophecy 1:371.
Saul Encounters an Angel
[Saul] allowed his impulses to control his judgment, until he was
plunged into a fury of passion. He had paroxysms of rage and madness,
when he was ready to take the life of any that dared oppose his will....
It was Davids blameless character and noble fidelity that had aroused
the wrath of the king; and he deemed the very life and presence of
David cast a reproach upon him....
He came to Ramah, and halted at a great well in Sechu. The people
were coming together to draw water, and he inquired where Samuel
and David were staying. When he was told that they were at Naioth,
he made haste to reach that place. But the angel of God met him on
the way and controlled him. The Spirit of God held him in its power,
and he went on his way uttering prayers to God, interspersed with
predictions and sacred melodies. He prophesied of the coming of
Messiah as the worlds Redeemer. When he came to Naioth in Ramah,
he laid aside his outer garments that betokened his station, and all day,
and all night, he lay before Samuel and his pupils, under the influence
of the divine Spirit.The Signs of the Times, August 24, 1888.
Sauls Sance at Endor and His Death
Again war was declared between Israel and the Philistines.... Saul
had learned that David and his force were with the Philistines, and he
expected that the son of Jesse would take this opportunity to revenge
the wrongs he had suffered. The king was in sore distress.... On the
morrow, Saul must engage the Philistines in battle. The shadows [122]
of impending doom gathered dark about him; he longed for help
and guidance. But it was in vain that he sought counsel from God.
The Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by
prophets. ...
Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath
a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. ... It was
told the king that a woman who had a familiar spirit was living in
concealment at Endor. This woman had entered into covenant with
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Satan to yield herself to his control, to fulfill his purposes; and in

return, the prince of evil wrought wonders for her, and revealed secret
things to her.
Disguising himself, Saul went forth by night with but two attendants, to seek the retreat of the sorceress.... Under the cover of darkness, Saul and his attendants made their way across the plain, and
safely passing the Philistine host, they crossed the mountain ridge, to
the lonely home of the sorceress of Endor....
After practicing her incantations, she said, I saw gods ascending
out of the earth.... An old man cometh up, and he is covered with a
mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel. ...
It was not Gods holy prophet that came forth at the spell of a
sorcerers incantation. Samuel was not present in that haunt of evil
spirits. That supernatural appearance was produced solely by the
power of Satan.Patriarchs and Prophets, 675, 676, 679.
The womans first words under the spell of her incantation had
been addressed to the king, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art
[123] Saul. Thus the first act of the evil spirit which personated the prophet,
was to communicate secretly with this wicked woman, to warn her
of the deception that had been practiced upon her. The message to
Saul from the pretended prophet was, Why hast thou disquieted me,
to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the
Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and
answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams; therefore
I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall
do.
When Samuel was living, Saul had despised his counsel, and had
resented his reproofs. But now, in the hour of his distress and calamity,
he felt that the prophets guidance was his only hope, and in order
to communicate with Heavens ambassador, he vainly had recourse
to the messenger of hell! Saul had placed himself fully in the power
of Satan; and now he whose only delight is in causing misery and
destruction, made the most of his advantage, to work the ruin of the
unhappy king. In answer to Sauls agonized entreaty came the terrible
message, professedly from the lips of Samuel:
Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the Lord is departed
from thee, and is become thine enemy? ... Because thou obeyedst not
the voice of the Lord, ... therefore ... the Lord will also deliver Israel
89
with thee into the hand of the Philistines.Patriarchs and Prophets,

680.
When Saul inquired for Samuel, the Lord did not cause Samuel to
appear to Saul. He saw nothing. Satan was not allowed to disturb the
rest of Samuel in the grave, and bring him up in reality to the witch
of Endor. God does not give Satan power to resurrect the dead. But [124]
Satans angels assume the form of dead friends, and speak and act
like them, that through professed dead friends he can better carry on
his work of deception. Satan knew Samuel well, and he knew how to
represent him before the witch of Endor, and to utter correctly the fate
of Saul and his sons.The Spirit of Prophecy 1:376.
The Scripture account of Sauls visit to the woman of Endor has
been a source of perplexity to many students of the Bible. There are
some who take the position that Samuel was actually present at the
interview with Saul, but the Bible itself furnishes sufficient ground for
a contrary conclusion. If, as claimed by some, Samuel was in heaven,
he must have been summoned thence, either by the power of God or by
that of Satan. None can believe for a moment that Satan had power to
call the holy prophet of God from heaven to honor the incantations of
an abandoned woman. Nor can we conclude that God summoned him
to the witchs cave; for the Lord had already refused to communicate
with Saul by dreams, by Urim, or by prophets. These were Gods own
appointed mediums of communication, and he did not pass them by to
deliver the message through the agent of Satan.
The message itself is sufficient evidence of its origin. Its object
was not to lead Saul to repentance, but to urge him on to ruin; and
this is not the work of God, but of Satan. Furthermore, the act of Saul
in consulting a sorceress is cited in Scripture as one reason why he
was rejected by God and abandoned to destruction. Saul died for his
transgression which he committed against the Lord, even against the
word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of [125]
one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it; and inquired not of the
Lord; therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the
son of Jesse. 1 Chronicles 10:13, 14.Patriarchs and Prophets, 683. [126]
Chapter 11Angels From Davids Time to the

Babylonian Captivity
Davids Reign
The ark remained in the house of Abinadab until David was made
king. He gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand,
and went to bring up the ark of God. They sat the ark upon a new
cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab. Uzzah and Ahio,
sons of Abinadab, drave the cart. David and all the house of Israel
played before the Lord on all manner of musical instruments. And
when they came to Nachons threshing-floor, Uzzah put forth his hand
to the ark of God, and took hold of it, for the oxen shook it. And
the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God smote him
there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God. Uzzah was
angry with the oxen, because they stumbled. He showed a manifest
distrust of God, as though He who had brought the ark from the land
of the Philistines, could not take care of it. Angels who attended the
ark struck down Uzzah for presuming impatiently to put his hand upon
[127] the ark of God.Spiritual Gifts 4a:111.
With a view to extending his conquests among foreign nations,
David determined to increase his army by requiring military service
from all who were of proper age. To effect this, it became necessary
to take a census of the population. It was pride and ambition that
prompted this action of the king....
The object of the undertaking was directly contrary to the principles
of a theocracy. Even Joab remonstrated, unscrupulous as he had
heretofore shown himself.... Nevertheless the kings word prevailed
against Joab. ...
The next morning a message was brought to David by the prophet
Gad: Thus saith the Lord, Choose thee either three years famine; or
three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of
thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the Lord,
even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying
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Angels From Davids Time to the Babylonian Captivity
91
throughout all the coasts of Israel. Now therefore, said the prophet,
advise thyself what word I shall bring again to him that sent me.
The kings answer was, ... Let us fall now into the hand of the
Lord; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of
man.Patriarchs and Prophets, 747, 748.
Swift destruction followed. Seventy thousand were destroyed
by pestilence. David and the elders of Israel were in the deepest
humiliation, mourning before the Lord. As the angel of the Lord
was on his way to destroy Jerusalem, God bade him stay his work of
death.... The angel, clad in warlike garments, with a drawn sword in
his hand, stretched out over Jerusalem, is revealed to David, and to [128]
those who are with him. David is terribly afraid, yet he cries out in
his distress and his compassion for Israel. He begs of God to save
the sheep. In anguish he confesses, I have sinned, and I have done
wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Let thine hand, I pray
thee, be against me, and against my fathers house.The Spirit of
Prophecy 1:385, 386.
The destroying angel had stayed his course outside Jerusalem.
He stood upon Mount Moriah, in the threshing-floor of Ornan the
Jebusite. Directed by the prophet, David went to the mountain, and
there built an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace
offerings, and called upon the Lord; and he answered him from heaven
by fire upon the altar of burnt offering. So the Lord was entreated
for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.
The spot upon which the altar was erected, henceforth ever to be
regarded as holy ground, was tendered to the king by Ornan as a gift.
But the king declined thus to receive it.... David gave to Ornan for the
place six hundred shekels of gold by weight. This spot, memorable
as the place where Abraham had built the altar to offer up his son, and
now hallowed by this great deliverance, was afterward chosen as the
site of the temple erected by Solomon....
From the very opening of Davids reign, one of his most cherished
plans had been that of erecting a temple to the Lord. Though he had
not been permitted to execute this design, he had manifested no less
zeal and earnestness in its behalf.Patriarchs and Prophets, 748, 750. [129]
The Lord, through His angel, instructed David, and gave him
a pattern of the house which Solomon should build for Him. An
angel was commissioned to stand by David while he was writing out,
92
for the benefit of Solomon, the important directions in regard to the

arrangements of the house.Spiritual Gifts 4a:94.
Solomon
The hearts of the people were turned toward Solomon, as they
were to David, and they obey him in all things. The Lord sends His
angel to instruct Solomon by a dream, in the night season. He dreams
that God converses with him. And God said, Ask what I shall give
thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David, my
father, great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in
righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept
for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his
throne, as it is this day.... Give, therefore, thy servant an understanding
heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad;
for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?Spiritual Gifts
4a:96, 97.
In addition to the cherubim on the top of the ark, Solomon made
two other angels of larger size, standing at each end of the ark, representing the heavenly angels always guarding the law of God. It
is impossible to describe the beauty and splendor of this tabernacle.
There, as in the tabernacle [in the wilderness], the sacred ark was borne
[130] in solemn, reverential order, and set in its place beneath the wings
of the two stately cherubim that stood upon the floor.The Spirit of
Prophecy 1:413.
Elijah
After his first appearance to Ahab, denouncing upon him the judgments of God because of his and Israels apostasy, God directed his
course from Jezebels power to a place of safety in the mountains, by
the brook Cherith. There He honored Elijah by sending food to him
morning and evening by an angel of heaven. Then, as the brook became dry, He sent him to the widow of Sarepta, and wrought a miracle
daily to keep the widows family and Elijah in food.Testimonies for
the Church 3:288.
Facing King Ahab and the false prophets and surrounded by the
assembled hosts of Israel, Elijah stands, the only one who has appeared
93
to vindicate the honor of Jehovah. He whom the whole kingdom

has charged with its weight of woe, is now before them, apparently
defenseless in the presence of the monarch of Israel, the prophets of
Baal, the men of war, and the surrounding thousands. But Elijah is
not alone. Above and around him are the protecting hosts of heaven
angels that excel in strength.Prophets and Kings, 147.
In the full light of the sun, surrounded by thousandsmen of war,
prophets of Baal, and the monarch of Israelstands the defenseless
man, Elijah, apparently alone, yet not alone. The most powerful host
of heaven surrounds him. Angels who excel in strength have come
from heaven to shield the faithful and righteous prophet. With stern [131]
and commanding voice Elijah cries: How long halt ye between two
opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow
him. And the people answered him not a word.Testimonies for the
Church 3:280.
While Israel on Carmel doubt and hesitate, the voice of Elijah
again breaks the silence: I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord;
but Baals prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Let them therefore
give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves,
and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I
will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood and put no fire under:
and call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the
Lord: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God.Prophets
and Kings, 148, 149.
How gladly would Satan, who fell like lightning from heaven, come
to the help of those whom he had deceived, and whose minds he had
controlled, and who were fully devoted to his service. Gladly would
he have sent the lightning and kindled their sacrifices; but Jehovah had
set Satans bounds. He had restrained his power, and all his devices
could not convey one spark to Baals altars.The Review and Herald,
September 30, 1873.
Did God forsake Elijah in his hour of trial? Oh, no! He loved His
servant no less when Elijah felt himself forsaken of God and man, than
when, in answer to his prayer, fire flashed from heaven and illuminated
the mountain top. And now, as Elijah slept, a soft touch and a pleasant
voice awoke him. He started up in terror, as if to flee, fearing that the [132]
enemy had discovered him. But the pitying face bending over him
was not the face of an enemy, but of a friend. God had sent an angel
94
from heaven with food for His servant. Arise and eat, the angel said.
And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and
a cruse of water at his head.
After Elijah had partaken of the refreshment prepared for him, he
slept again. A second time the angel came. Touching the exhausted
man, he said with pitying tenderness, Arise and eat; because the
journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink:
and in the strength of that food he was able to journey forty days and
forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God, where he found refuge in
a cave.Prophets and Kings, 166.
In the desert, in loneliness and discouragement [after his mountaintop experience on Mt. Carmel], Elijah had said that he had had
enough of life and had prayed that he might die. But the Lord in His
mercy had not taken him at his word. There was yet a great work for
Elijah to do.Prophets and Kings, 228.
Through a mighty angel the word of the Lord came to him, What
doest thou here, Elijah? In bitterness of soul, Elijah mourned out his
complaint: I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for
the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine
altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword: and I, even I only, am
left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
[133]
Calling upon the prophet to leave the cave in which he had hidden,
the angel bade him stand before the Lord on the mount, and listen to
His word. As Elijah obeyed, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great
and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks
before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind
an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the
earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a
still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped
his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of
the cave. His petulance was silenced, his spirit softened and subdued.
He now knew that a quiet trust, a firm reliance on God, would ever
find for him a present help in time of need.The Review and Herald,
October 23, 1913.
When Elijah was about to leave Elisha, he said to him, Ask what
I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said,
I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. [2 Kings
2:9.]GW (1915) 116.
95
And he [Elijah] said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless,

if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee;
... and it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold,
there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them
both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot
[134]
of Israel, and the horsemen thereof!Education, 60.
Elisha
In Second Kings we read how holy angels came on a mission to
guard the Lords chosen servants. The prophet Elisha was in Dothan,
and thither the king of ... [Syria] sent horses and chariots and a great
host to take him. And when the servant of the man of God was risen
early, and gone forth, behold an host compassed the city with horses
and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how
shall we do?Australian Union Gleaner. August 20, 1902.
Fear not, was the answer of the prophet; for they that be with us
are more than they that be with them. And then, that the servant might
know this for himself, Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray Thee,
open his eyes, that he may see. The Lord opened the eyes of the
young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses
and chariots of fire round about Elisha. Between the servant of God
and the hosts of armed foemen was an encircling band of heavenly
angels. They had come down in mighty power, not to destroy, not to
exact homage, but to encamp round about and minister to the Lords
weak and helpless ones.Prophets and Kings, 256, 257.
It was not given Elisha to follow his master in a fiery chariot. Upon
him the Lord permitted to come a lingering illness. During the long
hours of human weakness and suffering, his faith laid fast hold on the
promises of God, and he beheld ever about him heavenly messengers
of comfort and peace. As on the heights of Dothan he had seen the [135]
encircling hosts of heaven, the fiery chariots of Israel and the horsemen
thereof, so now he was conscious of the presence of sympathizing
angels; and he was sustained.Prophets and Kings, 263, 264.
96
Isaiah
In Isaiahs day idolatry itself no longer provoked surprise. Iniquitous practices had become so prevalent among all classes, that the
few who remained true to God were often tempted to lose heart, and
to give way to discouragement and despair....
Such thoughts as these were crowding through Isaiahs mind as
he stood under the portico of the temple. Suddenly the gate and the
inner veil of the temple seemed to be uplifted or withdrawn, and he
was permitted to gaze within, upon the holy of holies, where even the
prophets feet might not enter. There rose up before him a vision of
Jehovah sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, while the train of
His glory filled the temple. On each side of the throne hovered the
seraphim, their faces veiled in adoration, as they ministered before
their Maker, and united in the solemn invocation, Holy, holy, holy, is
the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory.Prophets and
Kings, 306, 307.
An indescribable glory emanated from a personage on the throne,
and His train filled the temple.... Cherubim were on either side of
the mercy-seat, as guards round the great King, and they glowed with
the glory that enshrouded them from the presence of God. As their
[136] songs of praise resounded in deep, earnest notes of adoration, the
pillars of the gate trembled, as if shaken by an earthquake. These holy
beings sang forth the praise and glory of God with lips unpolluted
with sin. The contrast between the feeble praise which he [Isaiah] had
been accustomed to bestow upon the Creator and the fervid praises of
the seraphim, astonished and humiliated the prophet. He had for the
time being, the sublime privilege of appreciating the spotless purity of
Jehovahs exalted character.
While he listened to the song of the angels, as they cried, Holy,
holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory,
the glory, the infinite power, and the unsurpassed majesty of the Lord
passed before his vision, and was impressed upon his soul. In the light
of this matchless radiance, that made manifest all he could bear in the
revelation of the divine character, his own inward defilement stood out
before him with startling clearness. His very words seemed vile to
him.The Review and Herald, October 16, 1888.
97
The seraphim dwelt in the presence of Jesus, yet they vailed with
their wings their faces and their feet. They looked upon the King in His
beauty, and covered themselves. When Isaiah saw the glory of God,
his soul was prostrated in the dust. Because of the unclouded vision he
was graciously permitted to behold, he was filled with self-abasement.
This will ever be the effect upon the human mind when the beams of
the Sun of Righteousness shine gloriously upon the soul.... As the
increasing glory of Christ is revealed, the human agent will see no
glory in himself; for the concealed deformity of his soul is laid bare,
and self-esteem and self-glorying are extinguished. Self dies, and [137]
Christ lives.BE&The Signs of the Times, December 3, 1894.
Such was the prospect that greeted Isaiah when he was called to
the prophetic mission; yet he was not discouraged, for ringing in his
ears was the triumphal chorus of the angels surrounding the throne of
God, The whole earth is full of His glory. Isaiah 6:3. And his faith
was strengthened by visions of the glorious conquests by the church
of God, when the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as
the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:9.Prophets and Kings, 371.
Ezekiel
Upon the banks of the river Chebar, Ezekiel beheld a whirlwind
seeming to come from the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding
itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the
color of amber. A number of wheels intersecting one another were
moved by four living beings. High above all these was the likeness of
a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and upon the likeness
of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon
it. And there appeared in the cherubims the form of a mans hand
under their wings. Ezekiel 1:4, 26; 10:8.
The wheels were so complicated in arrangement that at first sight
they appeared to be in confusion; yet they moved in perfect harmony.
Heavenly beings, sustained and guided by the hand beneath the wings
of the cherubim, were impelling those wheels; above them, upon the
sapphire throne, was the Eternal One; and round about the throne was [138]
a rainbow, the emblem of divine mercy.
As the wheel-like complications were under the guidance of the
hand beneath the wings of the cherubim, so the complicated play of
98
human events is under divine control. Amidst the strife and tumult of
nations, He that sitteth above the cherubim still guides the affairs of
[139] this earth.Prophets and Kings, 535, 536.
Chapter 12Angels From the Captivity to John the

Baptist
Daniel and His Three Companions
The love and fear of God was before Daniel, and he educated
and trained all his powers to respond as far as possible to the loving
care of the Great Teacher, conscious of his amenability to God. The
four Hebrew children would not allow selfish motives and love of
amusements to occupy the golden moments of this life. They worked
with a willing heart and ready mind. This is no higher standard than
every Christian may attain. God requires of every Christian scholar
more than has been given him. Ye are a spectacle unto the world, and
to angels, and to men.Fundamentals of Christian Education, 230.
Those who do as Daniel and his fellows did will have the cooperation of God and the angels.Manuscript Releases 4:125.
Nebuchadnezzars Fiery Furnace
As in the days of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, so in the
closing period of earths history the Lord will work mightily in behalf
of those who stand steadfastly for the right. He who walked with [140]
the Hebrew worthies in the fiery furnace will be with His followers
wherever they are. His abiding presence will comfort and sustain. In
the midst of the time of troubletrouble such as has not been since
there was a nationHis chosen ones will stand unmoved. Satan with
all the hosts of evil cannot destroy the weakest of Gods saints. Angels
that excel in strength will protect them, and in their behalf Jehovah
will reveal Himself as a God of gods, able to save to the uttermost
those who have put their trust in Him.Prophets and Kings, 513.
Belshazzars Feast
While they were that night in the midst of idolatrous mirth, the
kings countenance suddenly pales, and he seems paralyzed with terror;
99
100
for lo! a bloodless hand is tracing mystic characters on the wall over
against him. The revelers discern the curious and, to them, unintelligible writing. The exciting merriment dies away, and a painful silence
falls upon the throng. The kings thoughts troubled him, the joints
of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.
Trembling with alarm, he cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the
Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the
wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me
the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed in scarlet, and have a chain
of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom. But
these men are no more able to interpret the mystic characters traced
[141] by the hand of an angel of God than they were to interpret the dream
of Nebuchadnezzar.The Review and Herald, February 8, 1881.
There was a witness ... in Belshazzars palace at that festival....
The angel on that occasion traced the characters over against the walls
of the palace.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 517.
Daniel in the Lions Den
Daniel prayed unto his God three times a day. Satan is enraged at
the sound of fervent prayer, for he knows that he will suffer loss. Daniel
was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent
spirit was in him. Fallen angels feared his influence would weaken
their control over the rulers of the kingdom.... The accusing host of
evil angels stirred up the presidents and princes to envy and jealousy,
and they watched Daniel closely to find some occasion against him
that they might report him to the king, but they failed. Then these
agents of Satan sought to make his faithfulness to God the cause of his
destruction. Evil angels laid out the plan for them, and these agents
readily carried it into effect. The king was ignorant of the subtle
mischief purposed against Daniel.
With the full knowledge of the kings decree he [Daniel] still bows
before his God, his windows being open. He considers supplication
to God of sufficient importance to sacrifice his life rather than to
relinquish it. On account of his praying to God he was cast into the
[142] lions den. Evil angels accomplished their purpose thus far. But Daniel
continues to pray, even in the den of lions.... Did God forget him there?
Oh no; Jesus the mighty Commander of the host of heaven, sent His
Angels From the Captivity to John the Baptist
101
angel to close the mouths of those hungry lions that they should not
hurt the praying man of God, and all was peace in that terrible den.
The king witnessed his preservation, and brought him out with honors.
Satan and his angels were defeated and enraged. The agents Satan
had employed were doomed to perish in the terrible manner they had
plotted to destroy Daniel.Spiritual Gifts 4b:85, 86.
Gabriel Sent to Explain the Vision of Daniel 8
Shortly before the fall of Babylon, when Daniel was meditating
on these prophecies [of Isaiah and Jeremiah] and seeking God for
an understanding of the times, a series of visions was given him
concerning the rise and fall of kingdoms. With the first vision, as
recorded in the seventh chapter of the book of Daniel, an interpretation
was given; yet not all was made clear to the prophet. My cogitations
much troubled me, he wrote of his experience at the time, and my
countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart. Daniel
7:28.
Through another vision further light was thrown upon the events of
the future; and it was at the close of this vision that Daniel heard one
saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which
spake, How long shall be the vision? The answer that was given,
Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary
be cleansed, filled him with perplexity. Earnestly he sought for the [143]
meaning of the vision. He could not understand the relation sustained
by the seventy years captivity, as foretold through Jeremiah, to the
twenty-three hundred years that in vision he heard the heavenly visitant
declare should elapse before the cleansing of Gods sanctuary. The
angel Gabriel gave him a partial interpretation; yet when the prophet
heard the words, The vision ... shall be for many days, he fainted
away....
Still burdened in behalf of Israel, Daniel studied anew the prophecies of Jeremiah. They were very plain....
With faith founded on the sure word of prophecy, Daniel pleaded
with the Lord for the speedy fulfillment of these promises.Prophets
and Kings, 553, 554.
As Daniels prayer is going forth, the angel Gabriel comes sweeping down from the heavenly courts, to tell him that his petitions are
102
heard and answered. This mighty angel has been commissioned to

give him skill and understandingto open before him the mysteries of
future ages. Thus, while earnestly seeking to know and understand the
truth, Daniel was brought into communion with Heavens delegated
messenger.The Review and Herald, February 8, 1881.
Even before he [Daniel] had finished pleading with God, Gabriel
again appeared to him and called his attention to the vision he had
seen prior to the fall of Babylon at the death of Belshazzar. The angel
then outlined in detail the period of the seventy weeks.The Review
[144] and Herald, March 21, 1907.
The Struggle for Influence Over the Kings of Persia
Heavenly agencies have to contend with hindrances before the
purpose of God is fulfilled in its time. The king of Persia was controlled
by the highest of all evil angels. He refused, as did Pharaoh, to obey the
word of the Lord. Gabriel declared, He [Satan] withstood me twentyone days by his representations against the Jews. But Michael came
to his help, and then he remained with the kings of Persia, holding
the powers in check, giving right counsel against evil counsel.The
[Cyrus] the [Persian] monarch had resisted the impressions of the
Spirit of God during the three weeks while Daniel was fasting and
praying, but Heavens Prince, the archangel, Michael, was sent to turn
the heart of the stubborn king to take some decided action to answer
the prayer of Daniel.The Review and Herald, February 8, 1881.
No less a personage than the Son of God appeared to Daniel. This
description is similar to that given by John when Christ was revealed
to him upon the Isle of Patmos.
Our Lord now comes with another heavenly messenger to teach
Daniel what would take place in the latter days.The Review and
Herald, February 8, 1881.
Daniel ... could not look upon the angels face, and he had no
strength; it was all gone. So the angel came to him and set him upon
[145] his knees. He could not behold him then. And then the angel came
to him with the appearance of a man. Then he could bear the sight.
Manuscript Releases 2:348.
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The victory was finally gained, and the forces of the enemy were
held in check all the days of Cyrus, who reigned for seven years, and
all the days of his son Cambyses, who reigned about seven years and
a half.The Review and Herald, December 5, 1907.
The Second Temple
The second temple did not equal the first in magnificence, nor was it
hallowed by those visible tokens of the divine presence which pertained
to the first temple. There was no manifestation of supernatural power
to mark its dedication. No cloud of glory was seen to fill the newly
erected sanctuary. No fire from heaven descended to consume the
sacrifice upon its altar. The Shekinah no longer abode between the
cherubim in the most holy place; the ark, the mercy seat, and the tables
of testimony were not found there. No sign from heaven made known
to the inquiring priest the will of Jehovah.Prophets and Kings, 596,
597.
Ezra
The children of the captivity who had returned with Ezra offered
burnt offerings unto the God of Israel for a sin offering and as a token
of their gratitude and thanksgiving for the protection of holy angels
[146]
during the journey.Prophets and Kings, 619.
Nehemiah
Four months Nehemiah waited for a favorable opportunity to
present his request to the king. During this time, though his heart
was heavy with grief, he endeavored to bear himself with cheerfulness in the royal presence. In those halls of luxury and splendor, all
must appear lighthearted and happy. Distress must not cast its shadow
over the countenance of any attendant of royalty. But in Nehemiahs
seasons of retirement, concealed from human sight, many were the
prayers, the confessions, the tears, heard and witnessed by God and
angels.Prophets and Kings, 630.
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The Visions of Zechariah

I lifted up mine eyes again, says Zechariah, and looked, and
behold a man with a measuring line in his hand. Then said I, Whither
goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what
is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof. And, behold, the
angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to
meet him, and said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying,
Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude
of men and cattle therein: for I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall
of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.The
Review and Herald, December 26, 1907.
The Vision of Joshua and the Angel
[147]
The scene of Satans accusation was presented before the prophet.

