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The Ellen White Research Project |
Home Shut Door Visions 1844 Top 7 Plagiarism Health Articles Letters FAQ Search Order |
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. But when
God said to His Son, "Let us make man in our image,"
Satan was jealous of Jesus. He wished to be consulted concerning
the formation of man, and because he was not, he was filled with
envy, jealousy, and hatred. He desired to receive the highest
honors in heaven next to God.
Until this time all heaven had been in order, harmony, and perfect
subjection to the government of God. It was the highest sin to
rebel against His order and will. All heaven seemed in commotion.
The angels were marshaled in companies, each division with a higher
commanding angel at its head. Satan, ambitious to exalt himself,
and unwilling to submit to the authority of Jesus, was insinuating
against the government of God. Some of the angels sympathized
with Satan in his rebellion, and others strongly contended for
the honor and wisdom of God in giving authority to His Son. There
was contention among the angels. Satan and his sympathizers were
striving to reform the government of God. They wished to look
into His unsearchable wisdom, and ascertain His purpose in exalting
Jesus and endowing Him with such unlimited power and command.
They rebelled against the authority of the Son. All the heavenly
host were summoned to appear before the Father to have each case
decided. It was there determined that Satan should be expelled
from heaven, with all the angels who had joined him in the rebellion.
Then there was war in heaven. 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 from heaven.
After Satan and those who fell with him were shut out of heaven,
and he realized that he had forever lost all its purity and glory,
he repented, and wished to be reinstated in heaven. He was willing
to take his proper place, or any position that might be assigned
him. But no; heaven must not be placed in jeopardy. All heaven
might be marred should he be taken back; for sin originated with
him, and the seeds of rebellion were within him. Both he and his
followers wept, and implored to be taken back into the favor of
God. But their sin--their hatred, their envy and jealousy--had
been so great that God could not blot it out. It must remain to
receive its final punishment.
When Satan became fully conscious that there was no possibility
of his being brought again into favor with God, his malice and
hatred began to be manifest. He consulted with his angels, and
a plan was laid to still work against God's government. When Adam
and Eve were placed in the beautiful garden, Satan was laying
plans to destroy them. In no way could this happy couple be deprived
of their happiness if they obeyed God. Satan could not exercise
his power upon them unless they should first disobey God and forfeit
His favor. Some plan must therefore be devised to lead them to
disobedience that they might incur God's frown and be brought
under the more direct influence of Satan and his angels. It was
decided that Satan should assume another form and manifest an
interest for man. He must insinuate against God's truthfulness
and create doubt whether God did mean just what He said; next,
he must excite their curiosity, and lead them to pry into the
unsearchable plans of God-- the very sin of which Satan had been
guilty--and reason as to the cause of His restrictions in regard
to the tree of knowledge. -
Holy angels often visited the garden, and gave instruction to
Adam and Eve concerning their employment and also taught them
concerning the rebellion and fall of Satan. The angels warned
them of Satan and cautioned them not to separate from each other
in their employment, for they might be brought in contact with
this fallen foe. The angels also enjoined upon them to follow
closely the directions God had given them, for in perfect obedience
only were they safe. Then this fallen foe could have no power
over them.
Satan commenced his work with Eve, to cause her to disobey. She
first erred in wandering from her husband, next in lingering around
the forbidden tree, and next in listening to the voice of the
tempter, and even daring to doubt what God had said, "In
the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."
She thought that perhaps the Lord did not mean just what He said,
and venturing, she put forth her hand, took of the fruit and ate.
It was pleasing to the eye and pleasant to the taste. Then she
was jealous that God had withheld from them what was really for
their good, and she offered the fruit to her husband, thereby
tempting him. She related to Adam all that the serpent had said
and expressed her astonishment that he had the power of speech.
I saw a sadness come over Adam's countenance. He appeared afraid
and astonished. A struggle seemed to be going on in his mind.
He felt sure that this was the foe against whom they had been
warned, and that his wife must die. They must be separated. His
love for Eve was strong, and in utter discouragement he resolved
to share her fate. He seized the fruit and quickly ate it. Then
Satan exulted. He had rebelled in heaven, and had gained sympathizers
who loved him and followed him in his rebellion. He had fallen
and caused others to fall with him. And he had now tempted the
woman to distrust God, to inquire into His wisdom, and to seek
to penetrate His all-wise plans. Satan knew that the woman would
not fall alone. Adam, through his love for Eve, disobeyed the
command of God, and fell with her.
