Lesson 36: The Impending Conflict
Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. Isaiah 56:1-2
Introduction
The great controversy comes to its height on earth. Satan rallies his forces in order to cause a firestorm that will lead to achieving his heart's desire, to turn others away from God’s law. He will stop at nothing and work night and day to achieve his goal. With the help of his agencies on earth, Satan will polarize the world into two camps, those who worship self and those who worship God.
What are the elements of this chapter?
Invalidating God's Word
Satan’s goal in the Great Controversy is to overthrow God's law by presenting it as not binding. (Job 1:6-12; 2: 1-7; Luke 22:31; 2 Corinthians 11:14; GC 587.1; GC 588.3; GC 589.3 )
If sacred scripture is suppressed, and faith in its validity is destroyed, then God's word would be despised in the world and in apostate churches.
Concept: THE FALSE PROPHET
Apostate protestant churches that reject the truth and sound doctrine with error.
They allow spiritualism in the church, which supports the doctrine of the immortality of the soul.
They destroy God's Character by causing the world to reject the seventh-day Sabbath.
Satan Uses Men of Influence
Satan uses those such as: Philosophers, Poets, Politicians, Journalists, People of high status and education to steal away the hearts of the unwary. (GC 584.3, GC 585.1)
Satan persuades men to go against God's Sabbath keeping people by causing Sunday keeping Christians to accuse them as the cause of natural calamities by going against Sunday.
Concept: SUNDAY LAW
The Sabbath will be a special point of contention as it declares God’s authority over man’s authority.
Satan will exert his influence through his agents in government in order to declare that “Sunday sacredness has been desecrated.”
The government and apostate Christians will denounce Sabbath keepers for calling down God’s judgments, and declare them enemies of the state.
Concept: PERSECUTION
Apostate protestant churches who reject the efficacy of scripture will be the persecutors of God's People in the last days. (Revelation 12:17)
They will seek to unite church and state to execute their goals and liberty of conscience will no longer be respected.
What does this have to do with me today?
What is Satan's goal in The Great Controversy?
What group of people does Satan target the most?
What agency on earth is Satan using to seek the stability of worldly government?
Does God use force to rule the conscience and obtain honor?
Why is the Sabbath a special point of contention in the Great Controversy?