He says, He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the
angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
The Review and Herald, August 22, 1893.
A most forcible and impressive illustration of the work of Satan
and the work of Christ, and the power of our Mediator to vanquish
the accuser of His people, is given in the prophecy of Zechariah. In
holy vision the prophet beholds Joshua the high priest, clothed with
filthy garments, standing before the Angel of the Lord, entreating the
mercy of God in behalf of His people who are in deep affliction. Satan
stands at his right hand to resist him.
Because Israel had been chosen to preserve the knowledge of God
in the earth, they had been, from their first existence as a nation, the
special objects of Satans enmity, and he had determined to cause their
destruction. He could do them no harm while they were obedient to
God; therefore he had bent all his power and cunning to entice them
into sin. Ensnared by his temptations they had transgressed the law of
God and thus separated from the Source of their strength, and had been
left to become the prey of their heathen enemies. They were carried
into captivity to Babylon, and there remained for many years.
Yet they were not forsaken of the Lord. His prophets were sent
to them with reproofs and warnings. The people were awakened to
see their guilt, they humbled themselves before God, and returned
105
to Him with true repentance. Then the Lord sent them messages
of encouragement, declaring that He would deliver them from their [148]
captivity and restore them to His favor. It was this that Satan was
determined to prevent. A remnant of Israel had already returned to
their own land, and Satan was seeking to move upon the heathen
nations, who were his agents, to utterly destroy them....
The high priest [Joshua] cannot defend himself or his people from
Satans accusations. He does not claim that Israel are free from fault.
In his filthy garments, symbolizing the sins of the people, which he
bears as their representative, he stands before the Angel, confessing
their guilt, yet pointing to their repentance and humiliation, relying
upon the mercy of a sin-pardoning Redeemer and in faith claiming the
promises of God.
Then the Angel, who is Christ Himself, the Saviour of sinners,
puts to silence the accuser of His people, declaring: The Lord rebuke
thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee:
is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Israel had long remained
in the furnace of affliction. Because of their sins they had been wellnigh consumed in the flame kindled by Satan and his agents for their
destruction, but God had now set His hand to bring them forth. In their
penitence and humiliation the compassionate Saviour will not leave
His people to the cruel power of the heathen....
As the intercession of Joshua is accepted, the command is given,
Take away the filthy garments from him, and to Joshua the Angel
declares, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee,
and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. So they set a fair
miter upon his head, and clothed him with garments. His own sins
and those of his people were pardoned. Israel were clothed with [149]
change of raimentthe righteousness of Christ imputed to them.
The miter placed upon Joshuas head was such as was worn by the
priests and bore the inscription, Holiness to the Lord, signifying that,
notwithstanding his former transgressions, he was now qualified to
minister before God in His sanctuary.
After thus solemnly investing him with the dignity of the priesthood
the Angel declared: Thus saith the Lord of hosts; If thou wilt walk
in My ways, and if thou wilt keep My charge, then thou shalt also
judge My house, and shalt also keep My courts, and I will give thee
places to walk among these that stand by. He would be honored
106
as the judge or ruler over the temple and all its services; he should
walk among attending angels, even in this life, and should at last join
the glorified throng around the throne of God.Testimonies for the
Church 5:467-469.
This word of assurance is given to all who have faith in God.
Receive this wonderful promise. It is not a human being who is
speaking. Thus saith the Lord of hosts: If thou wilt walk in my ways,
and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house,
and shalt also keep my courts and I will give thee places to walk among
these that stand by.
Among these that stand by. The hosts of the enemy, who are
trying to bring Gods people into disrepute, and the hosts of heaven,
ten thousand times ten thousand angels, who watch over and guard the
tempted people of God, uplifting them and strengthening themthese
are they who stand by. And God says to His believing ones, You
shall walk among them. You shall not be overcome by the powers of
[150] darkness. You shall stand before me in the sight of the holy angels, who
are sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation.The
Review and Herald, April 30, 1901.
The Vision of the Seven Lamps and the Two Olive Trees
Immediately after Zechariahs vision of Joshua and the angel, given
to the high priest as a personal testimony for his own encouragement
and the encouragement of all the people of God, the prophet received a
personal testimony regarding the work of Zerubbabel. The angel that
talked with me, Zechariah declares, came again, and waked me, as a
man that is waked out of his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou?
And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a
bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes
to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: and two olive trees
by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left
side thereof.The Review and Herald, January 16, 1908.
Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olivetrees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side
thereof? And I answered again, and said unto him, what be these two
olive-branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden
107
oil out of themselves? and he answered me and said, .... These are
the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
The anointed ones standing by the Lord of the whole earth have the
position once given to Satan as covering cherub. By the holy beings [151]
surrounding His throne, the Lord keeps up a constant communication
with the inhabitants of the earth.The Review and Herald, July 20,
1897.
Angels in the Time of Esther
The kings [Ahasuerus] decision against the Jews was secured
under false pretenses through misrepresentation of that peculiar people.
Satan instigated the scheme in order to rid the earth of those who
preserved the knowledge of the true God. But his plots were defeated
by a counterpower that reigns among the children of men. Angels that
excel in strength were commissioned to protect the people of God,
and the plots of their adversaries returned upon their own heads.
On the day appointed for their destruction, the Jews gathered
themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the
king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man
could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people. Angels
that excel in strength had been commissioned by God to protect His
people while they stood for their lives. Esther 9:2, 16.Prophets
and Kings, 602.
The Father of John the Baptist
Zacharias dwelt in the hill country of Judea, but he had gone up
to Jerusalem to minister for one week in the temple, a service required
twice a year from the priests of each course....
He was standing before the golden altar in the holy place of the [152]
sanctuary.... Suddenly he became conscious of a divine presence. An
angel of the Lord was standing on the right side of the altar. The
position of the angel was an indication of favor, but Zacharias took
no note of this. For many years he had prayed for the coming of the
Redeemer; now heaven had sent its messenger to announce that these
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prayers were about to be answered; but the mercy of God seemed too
great for him to credit. He was filled with fear and self-condemnation.
But he was greeted with the joyful assurance: Fear not, Zacharias;
for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son,
and thou shalt call his name John.... And Zacharias said unto the angel,
Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well
stricken in years.
To the question of Zacharias, the angel said, I am Gabriel, that
stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to
show thee these glad tidings. Five hundred years before, Gabriel had
made known to Daniel the prophetic period which was to extend to
the coming of Christ. The knowledge that the end of this period was
near had moved Zacharias to pray for the Messiahs advent. Now the
very messenger through whom the prophecy was given had come to
announce its fulfillment.
The words of the angel, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence
of God, show that he holds a position of high honor in the heavenly
courts. When he came with a message to Daniel, he said, There is
none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your Prince.
[153] Daniel 10:21. Of Gabriel the Saviour speaks in the Revelation, saying
that He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John.
Revelation 1:1. And to John the angel declared, I am a fellow servant
with thee and with thy brethren the prophets. Revelation 22:9, R.V.
Wonderful thoughtthat the angel who stands next in honor to the
Son of God is the one chosen to open the purposes of God to sinful
men.The Desire of Ages, 97-99.
The work of John the Baptist was foretold by the angel who visited
Zacharias in the temple. Fear not, Zacharias, he said; for thy prayer
is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt
call his name John. And ... he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, ...
and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias.The
The angel Gabriel gave special directions to the parents of John
in regard to temperance. A lesson was given upon health reform by
one of the exalted angels from the throne of heaven.The Spirit of
Prophecy 2:43.
109
In John the Baptist, God raised up a messenger to prepare the way

of the Lord. He was to bear to the world an unflinching testimony,
reproving and denouncing sin. In announcing Johns mission and
work, the angel said: He shall go before him [Christ] in the spirit and
power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the
disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared
[154]
for the Lord.The Review and Herald, August 2, 1898.
Chapter 13The Incarnation and Early Life of

Christ
The Incarnation a Profound Mystery
In contemplating the incarnation of Christ in humanity, we stand
baffled before an unfathomable mystery that the human mind cannot
comprehend. The more we reflect upon it, the more amazing does
it appear. How wide is the contrast between the divinity of Christ
and the helpless infant in Bethlehems manger! How can we span
the distance between the mighty God and a helpless child? And yet
the Creator of worlds, He in whom was the fulness of the Godhead
bodily, was manifest in the helpless babe in the manger. Far higher
than any of the angels, equal with the Father in dignity and glory,
and yet wearing the garb of humanity! Divinity and humanity were
mysteriously combined, and man and God became one. It is in this
union that we find the hope of our fallen race.The Signs of the
Times, July 30, 1896.
The Universe Was Watching
The coming of Christ to our world was a great event, not only to
[155] this world, but to all the worlds in the universe of God. Before the
heavenly intelligences He was to take upon Himself our nature, to be
tempted in all points like as we are.The Signs of the Times, February
20, 1893.
By coming to dwell with us, Jesus was to reveal God both to men
and to angels.... But not alone for His earthborn children was this
revelation given. Our little world is the lesson book of the universe.
Gods wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is
the theme into which angels desire to look, and it will be their study
throughout endless ages.The Desire of Ages, 19, 20.
110
Incarnation and Early Life of Christ
111
Why Christ Took Human Nature

He [Satan] had proudly boasted to the heavenly angels that when
Christ should appear, taking mans nature, He would be weaker than
himself, and he would overcome Him by his power. He exulted that
Adam and Eve in Eden could not resist his insinuations when he
appealed to their appetite.The Review and Herald, July 28, 1874.
The only begotten Son of God came to our world as a man, to
reveal to the world that men could keep the law of God. Satan, the
fallen angel, had declared that no man could keep the law of God after
the disobedience of Adam.Manuscript Releases 6:334.
Satan claimed that it was impossible for human beings to keep
Gods law. In order to prove the falsity of this claim, Christ left His
high command, took upon Himself the nature of man, and came to
the earth to stand at the head of the fallen race, in order to show that [156]
humanity could withstand the temptations of Satan.The Upward
Look, 172.
Christs Human Nature
His [Christs] human nature was created; it did not even possess
the angelic powers. It was human, identical with our own.Selected
Messages 3:129.
Christ in the weakness of humanity was to meet the temptations of
one possessing the powers of the higher nature that God had bestowed
on the angelic family.The Review and Herald, January 28, 1909.
The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is hidden
the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God.
Romans 11:33. We marvel at the Saviours sacrifice in exchanging the
throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring
angels for the beasts of the stall. Human pride and self-sufficiency
stand rebuked in His presence. Yet this was but the beginning of
His wonderful condescension. It would have been an almost infinite
humiliation for the Son of God to take mans nature, even when Adam
stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when
the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every
child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law
of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His
112
earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows

and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life.The
[157] Desire of Ages, 48, 49.
As God, Christ could not be tempted any more than He was not
tempted from His allegiance in heaven. But as Christ humbled Himself
to the nature of man, He could be tempted. He had not taken on Him
even the nature of the angels, but humanity, perfectly identical with
our own nature, except without the taint of sin. A human body, a
human mind, with all the peculiar properties, He was bone, brain, and
muscle. A man of our flesh, He was compassed with the weakness
of humanity. The circumstances of His life were of that character
that He was exposed to all the inconveniences that belong to men, not
in wealth, not in ease, but in poverty and want and humiliation. He
breathed the very air man must breathe. He trod our earth as man. He
had reason, conscience, memory, will, and affections of the human
soul which was united with His divine nature.Manuscript Releases
16:181, 182.
In the Child of Bethlehem was veiled the glory before which angels
bow. This unconscious babe was the promised seed, to whom the first
altar at the gate of Eden pointed.The Desire of Ages, 52.
The Annunciation
Before His [Christs] birth the angel had said to Mary, He shall
be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God
shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: and He shall reign
over the house of Jacob forever. Luke 1:32, 33. These words Mary
had pondered in her heart; yet while she believed that her child was
to be Israels Messiah, she did not comprehend His mission.The
[158] Desire of Ages, 81, 82.
Angels behold the weary travelers, Joseph and Mary, making their
way to the city of David, to be taxed, according to the decree of Caesar
Augustus. Here, in the providence of God, Joseph and Mary had been
brought; for this was the place prophecy had predicted that Christ
should be born. They seek a place of rest at the inn, but are turned
away because there is no room. The wealthy and honorable have been
welcomed, and find refreshment and room, while these weary travelers
113
are compelled to seek refuge in a coarse building which shelters the

dumb beasts.The Review and Herald, December 17, 1872.
Before Christs Birth
In heaven it was understood that the time had come for the advent
of Christ to the world, and angels leave glory to witness His reception
by those He came to bless and save. They had witnessed His glory
in heaven, and they anticipate that He will be received with honor
in accordance with His character and the dignity of His mission. As
angels approach the earth, they first come to the people God had
separated from the nations of the world as His peculiar treasure. They
see no especial interest among the Jews, no eager waiting and watching
that they may be the first to receive the Redeemer, and acknowledge
His advent.The Review and Herald, December 17, 1872.
An angel visits the earth to see who are prepared to welcome Jesus.
But he can discern no tokens of expectancy. He hears no voice of
praise and triumph that the period of Messiahs coming is at hand.
The angel hovers for a time over the chosen city and the temple where [159]
the divine presence has been manifested for ages; but even here is the
same indifference....
In amazement the celestial messenger is about to return to heaven
with the shameful tidings, when he discovers a group of shepherds
who are watching their flocks by night, and, as they gaze into the
starry heavens, are contemplating the prophecy of a Messiah to come
to earth, and longing for the advent of the worlds Redeemer. Here is
a company that is prepared to receive the heavenly messenger. And
suddenly the angel of the Lord appears, declaring the good tidings of
great joy.The Great Controversy, 314.
The angels passed by the school of the prophets, the palaces of
kings, and appeared to the humble shepherds, guarding their flocks
by night, upon Bethlehems plains. One angel first appeared, clothed
with the panoply of heaven; and so surprised and so terrified were the
shepherds that they could only gaze upon the wondrous glory of the
heavenly visitant with unutterable amazement. The angel of the Lord
came to them, and said, Fear not, for, behold, I bring you tidings
of great joy, which shall be unto all people; for unto you is born this
day, in the city of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this
114
shall be a sign unto you, Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling
clothes, lying in a manger.
No sooner had their eyes become accustomed to the glorious presence of the one angel, than, lo! the whole plain was lighted up with
the wondrous glory of the multitude of angels that peopled the plains
of Bethlehem. The angel quieted the fears of the shepherds before
[160] opening their eyes to behold the multitude of the heavenly host, all
praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest; and on earth,
peace, good will to men.The Review and Herald, December 9,
1884.
The shepherds are filled with joy, and, as the bright glory disappears, and the angels return to heaven, they are all aglow with the
glad tidings, and hasten in search of the Saviour. They find the infant Redeemer, as the celestial messengers had testified, wrapped in
swaddling clothes, and lying in the narrow confines of a manger.The
Review and Herald, December 17, 1872.
Satan saw the plains of Bethlehem illuminated with the brilliant
glory of a multitude of heavenly angels. He heard their song, Glory
to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men. The
prince of darkness saw the amazed shepherds filled with fear as they
beheld the illuminated plains. They trembled before the exhibitions
of bewildering glory which seemed to entrance their senses. The
rebel chief himself trembled at the proclamation of the angel to the
shepherds, Fear not; for, behold, I bring to you tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city
of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ...
The song of the heavenly messengers proclaiming the advent of the
Saviour to a fallen world, and the joy expressed at this great event Satan
knew boded no good to himself. Dark forebodings were awakened in
his mind as to the influence this advent to the world would have upon
[161] his kingdom.The Review and Herald, March 3, 1874.
The Magi
It was not alone upon the hills of Judea, not among the lowly shepherds only, that angels found the watchers for the Messiahs coming.
In the land of the heathen also were those that looked for Him; they
were wise men, rich and noble, the philosophers of the East. Students
115
of nature, the Magi had seen God in His handiwork. From the Hebrew
Scriptures they had learned of the Star to arise out of Jacob, and with
eager desire they awaited His coming, who should be not only the
Consolation of Israel, but a Light to lighten the Gentiles, and for
salvation unto the ends of the earth. Luke 2:25, 32; Acts 13:47.The
The wise men ... had studied prophecy, and knew the time was
at hand when Christ would come, and they were anxiously watching
for some sign of this great event, that they might be among the first
to welcome the infant heavenly King, and worship Him. These wise
men had seen the heavens illuminated with light, which enshrouded
the heavenly messengers who heralded the advent of Christ to the
shepherds of Israel, and after the angelic messenger returned to heaven,
a luminous star appeared, and lingered in the heavens. The unusual
appearance of the large, bright star which they had never seen before,
hanging as a sign in the heavens, attracted their attention, and the
Spirit of God moved them out to seek this heavenly Visitor to a fallen
world.Redemption or the First Advent of Christ With His Life and
[162]
Ministry, 16.
As the light [of the angels at Bethlehem] faded, a luminous star
appeared, and lingered in the sky. It was not a fixed star nor a planet,
and the phenomenon excited the keenest interest. That star was a
distant company of shining angels, but of this the wise men were
ignorant. Yet they were impressed that the star was of special import
to them. They consulted priests and philosophers, and searched the
scrolls of the ancient records. The prophecy of Balaam had declared,
There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out
of Israel. Numbers 24:17. Could this strange star have been sent
as a harbinger of the Promised One? The magi had welcomed the
light of heaven-sent truth; now it was shed upon them in brighter rays.
Through dreams they were instructed to go in search of the newborn
Prince.The Desire of Ages, 60.
Angels of God, in the appearance of a star, conducted the wise men
on their mission in search of Jesus. They came with gifts and costly
offerings of frankincense and myrrh, to pay their oblation to the infant
King foretold in prophecy. They followed the brilliant messengers
with assurance and great joy.The Review and Herald, December 9,
1884.
116
The wise men directed their course where the star seemed to lead
them. As they drew nigh to the city of Jerusalem, the star was enshrouded in darkness, and no longer guided them. They reasoned
that the Jews at Jerusalem could not be ignorant of the great event of
the advent of the Messiah, and they made inquiries in the vicinity of
Jerusalem. They plainly stated their errand. They were in search of
[163] Jesus, the king of the Jews, for they had seen His star in the east, and
had come to worship Him.Redemption or the First Advent of Christ
With His Life and Ministry 16.
The arrival of the magi was quickly noised throughout Jerusalem.
Their strange errand created an excitement among the people, which
penetrated to the palace of King Herod. The wily Edomite was aroused
at the intimation of a possible rival....
Herod suspected the priests of plotting with the strangers to excite
a popular tumult and unseat him from the throne. He concealed his
mistrust, however, determined to thwart their schemes by superior
cunning. Summoning the chief priests and the scribes, he questioned
them as to the teaching of their sacred books in regard to the place of
the Messiahs birth.
This inquiry from the usurper of the throne, and made at the request
of strangers, stung the pride of the Jewish teachers. The indifference
with which they turned to the rolls of prophecy enraged the jealous
tyrant. He thought them trying to conceal their knowledge of the matter.
With an authority they dared not disregard, he commanded them to
make close search, and to declare the birthplace of their expected King.
And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written
by the prophet....
The priests and elders of Jerusalem were not as ignorant concerning
the birth of Christ as they pretended. The report of the angels visit to
the shepherds had been brought to Jerusalem, but the rabbis had treated
it as unworthy of their notice. They themselves might have found
[164] Jesus, and might have been ready to lead the magi to His birthplace;
but instead of this, the wise men came to call their attention to the birth
of the Messiah. Where is He that is born King of the Jews? they
said; for we have seen His star in the East, and are come to worship
Him.
Now pride and envy closed the door against the light. If the reports
brought by the shepherds and the wise men were credited, they would
117
place the priests and rabbis in a most unenviable position, disproving

their claim to be the exponents of the truth of God. These learned
teachers would not stoop to be instructed by those whom they termed
heathen. It could not be, they said, that God had passed them by
to communicate with ignorant shepherds or uncircumcised Gentiles.
They determined to show their contempt for the reports that were
exciting King Herod and all Jerusalem. They would not even go to
Bethlehem to see whether these things were so....
The wise men departed alone from Jerusalem. The shadows of
night were falling as they left the gates, but to their great joy they
again saw the star, and were directed to Bethlehem. They had received
no such intimation of the lowly estate of Jesus as was given to the
shepherds.... At Bethlehem they found no royal guard stationed to
protect the newborn King. None of the worlds honored men were in
attendance. Jesus was cradled in a manger. His parents, uneducated
peasants, were His only guardians....
When they were come into the house, they saw the young child
with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him. Beneath
the lowly guise of Jesus, they recognized the presence of Divinity.
[165]
The Desire of Ages, 61-63.
After the mission of the wise men had been accomplished, they
were purposing to return, and bear the joyful news to Herod of the
success of their journey. But God sent His angels in the night season
to turn the course of the wise men. In the vision of the night they
were plainly told not to return to Herod. They obeyed the heavenly
messengers, and returned to their homes another way.Redemption
or the First Advent of Christ With His Life and Ministry 19.
In like manner Joseph received warning to flee into Egypt with
Mary and the child. And the angel said, Be thou there until I bring
thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him. Joseph
obeyed without delay, setting out on the journey by night for greater
security....
Herod in Jerusalem impatiently awaited the return of the wise men.
As time passed, and they did not appear, his suspicions were roused....
Soldiers were at once sent to Bethlehem, with orders to put to death
all the children of two years and under.The Desire of Ages, 64-66.
118
But a higher power was at work against the plans of the prince of
darkness. Angels of God frustrated his designs, and protected the life
of the infant Redeemer.The Signs of the Times, August 4, 1887.
Joseph, who was still in Egypt, was now bidden by an angel of God
to return to the land of Israel; ... but learning that Archelaus reigned in
Judea in his fathers stead, he feared that the fathers designs against
[166] Christ might be carried out by the son....
Again Joseph was directed to a place of safety. He returned to
Nazareth, his former home, and here for nearly thirty years Jesus
dwelt.... God ... commissioned angels to attend Jesus and protect Him
till He should accomplish His mission on earth, and die by the hands
of those whom He came to save.The Desire of Ages, 66, 67.
The Silent Years
From His earliest years, He [Christ] lived a life of toil. The greater
part of His earthly life was spent in patient work in the carpenters
shop at Nazareth. In the garb of a common laborer the Lord of life trod
the streets of the little town in which He lived, going to and returning
from His humble toil; and ministering angels attended Him as He
walked side by side with peasants and laborers, unrecognized and
unhonored.The Review and Herald, October 3, 1912.
Throughout His [Christs] childhood and youth, He manifested the
perfection of character that marked His after life. He grew in wisdom
and knowledge. As He witnessed the sacrificial offerings, the Holy
Spirit taught Him that His life was to be sacrificed for the life of the
world. He grew up as a tender plant, not in the large and noisy city,
that is full of confusion and strife, but in the retired valleys among the
hills. He was guarded from His earliest years by heavenly angels, yet
His life was one long struggle against the powers of darkness. Satanic
agencies combined with human instrumentalities to make His life one
of temptation and trial. Through supernatural agencies, His words,
[167] which were life and salvation to all who receive and practice them,
were perverted and misinterpreted.The Signs of the Times, August
6, 1896.
Jesus made the lowly paths of human life sacred by His example.
For thirty years he was an inhabitant of Nazareth. His life was one of
diligent industry. He, the Majesty of heaven, walked the streets, clad
119
in the simple garb of a common laborer. He toiled up and down the

mountain steeps, going to and from His humble work. Angels were
not sent to bear Him on their pinions up the tiresome ascents, or to
lend their strength in performing His lowly task. Yet when He went
forth to contribute to the support of the family by His daily toil, He
possessed the same power as when He wrought the miracle of feeding
the five thousand hungry souls on the shore of Galilee.The Health
[168]
Reformer, October 1, 1876.
Chapter 14Angels at Christs Baptism and in the