The news of man's fall spread through heaven. Every harp was hushed.
The angels cast their crowns from their heads in sorrow. All heaven
was in agitation. A council was held to decide what must be done
with the guilty pair. The angels feared that they would put forth
the hand, and eat of the tree of life, and become immortal sinners.
But God said that He would drive the transgressors from the garden.
Angels were immediately commissioned to guard the way of the tree
of life. It had been Satan's studied plan that Adam and Eve should
disobey God, receive His frown, and then partake of the tree of
life, that they might live forever in sin and disobedience, and
thus sin be immortalized. But holy angels were sent to drive them
out of the garden, and to bar their way to the tree of life. Each
of these mighty angels had in his right hand something which had
the appearance of a glittering sword.
Then Satan triumphed. He had made others suffer by his fall. He
had been shut out of heaven, they out of Paradise. -
Sorrow filled heaven, as it was realized that man was lost, and
that world which God had created was to be filled with mortals
doomed to misery, sickness, and death, and there was no way of
escape for the offender. The whole family of Adam must die. I
saw the lovely Jesus and beheld an expression of sympathy and
sorrow upon His countenance. Soon I saw Him approach the exceeding
bright light which enshrouded the Father. Said my accompanying
angel, He is in close converse with His Father. 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. His countenance was calm, free from all perplexity
and doubt, and shone with benevolence and loveliness, such as
words cannot express. 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; that through the merits
of His blood, and obedience to the law of God, they could have
the favor of God, and be brought into the beautiful garden, and
eat of the fruit of the tree of life.
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 stand between the wrath of His Father
and guilty man, that He would bear iniquity and scorn, and but
few would receive Him as the Son of God. Nearly all would hate
and reject Him. He would leave all His glory in heaven, appear
upon earth as a man, humble Himself as a man, become acquainted
by His own experience with the various temptations with which
man would be beset, that He might know how to succor those who
should be tempted; 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 wicked 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 would suffer dreadful hours
of agony, which even angels could not look upon, but would veil
their faces from the sight. Not merely agony of body would He
suffer, but mental agony, that with which bodily suffering could
in no wise be compared. The weight of the sins of the whole world
would be upon Him. He told them He would die and rise again the
third day, and would ascend to His Father to intercede for wayward,
guilty man.
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 His Father as a ransom for man. Jesus also
told them that they would have a part to act, to be with Him and
at different times strengthen Him; that He would take man's fallen
nature, and His strength would not be even equal with theirs;
that they would be witnesses of His humiliation and great sufferings;
and that as they would witness His sufferings, and the hatred
of men toward Him, they would be stirred with the deepest emotion,
and through their love for Him would wish to rescue and deliver
Him from His murderers; but that they must not interfere to prevent
anything they should behold; and that they should act a part in
His resurrection; that the plan of salvation was devised, and
His Father had accepted the plan.
With a holy sadness Jesus comforted and cheered the angels and
informed them that hereafter those whom He should redeem would
be with Him, and that by His death He should ransom many and destroy
him who had the power of death. And His Father would give Him
the kingdom and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,
and He would possess it forever and ever. Satan and sinners would
be destroyed, nevermore to disturb heaven or the purified new
earth. Jesus bade the heavenly host be reconciled to the plan
that His Father had accepted and rejoice that through His death
fallen man could again be exalted to obtain favor with God and
enjoy heaven.
Then joy, inexpressible joy, filled heaven. And the heavenly host
sang a song of praise and adoration. They touched their harps
and sang a note higher than they had done before, for the great
mercy and condescension of God in yielding up His dearly Beloved
to die for a race of rebels. Praise and adoration were poured
forth for the self-denial and sacrifice of Jesus; that He would
consent to leave the bosom of His Father, and choose a life of
suffering and anguish, and die an ignominious death to give life
to others.
