“Before the entrance of evil, there was peace and joy throughout the universe.”
The Controversy of the Ages
By Ellen G. White
Invisible Armies in Conflict—Whence Came the Devil, and Why Does Sin Exist?—The Controversy Begun
By MRS. E. G. WHITE
If the veil which separates the visible from the invisible world could be lifted, and the people of God could behold the controversy that is going on between Christ and holy angels, and Satan and his evil hosts, concerning the redemption of man; if they could understand the wonderful work of God for the rescue of souls from the bondage of sin, and the constant exercise of His power for their protection from the malice of the evil one, they would be better prepared to withstand the devices of Satan. Their minds would be solemnized in view of the vast extent and importance of the plan of redemption and the greatness of the work before them as co-laborers with Christ. They would be humbled, yet encouraged, knowing that all heaven is interested in their salvation.
To many minds, the origin of sin and the reason for its existence are a source of great perplexity. They see the work of evil, with its terrible results of woe and desolation, and they question how all this can exist under the sovereignty of One who is infinite in wisdom, in power, and in love. Here is a mystery of which they can find no explanation. And in their uncertainty and doubt, they are blinded to truths plainly revealed in God's word and essential to salvation. There are those who, in their inquiries regarding the existence of sin, endeavor to search into that which God has never revealed. Hence they find no solution of their difficulties; and such as are actuated by a disposition to doubt and cavil, seize upon this as an excuse for rejecting the words of Holy Writ. Others, however, fail of a satisfactory understanding of the great problem of