Wilderness
Christs Baptism
When Jesus came to be baptized, John recognized in Him a purity
of character that he had never before perceived in any man.... As Jesus
asked for baptism, John drew back exclaiming, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me? With firm yet gentle authority,
Jesus answered, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to
fulfill all righteousness. And John, yielding, led the Saviour down
into the Jordan, and buried Him beneath the water. And straightway
coming up out of the water, Jesus saw the heavens opened, and the
Spirit like a dove descending upon Him.The Desire of Ages, 110,
111.
Heavenly angels were looking with intense interest upon the scene
of the Saviours baptism, and could the eyes of those who were looking on, have been opened, they would have seen the heavenly host
surrounding the Son of God as He bowed on the banks of the Jordan.
[169] The Youths Instructor, June 23, 1892.
The Saviours glance seems to penetrate heaven as He pours out
His soul in prayer. Well He knows how sin has hardened the hearts
of men, and how difficult it will be for them to discern His mission,
and accept the gift of salvation. He pleads with the Father for power
to overcome their unbelief, to break the fetters with which Satan has
enthralled them, and in their behalf to conquer the destroyer. He asks
for the witness that God accepts humanity in the person of His Son.
Never before have the angels listened to such a prayer. They are
eager to bear to their loved Commander a message of assurance and
comfort. But no; the Father Himself will answer the petition of His
Son. Direct from the throne issue the beams of His glory. The heavens
are opened, and upon the Saviours head descends a dovelike form of
purest lightfit emblem of Him, the meek and lowly One....
120
Angels at Christs Baptism and in the Wilderness
121
The people stood silently gazing upon Christ. His form was bathed
in the light that ever surrounds the throne of God. His upturned face
was glorified as they had never before seen the face of man. From the
open heavens a voice was heard saying, This is My beloved Son, in
whom I am well pleased.The Desire of Ages, 111, 112.
The Lord had promised to give John a sign whereby he might know
who was the Messiah, and now as Jesus went up out of the water, the
promised sign was given; for he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit
of God, like a dove of burnished gold, hovered over the head of Christ,
and a voice came from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in
[170]
whom I am well pleased.The Youths Instructor, June 23, 1892.
Of the vast throng at the Jordan, few except John discerned the
heavenly vision.The Desire of Ages, 112.
At the Saviours baptism, Satan was among the witnesses. He
saw the Fathers glory overshadowing His Son. He heard the voice
of Jehovah testifying to the divinity of Jesus. Ever since Adams sin,
the human race had been cut off from direct communion with God;
the intercourse between heaven and earth had been through Christ;
but now that Jesus had come in the likeness of sinful flesh (Romans
8:3), the Father Himself spoke. He had before communicated with
humanity through Christ; now He communicated with humanity in
Christ. Satan had hoped that Gods abhorrence of evil would bring an
eternal separation between heaven and earth. But now it was manifest
that the connection between God and man had been restored.The
Satan could see through His [Christs] humanity the glory and
purity of the One with whom he had been associated in the heavenly
courts. There rose before the tempter a picture of what he himself then
was, a covering cherub, possessing beauty and holiness.The Bible
Echo, July 23, 1900.
Christs Threefold Temptation in the Wilderness
Satan had declared to his associate angels that he would overcome
Christ on the point of appetite. He hoped to gain a victory over Him
[171]
in His weakness.The Signs of the Times, April 4, 1900.
Satan saw that he must either conquer or be conquered. The issues
of the conflict involved too much to be entrusted to his confederate
122
angels. He must personally conduct the warfare.The Desire of Ages,

116.
While in the wilderness, Christ fasted, but He was insensible to
hunger.... He spent the time in earnest prayer, shut in with God. It
was as if He were in the presence of His Father.... The thought of the
warfare before Him made Him oblivious to all else, and His soul was
fed with the bread of life.... He saw the breaking of Satans power over
fallen and tempted ones. He saw Himself healing the sick, comforting
the hopeless, cheering the desponding, and preaching the gospel to the
poordoing the work that God had outlined for Him; and He did not
realize any sense of hunger until the forty days of His fast were ended.
The vision passed away, and then, with strong craving, Christs
human nature called for food. Now was Satans opportunity to make
his assault. He resolved to appear as one of the angels of light that had
appeared to Christ in His vision.Manuscript Releases 21:8, 9.
Suddenly an angel appears before Him [Christ], apparently one of
the angels that He saw not long since.... The words from heaven, This
is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, were still sounding
in the ears of Satan. But he was determined to make Christ disbelieve
this testimony.Manuscript Releases 21:9.
Satan appeared to Him [Christ] ... as a beautiful angel from heaven,
[172] claiming that he had a commission from God to declare the Saviours
fast at an end.The Review and Herald, January 14, 1909.
He [Satan] told the Redeemer that He need fast no longer, that
His long abstinence was accepted by the Father, that He had gone
far enough, and that He was at liberty to work a miracle in His own
behalf.The Signs of the Times, July 29, 1889.
Believing that the angelic character he [Satan] had assumed defied
detection, he now feigned to doubt the divinity of Christ.The Spirit
of Prophecy 2:91.
The First Temptation
Satan reasoned with Christ thus: If the words spoken after His
baptism were indeed the words of God, that He was the Son of God,
He need not bear the sensations of hunger; He could give him proofs
of His divinity by showing His power in changing the stones of that
123
barren wilderness into bread.Redemption or the First Advent of

Christ With His Life and Ministry, 48.
Satan told Christ that He was only to set His feet in the bloodstained path, but not to travel it. Like Abraham He was tested to show
His perfect obedience. He also stated that he was the angel that stayed
the hand of Abraham as the knife was raised to slay Isaac, and he had
now come to save His [Christs] life; that it was not necessary for Him
to endure the painful hunger and death from starvation; he would help
Him bear a part of the work in the plan of salvation.The Review and
[173]
Herald, August 4, 1874.
He [Satan] then called the attention of Christ to his own attractive
appearance, clothed with light and strong in power. He claimed to
be a messenger direct from the throne of Heaven, and asserted that
he had a right to demand of Christ evidences of His being the Son of
God.The Review and Herald, August 4, 1874.
It was by ... [Satans] words, not by his appearance, that the Saviour
recognized the enemy.The Review and Herald, July 22, 1909.
In taking the nature of man, Christ was not equal in appearance
with the angels of heaven, but this was one of the necessary humiliations that He willingly accepted when He became mans Redeemer.
Satan urged that if He was indeed the Son of God He should give him
some evidence of His exalted character. He suggested that God would
not leave His Son in so deplorable a condition. He declared that one
of the heavenly angels had been exiled to earth, and His appearance
indicated that instead of being the King of Heaven He was that fallen
angel. He called attention to his own beautiful appearance, clothed
with light and strength, and insultingly contrasted the wretchedness of
Christ with his own glory.The Spirit of Prophecy 2:91.
The Second Temptation
Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him
on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of
God, cast Thyself down: for it is written: He shall give His angels
charge concerning Thee: and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, [174]
lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.The Desire of
Ages, 124.
124
Satan, to manifest his strength, carried Jesus to Jerusalem, and set

Him upon a pinnacle of the temple.Spiritual Gifts 1:32.
He [Satan] again demanded of Christ, if He was indeed the Son of
God, to give him evidence by casting Himself from the dizzy height
upon which he had placed Him. He urged Christ to show His confidence in the preserving care of His Father by casting Himself down
from the temple. In Satans first temptation upon the point of appetite,
he had tried to insinuate doubts in regard to Gods love and care for
Christ as His Son, by presenting His surroundings and His hunger as
evidence that He was not in favor with God. He was unsuccessful
in this. He next tried to take advantage of the faith and perfect trust
Christ had shown in His heavenly Father to urge Him to presumption.
If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down; for it is written, He shall
give his angels charge concerning thee; and in their hands they shall
bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.The
Review and Herald, August 18, 1874.
The wily foe himself presents words that proceeded from the mouth
of God. He still appears as an angel of light, and he makes it evident
that he is acquainted with the Scriptures, and understands the import
of what is written. As Jesus before used the word of God to sustain
[175] His faith, the tempter now uses it to countenance his deception. He
claims that he has been only testing the fidelity of Jesus, and he now
commends His steadfastness. As the Saviour has manifested trust in
God, Satan urges Him to give still another evidence of His faith.
But again the temptation is prefaced with the insinuation of distrust.
If Thou be the Son of God. Christ was tempted to answer the if,
but He refrained from the slightest acceptance of the doubt. He would
not imperil His life in order to give evidence to Satan.The Desire of
Ages, 124.
When Satan quoted the promise, He shall give His angels charge
concerning Thee, he omitted the words, to keep thee in all Thy
ways: that is, in all the ways of Gods choosing. Jesus refused to go
outside the path of obedience. While manifesting perfect trust in His
Father, He would not place Himself unbidden in a position that would
necessitate the interposition of His Father to save Him from death. He
would not force Providence to come to His rescue, and thus fail of
giving man an example of trust and submission.The Signs of the
Times, December 10, 1902.
125
If Jesus had cast Himself from the pinnacle, it would not have
glorified His Father; for none would witness the act but Satan, and
the angels of God. And it would be tempting the Lord to display His
power to His bitterest foe. It would have been condescending to the
one whom Jesus came to conquer.Spiritual Gifts 1:33.
The Third Temptation
Jesus was victor in the second temptation, and now Satan manifests
himself in his true character. But he does not appear as a hideous [176]
monster, with cloven feet and bats wings. He is a mighty angel,
though fallen. He avows himself the leader of rebellion and the God
of this world.
Placing Jesus upon a high mountain, Satan caused the kingdoms of
the world, in all their glory, to pass in panoramic view before Him.
The Desire of Ages, 129.
In his first two temptations, he [Satan] had concealed his true
character and purpose, claiming to be an exalted messenger from the
courts of heaven. But he now throws off all disguise, avowing himself
the Prince of Darkness, and claiming the earth for his dominion.The
The great deceiver sought to blind the eyes of Christ by the glitter
and tinsel of the world, and presented before Him the kingdoms of this
world and the glory of them. He who had fallen from heaven, pictured
the world as possessing the gilding of the world above, in order that
he might induce Christ to accept the bribe, and fall down and worship
him.The Signs of the Times, March 28, 1895.
The sunlight lay on templed cities, marble palaces, fertile fields,
and fruit-laden vineyards. The traces of evil were hidden. The eyes
of Jesus, so lately greeted by gloom and desolation, now gazed upon
a scene of unsurpassed loveliness and prosperity. Then the tempters
voice was heard: All this power will I give Thee, and the glory of
them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
[177]
If Thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be Thine. ...
Now the tempter offered to yield up the power he had usurped.
Christ might deliver Himself from the dreadful future by acknowledging the supremacy of Satan. But to do this was to yield the victory in
the great controversy.The Desire of Ages, 129.
126
Calling him [Satan] by his true name, Jesus rebukes the deceiver.
Divinity flashed through suffering humanity, and He made manifest
through His word the authority of heaven. He reveals to the deceiver
that, though he had resumed the disguise of an angel of light, his true
character was not hidden from the Saviour of the world. He called
him Satan, the angel of darkness, who had left his first estate, and had
refused allegiance to God.The Signs of the Times, March 28, 1895.
Satan left the field a vanquished foe, peremptorily dismissed. At
the word of Christ, Get thee hence, Satan, the powerful fallen angel
had no choice but to obey. Angels that excel in strength were on the
battleground, guarding the interest of the tempted soul, and ready to
resist the foe.The Review and Herald, April 24, 1894.
Heavenly Angels Watched Christ Being Tempted
Apparently Christ was alone with him [Satan] in the wilderness of
temptation. Yet He was not alone, for angels were round Him just as
angels of God are commissioned to minister unto those who are under
the fearful assaults of the enemy.Manuscript Releases 16:180.
[178]
All heaven watched the conflict between the Prince of light and the
prince of darkness. Angels stood ready to interpose in Christs behalf
should Satan pass the prescribed limit.The Bible Echo, September
3, 1900.
These were real temptations, no pretense. Christ suffered being
tempted (Hebrews 2:18). Angels of heaven were on the scene on that
occasion, and kept the standard uplifted, that Satan should not exceed
his bounds and overpower the human nature of Christ.Selected
Messages 1:94.
The strain upon Christ had left Him as one dead. And, behold,
angels came and ministered unto Him. Their arms encircled Him.
Upon the breast of the highest angel in heaven His head rested.... The
foe was vanquished.The Bible Echo, September 3, 1900.
After Satan had ended his temptations, he departed from Jesus for
a season, and angels prepared Him food in the wilderness.Early
Writings, 158.
127
After the Third Temptation

After Satan had failed to overcome Christ in the wilderness, he
combined his forces to oppose Him in His ministry, and if possible to
thwart His work. What he could not accomplish by direct, personal
effort, he determined to effect by strategy. No sooner had he withdrawn
from the conflict in the wilderness than in council with his confederate
angels he matured his plans for still further blinding the minds of
the Jewish people, that they might not recognize their Redeemer. He [179]
planned to work through his human agencies in the religious world,
by imbuing them with his own enmity against the champion of truth.
He would lead them to reject Christ and to make His life as bitter as
possible, hoping to discourage Him in His mission.The Desire of
[180]
Ages, 205, 206.
Chapter 15Good and Evil Angels During Christs

Ministry
Devil Possession in Jesus Day
The period of Christs personal ministry among men was the time
of greatest activity for the forces of the kingdom of darkness. For ages
Satan with his evil angels had been seeking to control the bodies and
the souls of men, to bring upon them sin and suffering.The Desire
of Ages, 257.
The deception of sin had reached its height [by the time Christ
began His ministry]. All the agencies for depraving the souls of men
had been put in operation.... Satanic agencies were incorporated with
men. The bodies of human beings, made for the dwelling place of
God, had become the habitation of demons. The senses, the nerves,
the passions, the organs of men, were worked by supernatural agencies
in the indulgence of the vilest lust. The very stamp of demons was
impressed upon the countenances of men. Human faces reflected the
expression of the legions of evil with which they were possessed....
Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of
[181] God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his
Maker.... He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will.
He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character
after the pattern of His divine character, and make it beautiful with His
own glory.The Desire of Ages, 36-38.
The fact that men have been possessed with demons is clearly
stated in the New Testament. The persons thus afflicted were not
merely suffering with disease from natural causes. Christ had perfect
understanding of that with which He was dealing, and He recognized
the direct presence and agency of evil spirits.The Spirit of Prophecy
4:332.
Satan and his angels were very busy during Christs ministry,
inspiring men with unbelief, hate, and scorn.Spiritual Gifts 1:36.
128
Good and Evil Angels During Christs Ministry
129
Rejection at Nazareth
During His childhood and youth, Jesus had worshiped among
His brethren in the synagogue at Nazareth. Since the opening of His
ministry He had been absent from them, but they had not been ignorant
of what had befallen Him. As He again appeared among them, their
interest and expectation were excited to the highest pitch....
When a rabbi was present at the synagogue, he was expected to
deliver the sermon, and any Israelite might give the reading from the
prophets. Upon this Sabbath Jesus was requested to take part in the
service. He stood up to read. And there was delivered unto Him a [182]
roll of the prophet Isaiah. Luke 4:16, 17, R.V., margin....
Jesus stood before the people as a living expositor of the prophecies
concerning Himself. Explaining the words He had read, He spoke of
the Messiah as a reliever of the oppressed, a liberator of captives, a
healer of the afflicted, restoring sight to the blind, and revealing to
the world the light of truth.... As their hearts were moved upon by
the Holy Spirit, they responded with fervent amens and praises to the
Lord.The Desire of Ages, 236, 237.
The Spirit witnessed so powerfully to His [Christs] claims that
the hearts of all who were in the synagogue responded to the gracious
words that proceeded from His lips. Here was the turning point with
that company. As Christs divinity flashed through humanity, their
spiritual sight was quickened. A new power of discernment and appreciation came upon them, and the conviction was almost irresistible
that Jesus was the Son of God. But Satan was at hand to arouse doubts,
unbelief, and pride.The Signs of the Times, September 14, 1882.
When Jesus announced, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your
ears, they were suddenly recalled to think of themselves, and of the
claims of Him who had been addressing them.The Desire of Ages,
237.
Who is this Jesus? they questioned. He who had claimed for
Himself the glory of the Messiah was the son of a carpenter, and had
worked at His trade with His father Joseph.... Although His life had
been spotless, they would not believe that He was the Promised One.... [183]
As they opened the door to doubt, their hearts became so much the
harder for having been momentarily softened. Satan was determined
that blind eyes should not that day be opened, nor souls bound in
130
slavery be set at liberty. With intense energy he worked to fasten them

in unbelief....
The words of Jesus to His hearers in the synagogue struck at the
root of their self-righteousness, pressing home upon them the bitter
truth that they had departed from God and forfeited their claim to be
His people.... They now scorned the faith with which Jesus had at first
inspired them. They would not admit that He who had sprung from
poverty and lowliness was other than a common man.The Desire of
Ages, 237-239.
Angels of light were in that assembly, watching with intense interest the decision of the hour. Angels of Satan also were on the ground
to suggest doubts and arouse prejudice....
From unbelief sprung malice. That a man who had sprung from
poverty and a lowly birth should dare to reprove them, filled the hearts
of the Nazarenes with hatred amounting to madness. The assembly
broke up in confusion. The people laid hands on Jesus, thrusting Him
from the synagogue and out of their city.The Signs of the Times,
June 16, 1887.
All seemed eager for His destruction. They hurried Him to the
brow of a steep precipice, intending to cast Him headlong from it.
Shouts and maledictions filled the air. Some were casting stones and
[184] dirt at Him; but suddenly He disappeared out of their midst, they knew
not how, or when. Angels of God attended Jesus in the midst of that
infuriated mob, and preserved His life. The heavenly messengers were
by His side in the synagogue, while He was speaking; and they accompanied Him when pressed and urged on by the unbelieving, infuriated
Jews. These angels blinded the eyes of that maddened throng, and
conducted Jesus to a place of safety.The Spirit of Prophecy 2:114,
115.
The Demoniac in the Synagogue at Capernaum
Jesus in the synagogue spoke of the kingdom He had come to
establish, and of His mission to set free the captives of Satan. He
was interrupted by a shriek of terror. A madman rushed forward from
among the people, crying out, Let us alone; what have we to do with
Thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth? art Thou come to destroy us? I know
Thee who Thou art; the Holy One of God.
131
All was now confusion and alarm. The attention of the people was
diverted from Christ, and His words were unheeded. This was Satans
purpose in leading his victim to the synagogue. But Jesus rebuked the
demon, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the
devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him
not.
The mind of this wretched sufferer had been darkened by Satan,
but in the Saviours presence a ray of light had pierced the gloom. He
was roused to long for freedom from Satans control; but the demon
resisted the power of Christ. When the man tried to appeal to Jesus for
help, the evil spirit put words into his mouth, and he cried out in an
agony of fear. The demoniac partially comprehended that he was in [185]
the presence of One who could set him free; but when he tried to come
within reach of that mighty hand, anothers will held him, anothers
words found utterance through him. The conflict between the power
of Satan and his own desire for freedom was terrible.The Desire of
Ages, 255.
He who conquered the archenemy in the wilderness, wrested this
writhing captive from the grasp of Satan. Jesus well knew that although
assuming another form, this demon was the same evil spirit that had
tempted Him in the wilderness.The Spirit of Prophecy 2:180.
The demon exerted all his power to retain control of his victim. To
lose ground here would be to give Jesus a victory. It seemed that the
tortured man must lose his life in the struggle with the foe that had
been the ruin of his manhood. But the Saviour spoke with authority,
and set the captive free. The man who had been possessed stood before
the wondering people happy in the freedom of self-possession.... The
eye that had so lately glared with the fire of insanity, now beamed with
intelligence, and overflowed with grateful tears.The Desire of Ages,
256.
The Healing of the Centurions Servant
The centurion saw with the eye of faith that the angels of God were
all around Jesus, and that His word would commission an angel to go
to the sufferer. He knew that His word would enter the chamber, and
that his servant would be healed.The Review and Herald, March 11,
[186]
1890.
132
The Demoniacs of Gadara

In the early morning the Saviour and His companions came to
shore.... From some hiding place among the tombs, two madmen
rushed upon them as if to tear them in pieces. Hanging about these
men were parts of chains which they had broken in escaping from
confinement. Their flesh was torn and bleeding where they had cut
themselves with sharp stones. Their eyes glared out from their long
and matted hair; the very likeness of humanity seemed to have been
blotted out by the demons that possessed them, and they looked more
like wild beasts than like men.
The disciples and their companions fled in terror; but presently
they noticed that Jesus was not with them, and they turned to look for
Him. He was standing where they had left Him. He who had stilled
the tempest, who had before met Satan and conquered him, did not
flee before these demons. When the men, gnashing their teeth, and
foaming at the mouth, approached Him, Jesus raised that hand which
had beckoned the waves to rest, and the men could come no nearer.
They stood raging but helpless before Him.
With authority He bade the unclean spirits come out of them.
His words penetrated the darkened minds of the unfortunate men.
They realized dimly that One was near who could save them from the
tormenting demons. They fell at the Saviours feet to worship Him; but
when their lips were opened to entreat His mercy, the demons spoke
through them, crying vehemently, What have I to do with Thee, Jesus,
[187] Thou Son of God most high? I beseech Thee, torment me not. ...
Upon a mountainside not far distant a great herd of swine was
feeding. Into these the demons asked to be allowed to enter, and Jesus
suffered them. Immediately a panic seized the herd. They rushed
madly down the cliff, and, unable to check themselves upon the shore,
plunged into the lake, and perished.
Meanwhile, a marvelous change had come over the demoniacs.
Light had shone into their minds. Their eyes beamed with intelligence.
The countenances, so long deformed into the image of Satan, became
suddenly mild, the bloodstained hands were quiet, and with glad voices
the men praised God for their deliverance.... Now these men were
clothed and in their right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening
133
to His words, and glorifying the name of Him who had made them
whole.The Desire of Ages, 337, 338.
The Healing of the Demoniac Son
The boy was brought, and as the Saviours eyes fell upon him,
the evil spirit cast him to the ground in convulsions of agony. He lay
wallowing and foaming, rending the air with unearthly shrieks.
Again the Prince of life and the prince of the powers of darkness
had met on the field of battle.... Angels of light and the hosts of
evil angels, unseen, were pressing near to behold the conflict. For a
moment, Jesus permitted the evil spirit to display his power, that the
beholders might comprehend the deliverance about to be wrought....
Jesus turns to the suffering one, and says, Thou dumb and deaf
spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. [188]
There is a cry, an agonized struggle. The demon, in passing, seems
about to rend the life from his victim. Then the boy lies motionless,
and apparently lifeless. The multitude whisper, He is dead. But Jesus
takes him by the hand, and lifting him up, presents him, in perfect
soundness of mind and body, to his father. Father and son praise the
name of their Deliverer.The Desire of Ages, 428, 429.
Jesus Is Accused of Being Demon Possessed
Jesus declared Himself to be the True Shepherd, because He gave
His life for the sheep.... Jesus spoke these words in the hearing of a
large concourse of people, and a deep impression was made upon the
hearts of many who listened. The scribes and Pharisees were filled
with jealousy because He was regarded with favor by many.... While
He represented Himself as the True Shepherd, the Pharisees said, He
hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? But others distinguished
the voice of the True Shepherd, and said:
These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil
open the eyes of the blind? And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the
dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in
Solomons porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto
him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell
us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not; the
134
works that I do in my Fathers name, they bear witness of me.... I and

[189] my Father are one. ...
The Jews understood His [Christs] meaning, ... and they took up
stones to stone Him. Jesus looked upon them calmly and unshrinkingly,
and said, Many good works have I showed you from my Father; for
which of these works do ye stone me?
The Majesty of heaven stood, calmly assured, as a God before His
adversaries. Their scowling faces, their hands filled with stones, did
not intimidate Him. He knew that unseen forces, legions of angels,
were around about Him, and at one word from His lips they would
strike with dismay the throng, should they offer to cast upon Him a
single stone.The Signs of the Times, November 27, 1893.
Although Jesus gave evidence of His divine power, yet He was not
permitted to teach His lessons without interruption. The rulers sought
to hold Him up to ridicule before the people. They would not allow
Him to state His ideas and doctrines in a connected way, but, although
frequently interrupted, light flashed into the minds of hundreds, and
when the rulers heard the words of Jesus, that were clothed with power
and held the people spellbound, they were angry, and said, Thou
art a Samaritan, and hast a devil. Jesus met these charges with quiet
dignity, fearlessly and decidedly claiming that covenant rights were
centered in Himself, and were not received through Abraham. He
declared, Before Abraham was, I am. The fury of the Jews knew no
bounds, and they prepared to stone Him, but the angels of God, unseen
by men, hurried Him out of their assembly.The Signs of the Times,
[190] May 26, 1890.
Evil Angels in Human Form Were Among Christs Hearers
Mingling with His [Christs] hearers were angels in the form of
men, making their suggestions, criticizing, misapplying, and misinterpreting the Saviours words.The Review and Herald, August 11,
1903.
Christ was the instructor in the assemblies of these angels before
they fell from their high estate.Selected Messages 3:410.
135
The Resurrection of Lazarus