Said the angel, "Think ye that the Father yielded up His
dearly beloved Son without a struggle? No, no. It was even a struggle
with the God of heaven, whether to let guilty man perish, or to
give His beloved Son to die for Him." Angels were so interested
for man's salvation that there could be found among them those
who would yield their glory and give their life for perishing
man, "But," said my accompanying angel, "that would
avail nothing. The transgression was so great that an angel's
life would not pay the debt. Nothing but the death and intercessions
of His son would pay the debt and save lost man from hopeless
sorrow and misery."
But the work of the angels was assigned them, to ascend and descend
with strengthening balm from glory to soothe the Son of God in
His sufferings, and minister unto Him. Also, their work would
be to guard and keep the subjects of grace from the evil angels
and the darkness constantly thrown around them by Satan. I saw
that it was impossible for God to alter or change His law to save
lost, perishing man; therefore He suffered His beloved Son to
die for man's transgression.
Satan again rejoiced with his angels that he could, by causing
man's fall, pull down the Son of God from His exalted position.
He told his angels that when Jesus should take fallen man's nature,
he could overpower Him and hinder the accomplishment of the plan
of salvation.
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 cunning, sly, and showed great penetration.
His frame was large, but 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. -
I was carried down to the time when Jesus was to take upon Himself
man's nature, humble Himself as a man, and suffer the temptations
of Satan.
His birth was without worldly grandeur. He was born in a stable
and cradled in a manger; yet His birth was honored far above that
of any of the sons of men. Angels from heaven informed the shepherds
of the advent of Jesus, and light and glory from God accompanied
their testimony. The heavenly host touched their harps and glorified
God. They triumphantly heralded the advent of the Son of God to
a fallen world to accomplish the work of redemption, and by His
death to bring peace, happiness, and everlasting life to man.
God honored the advent of His Son. Angels worshiped Him.
Angels of God hovered over the scene of His baptism; the Holy
Spirit descended in the form of a dove and lighted upon Him, and
as the people stood greatly amazed, with their eyes fastened upon
Him, the Father's voice was heard from heaven, saying, Thou art
My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased.
John was not certain that it was the Saviour who came to be baptized
of him in Jordan. But God had promised him a sign by which he
should know the Lamb of God. That sign was given as the heavenly
dove rested upon Jesus, and the glory of God shone round about
Him. John reached forth his hand, pointing to Jesus, and with
a loud voice cried out, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh
away the sin of the world!"
John informed his disciples that Jesus was the promised Messiah,
the Saviour of the world. As his work was closing, he taught his
disciples to look to Jesus, and follow Him as the Great Teacher.
John's life was sorrowful and self-denying. He heralded the first
advent of Christ, but was not permitted to witness His miracles,
and enjoy the power manifested by Him. When Jesus should establish
Himself as a teacher, John knew that he himself must die. His
voice was seldom heard, except in the wilderness. His life was
lonely. He did not cling to his father's family, to enjoy their
society, but left them in order to fulfill his mission. Multitudes
left the busy cities and villages and flocked to the wilderness
to hear the words of the wonderful prophet. John laid the ax to
the root of the tree. He reproved sin, fearless of consequences,
and prepared the way for the Lamb of God.
Herod was affected as he listened to the powerful, pointed testimonies
of John, and with deep interest he inquired what he must do to
become his disciple. John was acquainted with the fact that he
was about to marry his brother's wife, while her husband was yet
living, and faithfully told Herod that this was not lawful. Herod
was unwilling to make any sacrifice. He married his brother's
wife, and through her influence, seized John and put him in prison,
intending however to release him. While there confined, John heard
through his disciples of the mighty works of Jesus. He could not
listen to His gracious words; but the disciples informed him and
comforted him with what they had heard. Soon John was beheaded,
through the influence of Herod's wife. I saw that the humblest
disciples who followed Jesus, witnessed His miracles, and heard
the comforting words which fell from His lips, were greater than
John the Baptist; that is, they were more exalted and honored,
and had more pleasure in their lives.
John came in the spirit and power of Elijah to proclaim the first
advent of Jesus. I was pointed down to the last days and saw that
John represented those who should go forth in the spirit and power
of Elijah to herald the day of wrath and the second advent of
Jesus.
After the baptism of Jesus in Jordan, He was led by the Spirit
into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil. The Holy Spirit
had prepared Him for that special scene of fierce temptations.
