God Is Not Partial; He Treats All Alike by W. F. Caldwell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 7, 1915

God Is Not Partial; He Treats All Alike

By W. F. Caldwell

W. F. CALDWELL

LUCIFER questioned the Son’s ability to rule the universe in the manner most beneficial to all his creatures. He claimed that he was better qualified than the Son to stand at the head of God’s government, next to the Most High. He declared that because he was his Son, God was partial toward Jesus, and was placing him in the position which rightfully belonged to Lucifer. Therefore he would not submit to the Son’s government, but would speedily prove to God that he had made a mistake in making the Son ruler in place of Lucifer. As a first step in this process of setting God right, Lucifer started a rebellion in heaven. Driven from that field by lack of sympathy, he sought and found entrance to the earth. See Isa. 14:12-14.

Adam and Eve were under the direct government of God. He walked and talked with them. “They heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden.” But Eve entertained a question of his wisdom, and doubted his motive in forbidding them the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. She concluded that she was better able to decide for herself. She feared the Lord was depriving her of her rights. She rejected the Son’s government, and fell under the rule of the only other power.

This is the process by which sin still gains entrance to man’s life. When one sins, he rejects the government of the Son. He decides to take matters into his own hands. When one rebels against the Son, the rebel chief immediately takes possession. Man has not sufficient power or wisdom to rule himself in his own best interests.

There are just two ruling powers, the Son of God, and Lucifer, who is also called that old serpent, the devil, and Satan. The Son is God’s anointed. Lucifer is the rebel against his government.

The question before men has always been the same that was placed before Adam and Eve: Who shall be your ruler? Will you obey the Son of God and walk with him, or will you deny the holy one of Israel and walk in your own ways, which are ordered by the chief rebel?

“The prince of this world” offers his followers riches, fame, power, and even the kingdoms of this world if they will fall down and worship him. But his promises are vain. He is but a rebel.

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” He tells you that, no matter if you have been a rebel, if you will confess your error and yield to his rule, he will blot out your transgression. He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness, and place you where the first Adam stood. This is Christ’s offer, and he has power to fulfill his promise. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the great High Priest. “All power” is given into his hands, and very soon he will return to earth and take possession of his dominions, thrusting forth all rebels. Then the falsity of Lucifer’s claims and his utter impotence will be manifest.

From the refuse of sin’s process, the Saviour gathers a people who, through his grace, so completely overcome sin and the destructive power of its course, that they even triumph over death, and many of them are translated without seeing death.

Through the questioning doubt of Eve, Satan has flooded the earth with sin, sorrow, pain, and death. And through this same channel, woman, God has sent a flood of righteousness to meet and drive back the destructive deluge. Eve doubted God’s word, admitting sin. Mary believed his word, and gave birth to his Righteousness. Which example will you follow? We have the same opportunity that Adam had. Jesus, the Son, is “the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” With him is “no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

Ashland, Oregon.