Christ could have commanded the stone to remove, and it would
have obeyed His voice. He could have bidden the angels who were
close by His side to do this. At His bidding, invisible hands would
have removed the stone. But it was to be taken away by human hands.
Thus Christ would show that humanity is to cooperate with divinity.
What human power can do divine power is not summoned to do.The
Jesus Hunted From City to City During His Ministry
Jesus was hunted from place to place during His ministry. Priests
and rulers were on His track. They misrepresented His mission and
labor. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. Angels
watched the conflict at every step. They saw the spirit and work of
the enemy. They looked with amazement upon the devices of Satan [191]
against the divine Son of God. They saw that he who had only been
second to Jesus in power and glory had fallen so low that he could
influence men to hunt the steps of Christ from city to city.The Signs
of the Times, November 25, 1889.
Again and again He [Jesus] would have been killed had it not been
for the heavenly angels who attended Him and guarded His life until
the time when the case of the Jews as a nation should be decided.The
[192]
Review and Herald, October 12, 1897.
Chapter 16Angels From Christs Passion Until His

Death
Jesus and His Disciples Go to Gethsemane
In company with His disciples, the Saviour slowly made His way
to the garden of Gethsemane. The Passover moon, broad and full,
shone from a cloudless sky.... As they approached the garden, the
disciples had marked the change that came over their Master. Never
before had they seen Him so utterly sad and silent. As He proceeded,
this strange sadness deepened....
Near the entrance to the garden, Jesus left all but three of the
disciples, bidding them pray for themselves and for Him. With Peter,
James, and John, He entered its secluded recesses....
Tarry ye here, He said, and watch with Me.
He went a little distance from them ... and fell prostrate upon the
ground. He felt that by sin He was being separated from His Father.
The gulf was so broad, so black, so deep, that His spirit shuddered
before it....
As Christ felt His unity with the Father broken up, He feared
that in His human nature He would be unable to endure the coming
conflict with the powers of darkness. In the wilderness of temptation
[193] the destiny of the human race had been at stake. Christ was then
conqueror. Now the tempter had come for the last fearful struggle. For
this he had been preparing during the three years of Christs ministry.
Everything was at stake with him. If he failed here, his hope of mastery
was lost; the kingdoms of the world would finally become Christs;
he himself would be overthrown and cast out. But if Christ could be
overcome, the earth would become Satans kingdom, and the human
race would be forever in his power. With the issues of the conflict
before Him, Christs soul was filled with dread of separation from
God. Satan told Him that if He became the surety for a sinful world,
the separation would be eternal....
136
Angels From Christs Passion Until His Death
137
In its hardest features Satan pressed the situation upon the Redeemer: The people who claim to be above all others in temporal and
spiritual advantages have rejected You.... One of Your own disciples
... will betray You. One of Your most zealous followers will deny You.
All will forsake You....
In His agony He clings to the cold ground, as if to prevent Himself
from being drawn farther from God.... From His pale lips comes
the bitter cry, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from
Me. Yet even now He adds, Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou
wilt.The Desire of Ages, 685-687.
Angels in Gethsemane
The heavenly universe had watched with intense interest the entire
life of Christevery step from the manger to the present awful scene.
And what a scene was this for ten thousand times ten thousands of [194]
angels, of cherubim and seraphim, to look upon.The Signs of the
Times, December 9, 1897.
Angels were hovering over the place [Gethsemane], witnessing the
scene.Spiritual Gifts 1:47.
They beheld the Son of God, their loved Commander, in His superhuman agony apparently dying on the field of battle to save a lost
and perishing world. All heaven had listened to that prayer of Christ.
His soul agony, which three times forced from His pale and quivering lips the cry, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from
me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt, convulsed all heaven.
They saw their Lord inclosed by legions of Satanic forces, His human nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread.The
Signs of the Times, December 9, 1897.
The angels who had done Christs will in heaven were anxious to
comfort Him; but it was beyond their power to alleviate His sorrow.
They had never felt the sins of a ruined world, and they beheld with
astonishment the object of their adoration subject to a grief beyond
all expression. Though the disciples had failed to sympathize with
their Lord in the trying hour of His conflict, all heaven was full of
sympathy and waiting the result with painful interest. The Present
Truth, December 3, 1885 par. 9.
138
Thrice the prayer for deliverance had been wrung from His
[Christs] lips. Heaven had been unable to longer endure the sight,
and had sent a messenger of consolation to the prostrate Son of God,
[195] fainting and dying under the accumulated guilt of the world.The
Present Truth, February 18, 1886.
In the supreme crisis, when heart and soul are breaking under
the load of sin, Gabriel is sent to strengthen the divine Sufferer, and
brace Him to tread His bloodstained path.The Signs of the Times,
December 9, 1897.
In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the Sufferer, the heavens opened, a
light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the
mighty angel who stands in Gods presence, occupying the position
from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not
to take the cup from Christs hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it,
with the assurance of the Fathers love....
The sleeping disciples had been suddenly awakened by the light
surrounding the Saviour. They saw the angel bending over their prostrate Master. They saw him lift the Saviours head upon his bosom,
and point toward heaven. They heard his voice, like sweetest music,
speaking words of comfort and hope.... Again the disciples in their
weariness yield to the strange stupor that overpowers them. Again
Jesus finds them sleeping.
Looking sorrowfully upon them He says, Sleep on now, and take
your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed
into the hands of sinners.
Even as He spoke these words, He heard the footsteps of the mob
in search of Him, and said, Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at
[196] hand that doth betray me.
No traces of His recent agony were visible as Jesus stepped forth
to meet His betrayer. Standing in advance of His disciples He said,
Whom seek ye? They answered, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus replied,
I am He.The Desire of Ages, 693, 694.
It was in the power of Christ to deliver Himself. When He spoke
the words, I am He, immediately angels surrounded Him, and that
throng had all the evidence they could or would have that Christ was
the power of God.This Day With God, 267.
139
It was difficult for the angels to endure the sight. They would have
delivered Jesus ... but the commanding angels forbade them.... Jesus
knew that angels were witnessing the scene of His humiliation.... The
feeblest angel could have caused that multitude to fall powerless, and
deliver Jesus.Spiritual Gifts 1:50, 51.
The angel who had lately ministered to Jesus moved between Him
and the mob. A divine light illuminated the Saviours face, and a
dovelike form overshadowed Him. In the presence of this divine glory,
the murderous throng could not stand for a moment. They staggered
back. Priests, elders, soldiers, and even Judas, fell as dead men to the
ground.... But quickly the scene changed.The Desire of Ages, 694,
695.
The angel withdrew, and left Jesus standing calm and selfpossessed, with the bright beams of the moon upon His pale face,
and still surrounded by prostrate, helpless men, while the disciples
were too much amazed to utter a word. As the angel removes, the [197]
hardened Roman soldiers start to their feet, and, with the priest and
Judas, they gather about Christ as though ashamed of their weakness,
and fearful that He would yet escape out of their hands.The Signs
of the Times, August 21, 1879.
The disciples had thought that their Master would not suffer Himself to be taken.... They were disappointed and indignant as they saw
the cords brought forward to bind the hands of Him whom they loved.
Peter in his anger rashly drew his sword and ... cut off an ear of the
high priests servant. When Jesus saw what was done, He released His
hands, ... and saying, Suffer ye thus far, He touched the wounded
ear, and it was instantly made whole. He then said to Peter, Put up
again thy sword into his place: ... Thinkest thou that I cannot now
pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve
legions of angels?The Desire of Ages, 696.
As these words were spoken, the countenances of the angels were
animated. They wished then, and there, to surround their Commander,
and disperse that angry mob. But again sadness settled upon them
as Jesus added, But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that
thus it must be? The hearts of the disciples sunk again in despair and
bitter disappointment, as Jesus suffered them [the mob] to lead Him
away.Spiritual Gifts 1:48.
140
Before the Court of Annas and Caiaphas

[198]
Christ was to be tried formally before the Sanhedrin; but before

Annas He was subjected to a preliminary trial....
When the council had assembled in the judgment hall, Caiaphas
took his seat as presiding officer.... As Caiaphas ... looked upon the
prisoner, he was struck with admiration for His noble and dignified
bearing. A conviction came over him that this Man was akin to God.
The next instant he scornfully banished the thought.The Desire of
Ages, 698, 703, 704.
All heaven saw the cruel work done to Christ. In the dreadful
scenes transacted in the judgment hall, God showed to the heavenly
universe the spirit that would be manifested by those that are unwilling
to yield obedience to His law.Manuscript Releases 12:412.
It was difficult for the angels to endure the sight. They would
have delivered Jesus out ot [the] hands [of His inquisitors]; but the
commanding angels forbade them.... Jesus knew that angels were
witnessing the scene of His humiliation.
There stood Jesus, meek and humble before the infuriated multitude, while they offered Him the meanest abuse. They spit in His
facethat face which they will one day desire to be hid from, which
will give light to the city of God, and shine brighter than the sunbut
not an angry look did He cast upon the offenders. He meekly raised
His hand, and wiped it off. They covered His head with an old garment; blindfolded Him, and then struck Him in the face, and cried out,
Prophesy unto us who it was that smote thee. There was commotion
[199] among the angels. They would have rescued Him instantly; but their
commanding angel restrained them.Spiritual Gifts 1:50, 51.
Before Pilate
Men were imbued with a satanic spirit at the time when they decided that they would have Barabbas, a thief and murderer, in preference to the Son of God. The demoniac power triumphed over humanity; legions of evil angels took entire control of men, and in answer
to Pilates question as to whom he should release unto them, they
shrieked out, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas.
When Pilate spoke again to them concerning Jesus, the hoarse cry
141
was raised, Crucify him, crucify him. Through yielding to demoniac

agencies, men were led to take their stand on the side of the great
apostate.
Unfallen worlds looked upon the scene with amazement, unable to
comprehend the degradation that sin had wrought. Legions of evil angels controlled the priests and rulers, and gave voice to the suggestions
of Satan in persuading and tempting the people by falsehoods and
bribes to reject the Son of God, and to choose a robber and murderer in
His stead.... What a scene was this for God to look upon, for seraphim
and cherubim to behold! The only begotten Son of God, the Majesty of
heaven, the King of glory, was mocked, insulted, taunted, rejected, and
crucified by those whom He came to save, who had given themselves
to the control of Satan.The Review and Herald, April 14, 1896.
The angels who were witnessing the whole scene noticed the [200]
convictions of Pilate, and marked his sympathy for Jesus....
Satan and his angels were tempting Pilate, and trying to lead him
on to his own ruin. They suggested to him that if he did not take any
part in condemning Jesus, others would.Spiritual Gifts 1:54, 56.
Even now Pilate was not left to act blindly. A message from God
warned him from the deed he was about to commit. In answer to
Christs prayer, the wife of Pilate had been visited by an angel from
heaven, and in a dream she had beheld the Saviour and conversed
with Him.... She saw Him on trial in the judgment hall. She saw the
hands tightly bound as the hands of a criminal. She saw Herod and his
soldiers doing their dreadful work. She heard the priests and rulers,
filled with envy and malice, madly accusing. She heard the words,
We have a law, and by our law He ought to die.
She saw Pilate give Jesus to the scourging, after he had declared,
I find no fault in Him. She heard the condemnation pronounced by
Pilate, and saw him give Christ up to His murderers. She saw the cross
uplifted on Calvary. She saw the earth wrapped in darkness, and heard
the mysterious cry, It is finished. Still another scene met her gaze.
She saw Christ seated upon the great white cloud, while the earth
reeled in space, and His murderers fled from the presence of His glory.
With a cry of horror she awoke, and at once wrote to Pilate words of
warning.
142
While Pilate was hesitating as to what he should do, a messenger

pressed through the crowd, and handed him the letter from his wife,
[201] which read:
Have thou nothing to do with that just Man: for I have suffered
many things this day in a dream because of Him.
Pilates face grew pale. He was confused by his own conflicting
emotions. But while he had been delaying to act, the priests and rulers
were still further inflaming the minds of the people....
Pilate longed to deliver Jesus. But he saw that he could not do this,
and yet retain his own position and honor. Rather than lose his worldly
power, he chose to sacrifice an innocent life....
Pilate yielded to the demands of the mob. Rather than risk losing
his position, he delivered Jesus up to be crucified.The Desire of
Ages, 732, 733, 738.
Christs Crucifixion
The Son of God was delivered to the people to be crucified.... They
laid on Him the heavy cross ... but Jesus fainted beneath the burden.
They then seized ... a man who had not openly professed faith in
Christ, yet believed on Him. They laid on him the cross and he bore it
to the fatal spot. Companies of angels were marshaled in the air above
the place.Spiritual Gifts 1:57.
Who witnessed these scenes? The heavenly universe, God the
Father, Satan and his angels.The Bible Echo, May 29, 1899.
Heavenly angels ... heard the mocking taunts and saw the wagging
of heads. Gladly would they have broken their ranks and gone to the
[202] Son of God in His humiliation and bodily anguish, but this they were
not permitted to do.Manuscript Releases 18:71.
He saved others; himself he cannot save, was the mocking taunt
hurled at Christ during the agony of His death on the cross. At any
moment He could have saved Himself, and come down from the cross;
but had He done this, the world would have been given over to the
control of the great apostate. It was a marvel to the angels that Christ
did not seal with death the lips of the scoffers.The Youths Instructor,
June 14, 1900.
143
By those who mocked Christ as He hung on the cross, Satan and

his angels were personified. He filled them with vile and loathsome
speeches. He inspired their taunts.Manuscript Releases 18:72.
The principalities and powers of darkness assembled round His
cross. The arch apostate, still retaining his lofty stature, led the apostate
host, who were leagued with human beings in the strife against God.
The Signs of the Times, April 14, 1898.
He [Christ] was struggling with the power of Satan, who was
declaring that he had Christ in his power, that he was superior in
strength to the Son of God, that the Father had disowned His Son, and
that He was no longer in the favor of God any more than himself.
Christ yielded not to the torturing foe, even in his bitterest anguish.
Legions of evil angels were all about Him; yet the holy angels were [203]
bidden not to break their ranks, and engage in conflict with the taunting,
railing adversary, nor were they permitted to minister to the anguished
spirit of the divine Sufferer. It was in this terrible hour of darkness, the
face of His Father hidden, legions of evil angels enshrouding Him, the
sins of the world upon Him, that from His pale lips were wrenched the
words, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?Bible Echo
and Signs of the Times, January 1, 1887.
The darkness that covered the earth at His crucifixion concealed
the company of heavens powerful agencies, but the earth quaked at
the tread of the heavenly throng. The rocks were rent; for three hours
the earth was shrouded in impenetrable darkness; nature with her dark
robes hid the sufferings of the Son of God.Manuscript Releases
5:353.
The Father, with His heavenly angels, was enclosed in that thick
darkness. God was close beside His Son, though not manifesting
Himself to Him or to any human being. Had one ray of His glory and
power penetrated the thick cloud that enveloped Him, every spectator
would have been extinguished.Manuscript Releases 12:385.
How could heaven keep silent? Can we wonder at the horrible
unnatural darkness that hung over the cross? Can we wonder at the
rending rocks, the rolling thunder, the flashing lightning, the shaking
of the earth beneath the tread of the heavenly army as they beheld their
loved Commander suffering such indignity?The Review and Herald,
[204]
September 1, 1891.
144
When Christ cried out, It is finished, the unfallen worlds were

made secure. For them the battle was fought and the victory won.
Henceforth Satan had no place in the affections of the universe.The
Review and Herald, March 12, 1901.
The holy angels were horror-stricken that one of their number
could fall so far as to be capable of such cruelty as had been manifested toward the Son of God on Calvary. Every sentiment of pity and
sympathy which they had ever felt for Satan in his exile was quenched
in their hearts.The Signs of the Times, September 23, 1889.
It was not the hand of the priest that rent from top to bottom the
gorgeous veil that divided the holy from the most holy place. It was
the hand of God. When Christ cried out, It is finished, the Holy
Watcher that was an unseen guest at Belshazzars feast pronounced the
Jewish nation to be a nation unchurched. The same hand that traced
on the wall the characters that recorded Belshazzars doom and the
end of the Babylonian kingdom, rent the veil of the temple from top to
bottom.The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 5:1109.
They [the Jewish leaders] took His body down, and laid it in
Josephs new tomb, and rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulcher, stating as their reasons for so doing that His disciples would
come and steal Him away by night. Evil angels exulted around that
sepulcher, because they thought that Christ had been overcome. A
body of Roman soldiers had been stationed to guard the tomb, and
[205] the greatest precautions had been exercised by the Jews to make their
triumph complete. But heavenly angels were guarding the place where
their beloved Commander slept.The Review and Herald, October 9,
1888.
Not until the death of Christ was the character of Satan clearly
revealed to the angels or to the unfallen worlds. Then the prevarications
and accusations of him who had once been an exalted angel were seen
in their true light.The Signs of the Times, August 27, 1902.
The death of Christ upon the cross made sure the destruction of
him who has the power of death, who was the originator of sin. When
Satan is destroyed, there will be none to tempt to evil; the atonement
will never need to be repeated; and there will be no danger of another
rebellion in the universe of God. That which alone can effectually
restrain from sin in this world of darkness, will prevent sin in heaven.
145
The significance of the death of Christ will be seen by saints and

angels. Fallen men could not have a home in the paradise of God
without the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.... The angels
ascribe honor and glory to Christ, for even they are not secure except by
looking to the sufferings of the Son of God. It is through the efficacy of
the cross that the angels of heaven are guarded from apostasy. Without
the cross they would be no more secure against evil than were the
angels before the fall of Satan. Angelic perfection failed in heaven.
Human perfection failed in Eden.... The plan of salvation, making
manifest the justice and love of God, provides an eternal safeguard
against defection in unfallen worlds.... The death of Christ on the cross
of Calvary is our only hope in this world, and it will be our theme in [206]
the world to come.The Signs of the Times, December 30, 1889.
Christ, in His life and His death, has forever settled the deep and
comprehensive question whether there is self-denial with God, and
whether God is light and love. This was the question agitated in the
heavens above, which was the beginning of Satans alienation from
God. The change or abolition of the laws of His government in the
heavenly courts was demanded as the evidence of the love of God.
[207]
The Review and Herald, October 21, 1902.
Chapter 17Angels From Christs Resurrection

Until His Ascension
The Morning of Christs Resurrection
The disciples rested on the Sabbath, sorrowing for the death of
their Lord, while Jesus, the King of glory, lay in the tomb. As night
drew on, soldiers were stationed to guard the Saviours resting place,
while angels, unseen, hovered above the sacred spot.Early Writings,
181.
The night of the first day of the week had worn slowly away. The
darkest hour, just before daybreak, had come. Christ was still a prisoner
in His narrow tomb. The great stone was in its place; the Roman seal
was unbroken; the Roman guards were keeping their watch. And there
were unseen watchers. Hosts of evil angels were gathered about the
place. Had it been possible, the prince of darkness with his apostate
army would have kept forever sealed the tomb that held the Son of
God. But a heavenly host surrounded the sepulcher. Angels that excel
in strength were guarding the tomb, and waiting to welcome the Prince
[208] of life.The Desire of Ages, 779.
While it was yet dark, the watching angels knew that the time for
the release of Gods dear Son, their beloved Commander, had nearly
come. As they were waiting with the deepest emotion the hour of
His triumph, a mighty angel came flying swiftly from heaven.Early
Writings, 181.
The mightiest angel from heaven, he who held the position from
which Satan fell, received his commission from the Father, and clothed
with the panoply of heaven, he parted the darkness from his track. His
face was like the lightning, and his garments white as snow.The
One of the angelic host who had witnessed the scene of Jesus
humiliation, and was watching His sacred resting place, joined the
angel from heaven, and together they came down to the sepulcher. The
146
Angels From Christs Resurrection Until His Ascension
147
earth shook and trembled as they approached, and there was a mighty
earthquake.Spiritual Gifts 1:66.
The face they [the Roman soldiers] look upon is not the face of
mortal warrior; it is the face of the mightiest of the Lords host. This
messenger is he who fills the position from which Satan fell. It was
he who on the hills of Bethlehem proclaimed Christs birth. The earth
trembles at his approach, the hosts of darkness flee.The Desire of
Ages, 779, 780.
The angel approached the grave, rolled away the stone as though it
had been a pebble, and sat upon it. The light of heaven encircled the
tomb, and the whole heaven was lighted by the glory of the angels. [209]
The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 5:1110.
The angelic commander laid hold of the great stone which had
required many strong men to place it in position, rolled it away, and
took his seat upon it, while his companion entered the sepulcher and
unwound the wrappings from the face and head of Jesus.
Then the mighty angel, with a voice that caused the earth to quake,
was heard: Jesus, thou Son of God, thy Father calls thee! Then He
who had earned the power to conquer death and the grave came forth,
with the tread of a conqueror, from the sepulcher, amid the reeling of
the earth, the flashing of lightning, and the roaring of thunder.The
He who said, I lay down my life, that I might take it again,
came forth from the grave to life that was in Himself. Humanity died;
divinity did not die. In His divinity, Christ possessed the power to
break the bonds of death.The Youths Instructor, August 4, 1898.
Christ in His Godhead shone forth as He burst from the tomb, and
rose triumphant over death and the grave.The Signs of the Times,
May 30, 1895.
The Roman guard ... were enabled to endure the sight, for they
had a message to bear as witnesses of the resurrection of Christ.The
Terrible fear seized the guard. Where now was their power to
keep the body of Jesus? They did not think of their duty, or of the
disciples stealing Him away. They were amazed and affrighted, as the [210]
exceeding bright light of the angels shone all around brighter than the
sun. The Roman guard saw the angels, and fell as dead men to the
ground.Spiritual Gifts 1:66.
148
In solemn awe the angelic host gazed upon the scene. And as
Jesus walked forth from the sepulcher in majesty, those shining angels
prostrated themselves to the ground and worshiped Him; then hailed
Him with songs of victory and triumph.Spiritual Gifts 1:66, 67.
The soldiers ... heard the inhabitants of heaven singing with great
joy and triumph: Thou hast vanquished Satan and the powers of darkness! Thou hast swallowed up death in victory! And I heard a loud
voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation and strength, and the
kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ; for the accuser of
our brethren is cast down, who accused them before our God day and
night.The Spirit of Prophecy 3:194.
As the angelic host passed back to heaven, and the light and glory
passed away, [the Roman guard] raised themselves to see if it were
safe for them to look around. They were filled with amazement as they
saw that the great stone was rolled from the door of the sepulcher, and
Jesus was risen.Spiritual Gifts 1:68.
Satan did not now triumph. His angels had fled before the bright,
penetrating light of the heavenly angels. They bitterly complained to
their king, that their prey had been taken violently from them, and
[211] that He whom they so much hated had risen from the dead.Spiritual
Gifts 1:67.
Immediately After Christs Resurrection
For a little while Satan seemed sad and showed distress. He held a
council with his angels to consider what they should engage in next
to work against the government of God. Said Satan, You must hasten
to the chief priests and elders. We succeeded in deceiving them and
blinding their eyes, and hardening their hearts against Jesus. We made
them believe He was an impostor. That Roman guard will carry the
hateful news that Christ is risen. We led the priests and elders on to
hate Jesus, and to murder Him. Now hold it before them in a bright
light, that as they were His murderers, if it becomes known that Jesus
is risen, they will be stoned to death by the people, in that they killed
an innocent man.Spiritual Gifts 1:67, 68.
They [the Roman guards] turned from the sepulcher, overwhelmed
by what they had seen and heard, and made their way with all haste to
the city, relating to those whom they met the marvelous scenes they
149
had witnessed.... Meanwhile a messenger was dispatched to the priests

and rulers, announcing to them: Christ whom ye crucified is risen
from the dead!
A servant was immediately sent with a private message summoning the Roman guard to the palace of the high priest. There they
were closely questioned; they gave a full statement of what they had
witnessed at the sepulcher: That an awful messenger had come from
heaven with face like the lightning for brightness, and with garments [212]
white as snow; that the earth shook and trembled, and they were
stricken powerless; that the angel had laid hold of the immense stone
at the door of the sepulcher, and had rolled it away as if it had been
a pebble; that a form of great glory had emerged from the sepulcher;
that a chorus of voices had made the heavens and earth vocal with
songs of victory and joy; that when the light had faded out, and the
music had ceased, they had recovered their strength, found the tomb
empty, and the body of Jesus nowhere to be found.Redemption: Or
the Resurrection of Christ; and His Ascension, section 6, 14, 15.
They [the Roman guard] hastened to the chief priests and elders
with the wonderful story of what they had seen; and as those murderers
heard the marvelous report, paleness sat upon every face. Horror seized
them at what they had done. They then realized that if the report was
correct, they were lost. For a little while they were stupefied, and
looked one to the other in silence, not knowing what to do or say. They
were placed where they could not believe unless it be to their own
condemnation.
They went aside by themselves to consult what should be done.
They decided that if it should be spread abroad that Jesus had risen, and
the report of such amazing glory, which caused the guard to fall like
dead men, should come to the people, they would surely be enraged,
and would slay them. They decided to hire the soldiers to keep the
matter secret. They offered them much money, saying, Say ye, His
disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept. And when
the guard inquired what should be done with them for sleeping at their [213]
post, the priest and elders said that they would persuade the governor
and save them.Spiritual Gifts 1:68.
150
The Women Come to the Sepulcher