Forty days He was tempted of Satan, and in those days He ate nothing.
Everything around Him was unpleasant, from which human nature
would be led to shrink. He was with the wild beasts and the devil,
in a desolate, lonely place. The Son of God was pale and emaciated,
through fasting and suffering. But His course was marked out,
and He must fulfill the work which He came to do.
Satan took advantage of the sufferings of the Son of God and prepared
to beset Him with manifold temptations, hoping to obtain the victory
over Him, because He had humbled Himself as a man. Satan came
with this temptation: "If Thou be the Son of God, command
this stone that it be made bread." He tempted Jesus to condescend
to give him proof of His being the Messiah, by exercising His
divine power. Jesus mildly answered him, "It is written,
That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."
Satan was seeking a dispute with Jesus concerning His being the
Son of God. He referred to His weak, suffering condition and boastingly
affirmed that he was stronger than Jesus. But the word spoken
from heaven, "Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well
pleased," was sufficient to sustain Jesus through all His
sufferings. I saw that Christ had nothing to do in convincing
Satan of His power or of His being the Saviour of the world. Satan
had sufficient evidence of the exalted station and authority of
the Son of God. His unwillingness to yield to Christ's authority
had shut him out of heaven.
Satan, to manifest his power, carried Jesus to Jerusalem, and
set Him upon a pinnacle of the temple, and there tempted Him to
give evidence that He was the Son of God, by casting Himself down
from that dizzy height. Satan came with the words of inspiration:
"For it is written, He shall give His angels charge over
Thee, to keep Thee: and in their hands they shall bear Thee up,
lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone." Jesus
answering said unto him, "It is said, Thou shalt not tempt
the Lord thy God." Satan wished to cause Jesus to presume
upon the mercy of His Father and risk His life before the fulfillment
of His mission. He had hoped that the plan of salvation would
fail; but the plan was laid too deep to be overthrown or marred
by Satan.
Christ is the example for all Christians. When they are tempted,
or their rights are disputed, they should bear it patiently. They
should not feel that they have a right to call upon the Lord to
display His power that they may obtain a victory over their enemies,
unless God can be directly honored and glorified thereby. If Jesus
had cast Himself from the pinnacle of the temple, it would not
have glorified His Father; for none would have witnessed the act
but Satan and the angels of God. And it would have been tempting
the Lord to display His power to His bitterest foe. It would have
been condescending to the one whom Jesus came to conquer.
"And the devil, taking Him up into an high mountain, showed
unto Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And
the devil said unto Him, 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. If Thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall
be Thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind
Me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy
God, and Him only shalt thou serve."
Satan presented before Jesus the kingdoms of the world in the
most attractive light. If Jesus would there worship him, he offered
to relinquish his claims to the possessions of earth. If the plan
of salvation should be carried out, and Jesus should die to redeem
man, Satan knew that his own power must be limited and finally
taken away, and that he would be destroyed. Therefore it was his
studied plan to prevent, if possible, the completion of the great
work which had been commenced by the Son of God. If the plan of
man's redemption should fail, Satan would retain the kingdom which
he then claimed. And if he should succeed, he flattered himself
that he would reign in opposition to the God of heaven.
Satan exulted when Jesus laid aside His power and glory and left
heaven. He thought that the Son of God was then placed in his
power. The temptation took so easily with the holy pair in Eden
that he hoped by his satanic power and cunning to overthrow even
the Son of God, and thereby save his own life and kingdom. If
he could tempt Jesus to depart from the will of His Father, his
object would be gained. But Jesus met the tempter with the rebuke,
"Get thee behind Me, Satan." He was to bow only to His
Father. Satan claimed the kingdom of earth as his and insinuated
to Jesus that all His sufferings might be saved: that He need
not die to obtain the kingdoms of this world; if He would worship
him He might have all the possessions of earth and the glory of
reigning over them. But Jesus was steadfast. He knew that the
time was to come when He would by His own life redeem the kingdom
from Satan, and that, after a season, all in heaven and earth
would submit to Him. He chose His life of suffering and His dreadful
death, as the way appointed by His Father that He might become
a lawful heir to the kingdoms of earth and have them given into
His hands as an everlasting possession. Satan also will be given
into His hands to be destroyed be death, nevermore to annoy Jesus
or the saints in glory. -
After Satan had ended his temptations, he departed from Jesus
for a season, and angels prepared Him food in the wilderness,
and strengthened Him, and the blessing of His Father rested upon
Him. Satan had failed in his fiercest temptations; yet he looked
forward to the period of Jesus' ministry, when he should at different
times try his cunning against Him. He still hoped to prevail against
Him by stirring up those who would not receive Jesus, to hate
and seek to destroy Him. Satan held a special council with his
angels. They were disappointed and enraged that they had prevailed
nothing against the Son of God. They decided that they must be
more cunning and use their power to the utmost to inspire unbelief
in the minds of His own nation as to His being the Saviour of
the world, and in this way discourage Jesus in His mission. No
matter how exact the Jews might be in their ceremonies and sacrifices,
if they could be kept blinded as to the prophecies and be made
to believe that the Messiah was to appear as a mighty worldly
king, they might be led to despise and reject Jesus.