The women who had stood by the cross of Christ waited and
watched for the hours of the Sabbath to pass. On the first day of the
week, very early, they made their way to the tomb, taking with them
precious spices to anoint the Saviours body....
Ignorant of what was even then taking place, they drew near the
garden, saying as they went, Who shall roll us away the stone from
the door of the sepulcher? They knew that they could not remove the
stone, yet they kept on their way. And lo, the heavens were suddenly
alight with glory that came not from the rising sun. The earth trembled.
They saw that the great stone was rolled away. The grave was empty.
The women had not all come to the tomb from the same direction.
Mary Magdalene was the first to reach the place; and upon seeing
that the stone was removed, she hurried away to tell the disciples.
Meanwhile the other women came up. A light was shining about the
tomb, but the body of Jesus was not there. As they lingered about
the place, suddenly they saw that they were not alone. A young man
clothed in shining garments was sitting by the tomb. It was the angel
who had rolled away the stone. He had taken the guise of humanity
that he might not alarm these friends of Jesus. Yet about him the light
of the heavenly glory was still shining.The Desire of Ages, 788,
[214] 789.
The women were greatly terrified, and bowed their faces to the
earth; for the sight of the heavenly being was more than they could
endure. The angel was compelled to hide his glory still more before
he could converse with them.The Youths Instructor, July 21, 1898.
Fear not ye, he said; for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was
crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the
place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that
He is risen from the dead.
Again they look into the tomb, and again they hear the wonderful
news. Another angel in human form is there, and he says, Why seek
ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember
how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son
of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified,
and the third day rise again.
151
He is risen, He is risen! The women repeat the words again and

again.The Desire of Ages, 789.
Christs Ascension to His Father
Go your way, the angels had said to the women, tell His disciples
and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him,
as He said unto you. These angels had been with Christ as guardian
angels throughout His life on earth. They had witnessed His trial and
crucifixion. They had heard His words to His disciples.The Desire
of Ages, 793.
Quickly the women departed from the sepulcher with fear and [215]
great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word.
Mary had not heard the good news. She went to Peter and John
with the sorrowful message, They have taken away the Lord out of
the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid Him.
The disciples hurried to the tomb, and found it as Mary had said.
They saw the shroud and the napkin, but they did not find their Lord....
Mary had followed John and Peter to the tomb; when they returned
to Jerusalem, she remained. As she looked into the empty tomb, grief
filled her heart. Looking in, she saw the two angels; one at the head
and the other at the foot where Jesus had lain. Woman, why weepest
thou? they asked her. Because they have taken away my Lord, she
answered, and I know not where they have laid Him.
Then she turned away, even from the angels, thinking that she must
find someone who could tell her what had been done with the body
of Jesus. Another voice addressed her, Woman, why weepest thou?
whom seekest thou? Through her tear-dimmed eyes, Mary saw the
form of a man, and thinking that it was the gardener, she said, Sir, if
thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him, and I
will take Him away. ...
But now in His own familiar voice Jesus said to her, Mary. Now
she knew that it was not a stranger who was addressing her, and turning
she saw before her the living Christ. In her joy she forgot that He had
been crucified. Springing toward Him, as if to embrace His feet, she
said, Rabboni. But Christ raised His hand, saying, Detain Me not; [216]
for I am not yet ascended to My Father. ...
152
Jesus refused to receive the homage of His people until He had the
assurance that His sacrifice was accepted by the Father. He ascended
to the heavenly courts, and from God Himself heard the assurance that
His atonement for the sins of men had been ample, that through His
blood all might gain eternal life....
After He had ascended to the Father, Jesus appeared to the other
women, saying. All hail. And they came and held Him by the feet,
and worshiped Him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go
tell My brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see
Me.The Desire of Ages, 789, 790, 793.
Other Post-resurrection Appearances
Late in the afternoon of the day of the resurrection, two of the
disciples were on their way to Emmaus, a little town eight miles from
Jerusalem.... They had heard the news of the morning in regard to the
removal of Christs body from the tomb, and also the report of the
women who had seen the angels and had met Jesus. They were now
returning to their homes....
They had not advanced far on their journey when they were joined
by a stranger, but they were so absorbed in their gloom and disappointment that they did not observe Him closely. They continued their
conversation, expressing the thoughts of their hearts.... As they talked
of the events that had taken place, Jesus longed to comfort them.... But
[217] He must first give them lessons they would never forget....
Beginning at Moses ... Christ expounded in all the Scriptures the
things concerning Himself.... Reasoning from prophecy, Christ gave
His disciples a correct idea of what He was to be in humanity....
During the journey the sun had gone down.... As the disciples were
about to enter their home, the stranger appeared as though He would
continue His journey. But the disciples felt drawn to Him.... Abide
with us, they said. He did not seem to accept the invitation, but they
pressed it upon Him, urging, It is toward evening, and the day is far
spent. Christ yielded to this entreaty and went in to tarry with them.
...
The simple evening meal of bread is soon prepared. It is placed
before the guest, who has taken His seat at the head of the table. Now
He puts forth His hands to bless the food. The disciples start back in
153
astonishment. Their companion spreads forth His hands in exactly the

same way as their Master used to do. They look again, and lo, they
see in His hands the print of nails. Both exclaim at once, It is the Lord
Jesus! He has risen from the dead!
They rise to cast themselves at His feet and worship Him, but He
has vanished out of their sight.... With this great news to communicate
they cannot sit and talk.... They leave their meal untasted, and full of
joy immediately set out again on the same path by which they came,
hurrying to tell the tidings to the disciples in the city.The Desire of
Ages, 795-801.
On reaching Jerusalem the two disciples enter at the eastern gate,
which is open at night on festal occasions.... They go to the upper
chamber where Jesus spent the hours of the last evening before His [218]
death.... They find the door of the chamber securely barred. They
knock for admission, but no answer comes. All is still. Then they give
their names. The door is carefully unbarred, they enter, and Another,
unseen, enters with them. Then the door is again fastened, to keep out
spies.
The travelers find all in surprised excitement. The voices of those
in the room break out into thanksgiving and praise, saying, The Lord
is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. Then the two travelers ...
tell the wondrous story of how Jesus has appeared to them. They have
just ended, ... when behold, another Person stands before them.... Then
they hear a voice which is no other than the voice of their Master....
But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had
seen a spirit. And He said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why
do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that
it is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones,
as ye see Me have. And when He had thus spoken, He showed them
His hands and His feet.The Desire of Ages, 802, 803.
A number of the disciples now made the familiar upper chamber
their temporary home, and at evening all except Thomas gathered here.
One evening Thomas determined to meet with the others.... While the
disciples were taking their evening meal, they talked of the evidences
which Christ had given them in the prophecies. Then came Jesus, the
doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. [219]
Turning to Thomas He said, Reach hither thy finger, and behold
My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and
154
be not faithless, but believing. ... [Thomas] had no desire for further
proof. His heart leaped for joy, and he cast himself at the feet of Jesus
crying, My Lord and my God.The Desire of Ages, 807.
Jesus had appointed to meet His disciples in Galilee; and soon after
the Passover week was ended, they bent their steps thither.... Seven
of the disciples were in company. They were clad in the humble garb
of fishermen.... All night they toiled, without success.... All the while
a lone watcher upon the shore followed them with His eye, while
He Himself was unseen. At length the morning dawned ... and the
disciples saw a stranger standing upon the beach.... John recognized
the stranger, and exclaimed to Peter, It is the Lord.The Desire of
Ages, 809, 810.
At the meeting on a mountain in Galilee, all the believers who
could be called together were assembled.... At the time appointed,
about five hundred believers were collected in little knots on the mountainside, eager to learn all that could be learned from those who had
seen Christ since His resurrection.... Suddenly Jesus stood among
them. No one could tell whence or how He came.... Now He declared
that all power was given to Him. His words carried the minds of
His hearers above earthly and temporal things to the heavenly and
eternal.The Desire of Ages, 818, 819.
For forty days Christ remained on the earth, preparing the disciples
[220] for the work before them and explaining that which heretofore they had
been unable to comprehend. He spoke of the prophecies concerning
His advent, His rejection by the Jews, and His death, showing that
every specification of these prophecies had been fulfilled. He told them
that they were to regard this fulfillment of prophecy as an assurance of
the power that would attend them in their future labors.The Acts of
the Apostles, 26.
Christs Final Appearance at His Ascension
The time had come for Christ to ascend to His Fathers throne....
As the place of His ascension, Jesus chose the spot so often hallowed
by His presence ... the Mount of Olives....
Now with the eleven disciples Jesus made His way toward the
mountain. As they passed through the gate of Jerusalem, many wondering eyes looked upon the little company, led by One whom a few
155
weeks before the rulers had condemned and crucified.... Upon reaching the Mount of Olives, Jesus led the way across the summit, to the
vicinity of Bethany. Here He paused, and the disciples gathered about
Him. Beams of light seemed to radiate from His countenance as He
looked lovingly upon them.... With hands outstretched in blessing,
and as if in assurance of His protecting care, He slowly ascended from
among them, drawn heavenward by a power stronger than any earthly
attraction. As He passed upward, the awe-stricken disciples looked
with straining eyes for the last glimpse of their ascending Lord.The
Desire of Ages, 829-831.
When Jesus ... ascended from the Mount of Olivet, He was not
only in sight of a few disciples, but many were looking on. There was [221]
a multitude of angels, thousands upon thousands who beheld the Son
of God as He ascended on high.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials,
127.2.
While the disciples were still gazing upward, voices addressed
them which sounded like richest music. They turned, and saw two
angels in the form of men, who spoke to them, saying, Ye men of
Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which
is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye
have seen Him go into heaven.
These angels were of the company that had been waiting in a
shining cloud to escort Jesus to His heavenly home. The most exalted
of the angel throng, they were the two who had come to the tomb at
Christs resurrection, and they had been with Him throughout His life
on earth.The Desire of Ages, 831, 832.
Christ was taken up into heaven in a cloud composed of living
angels.Manuscript Releases 17:2.
As the chariot of angels received Him, His words had come to them
[the disciples], Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end.The
Acts of the Apostles, 65.
Thousands and thousands of angels escorted Christ in honor to
the city of God, singing, Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be
ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come
in. The angel sentinels at the gate exclaimed, Who is this King of
[222]
glory?The Review and Herald, July 29, 1890.
As He [Christ] approached the City of God ... [the] voices [of
thousands of angels] were raised and the highest angels sang, Lift up
156
your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the
King of glory shall come in..
Again the challenge rings forth, Who is this King of glory? and
the escorting angels answer, The Lord of hosts, He is the King of
glory, and the heavenly train passes through the gates.The Review
and Herald, July 29, 1890.
When Christ ascended up on high, and led a multitude of captives,
escorted by the heavenly host, and was received in through the gates of
the city, ... He possessed the same exalted stature that He had before
He came into the world to die for man.Spiritual Gifts 4a:119.
Christ Is Escorted Into the Fathers Presence
There is the throne, and around it the rainbow of promise. There
are seraphim and cherubim. The angels circle round Him, but Christ
waves them back. He enters into the presence of His Father. He points
to His triumph ...those raised with Him, the representatives of the
captive dead who shall come forth from their graves when the trump
shall sound. He approaches the Father; and ... says: Father, it is
finished. I have done thy will, O my God. I have completed the work
of redemption. If thy justice is satisfied, I will that they also, whom
thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.The Youths Instructor,
[223] August 11, 1898.
The arms of the Father encircle the Son, and His voice is heard,
saying, Let all the angels worship Him.Selected Messages 1:306.
The angelic throng ... bow in adoration before Him, saying, Worthy, worthy, is the Lamb that was slain, and lives again, a triumphant
conqueror.The Signs of the Times, June 17, 1889.
When Christ passed within the heavenly gates, He was enthroned
amidst the adoration of the angels. As soon as this ceremony was completed, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in rich currents,
and Christ was indeed glorified, even with the glory which He had with
the Father from all eternity. The Pentecostal outpouring was Heavens
communication that the Redeemers inauguration was accomplished.
According to His promise He had sent the Holy Spirit from heaven to
His followers, as a token that He had, as Priest and King, received all
authority in heaven and on earth, and was the Anointed One over His
[224] people.The Acts of the Apostles, 38.
Chapter 18Angels From Pentecost to the Last Days

Angels Protect Vital Truths
I saw the angels of God were commissioned to guard with special
care the sacred, important truths which were to serve as an anchor
to the disciples of Christ through every generation. The Holy Spirit
especially rested upon the apostles, who were witnesses of our Lords
crucifixion, resurrection, and ascensionimportant truths which were
to be the hope of Israel. All were to look to the Saviour of the world
as their only hope, and walk in the way which He had opened by
the sacrifice of His own life, and keep Gods law and live. I saw the
wisdom and goodness of Jesus in giving power to the disciples to
carry on the same work for which He had been hated and slain by
the Jews. In His name they had power over the works of Satan. A
halo of light and glory centered about the time of Jesus death and
resurrection, immortalizing the sacred truth that He was the Saviour
[225]
of the world.Early Writings, 196, 197.
Peter and John Delivered From Prison
A short time after the descent of the Holy Spirit, and immediately
after a season of fervent prayer, Peter and John, going up to the temple
to worship, saw a distressed and poverty-stricken cripple.... The disciples regarded him with compassion. And Peter, fastening his eyes
upon him with John, said, Look on us. Silver and gold have I none;
but such as I have give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth
rise up and walk.The Spirit of Prophecy 3:275, 276.
As the Sadducees, who did not believe in a resurrection, heard
the apostles declaring that Christ had risen from the dead, they were
enraged, realizing that if the apostles were allowed to preach a risen
Saviour, and to work miracles in His name, the doctrine that there
would be no resurrection would be rejected by all, and the sect of the
Sadducees would soon become extinct.The Acts of the Apostles,
78.
157
158
Some of the officials of the temple, and the captain of the temple,
were Sadducees. The captain, with the help of a number of Sadducees,
arrested the two apostles, and put them in prison, as it was too late for
their cases to be examined that night.The Spirit of Prophecy 3:278.
Satan triumphed, and the evil angels exulted; but the angels of God
were sent and opened the prison doors, and, contrary to the command
of the high priest and elders, bade them go into the temple, and speak
[226] all the words of this life.Spiritual Gifts 1:83, 84.
In the meantime the high priest and those with him had called
the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel. The
priests and rulers had decided to fix upon the disciples the charge of
insurrection, to accuse them of murdering Ananias and Sapphira, and
of conspiring to deprive the priests of their authority.
When they sent for the prisoners to be brought before them, great
was their amazement at the word brought back, that the prison doors
were found to be securely bolted, and the guard stationed before them,
but that the prisoners were nowhere to be found.
Soon the astonishing report came, Behold, the men whom ye put
in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then
went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence:
for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
As they [Peter and John] stood for the second time before the
men who seemed bent on their destruction, no fear or hesitation could
be discerned in their words or attitude. And when the high priest
said, Did we not straitly command you that ye should not teach in
this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine,
and intend to bring this mans blood upon us, Peter answered, We
ought to obey God rather than men. It was an angel from heaven who
delivered them from prison and bade them teach in the temple.The
Acts of the Apostles, 78-82.
Then were those murderers enraged. They wished to imbrue their
hands in blood again by slaying the apostles. They were planning how
[227] to do this, when an angel from God was sent to Gamaliel to move
upon his heart to counsel the chief priests and rulers. Said Gamaliel,
Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this
work be of men, it will come to naught; but if it be of God ye cannot
overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
Angels From Pentecost to the Last Days
159
The evil angels were moving upon the priests and elders to put the
apostles to death; but God sent His angel to prevent it, by raising up
a voice in favor of the disciples in their own ranks.Spiritual Gifts
1:85.
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Heavenly angels watch those who are seeking for enlightenment.
They cooperate with those who try to win souls to Christ. Angels
minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. This is shown in the
experience of Philip and the Ethiopian.The Bible Echo, December
10, 1900.
This Ethiopian was a man of good standing and of wide influence.
God saw that when converted he would give others the light he had
received and would exert a strong influence in favor of the gospel.
Angels of God were attending this seeker for light, and he was being
drawn to the Saviour. By the ministration of the Holy Spirit the Lord
brought him into touch with one who would lead him to the light.
Conflict and Courage, 332.
When God pointed out to Philip his work, ... he learned that every
soul is precious in the sight of God, and that angels will bring to the
appointed agencies light for those who are in need of it. The heavenly [228]
angels do not undertake the work of preaching the gospel. Through
the ministration of angels God sends light to His people, and through
His people this light is to be given to the world.The Bible Echo,
December 10, 1900.
Pauls Conversion
As Saul journeyed to Damascus, with letters authorizing him to
take men or women who were preaching Jesus, and bring them bound
to Jerusalem, evil angels exulted around him. But suddenly a light
from heaven shone round about him, which made the evil angels
flee.Early Writings, 200.
In the record of the conversion of Saul, important principles are
given us, which we should ever bear in mind. Saul was brought
directly into the presence of Christ.... He arrested him in his course
and convicted him of sin; but when Saul asked, What wilt Thou have
160
me to do? the Saviour placed the inquiring Jew in connection with His
church, there to obtain a knowledge of Gods will concerning him....
While Saul in solitude at the house of Judas continued in prayer
and supplication, the Lord appeared in vision to a certain disciple
at Damascus, named Ananias, telling him that Saul of Tarsus was
praying, and in need of help. Arise, and go into the street which
is called Straight, the heavenly messenger said, and inquire in the
house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth....
Ananias could scarcely credit the words of the angel; for the reports
[229] of Sauls bitter persecution of the saints at Jerusalem had spread far
and wide....
Obedient to the direction of the angel, Ananias sought out the
man who had but recently breathed out threatenings against all who
believed on the name of Jesus; and putting his hands on the head of
the penitent sufferer, he said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that
appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou
mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales:
and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.The
Acts of the Apostles, 120-122.
Paul Leaves Damascus
As Paul preached Christ in Damascus, all who heard him were
amazed.... The opposition grew so fierce that Paul was not allowed to
continue his labors at Damascus. A messenger from heaven bade him
leave for a time; and he went into Arabia (Galatians 1:17), where he
found a safe retreat.
Here, in the solitude of the desert, Paul had ample opportunity
for quiet study and meditation.... Jesus communed with him, and
established him in the faith, bestowing upon him a rich measure of
wisdom and grace.The Acts of the Apostles, 124-126.
Pauls labors at Antioch, in association with Barnabas, strengthened him in his conviction that the Lord had called him to do a special
work for the Gentile world. At the time of Pauls conversion, the Lord
[230] had declared that he was to be made a minister to the Gentiles, to
open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the
power of Satan unto God, that they may receive the forgiveness of
161
sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that
is in Me. Acts 26:18. The angel that appeared to Ananias, had said
of Paul, He is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the
Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. Acts 9:15. And Paul
himself, later in his Christian experience, while praying in the temple
at Jerusalem, had been visited by an angel from heaven, who bade
him, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. Acts
22:21.The Acts of the Apostles, 159.
Cornelius and Peter
The same Holy Watcher who said of Abraham, I know him, knew
Cornelius also, and sent a message direct from heaven to him.The
Acts of the Apostles, 133.
The angel appeared to Cornelius while he was at prayer. As the
centurion heard himself addressed by name, he was afraid, yet he
knew that the messenger had come from God, and he said, What is it,
Lord?The Acts of the Apostles, 133.
Send men for one Simon, whose surname is Peter, who lives with
one Simon a tanner. And he told him the very place where Simon the
tanner lived. Then the angel of the Lord went to Peter, and prepared
his mind for the reception of the men.The Ellen G. White 1888
[231]
Materials, 1746.
Cornelius was gladly obedient to the vision. When the angel had
gone, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier
of them that waited on him continually; and when he had declared all
these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. ... The angel was not
commissioned to tell Cornelius the story of the cross. A man subject
even as the centurion himself to human frailties and temptations was
to tell him of the crucified and risen Saviour. In His wisdom the Lord
brings those who are seeking for truth into touch with fellow beings
who know the truth.The Review and Herald, April 6, 1911.
Immediately after the interview with Cornelius, the angel went to
Peter, who, at the time, was praying upon the housetop of his lodging
in Joppa.The Review and Herald, April 13, 1911.
It was with reluctance at every step that Peter undertook the duty
laid upon him by divine command. When relating his experience, he
does not defend his action on general principles, but as an exception,
162
done because of divine revelation. And the result was a surprise to

him. When Cornelius had related to him his experience, and the words
of the angel who had appeared to him in vision, Peter declared, Of
a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons; but in every
nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted
with Him.Manuscript Releases 6:328, 329.
Peter Delivered From Prison
[232]
The day of Peters execution was at last appointed; but still the
prayers of the believers ascended to Heaven. And while all their
energies and sympathies were called out in fervent appeals, angels
of God were guarding the imprisoned apostle.... Peter was placed
between two soldiers, and was bound by two chains, each chain being
fastened to the wrist of one of his guard. He was therefore unable
to move without their knowledge. The prison doors were securely
fastened, and a strong guard was placed before them. All chance of
rescue or escape, by human means, was thus cut off.Redemption:
or the Ministry of Peter and the Conversion of Saul, 70.
Peter was in prison, expecting to be brought forth next day to death;
he was sleeping at night between two soldiers, bound with two chains:
and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel
of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he
smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly.
And his chains fell off from his hands.
Peter, suddenly awaking, was amazed at the brightness that flooded
his dungeon, and the celestial beauty of the heavenly messenger. He
understood not the scene, but he knew that he was free, and in his
bewilderment and joy he would have gone forth from the prison unprotected from the cold night air. The angel of God, noting all the
circumstances, said, with tender care for the apostles need: Gird
thyself, and bind on thy sandals.
Peter mechanically obeyed; but so entranced was he with the rev[233] elation of the glory of heaven that he did not think to take his cloak.
Then the angel bade him: Cast thy garment about thee, and follow
me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true
which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When
they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron
163
gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own
accord.Testimonies for the Church 5:748.
No word is spoken; there is no sound of footsteps. The angel
glides on in front, encircled by a light of dazzling brightness, and
Peter, bewildered, and still believing himself to be in a dream, follows
his deliverer. Thus they pass on through one street, and then, the
mission of the angel being accomplished, he suddenly disappears.
The heavenly light faded away, and Peter felt himself to be in
profound darkness; but as his eyes became accustomed to the darkness,
it gradually seemed to lessen, and he found himself alone in the silent
street, with the cool night air blowing upon his brow. He now realized
that he was free, in a familiar part of the city; he recognized the place
as one that he had often frequented, and had expected to pass on the
morrow for the last time....
The apostle made his way at once to the house where his brethren
were assembled, and where they were at that moment engaged in
earnest prayer for him. As Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a
damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peters
voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how
Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But [234]
she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his
angel.The Acts of the Apostles, 147, 148.
The same angel who had left the royal courts of heaven to rescue Peter from the power of his persecutor, had been the messenger
of wrath and judgment to Herod. The angel smote Peter to arouse
him from slumber; but it was with a different stroke that he smote
the wicked king, bringing mortal disease upon him.The Spirit of
Prophecy 3:344.
The Stoning of Stephen
As he [Stephen] looked up steadfastly into heaven, a vision of
Gods glory was given him, and angels hovered around him. He cried
out, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing
on the right hand of God.Spiritual Gifts 1:89.
164
Angels During Pauls Ministry

An extensive and profitable business had grown up at Ephesus
from the manufacture and sale of small shrines and images, modeled
after the temple and the image of Diana. Those interested in this
industry found their gains diminishing, and all united in attributing the
unwelcome change to Pauls labors....
The whole city was filled with confusion. Search was made for
Paul, but the apostle was not to be found. His brethren, receiving an
intimation of the danger, had hurried him out of the place. Angels
[235] of God had been sent to guard the apostle; his time to die a martyrs
death had not yet come.The Acts of the Apostles, 292, 293.
Day after day, as they [Paul and Silas] went to their devotions
[in Philippi], a woman with the spirit of divination followed them,
crying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which
show unto us the way of salvation. This woman was a special agent
of Satan; and, as the devils were troubled by the presence of Christ,
so the evil spirit which possessed her was ill at ease in the presence
of the apostles. Satan knew that his kingdom was invaded, and took
this way of opposing the work of the ministers of God. The words of
recommendation uttered by this woman were an injury to the cause,
distracting the minds of the people from the truths presented to them,
and throwing disrepute upon the work by causing people to believe that
the men who spoke with the Spirit and power of God were actuated by
the same spirit as this emissary of Satan.
The apostles endured this opposition for several days; then Paul,
under inspiration of the Spirit of God, commanded the evil spirit to
leave the woman. Satan was thus met and rebuked. The immediate
and continued silence of the woman testified that the apostles were
the servants of God, and that the demon had acknowledged them to
be such, and had obeyed their command. When the woman was dispossessed of the spirit of the devil, and restored to herself, her masters
were alarmed for their craft. They saw that all hope of receiving money
from her divinations and soothsayings was at an end, and perceived
[236] that, if the apostles were allowed to continue their work, their own
source of income would soon be entirely cut off.Sketches from the
Life of Paul, 74, 75.
165
After the woman had been freed from the evil spirit, she became
a follower of Christ. Her masters saw that their hope of gain was
gone, and taking Paul and Silas, they brought them before the rulers,
charging them with troubling the city. This caused an uproar. The
multitude rose against the disciples, and the magistrates commanded
that the prisoners should be beaten.The Review and Herald, June
29, 1905.
When they [the magistrates] had laid many stripes upon them [Paul
and Silas], they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them
safely, who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner
prison and made their feet fast in the stocks. But the angels of God
accompanied them within the prison walls.Spiritual Gifts 1:95, 96.
The apostles suffered extreme torture because of the painful position in which they were left, but they did not murmur. Instead, in the
utter darkness and desolation of the dungeon, they encouraged each
other by words of prayer, and sang praises to God because they were
found worthy to suffer shame for His sake.... With astonishment the
other prisoners heard the sound of prayer and singing issuing from the
inner prison.The Acts of the Apostles, 213, 214.
While men were cruel and vindictive, or criminally negligent of the
solemn responsibilities devolving upon them, God had not forgotten [237]
to be gracious to His suffering servants. An angel was sent from
heaven to release the apostles. As he neared the Roman prison, the
earth trembled beneath his feet, the whole city was shaken by the
earthquake, and the prison walls reeled like a reed in the wind. The
heavily bolted doors flew open; the chains and fetters fell from the
hands and feet of every prisoner.The Spirit of Prophecy 3:382, 383.
The apostle Paul, in his labors at Ephesus, was given special tokens
of divine favor. The power of God accompanied his efforts, and many
were healed of physical maladies. God wrought special miracles by
the hands of Paul: so that from his body were brought unto the sick
handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the
evil spirits went out of them.
These manifestations of supernatural power were far more potent
than had ever before been witnessed in Ephesus, and were of such a
character that they could not be imitated by the skill of the juggler or
the enchantments of the sorcerer. As these miracles were wrought in
the name of Jesus of Nazareth, the people had opportunity to see that
166
the God of heaven was more powerful than the magicians who were
worshipers of the goddess Diana. Thus the Lord exalted His servant,
even before the idolaters themselves, immeasurably above the most
powerful and favored of the magicians.
But the One to whom all the spirits of evil are subject and who
had given His servants authority over them, was about to bring still
greater shame and defeat upon those who despised and profaned His
[238] holy name. Sorcery had been prohibited by the Mosaic law, on pain of
death, yet from time to time it had been secretly practiced by apostate
Jews. At the time of Pauls visit to Ephesus, there were in the city
certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, who, seeing the wonders
wrought by him [Paul], took upon them to call over them which had
evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus. An attempt was made by
seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests. Finding a
man possessed with a demon, they addressed him, We adjure you by
Jesus whom Paul preacheth. But the evil spirit answered and said,
Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom
the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed
against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
...
Facts which had previously been concealed were now brought to
light. In accepting Christianity some of the believers had not fully
renounced their superstitions. To some extent they still continued the
practice of magic. Now, convinced of their error, many that believed
came, and confessed, and showed their deeds. Even to some of the
sorcerers themselves the good work extended; and many of them also
which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them
before all men. ...
These treatises on divination contained rules and forms of communication with evil spirits. They were the regulations of the worship
of Satandirections for soliciting his help and obtaining information
from him.The Acts of the Apostles, 286-289.
A report of the speech of Demetrius was rapidly circulated. The
[239] uproar was terrific. The whole city [of Ephesus] seemed in commotion. An immense crowd soon collected, and a rush was made to the
workshop of Aquila, in the Jewish quarters, with the object of securing
Paul. In their insane rage they were ready to tear him in pieces. But
the apostle was not to be found. His brethren, receiving an intimation
167
of the danger, had hurried him from the place. Angels of God were
sent to guard the faithful apostle.Sketches from the Life of Paul,
143.
As the chief priests and rulers witnessed the effect of the relation
of Pauls experience, they were moved with hatred against him. They
saw that he boldly preached Jesus and wrought miracles in His name,
that multitudes listened to him and turned from their traditions and
looked upon the Jewish leaders as the murderers of the Son of God.
Their anger was kindled, and they assembled to consult as to what was
best to be done to put down the excitement. They agreed that the only
safe course was to put Paul to death. But God knew of their intention,
and angels were commissioned to guard him, that he might live to
fulfill his mission.Early Writings, 202.
This portion of history has been written for our admonition, upon
whom the ends of the world are come. The Ephesians claimed to have
intercourse with invisible beings, from whom they derived their knowledge of that which was to come to pass. In our day this communion
with spirits is called Spiritualism, and the arts practiced by mediums
are not all sleight of hand, cunning, and pretense. The visible and
invisible worlds are in close connection. Satan is the master deceiver,
and his confederates in evil are in training under him to work in the [240]
same line in which he works. The apostle says, We wrestle not against
flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the
rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in
high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that
ye may be able to withstand in the evil day.The Youths Instructor,
November 16, 1893.
That aged prisoner [Paul], standing chained to his soldier guard,
presented nothing imposing or attractive in his dress or appearance,
that the world should pay him homage. Yet this man, apparently
without friends or wealth or position, had an escort that worldlings
could not see. Angels of heaven were his attendants. Had the glory
of one of those shining messengers flashed forth, the pomp and pride
of royalty would have paled before it; king and courtiers would have
been stricken to the earth.... All heaven was interested in this one man,
now held a prisoner for his faith in the Son of God.Sketches from
the Life of Paul, 254.
168
The Siege of Jerusalem

The longsuffering of God toward Jerusalem only confirmed the
Jews in their stubborn impenitence. In their hatred and cruelty toward
the disciples of Jesus, they rejected the last offer of mercy. Then
God withdrew His protection from them, and removed His restraining
power from Satan and his angels, and the nation was left to the control
of the leader she had chosen. Her children had spurned the grace of
[241] Christ, which would have enabled them to subdue their evil impulses,
and now these became the conquerors.
Satan aroused the fiercest and most debased passions of the soul.
Men did not reason; they were beyond reasoncontrolled by impulse
and blind rage. They became Satanic in their cruelty.... Satan was at
the head of the nation, and the highest civil and religious authorities
were under his sway.The Spirit of Prophecy 4:29, 30.
Angels of God were sent to do the work of destruction, so that one
stone [of the temple] was not left upon another that was not thrown
down.Manuscript Releases 21:66.
John the Revelator
Of Gabriel the Saviour speaks in the Revelation, saying that He
sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John. Revelation
1:1. And to John the angel declared, I am a fellow servant with thee
and with thy brethren the prophets. Revelation 22:9, R. V. Wonderful
thoughtthat the angel who stands next in honor to the Son of God
is the one chosen to open the purposes of God to sinful men.The
Desire of Ages, 99.
God had a special work for him to accomplish. Satan was determined to hinder this work, and he led on his servants to destroy
John. But God sent His angel and wonderfully preserved him. All
who witnessed the great power of God manifested in the deliverance
of John, were astonished, and many were convinced that God was
with him, and that the testimony which he bore concerning Jesus was
[242] correct. Those who sought to destroy him were afraid to again attempt
to take his life, and he was permitted to suffer on for Jesus.
He was falsely accused by his enemies, and was shortly banished
to a lonely island, where the Lord sent His angel to reveal to him things
169
which were to take place upon the earth, and the state of the church
down through to the end; her backslidings, and the position the church
should occupy if she would please God, and finally overcome.
The angel from heaven came to John in majesty. His countenance beamed with the excellent glory of heaven. He revealed to John
scenes of deep and thrilling interest concerning the church of God,
and brought before him the perilous conflicts they were to endure.
John saw them pass through fiery trials, and made white and tried,
and, finally, victorious overcomers, gloriously saved in the kingdom
of God. The countenance of the angel grew radiant with joy, and was
exceeding glorious, as he showed to John the final triumph of the
church of God.
John was enraptured as he beheld the final deliverance of the
church, and as he was carried away with the glory of the scene, with
deep reverence and awe he fell at the feet of the angel to worship him.
The angel instantly raised him up, and gently reproved him, saying,
See thou do it not; I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that
have the testimony of Jesus; worship God; for the testimony of Jesus
is the spirit of prophecy.
The angel then showed John the heavenly city with all its splendor
and dazzling glory. John was enraptured and overwhelmed with the
glory of the city. He did not bear in mind his former reproof from the [243]
angel, but again fell to worship before the feet of the angel, who again
gave the gentle reproof, See thou do it not; for I am thy fellowservant,
and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them that keep the sayings of
this book; worship God.Spiritual Gifts 1:130, 131.
Christ, the royal messenger, came to John when on his sea-bound
isle, and gave him the most wonderful revelations of Himself.The
Signs of the Times, March 3, 1890.
The mighty Angel [of Revelation 10] who instructed John was no
less a personage than Jesus Christ. Setting His right foot on the sea,
and His left upon the dry land, shows the part which He is acting in
the closing scenes of the great controversy with Satan. This position
denotes His supreme power and authority over the whole earth. The
controversy has waxed stronger and more determined from age to age,
and will continue to do so, to the concluding scenes when the masterly
working of the powers of darkness shall reach their height. Satan,
united with evil men, will deceive the whole world and the churches
170
who receive not the love of the truth. But the mighty Angel demands
attention. He cries with a loud voice. He is to show the power and
authority of His voice to those who have united with Satan to oppose
the truth.The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 7:971.
Angels in the Middle Ages
[244]
In the thirteenth century was established that most terrible of all

the engines of the papacythe Inquisition. The prince of darkness
wrought with the leaders of the papal hierarchy. In their secret councils,
Satan and his angels controlled the minds of evil men, while unseen
in the midst stood an angel of God, taking the fearful record of their
iniquitous decrees and writing the history of deeds too horrible to
appear to human eyes.The Great Controversy, 59.
The Protestant Reformation
The banner of the ruler of the synagogue of Satan was lifted high,
and error apparently marched in triumph, and the reformers, through
the grace given them of God, waged a successful warfare against the
hosts of darkness. Events in the history of the reformers have been
presented before me. I know that the Lord Jesus and His angels have
with intense interest watched the battle against the power of Satan, who
combined his hosts with evil men, for the purpose of extinguishing the
divine light.Selected Messages 3:110.
Luther
While one day examining the books in the library of the university,
Luther discovered a Latin Bible.... With mingled awe and wonder he
turned the sacred pages; with quickened pulse and throbbing heart he
read for himself the words of life, pausing now and then to exclaim,
Oh, if God would give me such a book for my own! Angels of heaven
[245] were by his side, and rays of light from the throne of God revealed the
treasures of truth to his understanding.The Spirit of Prophecy 4:96.
When enemies appealed to custom and tradition, or to the assertions and authority of the pope, Luther met them with the Bible and
the Bible alone. Here were arguments which they could not answer;
therefore the slaves of formalism and superstition clamored for his
171
blood.... But Luther did not fall a prey to their fury. God had a work
for him to do, and angels of heaven were sent to protect him.The
Spirit of Prophecy 4:108, 109.
Here was one lone man who had stirred the rage of priests and
people. He was summoned to Augsburg to answer for his faith. He
obeyed the summons. Firm and undaunted he stood before those
who had caused the world to tremblea meek lamb surrounded by
angry lionsyet for the truths sake, and for Christs sake, he stood up
undaunted, and with holy eloquence, which the truth can alone inspire,
he gave the reasons of his faith. They tried various means to silence
the bold advocate for truth. They flattered and held out inducements;
he should be exalted and honored; but life and honors were valueless
to him, if purchased at the sacrifice of the truth.
Brighter and clearer shone the Word of God upon his understanding, giving him a more vivid sense of the errors, corruptions, and
hypocrisy of the papacy. His enemies sought to intimidate him, and
cause him to renounce his faith, but he boldly stood in defense of the
truth. He was ready to die for his faith, if God required; but to yield
itnever. God preserved his life. He bade angels attend him, and
bring him through the stormy conflict, unharmed, and he baffled the [246]
rage and purposes of his enemies.Spiritual Gifts 4b:118, 119.
Had the eyes of the assembly [at Worms] been opened, they would
have beheld angels of God in the midst of them, shedding beams of
light athwart the darkness of error, and opening minds and hearts to
the reception of truth.The Spirit of Prophecy 4:124.
Melancthon
[The reformer, Simon] Grynaeus had been on intimate terms with a
leading papist doctor; but, having been shocked at one of his sermons,
he went to him, and entreated that he would no longer war against
the truth. The papist concealed his anger, but immediately repaired
to the king, and obtained from him authority to arrest the protester.
When Melancthon returned to his house, he was informed that after his
departure officers in pursuit of Grynaeus had searched it from top to
bottom. He ever believed that the Lord had saved his friend by sending
a holy angel to give him warning.The Spirit of Prophecy 4:164, 165.
172
The Pilgrim Fathers

In the midst of exile and hardship their [the Pilgrim fathers] love
and faith waxed strong. They trusted the Lords promises, and He did
not fail them in time of need. His angels were by their side, to encourage and support them. And when Gods hand seemed pointing them
across the sea, to a land where they might found for themselves a state,
[247] and leave to their children the precious heritage of religious liberty,
they went forward, without shrinking, in the path of providence.The
The Three Angels of Revelation 14
Christ is coming the second time, with power unto salvation. To
prepare human beings for this event, He has sent the first, second,
and third angels messages. These angels represent those who receive
the truth, and with power open the gospel to the world.The S.D.A.
Bible Commentary 7:978, 979.
William Miller
I saw that God sent His angel to move upon the heart of a farmer
[William Miller] who had not believed the Bible, and led him to search
the prophecies. Angels of God repeatedly visited that chosen one, and
guided his mind, and opened his understanding to prophecies which
had ever been dark to Gods people. The commencement of the chain
of truth was given him, and he was led on to search for link after link,
until he looked with wonder and admiration upon the Word of God....
Angels of God accompanied William Miller in his mission. He
was firm and undaunted. He fearlessly proclaimed the message....
Although opposed by professed Christians and the world, and buffeted
by Satan and his angels, he ceased not to preach the everlasting gospel
to crowds wherever he was invited, and sound the cry, Fear God and
give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.Spiritual
[248] Gifts 1:128, 132.
The instigator of all evil sought not only to counteract the effect of
the advent message, but to destroy the messenger himself. Miller made
a practical application of Scripture truth to the hearts of his hearers,
reproving their sins and disturbing their self-satisfaction, and his plain
173
and cutting words aroused their enmity. The opposition manifested by

church members toward his message emboldened the baser classes to
go to greater lengths; and enemies plotted to take his life as he should
leave the place of meeting. But holy angels were in the throng, and one
of these, in the form of a man, took the arm of this servant of the Lord,
and led him in safety from the angry mob.The Great Controversy,
336, 337.
Many ministers would not accept this saving message themselves,
and those who would receive it, they hindered. The blood of souls is
upon them. Preachers and people joined to oppose this message from
heaven. They persecuted William Miller and those who united with
him in the work. Falsehoods were circulated to injure his influence,
and at different times after he had plainly declared the counsel of God,
applying cutting truths to the hearts of his hearers, great rage was
kindled against him, and as he left the place of meeting, some waylaid
him in order to take his life. But angels of God were sent to preserve
his life, and they led him safely away from the angry mob.Spiritual
[249]
Gifts 1:136.
Chapter 19Angels in Ellen Whites Experience

Ellen Whites Call to Be a Prophet
While I was praying at the family altar, the Holy Ghost fell upon
me, and I seemed to be rising higher and higher, far above the dark
world. I turned to look for the Advent people in the world, but could
not find them, when a voice said to me, Look again, and look a little
higher. At this I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path,
cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were
traveling to the city, which was at the farther end of the path. They had
a bright light set up behind them at the beginning of the path, which an
angel told me was the midnight cry. This light shone all the way along
the path and gave light for their feet so that they might not stumble. If
they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before them, leading
them to the city, they were safe.Early Writings, 14.
At the age of seventeen ... a heavenly visitant came and spoke
to me, saying, I have a message for you to bear. Why, I thought,
[250] there certainly must be a great mistake somewhere. Again were
spoken the words: I have a message for you to bear. Write out for the
people what I have given you.Sermons and Talks 2:252.
The Ark of the Covenant in Heaven
The Lord gave me a view of the heavenly sanctuary. The temple of
God was opened in heaven, and I was shown the ark of God covered
with the mercy-seat. Two angels stood at either end of the ark, with
their wings spread over the mercy-seat, and their faces turned toward it.
This my accompanying angel informed me represented all the heavenly
host looking with reverential awe toward the Law of God which had
been written by the finger of God.Life Sketches of James White and
Ellen G. White (1880), 236.
The ark of the earthly sanctuary was the pattern of the true ark in
heaven. There, beside the heavenly ark, stand living angels, each with
one wing overshadowing the mercy-seat, and stretching forth on high,
174
Angels in Ellen Whites Experience
175
while the other wings are folded over their forms in token of reverence
and humility.The Signs of the Times, June 24, 1880.
Oh, that all could behold our precious Saviour as He is, a Saviour.
Let His hand draw aside the veil which conceals His glory from our
eyes. It shows Him in His high and holy place. What do we see? Our
Saviour, not in a position of silence and inactivity. He is surrounded
with heavenly intelligences, cherubim, and seraphim, ten thousand
times ten thousand of angels.
All these heavenly beings have one object above all others, in
which they are intensely interested His church in a world of corrup- [251]
tion.... They are working for Christ under His commission, to save to
the uttermost all who look to Him and believe in Him. These heavenly
intelligences are speeding on their mission.... They are united in a holy
alliance, in a grand and sublime unity of purpose, to show forth the
power and compassion and love and glory of the crucified and risen
Saviour.
In their service, these armies of heaven illustrate what the church of
God should be. Christ is working in their behalf in the heavenly courts,
sending out His messengers to all parts of the globe, to the assistance
of every suffering one who looks to Him for relief, for spiritual life
and knowledge.The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 7:967, 968.
Satan Before He Fell, and As He Is Now
Satan was once an honored angel in heaven, next to Christ. His
countenance, like those of the other angels, was mild and expressive
of happiness. His forehead was high and broad, showing great intelligence. His form was perfect; his bearing noble and majestic.Early
Writings, 145.
I was shown Satan as he once was, a happy, exalted angel. Then
I was shown him as he now is. He still bears a kingly form. His
features are still noble, for he is an angel fallen. But the expression
of his countenance is full of anxiety, care, unhappiness, malice, hate,
mischief, deceit, and every evil. That brow which was once so noble,
I particularly noticed. His forehead commenced from his eyes to
recede. I saw that he had so long bent himself to evil that every good
quality was debased, and every evil trait was developed. His eyes were [252]
cunning, sly, and showed great penetration. His frame was large, but
176
the flesh hung loosely about his hands and face. As I beheld him, his
chin was resting upon his left hand. He appeared to be in deep thought.
A smile was upon his countenance, which made me tremble, it was
so full of evil and satanic slyness. This smile is the one he wears just
before he makes sure of his victim, and as he fastens the victim in his
snare, this smile grows horrible.Early Writings, 152, 153.
Angels Ellen White Saw in Visions and Dreams
I dreamed that several of the brethren in California were in council,
considering the best plan for labor during the coming season. Some
thought it wise to shun the large cities, and work in smaller places.
My husband was earnestly urging that broader plans be laid, and more
extended efforts made, which would better compare with the character
of our message.
Then a young man whom I had frequently seen in my dreams,
came into the council. He listened with deep interest to the words that
were spoken, and then, speaking with deliberation and authoritative
confidence, said:
The cities and villages constitute a part of the Lords vineyard.
They must hear the messages of warning. The enemy of truth is
making desperate efforts to turn the people from the truth of God to
falsehood.... You are to sow beside all waters.Life Sketches of
Ellen G. White, 208.
In my work, I am connected with my helpers, and I am also con[253] nected with and in close touch with my Instructor and other heavenly
intelligences. Those who are called of God should be in touch with
Him through the operation of His Holy Spirit, that they may be taught
of Him.Spalding and Magan Collection, 462.
While riding in the cars I was unable to sit up. My husband made
a bed on the seat, and I lay down with aching head and heart....
In this state of mind I fell asleep and dreamed that a tall angel stood
by my side, and asked me why I was sad. I related to him the thoughts
that had troubled me, and said, I can do so little good, why may we
not be with our children, and enjoy their society? Said he, You have
given to the Lord two beautiful flowers, the fragrance of which is as
sweet incense before Him, and is more precious in His sight than gold
or silver, for it is a heart gift. It draws upon every fibre of the heart as
177
no other sacrifice can. You should not look upon present appearances,
but keep the eye single to your duty, single to Gods glory, and follow
in His opening providence, and the path shall brighten before you.
Every self-denial, every sacrifice is faithfully recorded, and will bring
its reward.Spiritual Gifts 2:129, 130.
I dreamed that a young man of noble appearance came into the
room where I was, immediately after I had been speaking. This same
person has appeared before me in important dreams to instruct me
from time to time during the past twenty-six years. Said he, You
have called the attention of the people to important subjects, which,
to a large number, are strange and new. To some they are intensely
interesting. The laborers in word and doctrine have done what they [254]
could in presenting the truth, which has raised inquiry in minds and
awakened an interest. But unless there is a more thorough effort made
to fasten these impressions upon minds, your efforts now made will
prove nearly fruitless.The Review and Herald, November 4, 1875.
As inquiries are frequently made as to my state in vision, and after
I come out, I would say that when the Lord sees fit to give a vision, I
am taken into the presence of Jesus and angels, and am entirely lost to
earthly things. I can see no farther than the angel directs me.Spiritual
Gifts 2:292.
The Battle of Manassas
I had a view of the disastrous battle at Manassas, Virginia. It was a
most exciting, distressing scene. The Southern army had everything
in their favor and were prepared for a dreadful contest. The Northern
army was moving on with triumph, not doubting but that they would
be victorious. Many were reckless and marched forward boastingly,
as though victory were already theirs. As they neared the battlefield,
many were almost fainting through weariness and want of refreshment.
They did not expect so fierce an encounter. They rushed into battle and
fought bravely, desperately. The dead and dying were on every side.
Both the North and the South suffered severely. The Southern men
felt the battle, and in a little while would have been driven back still
further. The Northern men were rushing on, although their destruction
[255]
was very great.
178
Just then an angel descended and waved his hand backward. Instantly there was confusion in the ranks. It appeared to the Northern
men that their troops were retreating, when it was not so in reality, and
a precipitate retreat commenced.Testimonies for the Church 1:266,
267.
The Sanitarium Manager
In my dreams I was at the Health Retreat, and I was told by my
guide to mark everything I heard and to observe everything I saw. I
was in a retired place, where I could not be seen, but could see all that
went on in the room. Persons were settling accounts with you, and I
heard them remonstrating with you in regard to the large sum charged
for board and room and treatment. I heard you with firm, decided voice
refuse to lower the charge. I was astonished to see that the charge was
so high. You seemed to be the controlling power.
I saw that the impression made by your course on the minds of
those who were settling their bills was unfavorable to the institution. I
heard some of your brethren pleading with you, telling you that your
course was unwise and unjust, but you were as firm as a rock in your
adherence to your course. You claimed that in what you were doing,
you were working for the good of the institution. But I saw persons go
from the Retreat anything but satisfied....
In the night season I saw you in the company of the matron of the
institution. As far as your attentions to each other were concerned, you
might have been man and wife. Your conduct toward each other was
[256] wrong in the sight of God, and my heart was grieved by the condition
of things. I asked, Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey
the truth? God is displeased. You have grieved His Holy Spirit. Sister
H_____ will never again be what she once was. Both of you are guilty
before God....
The things that transpired in ... [the sanitarium] were opened
before me. A voice said, Follow me, and I will show you the sins
that are practiced by those who stand in responsible positions. I went
through the rooms, and I saw you, a watchman upon the walls of
Zion, were very intimate with another mans wife, betraying sacred
trusts, crucifying your Lord afresh. Did you consider that there was a
Watcher, the Holy One, who was witnessing your evil work, seeing
179
your actions and hearing your words, and these are also registered in
the books of heaven?Manuscript Releases 8:315-317.
The Brown Family
The angel of God said, Follow me. I seemed to be in a room
in a rude building, and there were several young men playing cards.
They seemed to be very intent upon the amusement in which they
were engaged and were so engrossed that they did not seem to notice
that anyone had entered the room. There were young girls present
observing the players, and words were spoken not of the most refined
order. There was a spirit and influence that were sensibly felt in that
room that was not of a character calculated to purify and uplift the
mind and ennoble the character....
[257]
I inquired, Who are these and what does this scene represent?
The word was spoken, Wait. ...
I had another representation. There was the imbibing of the liquid
poison, and the words and actions under its influence were anything
but favorable for serious thoughts, clear perception in business lines,
pure morals, and the uplifting of the participants....
I asked again, Who are these?
The answer came, A portion of the family where you are visiting.
The adversary of souls, the great enemy of God and man, the head of
principalities and powers, and the ruler of the darkness of this world is
presiding here tonight. Satan and his angels are leading on with his
temptations these poor souls to their own ruin.Selected Messages
3:41, 42.
N. D. Faulkhead and the Secret Sign
Brother Faulkhead called to see me. The burden of his case was
upon my mind. I told him that I had a message for him and his
wife, which I had several times prepared to send them, but I had felt
forbidden by the Spirit of the Lord to do so. I asked him to appoint a
time when I could see them. He answered, I am glad that you did not
send me a written communication; I would rather have the message
from your lips; had it come in another way I do not think it would have
done me any good. He then asked, Why not give me the message
180
now? I said, Can you remain to hear it? He replied that he would
do so.
I was very weary, for I had attended the closing exercises of the
school that day; but I now arose from the bed where I was lying and
[258] read to him for three hours. His heart was softened, tears were in
his eyes, and when I ceased reading, he said, I accept every word;
all of it belongs to me. Much of the matter I had read related to the
Echo office and its management from the beginning. The Lord also
revealed to me Brother Faulkheads connection with the Free Masons,
and plainly stated that unless he severed every tie that bound him to
these associations he would lose his soul.
He said, I accept the light the Lord has sent me through you. I will
act upon it. I am a member of five lodges, and three other lodges are
under my control. I transact all of their business. Now I shall attend
no more of their meetings, and shall close my business relations with
them as fast as possible. I repeated to him the words spoken by my
guide in reference to these associations. Giving a certain movement
that was made by my guide, I said, I cannot relate all that was given
to me.
Brother Faulkhead told Elder Daniells and others that I gave the
particular sign known only by the highest order of Masons, which
he had just entered. He said that I did not know the sign, and that
I was not aware that I was giving the sign to him. This was special
evidence to him that the Lord was working through me to save his
soul.Manuscript Releases 5:148, 149.
Angelic Presences While Ellen White Was Awake
When I awoke and looked out of the window, I saw two white
clouds. Then I fell asleep again; and in my dreams these words were
[259] spoken to me: Look at these clouds. It was just such clouds as these
that enshrouded the heavenly host who proclaimed to the shepherds
the birth of the worlds Redeemer. I awoke and looked out of the car
window again, and there were the two large white clouds, as white as
snow. They were distinct, separate clouds, but one would approach
and touch the other, and for a moment they would blend together; then
they would separate, and remain as distinct as before. They did not
181
disappear, but continued in sight throughout the forenoon. At twelve