I was shown that Satan and his angels were very busy during Christ's
ministry, inspiring men with unbelief, hate, and scorn. Often
when Jesus uttered some cutting truth, reproving their sins, the
people would become enraged. Satan and his angels urged them on
to take the life of the Son of God. More than once they took up
stones to cast at Him, but angels guarded Him and bore Him away
from the angry multitude to a place of safety. Again, as the plain
truth dropped from His holy lips, the multitude laid hold of Him
and led Him to the brow of a hill, intending to cast Him down.
A contention arose among themselves as to what they should do
with Him, when the angels again hid Him from the sight of the
multitude, and He, passing through the midst of them, went His
way.
Satan still hoped that the great plan of salvation would fail.
He exerted all his power to make the hearts of the people hard
and their feelings bitter against Jesus. He hoped that so few
would receive Him as the Son of God that He would consider His
sufferings and sacrifice too great to make for so small a company.
But I saw that if there had been but two who would have accepted
Jesus as the Son of God and believed on Him to the saving of their
souls, He would have carried out the plan.
Jesus began His work by breaking Satan's power over the suffering.
He restored the sick to health, gave sight to the blind, and healed
the lame, causing them to leap for joy and to glorify God. He
restored to health those who had been infirm and bound by Satan's
cruel power many years. With gracious words He comforted the weak,
the trembling, and the desponding. The feeble, suffering ones
whom Satan held in triumph, Jesus wrenched from his grasp, bringing
to them soundness of body and great joy and happiness. He raised
the dead to life, and they glorified God for the mighty display
of His power. He wrought mightily for all who believed on Him.
The life of Christ was filled with words and acts of benevolence,
sympathy, and love. He was ever attentive to listen to and relieve
the woes of those who came to Him. Multitudes carried in their
own persons the evidence of His divine power. Yet after the work
had been accomplished, many were ashamed of the humble yet mighty
teacher. Because the rulers did not believe on Him, the people
were not willing to accept Jesus. He was a man of sorrows and
acquainted with grief. They could not endure to be governed by
His sober, self-denying life. They wished to enjoy the honor which
the world bestows. Yet many followed the Son of God and listened
to His instructions, feasting upon the words which fell so graciously
from His lips. His words were full of meaning, yet so plain that
the weakest could understand them.
Satan and his angels blinded the eyes and darkened the understanding
of the Jews, and stirred up the chief of the people and the rulers
to take the Saviour's life. Others were sent to bring Jesus unto
them; but as they came near where He was they were greatly amazed.
They saw Him filled with sympathy and compassion, as He witnessed
human woe. They heard Him in love and tenderness speak encouragingly
to the weak and afflicted. They also heard Him, in a voice of
authority, rebuke the power of Satan and bid his captives go free.
They listened to the words of wisdom that fell from His lips,
and they were captivated; they could not lay hands on Him. They
returned to the priests and elders without Jesus. When asked,
"Why have ye not brought Him?" they related what they
had witnessed of His miracles, and the holy words of wisdom, love,
and knowledge which they had heard, and ended with saying, "Never
man spake like this man." The chief priests accused them
of being also deceived, and some of the officers were ashamed
that they had not taken Him. The priests inquired in a scornful
manner if any of the rulers had believed on Him. I saw that many
of the magistrates and elders did believe on Jesus; but Satan
kept them from acknowledging it; they feared the reproach of the
people more than they feared God.