oclock we changed cars, and I did not see the clouds any more.
During the day I was deeply impressed with the thought that angels
of God, enshrouded in these clouds, were going before us; that we
might rejoice in their guardianship, and also in the assurance that
we should see of the salvation of God in the meetings to be held in
Brisbane. And now that the meetings are over, and we have seen
the wonderful interest manifested by the people, I am more than ever
sure that heavenly angels were enshrouded in these cloudsangels
that were sent from the courts above to move upon the hearts of the
people, and to restrain those distracting influences that sometimes find
access to our campgrounds, by which minds are diverted from the
consideration of the vital truths which are daily presented.
At this meeting, thousands have heard the gospel invitation, and
have listened to truths that they never have heard before. During the
whole meeting, there has not been any boisterous opposition, or loud
contention from those whose hearts are opposed to the law of God.
And throughout the city, we hear of no public opposition. This is
an unusual experience; and we believe that the angels of God have [260]
been present to press back the powers of darkness.The Review and
Herald, March 21, 1899.
I was suffering with rheumatism in my left side and could get no
rest because of the pain. I turned from side to side, trying to find ease
from the suffering. There was a pain in my heart that portended no
good for me. At last I fell asleep.
About half past nine I attempted to turn myself, and as I did so, I
became aware that my body was entirely free from pain. As I turned
from side to side, and moved my hands, I experienced an extraordinary
freedom and lightness that I cannot describe. The room was filled with
light, a most beautiful, soft, azure light, and I seemed to be in the arms
of heavenly beings.
This peculiar light I have experienced in the past in times of special
blessing, but this time it was more distinct, more impressive, and I
felt such peace, peace so full and abundant no words can express it. I
raised myself into a sitting posture, and I saw that I was surrounded
by a bright cloud, white as snow, the edges of which were tinged with
a deep pink. The softest, sweetest music was filling the air, and I
recognized the music as the singing of the angels. Then a Voice spoke
182
to me, saying: Fear not; I am your Saviour. Holy angels are all about
[261] you.Testimonies for the Church 9:65, 66.
Chapter 20Angels in the Final Crisis

Good and Evil Angels Will Appear
Satanic agencies in human form will take part in this last great conflict to oppose the building up of the kingdom of God. And heavenly
angels in human guise will be on the field of action. The two opposing
parties will continue to exist till the closing up of the last great chapter
in this worlds history.The Review and Herald, August 5, 1909.
Satan will use every opportunity to seduce men from their allegiance to God. He and his evil angels who fell with him will appear
on the earth as men, seeking to deceive. Gods angels also will appear
as men, and will use every means in their power to defeat the purposes
of the enemy. We have a part to act.Manuscript Releases 8:399.
Satan brings all his powers to the assault in the last, close conflict,
and the endurance of the follower of Christ is taxed to the utmost. At
times it seems that he must yield. But a word of prayer to the Lord
Jesus goes like an arrow to the throne of God, and angels of God are
sent to the field of battle. The tide is turned.In Heavenly Places,
[262]
297.
In the closing period of earths history the Lord will work mightily
in behalf of those who stand steadfastly for the right.... Angels that
excel in strength will protect them.Prophets and Kings, 513.
The Work of Evil Angels Through Spiritualism
Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive the
world.... Little by little he has prepared the way for his masterpiece of
deception in the development of Spiritualism. He has not yet reached
the full accomplishment of his designs; but it will be reached in the
last remnant of time.... Except those who are kept by the power of
God, through faith in His Word, the whole world will be swept into
the ranks of this delusion.The Great Controversy, 561, 562.
Spiritualism is the masterpiece of deception. It is Satans most
successful and fascinating delusionone calculated to take hold of
183
184
the sympathies of those who have laid their loved ones in the grave.
Evil angels come in the form of those loved ones, and relate incidents
connected with their lives, and perform acts which they performed
while living. In this way they lead persons to believe that their dead
friends are angels, hovering over them and communicating with them.
These evil angels, who assume to be the deceased friends, are regarded
with a certain idolatry, and with many their word has greater weight
than the Word of God.The Signs of the Times, August 26, 1889.
The coming of the Lord is to be preceded by the working of Satan
[263] with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness
of unrighteousness. And the apostle John, describing the miracleworking power that will be manifested in the last days, declares: He
doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven
on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the
earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do. No
mere impostures are here foretold. Men are deceived by the miracles
which Satans agents have power to do, not which they pretend to
do.The Great Controversy, 553.
Satan is a cunning foe. And it is not difficult for the evil angels
to represent both saints and sinners who have died, and make these
representations visible to human eyes. These manifestations will be
more frequent, and developments of a more startling character will
appear as we near the close of time.The Review and Herald, April
1, 1875.
He [Satan] has power to bring before men the appearance of their
departed friends. The counterfeit is perfect; the familiar look, the
words, the tone, are reproduced with marvelous distinctness....
Many will be confronted by the spirits of devils personating
beloved relatives or friends, and declaring the most dangerous heresies.
These visitants will appeal to our tenderest sympathies, and will work
miracles to sustain their pretensions. We must be prepared to withstand
them with the Bible truth that the dead know not anything, and that
they who thus appear are the spirits of devils.
Just before us is the hour of temptation, which shall come upon
[264] all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. All whose faith
is not firmly established upon the Word of God will be deceived and
overcome.The Great Controversy, 552, 560.
Angels in the Final Crisis
185
Communications from the spirits will declare that God has sent
them to convince the rejecters of Sunday of their error, affirming that
the laws of the land should be obeyed as the law of God. They will
lament the great wickedness in the world, and second the testimony of
religious teachers, that the degraded state of morals is caused by the
desecration of Sunday. Great will be the indignation excited against all
who refuse to accept their testimony.The Great Controversy, 591.
Miracles in the End Time
Before the close of time he [Satan] will work still greater wonders.
So far as his power extends, he will perform actual miracles. Says the
Scripture: He ... deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means
of those miracles which he had power to do, not merely those which
he pretends to do. Something more than mere impostures is brought
to view in this scripture.Testimonies for the Church 5:698.
We need not be deceived. Wonderful scenes, with which Satan
will be closely connected, will soon take place. Gods Word declares
that Satan will work miracles. He will make people sick, and then
will suddenly remove from them his satanic power. They will then
be regarded as healed. These works of apparent healing will bring
[265]
Seventh-day Adventists to the test.Selected Messages 2:53.
Some will be tempted to receive these wonders as from God. The
sick will be healed before us. Miracles will be performed in our
sight. Are we prepared for the trial which awaits us when the lying
wonders of Satan shall be more fully exhibited? Will not many souls
be ensnared and taken? By departing from the plain precepts and
commandments of God, and giving heed to fables, the minds of many
are preparing to receive these lying wonders. We must all now seek to
arm ourselves for the contest in which we must soon engage. Faith in
Gods Word, prayerfully studied and practically applied, will be our
shield from Satans power and will bring us off conquerors through
the blood of Christ.Testimonies for the Church 1:302.
Evil Spirits Active Among the Remnant
The forms of the dead will appear through the cunning device of
Satan, and many will link up with the one who loveth and maketh a
186
lie.... Right among us some will turn away from the faith and give
heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.The Upward Look,
317.
Spiritualists will press the matter to engage in controversy with
ministers who teach the truth. If they decline, they will dare them.
They quote Scripture, as did Satan to Christ. Prove all things, they
say. But their idea of proving is to listen to their deceptive reasonings,
and attend their circles. But in their gatherings the angels of darkness
assume the forms of dead friends, and communicate with them as
angels of light.
[266]
Their loved ones will appear in robes of light, as familiar to the
sight as when they were upon the earth. They will teach them, and
converse with them. And many will be deceived by this wonderful
display of Satans power. The only safety for the people of God is to
be thoroughly conversant with their Bibles, and be intelligent upon the
reasons of our faith in regard to the sleep of the dead.The Signs of
the Times, April 12, 1883.
Evil angels in the form of believers will work in our ranks to bring
in a strong spirit of unbelief. Let not even this discourage you, but
bring a true heart to the help of the Lord against the powers of satanic
agencies. These powers of evil will assemble in our meetings, not to
receive a blessing, but to counterwork the influence of the Spirit of
God....
We are never to catch up the words that human lips may speak to
confirm the evil angels in their work, but we should repeat the words
of Christ. Christ was the Instructor in the assemblies of these angels
before they fell from their high estate.Selected Messages 3:410.
Satan and his angels will appear on this earth as men, and will
mingle with those of whom Gods Word says, Some shall depart from
the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.
When these spiritualistic deceptions are revealed to be what they
really arethe secret workings of evil spiritsthose who have acted
a part in them will become as men who have lost their minds.
[267]
I saw our people in great distress, weeping and praying, pleading
the sure promises of God, while the wicked were all around us, mocking us, and threatening to destroy us. They ridiculed our feebleness,
187
they mocked at the smallness of our numbers, and taunted us with

words calculated to cut deep. They charged us with taking an independent position from all the rest of the world. They had cut off our
resources so that we could not buy nor sell, and referred to our abject
poverty and stricken condition. They could not see how we could live
without the world; we were dependent upon the world, and we must
concede to the customs, practices, and laws of the world, or go out of
it. If we were the only people in the world whom the Lord favored,
the appearances were awfully against us.
They declared that they had the truth, that miracles were among
them, that angels from heaven talked with them and walked with them,
that great power, and signs and wonders were performed among them,
and this was the Temporal Millennium, which they had been expecting
so long. The whole world was converted and in harmony with the
Sunday law, and this little feeble people stood out in defiance of the
laws of the land and the laws of God, and claimed to be the only ones
right on the earth.Maranatha, 209.
Angels Will Do the Work Men Neglected
When divine power is combined with human effort, the work will
spread like fire in the stubble. God will employ agencies whose origin
man will not be able to discern; angels will do a work which men
might have had the blessing of accomplishing, had they not neglected [268]
the claims of God.The Review and Herald, December 15, 1885.
Angels Will Supply the Needs of Gods People
I saw the saints leaving the cities and villages, and associating
together in companies, and living in the most solitary places. Angels
provided them food and water, while the wicked were suffering from
hunger and thirst.Early Writings, 282.
In the time of trouble just before the coming of Christ, the righteous
will be preserved through the ministration of heavenly angels; but there
will be no security for the transgressor of Gods law. Angels cannot
then protect those who are disregarding one of the divine precepts.
188
In the midst of the time of troubletrouble such as has not been

since there was a nationHis chosen ones will stand unmoved. Satan
with all the hosts of evil cannot destroy the weakest of Gods saints.
Angels that excel in strength will protect them, and in their behalf
Jehovah will reveal Himself as a God of gods, able to save to the
uttermost those who have put their trust in Him.Prophets and Kings,
513.
Satans Personations
In this age antichrist will appear as the true Christ, and then the law
of God will be fully made void in the nations of our world. Rebellion
against Gods holy law will be fully ripe. But the true leader of all this
[269] rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of light. Men will be deceived
and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence
will interpose, and to the apostate churches that unite in the exaltation
of Satan, the sentence will go forth, Therefore shall her plagues
come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall
be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth
her.Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 62.
Disguised as an angel of light, he [Satan] will walk the earth as a
wonder-worker. In beautiful language he will present lofty sentiments.
Good words will be spoken by him, and good deeds performed. Christ
will be personified, but on one point there will be a marked distinction.
Satan will turn the people from the law of God. Notwithstanding this,
so well will he counterfeit righteousness, that if it were possible, he
would deceive the very elect. Crowned heads, presidents, rulers in
high places, will bow to his false theories.The Review and Herald,
August 17, 1897.
It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people
of God who shall be alive upon the earth when celestial glory and a
repetition of the persecutions of the past are blended. They will walk
in the light proceeding from the throne of God. By means of the angels
there will be constant communication between heaven and earth. And
Satan, surrounded by evil angels, and claiming to be God, will work
miracles of all kinds, to deceive, if possible, the very elect. Gods
people will not find their safety in working miracles, for Satan will
189
counterfeit the miracles that will be wrought.Testimonies for the

[270]
Church 9:16.
Satan is preparing his deceptions that in his last campaign against
the people of God, they may not understand that it is he. And no
marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. ...
Satan will go to the extent of his power to harass, tempt, and mislead
Gods people.The Review and Herald, May 13, 1862.
Satan ... will come personating Jesus Christ, working mighty
miracles; and men will fall down and worship him as Jesus Christ.
We shall be commanded to worship this being, whom the world will
glorify as Christ. What shall we do?Tell them that Christ has warned
us against just such a foe, who is mans worst enemy, yet who claims
to be God.The Review and Herald, December 18, 1888.
The time is coming when Satan will work miracles right in your
sight, claiming that he is Christ; and if your feet are not firmly established upon the truth of God, then you will be led away from your
foundation.The Review and Herald, April 3, 1888.
In the last days he [Satan] will appear in such a manner as to make
men believe him to be Christ come the second time into the world.
He will indeed transform himself into an angel of light. But while he
will bear the appearance of Christ in every particular, so far as mere
appearance goes, it will deceive none but those who ... are seeking to
resist the truth.Testimonies for the Church 5:698.
Evil Angels Incite Persecution
Satan is at work from beneath to stir up the hellish powers of his [271]
confederacy of evil against the just. He imbues human agencies with
his own attributes. Evil angels united with evil men will put forth
efforts to harass, persecute, and destroy.The Upward Look, 262.
With every rejection of truth, the minds of the people will become
darker, their hearts more stubborn, until they are entrenched in an
infidel hardihood. In defiance of the warnings which God has given,
they will continue to trample upon one of the precepts of the decalogue,
until they are led to persecute those who hold it sacred. Christ is set
at naught in the contempt placed upon His Word and His people.
As the teachings of Spiritualism are accepted by the churches, the
restraint imposed upon the carnal heart is removed, and the profession
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of religion will become a cloak to conceal the basest iniquity. A belief

in spiritual manifestations opens the door to seducing spirits, and
doctrines of devils, and thus the influence of evil angels will be felt in
the churches.The Great Controversy, 603, 604.
The scenes of the betrayal, rejection, and crucifixion of Christ
have been reenacted, and will again be reenacted on an immense
scale. People will be filled with the attributes of Satan. The delusions
of the archenemy of God and man will have great power.Selected
Messages 3:415.
A demoniacal spirit takes possession of men in our world.... Demon intelligence ... will rend and destroy man formed in the divine
similitude because ... [man] cannot control the conscience of his
brother and make him disloyal to Gods holy law.The Upward Look,
[272] 285.
As the saints left the cities and villages, they were pursued by the
wicked, who sought to slay them. But the swords that were raised to
kill Gods people broke and fell as powerless as a straw. Angels of
God shielded the saints.Early Writings, 284, 285.
In the day of fierce trial He [Christ] will say, Come, My people,
enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide
thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. What are the chambers in which they are to hide? They are the
protection of Christ and holy angels. The people of God are not at
this time all in one place. They are in different companies, and in all
parts of the world.Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of
the Seventh-day Adventists, 158.
In the closing scenes of this earths history, when intensity is taking
possession of every earthly element, the Lord requires of us a vigilance
that knows no relaxation. But we are not left to struggle alone. Amid
the dangers increasing on every hand, those who walk humbly before
God, distrustful of their own wisdom, will have angels as their helpers
and protectors. In times of special peril they will know the power of
Gods keeping care.The Review and Herald, April 25, 1907.
During the night a very impressive scene passed before me. There
seemed to be great confusion and the conflict of armies. A messenger
from the Lord stood before me, and said, Call your household. I
will lead you; follow me. He led me down a dark passage, through a
forest, then through the clefts of mountains, and said, Here you are
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safe. There were others who had been led to this retreat. The heavenly [273]
messenger said, The time of trouble has come as a thief in the night,
as the Lord warned you it would come.Maranatha, 270.
Satans Personation After the Close of Probation
The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his
work of deceit and destruction reaches its culmination in the time of
trouble. Gods long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected His
mercy, despised His love, and trampled upon His law. The wicked
have passed the boundary of their probation, and the Lord withdraws
His protection, and leaves them to the mercy of the leader they have
chosen....
As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself
will attempt to personate Christ. The church has long professed to look
to the Saviours advent as the consummation of her hopes. Now the
great deceiver will make it appear that Christ has come. In different
parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a majestic
being of dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the Son of
God given by John in the Revelation. The glory that surrounds him is
unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have yet beheld. The shout
of triumph rings out upon the air, Christ has come! Christ has come!
The people prostrate themselves in adoration before him, while
he lifts up his hands, and pronounces a blessing upon them, as Christ
blessed His disciples when He was personally upon the earth. His
voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle, compassionate
tones he presents some of the same gracious, heavenly truths which [274]
the Saviour uttered; he heals the diseases of the people, and then, in his
assumed character of Christ, he claims to have changed the Sabbath
to Sunday, and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed.
He declares that those who persist in keeping holy the seventh day
are blaspheming his name by refusing to listen to his angels sent to
them with light and truth. This is the strong, almost overmastering
delusion.The Spirit of Prophecy 4:441, 442.
Satan sees that he is about to lose his case. He cannot sweep in
the whole world. He makes one last desperate effort to overcome the
faithful by deception. He does this in personating Christ. He clothes
himself with the garments of royalty which have been accurately de-
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scribed in the vision of John. He has power to do this. He will appear

to his deluded followers, the Christian world who received not the love
of the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness ... as Christ coming
the second time.
He proclaims himself Christ, and he is believed to be Christ, a
beautiful, majestic being clothed with majesty and, with soft voice and
pleasant words, with glory unsurpassed by anything their mortal eyes
had yet beheld. Then his deceived, deluded followers set up a shout of
victory, Christ has come the second time! Christ has come! He has
lifted up His hands just as He did when He was upon the earth, and
blessed us. ...
The saints look on with amazement. Will they also be deceived?
Will they worship Satan? Angels of God are about them. A clear, firm,
[275] musical voice is heard, Look up.
There is one object before the praying onesthe final and eternal
salvation of their souls. This object was before them constantlythat
immortal life was promised to those who endure unto the end. Oh, how
earnest and fervent had been their desires. The judgment and eternity
were in view. Their eyes by faith were fixed on the blazing throne,
before which the white-robed ones were to stand. This restrained them
from the indulgence of sin....
One effort more, and then Satans last device is employed. He
hears the unceasing cry for Christ to come, for Christ to deliver them.
This last strategy is to personate Christ, and make them think their
prayers are answered.Last Day Events, 164, 165.
Angels and the Universal Death Decree
Could men see with heavenly vision, they would behold companies
of angels that excel in strength stationed about those who have kept
the word of Christs patience. With sympathizing tenderness, angels
have witnessed their distress, and have heard their prayers. They are
waiting the word of their Commander to snatch them from their peril.
But they must wait a little longer. The people of God must drink of
the cup, and be baptized with the baptism. The very delay, so painful
to them, is the best answer to their petitions. As they endeavor to wait
trustingly for the Lord to work, they are led to exercise faith, hope, and
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patience, which have been too little exercised during their religious
experience....
The heavenly sentinels, faithful to their trust, continue their watch.
Though a general decree has fixed the time when commandment- [276]
keepers may be put to death, their enemies will in some cases anticipate
the decree, and before the time specified, will endeavor to take their
lives. But none can pass the mighty guardians stationed about every
faithful soul.The Great Controversy, 630, 631.
God Interposes as the Wicked Try to Kill Gods People
The people of Godsome in prison cells, some hidden in solitary
retreats in the forests and the mountainsstill plead for divine protection, while in every quarter companies of armed men, urged on by
hosts of evil angels, are preparing for the work of death. It is now, in
the hour of utmost extremity, that the God of Israel will interpose for
the deliverance of His chosen....
It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the deliverance
of His people. The sun appears, shining in its strength. Signs and
wonders follow in quick succession. The wicked look with terror and
amazement upon the scene, while the righteous behold with solemn
joy the tokens of their deliverance.... Dark, heavy clouds come up, and
clash against each other. In the midst of the angry heavens is one clear
space of indescribable glory, whence comes the voice of God....
That voice shakes the heavens and the earth. There is a mighty
earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty
an earthquake, and so great. The firmament appears to open and
shut. The glory from the throne of God seems flashing through. The
mountains shake like a reed in the wind, and ragged rocks are scattered [277]
on every side. There is a roar as of a coming tempest. The sea is lashed
into fury. There is heard the shriek of the hurricane, like the voice
of demons upon a mission of destruction. The whole earth heaves
and swells like the waves of the sea. Its surface is breaking up. Its
very foundations seem to be giving way. Mountain chains are sinking.
Inhabited islands disappear....
Fierce lightnings leap from the heavens, enveloping the earth in a
sheet of flames. Above the terrific roar of thunder, voices, mysterious
and awful, declare the doom of the wicked.... Those who a little before
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were so reckless, so boastful and defiant, so exultant in their cruelty

to Gods commandment-keeping people, are now overwhelmed with
consternation, and shuddering in fear. Their wails are heard above the
sound of the elements. Demons acknowledge the deity of Christ, and
tremble before His power, while men are supplicating for mercy, and
groveling in abject terror.The Great Controversy, 635-638.
The Second Coming of Christ
Christ is coming with power and great glory. He is coming with
His own glory, and with the glory of the Father. He is coming with all
the holy angels with Him. While all the world is plunged in darkness,
there will be light in every dwelling of the saints. They will catch the
first light of His second appearing.Christs Object Lessons, 420.
Soon our eyes were drawn to the east, for a small black cloud had
[278] appeared, about half as large as a mans hand, which we all knew was
the sign of the Son of man. In solemn silence we all gazed on the cloud
as it drew nearer, and became lighter, glorious, and still more glorious,
till it was a great white cloud. The bottom appeared like fire; a rainbow
was over the cloud, while around it were ten thousand angels, singing
a most lovely song; and upon it sat the Son of Man.Testimonies for
the Church 1:60.
No human language can portray the scenes of the second coming
of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven.... He will come clad in
the robe of light, which He has worn from the days of eternity.The
Review and Herald, September 5, 1899.
A holy retinue of angels, with their bright, glittering crowns upon
their heads, escorted Him on His way.Spiritual Gifts 1:206, 207.
Amid the reeling of the earth, the flash of lightning, and the roar
of thunder, the voice of the Son of God calls forth the sleeping saints.
He looks upon the graves of the righteous, then, raising His hands to
heaven, He cries, Awake, awake, awake, ye that sleep in the dust, and
arise! ...
All come forth from their graves the same in stature as when they
entered the tomb. Adam, who stands among the risen throng, is of lofty
height and majestic form, in stature but little below the Son of God.
He presents a marked contrast to the people of later generations; in
this one respect is shown the great degeneracy of the race. But all arise
195
with the freshness and vigor of eternal youth.... The mortal, corruptible [279]
form, devoid of comeliness, once polluted with sin, becomes perfect,
beautiful, and immortal. All blemishes and deformities are left in the
grave.The Great Controversy, 644, 645.
He [Christ] died for us, and was raised for us, that we might come
forth from the tomb to a glorious companionship with heavenly angels,
to meet our loved ones and to recognize their faces, for the Christlikeness does not destroy their image, but transforms it into His glorious
image. Every saint connected in family relationship here will know
each other there.Selected Messages 3:316.
The living righteous are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of
an eye. At the voice of God they were glorified: now they are made
immortal, and with the risen saints are caught up to meet their Lord in
the air. Angels gather together the elect from the four winds, from
one end of heaven to the other.The Great Controversy, 645.
Little children are borne by holy angels to their mothers arms.
The Great Controversy, 645.
As the little infants come forth immortal from their dusty beds,
they immediately wing their way to their mothers arms. They meet
again nevermore to part. But many of the little ones have no mother
there. We listen in vain for the rapturous song of triumph from the
mother. The angels receive the motherless infants and conduct them [280]
to the tree of life.The Youths Instructor, April 1, 1858.
Friends long separated by death are united, nevermore to part, and
with songs of gladness ascend together to the city of God.
On each side of the cloudy chariot are wings, and beneath it are
living wheels; and as the chariot rolls upward, the wheels cry, Holy,
and the wings, as they move, cry, Holy, and the retinue of angels
cry, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty. And the redeemed shout,
Alleluia! as the chariot moves onward toward the New Jerusalem.
The Great Controversy, 645.
We all entered the cloud together, and were seven days ascending
to the sea of glass, when Jesus brought the crowns, and with His own
right hand placed them on our heads. He gave us harps of gold and
palms of victory.Early Writings, 16.
There are the columns of angels on either side, and the ransomed
of God walk in through the cherubims and seraphims. Christ bids them
welcome and puts upon them His benediction. Well done, thou good
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and faithful servant: ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.The
Satan and His Evil Angels Confined to This Earth
The whole earth appears like a desolate wilderness. The ruins of
[281] cities and villages destroyed by the earthquake, uprooted trees, ragged
rocks thrown out by the sea or torn out of the earth itself, are scattered
over its surface, while vast caverns mark the spot where the mountains
have been rent from their foundations. Here is to be the home of Satan
with his evil angels for a thousand years. Here he will be confined, to
wander up and down over the broken surface of the earth, and see the
effects of his rebellion against the law of God. For a thousand years he
can enjoy the fruit of the curse which he has caused. Limited alone to
the earth, he will not have the privilege of ranging to other planets, to
tempt and annoy those who have not fallen.The Spirit of Prophecy
4:474, 475.
By his own course of action Satan has forged a chain by which he
will be bound.... All the unfallen beings are now united in regarding
Gods law as changeless. They support the government of Him, who,
to redeem the transgressor, spared not His own Son. His law has been
proved faultless. His government is forever secure.The Signs of the
Times, August 27, 1902.
Here is to be the home of Satan with his evil angels for a thousand
years. Limited to the earth, he will not have access to other worlds to
tempt and annoy those who have never fallen. It is in this sense that he
is bound.The Great Controversy, 659.
I heard shouts of triumph from the angels and from the redeemed
saints, which sounded like ten thousand musical instruments, because
[282] they were to be no more annoyed and tempted by Satan, and because
the inhabitants of other worlds were delivered from his presence and
[283] his temptations.Early Writings, 290.
Chapter 21Angels in the Great Hereafter