Thus far the cunning and hatred of Satan had not broken up the
plan of salvation. The time for the accomplishment of the object
for which Jesus came into the world was drawing near. Satan and
his angels consulted together and decided to inspire Christ's
own nation to cry eagerly for His blood and heap upon Him cruelty
and scorn. They hoped that Jesus would resent such treatment and
fail to maintain His humility and meekness.
While Satan was laying his plans, Jesus was carefully opening to His disciples the sufferings through which He must pass--that He would be crucified and that He would rise again the third day. But their understanding seemed dull, and they could not comprehend what He told them.
The faith of the disciples was greatly strengthened at the transfiguration,
when they were permitted to behold Christ's glory and to hear
the voice from heaven testifying to His divine character. God
chose to give the followers of Jesus strong proof that He was
the promised Messiah, that in their bitter sorrow and disappointment
at His crucifixion, they would not entirely cast away their confidence.
At the transfiguration the Lord sent Moses and Elijah to talk
with Jesus concerning His sufferings and death. Instead of choosing
angels to converse with His Son, God chose those who had themselves
experienced the trials of earth.
Elijah had walked with God. His work had been painful and trying,
for the Lord through him had reproved the sins of Israel. Elijah
was a prophet of God; yet he was compelled to flee from place
to place to save his life. His own nation hunted him like a wild
beast that they might destroy him. But God translated Elijah.
Angels bore him in glory and triumph to heaven.
Moses was greater than any who had lived before him. He had been
highly honored of God, being privileged to talk with the Lord
face to face, as a man speaks with a friend. He was permitted
to see the bright light and excellent glory that enshrouded the
Father. The Lord through Moses delivered the children of Israel
from Egyptian bondage. Moses was a mediator for his people, often
standing between them and the wrath of God. When the anger of
the Lord was greatly kindled against Israel for their unbelief,
their murmurings, and their grievous sins, Moses' love for them
was tested. God proposed to destroy them and to make of him a
mighty nation. Moses showed his love for Israel by his earnest
pleading in their behalf. In his distress he prayed God to turn
from His fierce anger and forgive Israel, or blot his name out
of His book.
When Israel murmured against God and against Moses because they
could get no water, they accused him of leading them out to kill
them and their children. God heard their murmurings and bade Moses
speak to the rock, that the people might have water. Moses smote
the rock in wrath and took the glory to himself. The continual
waywardness and murmuring of the children of Israel had caused
him the keenest sorrow, and for a little time he forgot how much
the Lord had borne with them, and that their murmuring was not
against him, but against God. He thought only of himself, how
deeply he was wronged, and how little gratitude they manifested
in return for his deep love for them.
It was God's plan to bring often His people into strait places,
and then in their necessity to deliver them by His power, that
they might realize His love and care for them, and thus be led
to serve and honor Him. But Moses had failed to honor God and
magnify His name before the people that they might glorify Him.
In this he brought upon himself the Lord's displeasure.
When Moses came down from the mount with the two tables of stone
and saw Israel worshiping the golden calf, his anger was greatly
kindled, and he threw down the tables of stone and broke them.
I saw that Moses did not sin in this. He was wroth for God, jealous
for His glory. But when he yielded to the natural feelings of
his heart and took to himself the honor which was due to God,
he sinned, and for that sin God would not suffer him to enter
the land of Canaan.
Satan had been trying to find something wherewith to accuse Moses
before the angels. He exulted at his success in leading him to
displease God, and he told the angels that he could overcome the
Saviour of the world when He should come to redeem man. For his
transgression, Moses came under the power of Satan-- the dominion
of death. Had he remained steadfast, the Lord would have brought
him to the Promised Land, and would then have translated him to
heaven without his seeing death.
Moses passed through death, but Michael came down and gave him
life before his body had seen corruption. Satan tried to hold
the body, claiming it as his; but Michael resurrected Moses and
took him to heaven. Satan railed bitterly against God, denouncing
Him as unjust in permitting his prey to be taken from him; but
Christ did not rebuke His adversary, though it was through his
temptation that the servant of God had fallen. He meekly referred
him to His Father, saying, "The Lord rebuke thee."
Jesus had told His disciples that there were some standing with
Him who should not taste of death till they should see the kingdom
of God come with power. At the transfiguration this promise was
fulfilled. The countenance of Jesus was there changed and shone
like the sun. His raiment was white and glistening. Moses was
present to represent those who will be raised from the dead at
the second appearing of Jesus. And Elijah, who was translated
without seeing death, represented those who will be changed to
immortality at Christ's second coming and will be translated to
heaven without seeing death. The disciples beheld with astonishment
and fear the excellent majesty of Jesus and the cloud that overshadowed
them, and heard the voice of God in terrible majesty, saying,
"This is My beloved Son; hear Him."
I was carried down to the time when Jesus ate the Passover supper
with His disciples. Satan had deceived Judas and led him to think
that he was one of Christ's true disciples; but his heart had
ever been carnal. He had seen the mighty works of Jesus, he had
been with Him through His ministry, and had yielded to the overpowering
evidence that He was the Messiah; but Judas was close and covetous;
he loved money. He complained in anger of the costly ointment
poured upon Jesus. Mary loved her Lord. He had forgiven her sins,
which were many, and had raised from the dead her much-loved brother,
and she felt that nothing was too dear to bestow upon Jesus. The
more precious the ointment, the better could she express her gratitude
to her Saviour by devoting it to Him. Judas, as an excuse for
his covetousness, urged that the ointment might have been sold
and given to the poor. But it was not because he had any care
for the poor; for he was selfish, and often appropriated to his
own use that which was entrusted to his care to be given unto
the poor. Judas had been inattentive to the comfort and even to
the wants of Jesus, and to excuse his covetousness he often referred
to the poor. This act of generosity on the part of Mary was a
most cutting rebuke of his covetous disposition. The way was prepared
for Satan's temptation to find a ready reception in the heart
of Judas.
The priests and rulers of the Jews hated Jesus; but multitudes
thronged to listen to His words of wisdom and to witness His mighty
works. The people were stirred with the deepest interest and anxiously
followed Jesus to hear the instructions of this wonderful teacher.
Many of the rulers believed on Him, but dared not confess their
faith lest they should be put out of the synagogue. The priests
and elders decided that something must be done to draw the attention
of the people from Jesus. They feared that all men would believe
on Him. They could see no safety for themselves. They must lose
their position or put Jesus to death. And after they should put
Him to death, there would still be those who were living monuments
of His power. Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, and they
feared that if they should kill Jesus, Lazarus would testify of
His mighty power. The people were flocking to see him who was
raised from the dead, and the rulers determined to slay Lazarus
also, and put down the excitement. Then they would turn the people
to the traditions and doctrines of men, to tithe mint and rue,
and again have influence over them. They agreed to take Jesus
when He was alone; for if they should attempt to take Him in a
crowd, when the minds of the people were all interested in Him,
they would be stoned.
Judas knew how anxious they were to obtain Jesus and offered to
betray Him to the chief priests and elders for a few pieces of
silver. His love of money led him to agree to betray his Lord
into the hands of His bitterest enemies. Satan was working directly
through Judas, and in the midst of the impressive scene of the
last supper, the traitor was devising plans to betray his Master.
Jesus sorrowfully told His disciples that all of them would be
offended because of Him that night. But Peter ardently affirmed
that although all others should be offended because of Him, he
would not be offended. Jesus said to Peter: "Satan hath desired
to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed
for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted,
strengthen thy brethren." Luke 22:31,32.
I beheld Jesus in the garden with His disciples. In deep sorrow
He bade them watch and pray, lest they should enter into temptation.
He knew that their faith was to be tried, and their hopes disappointed,
and that they would need all the strength which they could obtain
by close watching and fervent prayer. With strong cries and weeping,
Jesus prayed, "Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup
from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done." The
Son of God prayed in agony. Great drops of blood gathered upon
His face and fell to the ground. Angels were hovering over the
place, witnessing the scene, but only one was commissioned to
go and strengthen the Son of God in His agony. There was no joy
in heaven. The angels cast their crowns and harps from them and
with the deepest interest silently watched Jesus. They wished
to surround the Son of God, but the commanding angels suffered
them not, lest, as they should behold His betrayal, they should
deliver Him; for the plan had been laid, and it must be fulfilled.