When We Get to Heaven
I saw a very great number of angels bring from the city glorious
crownsa crown for every saint, with his name written thereon. As
Jesus called for the crowns, angels presented them to Him, and with
His own right hand the lovely Jesus placed the crowns on the heads of
the saints. In the same manner the angels brought the harps, and Jesus
presented them also to the saints. The commanding angels first struck
the note, and then every voice was raised in grateful, happy praise, and
every hand skillfully swept over the strings of the harp, sending forth
melodious music in rich and perfect strains. Then I saw Jesus lead the
redeemed company to the gate of the city. He laid hold of the gate and
swung it back on its glittering hinges, and bade the nations that had
kept the truth enter in.Early Writings, 288.
From the lips of the King of glory the benediction will fall upon
their ears like richest music, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit
the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Thus
the redeemed will be welcomed to the mansions that Jesus is preparing [284]
for them. There their companions will not be the vile of earth, but
those who through divine aid have formed perfect characters. Every
sinful tendency, every imperfection, has been removed by the blood of
Christ; and the excellence and brightness of His glory, far exceeding
the brightness of the sun in its meridian splendor, is imparted to them.
And the moral beauty, the perfection of His character, shines through
them, in worth far exceeding this outward splendor. They are without
fault before the great white throne, sharing the dignity and privileges
of the angels.The Watchman, March 31, 1908.
The redeemed will meet and recognize those whose attention they
have directed to the uplifted Saviour. What blessed converse they have
with these souls! I was a sinner, it will be said, without God and
without hope in the world, and you came to me and drew my attention
to the precious Saviour as my only hope.... Others will say, I was a
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198
heathen in heathen lands. You left your friends and comfortable home
and came to teach me how to find Jesus, and believe in Him as the
only true God. I demolished my idols, and worshiped God, and now I
see Him face to face. I am saved, eternally saved, ever to behold Him
whom I love....
Others will express their gratitude to those who fed the hungry
and clothed the naked. When despair bound my soul in unbelief, the
Lord sent you to me, they say, to speak words of hope and comfort.
You brought me food for my physical necessities, and you opened
to me the Word of God, awakening me to my spiritual needs. You
[285] treated me as a brother. You sympathized with me in my sorrows, and
restored my bruised and wounded soul, so that I could grasp the hand
of Christ that was reached out to save me. In my ignorance you taught
me patiently that I had a Father in heaven who cared for me. You read
to me the precious promises of Gods Word. You inspired in me the
faith that He would save me. My heart was softened, subdued, broken,
as I contemplated the sacrifice which Christ had made for me.... I am
here, saved, eternally saved, ever to live in His presence, and to praise
Him who gave His life for me.
What rejoicing there will be as these redeemed ones meet and greet
those who have had a burden in their behalf!The Review and Herald,
January 5, 1905.
If they [the youth] receive Christ and believe in Him, they will
be brought into close relationship with God. He gives them power
to become the sons of God, to associate with the highest dignitaries
in the kingdom of heaven, to unite with Gabriel, with cherubim and
seraphim, with angels and the archangel. And he showed me a pure
river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of
God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either
side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner
of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree
were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse;
but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants
shall serve him. And they shall see His face, and His name shall be in
their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no
[286] candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light; and
they shall reign forever and ever.Spalding and Magan Collection,
52.
Angels in the Great Hereafter
199
Not until the providences of God are seen in the light of eternity
shall we understand what we owe to the care and interposition of His
angels. Celestial beings have taken an active part in the affairs of
men.Education, 304.
In the future life we shall understand things that here greatly perplex us. We shall realize how strong a helper we had, and how angels
of God were commissioned to guard us as we followed the counsel of
the Word of God.The Signs of the Times, January 3, 1906.
In the world to come, Christ will lead the redeemed beside the river
of life, and will teach them wonderful lessons of truth. He will unfold
to them the mysteries of nature. They will see that a Master-Hand
holds the worlds in position. They will behold the skill displayed by
the great Artist in coloring the flowers of the field, and will learn of
the purposes of the merciful Father, who dispenses every ray of light,
and with the holy angels the redeemed will acknowledge in songs of
grateful praise Gods supreme love to an unthankful world. Then it
will be understood that God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life.The Review and Herald, January 3, 1907.
They [the heirs of grace] have even a more sacred relationship to
God than have the angels who have never fallen.Testimonies for the
[287]
Church 5:740.
By the power of His love, through obedience, fallen man, a worm
of the dust, is to be transformed, fitted to be a member of the heavenly
family, a companion through eternal ages of God and Christ and the
holy angels. Heaven will triumph, for the vacancies made by the fall
of Satan and his host will be filled by the redeemed of the Lord.The
Upward Look, 61.
God created man for His own glory, that after test and trial the
human family might become one with the heavenly family. It was
Gods purpose to repopulate heaven with the human family, if they
would show themselves obedient to His every word. Adam was to be
tested, to see whether he would be obedient, as the loyal angels, or
disobedient.The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 1:1082.
The loves and sympathies which God Himself has planted in the
soul, shall there find truest and sweetest exercise. The pure communion
with holy beings, the harmonious social life with the blessed angels
and with the faithful ones of all ages who have washed their robes and
200
made them white in the blood of the Lamb, the sacred ties that bind
together the whole family in heaven and earth (Ephesians 3:15)
these help to constitute the happiness of the redeemed.The Great
Controversy, 677.
The Millennial Judgment
During the thousand years between the first and the second resurrection, the judgment of the wicked takes place. Daniel declares that
[288] when the Ancient of days came, judgment was given to the saints of
the Most High. At this time the righteous reign as kings and priests
unto God. John in the Revelation says, I saw thrones, and they sat
upon them, and judgment was given unto them. They shall be priests
of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. It is
at this time that, as foretold by Paul, the saints shall judge the world.
In union with Christ they judge the wicked, comparing their acts with
the statute book, the Bible, and deciding every case according to the
deeds done in the body. Satan also and evil angels are judged by Christ
and His people.The Southern Watchman, March 14, 1905.
The Third Coming of Christ
At the close of the thousand years, Christ again returns to the earth.
He is accompanied by the host of the redeemed, and attended by a
retinue of angels. As He descends in terrific majesty, He bids the
wicked dead arise to receive their doom. They come forth, a mighty
host, numberless as the sands of the sea. What a contrast to those who
were raised at the first resurrection! The righteous were clothed with
immortal youth and beauty. The wicked bear the traces of disease and
death.
Every eye in that vast multitude is turned to behold the glory of the
Son of God. With one voice the wicked hosts exclaim, Blessed is He
that cometh in the name of the Lord! It is not love to Jesus that inspires
this utterance. The force of truth urges the words from unwilling lips.
As the wicked went into their graves, so they come forth, with the
[289] same enmity to Christ, and the same spirit of rebellion. They are to
have no new probation, in which to remedy the defects of their past
lives. Nothing would be gained by this. A lifetime of transgression
201
has not softened their hearts. A second probation, were it given them,
would be occupied as was the first, in evading the requirements of God
and exciting rebellion against Him.
Christ descends upon the Mount of Olives, whence, after His
resurrection, He ascended, and where angels repeated the promise of
His return. Says the prophet: The Lord my God shall come, and all
the saints with Thee. And His feet shall stand in that day upon the
Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount
of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof, ... and there shall be a very
great valley. And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that
day shall there be one Lord, and His name one. Zechariah 14:5, 4,
9.The Great Controversy, 662, 663.
Then we looked up and saw the great and beautiful City, with
twelve foundations, twelve gates, three on each side, and an angel
at each gate. We cried out, The City! The great City! It is coming
down from God out of heaven! And it came down in all its splendor,
and dazzling glory, and settled in the mighty plain which Jesus had
prepared for it.Spiritual Gifts 1:213.
Now Satan prepares for a last mighty struggle for the supremacy.
While deprived of his power, and cut off from his work of deception,
the prince of evil was miserable and dejected; but as the wicked dead
are raised, and he sees the vast multitudes upon his side, his hopes [290]
revive, and he determines not to yield the great controversy.... The
wicked are Satans captives.... They are ready to receive his suggestions and to do his bidding. Yet, true to his early cunning, he does
not acknowledge himself to be Satan. He claims to be the prince who
is the rightful owner of the world, and whose inheritance has been
unlawfully wrested from him. He represents himself to his deluded
subjects as a redeemer, assuring them that his power has brought them
forth from their graves, and that he is about to rescue them from the
most cruel tyranny.... He proposes to lead them against the camp of
the saints, and to take possession of the city of God....
In that vast throng are multitudes of the long-lived race that existed
before the Flood.... There are kings and generals who conquered
nations, valiant men who never lost a battle.... Satan consults with his
angels, and then with these kings and conquerors and mighty men.
They look upon the strength and numbers on their side, and declare that
the army within the city is small in comparison with theirs, and that it
202
can be overcome. They lay their plans to take possession of the riches
and glory of the New Jerusalem. All immediately begin to prepare
for battle. Skillful artisans construct implements of war. Military
leaders, famed for their success, marshal the throngs of warlike men
into companies and divisions.
At last the order to advance is given, and the countless host moves
on.... Satan, the mightiest of warriors, leads the van, and his angels
unite their forces for this final struggle.The Great Controversy, 663,
[291] 664.
Now Christ again appears to the view of His enemies. Far above
the city, upon a foundation of burnished gold, is a throne, high and
lifted up. Upon this throne sits the Son of God, and around Him are
the subjects of His kingdom.The Great Controversy, 665.
In the presence of the assembled inhabitants of earth and heaven
the final coronation of the Son of God takes place....
He [Satan] has seen the crown placed upon the head of Christ by
an angel of lofty stature and majestic presence, and he knows that
the exalted position of this angel might have been his.The Great
Controversy, 666, 669.
The Last Judgment
Now, invested with supreme majesty and power, the King of kings
pronounces sentence upon the rebels against His government, and executes justice upon those who have transgressed His law and oppressed
His people....
As soon as the books of record are opened, and the eye of Jesus
looks upon the wicked, they are conscious of every sin which they
have ever committed. They see just where their feet diverged from
the path of purity and holiness, just how far pride and rebellion have
carried them in the violation of the law of God....
Above the throne is revealed the cross; and like a panoramic view
appear the scenes of Adams temptation and fall, and the successive
steps in the great plan of redemption. The Saviours lowly birth; His
[292] early life of simplicity and obedience; His baptism in Jordan; ... His
public ministry; ... His betrayal ...; the Son of God exultingly displayed
before Annas, arraigned in the high priests palace, in the judgment
203
hall of Pilate, before the cowardly and cruel Herod ...all are vividly
portrayed.
And now before the swaying multitude are revealed the final
scenesthe patient Sufferer treading the path to Calvary; the Prince
of heaven hanging upon the cross....
The awful spectacle appears just as it was. Satan, his angels,
and his subjects have no power to turn from the picture of their own
work. Each actor recalls the part which he performed.The Great
Controversy, 666, 667.
The time will come when all must stand before angels and before
men, revealed in their true light. As the artist reproduces upon the
polished plate the features of the human countenance, so their characters are being transferred to the books of heaven.... In the judgment
every man will stand revealed just as he is, either fashioned after the
divine similitude or disfigured by the idolatrous sins of selfishness and
covetousness.Manuscript Releases 17:288.
In the day when everyone shall be rewarded according as his work
has been, how will transgressors appear in their own sight as for a few
moments they are permitted to see the record of their life as they have
chosen to make it....
In the day of judgment men will see what they might have become
through the power of Christ.... They knew the claims of God, but they
refused to comply with the conditions laid down in His Word. By their [293]
own choice they were united with demons....
In the day of judgment, all this opens up before the impenitent.
Scene after scene passes before them. As plainly as in the light of
the noonday sun, they all see what they might have been had they
cooperated with God instead of opposing Him. The picture cannot be
changed. Their cases are forever decided....
And the fallen angels, endowed with higher intelligence than man,
will realize what they have done in using their powers to lead human
beings to choose deception and falsehood.The Upward Look, 203.
But the time has now come when the rebellion is to be finally
defeated and the history and character of Satan disclosed. In his last
great effort to dethrone Christ, destroy His people, and take possession
of the city of God, the archdeceiver has been fully unmasked. Those
who have united with him see the total failure of his cause. Christs
followers and the loyal angels behold the full extent of his machina-
204
tions against the government of God. He is the object of universal

abhorrence.
Satan sees that his voluntary rebellion has unfitted him for
heaven.... His accusations against the mercy and justice of God are
now silenced. The reproach which he has endeavored to cast upon
Jehovah rests wholly upon himself. And now Satan bows down, and
confesses the justice of his sentence.... Every question of truth and
error in the longstanding controversy has now been made plain....
Notwithstanding that Satan has been constrained to acknowledge
[294] Gods justice, and to bow to the supremacy of Christ, his character
remains unchanged. The spirit of rebellion, like a mighty torrent,
again bursts forth. Filled with frenzy, he determines not to yield the
great controversy. The time has come for a last desperate struggle
against the King of heaven. He rushes into the midst of his subjects,
and endeavors to inspire them with his own fury, and arouse them to
instant battle. But of all the countless millions whom he has allured
into rebellion, there are none now to acknowledge his supremacy. His
power is at an end.... Their rage is kindled against Satan and those
who have been his agents in deception, and with the fury of demons
they turn upon them....
Fire comes down from God out of heaven. The earth is broken up....
Devouring flames burst from every yawning chasm.... The day has
come that shall burn as an oven. The elements melt with fervent heat,
the earth also, and the works that are therein are burned up. Malachi
4:1; 2 Peter 3:10. The earths surface seems one molten massa vast,
seething lake of fire....
The wicked receive their recompense.... Some are destroyed as in
a moment, while others suffer many days. All are punished according
to their deeds. The sins of the righteous having been transferred to
Satan, he is made to suffer not only for his own rebellion, but for all
the sins which he has caused Gods people to commit. His punishment
is to be far greater than that of those whom he has deceived. After all
have perished who fell by his deceptions, he is still to live and suffer
on. In the cleansing flames the wicked are at last destroyed.The
[295] Great Controversy, 670-673.
By a life of rebellion, Satan and all who unite with him place
themselves so out of harmony with God that His very presence is to
205
them a consuming fire. The glory of Him who is love will destroy
them.The Desire of Ages, 764.
The whole universe will have become witnesses to the nature and
result of sin. And its utter extermination, which in the beginning would
have brought fear to angels and dishonor to God, will now vindicate
His love and establish His honor before the universe of beings who
delight to do His will, and in whose heart is His law.The Great
Controversy, 504.
The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace
of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before
the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin.
One reminder alone remains: our Redeemer will ever bear the
marks of His crucifixion. Upon His wounded head, upon His side,
His hands and feet, are the only traces of the cruel work that sin has
wrought.The Great Controversy, 674.
Sin is a mysterious, unexplainable thing. There was no reason for
its existence; to seek to explain it is to seek to give a reason for it, and
that would be to justify it. Sin appeared in a perfect universe, a thing
that was shown to be inexcusable and exceeding sinful. The reason of
its inception or development was never explained and never can be,
even at the last great day when the judgment shall sit and the books be
opened.... At that day it will be evident to all that there is not, and never [296]
was, any cause for sin. At the final condemnation of Satan and his
angels and of all men who have finally identified themselves with him
as transgressors of Gods law, every mouth will be stopped. When the
hosts of rebellion, from the first great rebel to the last transgressor, are
asked why they have broken the law of God, they will be speechless.
There will be no answer to give, no reason to assign that will carry the
least weight.The Signs of the Times, April 28, 1890.
The inhabitants of all worlds will be convinced of the justice of
the law in the overthrow of rebellion and the eradication of sin.... The
working out of the plan of salvation reveals not only to men but to
angels, the character of God, and through the ages of eternity the
malignant character of sin will be understood by the cost to the Father
and the Son of the redemption of a rebel race. In Christ, the Lamb slain
from the foundation of the world, all worlds will behold the marks of
the curse, and angels as well as men will ascribe honor and glory to
the Redeemer through whom they are all made secure from apostasy.
206
The efficiency of the cross guards the redeemed race from the
danger of a second fall. The life and death of Christ effectually unveils
the deceptions of Satan, and refutes his claims. The sacrifice of Christ
for a fallen world draws not only men, but angels unto Him [in] bonds
of indissoluble union. Through the plan of salvation the justice and
mercy of God are fully vindicated, and to all eternity rebellion will
never again arise, affliction never again touch the universe of God.
[297] The Messenger, June 7, 1893.
The Earth Made New
When God finally purifies the earth, it will appear like a boundless
lake of fire. As God preserved the ark amid the commotions of the
Flood, because it contained eight righteous persons, He will preserve
the New Jerusalem, containing the faithful of all ages.... Although the
whole earth, with the exception of that portion where the city rests,
will be wrapped in a sea of liquid fire, yet the city is preserved as was
the ark, by a miracle of Almighty power. It stands unharmed amid the
devouring elements.Spiritual Gifts 3:87.
The New Earth and Our Eternal Inheritance
He [Moses] saw the earth purified by fire and cleansed from every
vestige of sin, every mark of the curse, and renovated and given to the
saints to possess forever and ever.Manuscript Releases 10:158.
The plan of redemption will not be fully understood, even when the
ransomed see as they are seen and know as they are known; but through
the eternal ages new truth will continually unfold to the wondering
and delighted mind.The Great Controversy, 651.
In the plan of redemption there are heights and depths that eternity itself can never exhaust, marvels into which the angels desire
to look. The redeemed only, of all created beings, have in their own
experience known the actual conflict with sin; they have wrought
[298] with Christ, and, as even the angels could not do, have entered into
the fellowship of His sufferings; will they have no testimony as to
the science of redemptionnothing that will be of worth to unfallen
beings?Education, 308.
207
There are mysteries in the plan of redemption ... that are to the
heavenly angels subjects of continual amazement. The apostle Peter,
speaking of the revelations given to the prophets of the sufferings
of Christ, and the glory that should follow, says that these are things
which the angels desire to look into.Testimonies for the Church
5:702.
The redeemed throng will range from world to world, and much of
their time will be employed in searching out the mysteries of redemption. And throughout the whole stretch of eternity, this subject will be
continually opening to their minds.The Review and Herald, March
9, 1886.
The science of redemption is the science of all sciences; the science that is the study of the angels and of all the intelligences of the
unfallen worlds; the science that engages the attention of our Lord and
Saviour; the science that enters into the purpose brooded in the mind
of the Infinite...; the science that will be the study of Gods redeemed
throughout endless ages.Education, 126.
Gods wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love,
is the theme into which angels desire to look, and it will be their
study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemed and the unfallen
beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song. It
will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of
self-sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the [299]
law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that
the love which seeketh not her own has its source in the heart of
God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of
Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto.The
Desire of Ages, 19, 20.
And the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still
more glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowledge is
progressive, so will love, reverence, and happiness increase. The more
men learn of God, the greater will be their admiration of His character.
As Jesus opens before them the riches of redemption, and the amazing
achievements in the great controversy with Satan, the hearts of the
ransomed thrill with more fervent devotion, and with more rapturous
joy they sweep the harps of gold; and ten thousand times ten thousand
and thousands of thousands of voices unite to swell the mighty chorus
of praise.
208
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and

under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them,
heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto
Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.
Revelation 5:13.
The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more.
The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness
beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life
and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space.
[300] From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and
inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that
God is love.The Great Controversy, 678.
Epilogue
The theme of redemption is one that angels desire to look into;
it will be the science and the song of the ransomed throughout the
ceaseless ages of eternity. Is it not worthy of careful thought and study
now?Bible Echo, January 1, 1888.
As he [a Bible student] studies and meditates upon the themes into
which the angels desire to look (1 Peter 1:12), he may have their
companionship. He may follow the steps of the heavenly Teacher,
and listen to His words as when He taught on the mountain and plain
and sea. He may dwell in this world in the atmosphere of heaven,
imparting to earths sorrowing and tempted ones thoughts of hope
and longings for holiness; himself coming closer and still closer into
fellowship with the Unseen; like him of old who walked with God,
drawing nearer and nearer the threshold of the eternal world, until
the portals shall open and he shall enter there. He will find himself
no stranger. The voices that will greet him are the voices of the holy
ones, who, unseen, were on earth his companionsvoices that here he
learned to distinguish and love. He who through the Word of God has
lived in fellowship with heaven, will find himself at home in heavens
companionship.Education, 127.
The Lord would have our perceptions keen to understand that
[301] these mighty ones who visit our world have borne an active part in
all the work which we have called our own. These heavenly beings
are ministering angels, and they frequently disguise themselves in
209
the form of human beings. As strangers they converse with those

who are engaged in the work of God. In lonely places they have
been the companions of the traveler in peril. In tempest-tossed ships
angels in human form have spoken words of encouragement to allay
fear and inspire hope in the hour of danger, and the passengers have
thought that it was one of their number to whom they had never before
spoken.The Upward Look, 84.
Let us keep the heart full of Gods precious promises, that we may
speak words that will be a comfort and strength to others. Thus we may
learn the language of the heavenly angels, who, if we are faithful, will
be our companions through the eternal ages.The Youths Instructor,
January 10, 1901.
In the future life we shall understand things that here greatly perplex us. We shall realize how strong a helper we had and how angels
of God were commissioned to guard us as we followed the counsel of
the Word of God.In Heavenly Places, 257.
Every redeemed one will understand the ministry of angels in his
own life. The angel who was his guardian from his earliest moment;
the angel who watched his steps, and covered his head in the day of
peril; the angel who was with him in the valley of the shadow of death,
who marked his resting place, who was the first to greet him in the [302]
resurrection morningwhat will it be to hold converse with him, and
to learn the history of divine interposition in the individual life, of
heavenly cooperation in every work for humanity!Education, 305.

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The Effects of Rebellion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35