After Jesus had prayed, He came to His disciples; but they were
sleeping. In that dreadful hour He had not the sympathy and prayers
of even His disciples. Peter, who was so zealous a short time
before, was heavy with sleep. Jesus reminded him of his positive
declarations and said to him, "What, could ye not watch with
Me one hour?" Three times the Son of God prayed in agony.
Then Judas, with his band of armed men, appeared. He approached
his Master as usual, to salute Him. The band surrounded Jesus;
but there He manifested His divine power, as He said, "Whom
seek ye?" "I am He." They fell backward to the
ground. Jesus made this inquiry that they might witness His power
and have evidence that He could deliver Himself from their hands
if He would.
The disciples began to hope as they saw the multitude with their
staves and swords fall so quickly. As they arose and again surrounded
the Son of God, Peter drew his sword and smote a servant of the
high priest and cut off an ear. Jesus bade him to put up the sword,
saying, "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father,
and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?"
I saw that as these words were spoken, the countenances of the
angels were animated with hope. 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 also sank in despair and bitter disappointment,
as Jesus suffered Himself to be led away by His enemies.
The disciples feared for their own lives, and they all forsook
Him and fled. Jesus was left alone in the hands of the murderous
mob. Oh, what a triumph of Satan then! And what sadness and sorrow
with the angels of God! Many companies of holy angels, each with
a tall commanding angel at their head, were sent to witness the
scene. They were to record every insult and cruelty imposed upon
the Son of God, and to register every pang of anguish which Jesus
should suffer; for the very men who joined in this dreadful scene
are to see it all again in living characters.
The angels as they left heaven, in sadness laid off their glittering
crowns. They could not wear them while their Commander was suffering
and was to wear a crown of thorns. Satan and his angels were busy
in the judgment hall to destroy human feeling and sympathy. The
very atmosphere was heavy and polluted by their influence. The
chief priests and elders were inspired by them to insult and abuse
Jesus in a manner the most difficult for human nature to bear.
Satan hoped that such mockery and violence would call forth from
the Son of God some complaint or murmur; or that He would manifest
His divine power, and wrench Himself from the grasp of the multitude,
and that thus the plan of salvation might at last fail.
Peter followed his Lord after His betrayal. He was anxious to
see what would be done with Jesus. But when he was accused of
being one of His disciples, fear for his own safety led him to
declare that he knew not the man. The disciples were noted for
the purity of their language, and Peter, to convince his accusers
that he was not one of Christ's disciples, denied the charge the
third time with cursing and swearing. Jesus, who was at some distance
from Peter, turned a sorrowful reproving gaze upon him. Then the
disciple remembered the words which Jesus had spoken to him in
the upper chamber, and also his own zealous assertion, "Though
all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be
offended." He had denied his Lord, even with cursing and
swearing; but that look of Jesus' melted Peter's heart and saved
him. He wept bitterly and repented of his great sin, and was converted,
and then was prepared to strengthen his brethren.
The multitude were clamorous for the blood of Jesus. They cruelly
scourged Him, and put upon Him an old purple kingly robe, and
bound His sacred head with a crown of thorns. They put a reed
into His hand, and bowed to Him, and mockingly saluted Him, "Hail,
king of the Jews!" They then took the reed from His hand
and smote Him with it upon the head, causing the thorns to penetrate
His temples, sending the blood trickling down His face and beard.
It was difficult for the angels to endure the sight. They would
have delivered Jesus, but the commanding angels forbade them,
saying that it was a great ransom which was to be paid for man;
but it would be complete and would cause the death of him who
had the power of death. Jesus knew that angels were witnessing
the scene of His humiliation. The weakest angel could have caused
that mocking throng to fall powerless and could have delivered
Jesus. He knew that if He should desire it of His Father, angels
would instantly release Him. But it was necessary that He should
suffer the violence of wicked men, in order to carry out the plan
of salvation.
Jesus stood meek and humble before the infuriated multitude, while
they offered Him the vilest abuse. They spit in His face--that
face from which they will one day desire to hide, which will give
light to the city of God and shine brighter than the sun. Christ
did not cast upon the offenders an angry look. They covered His
head with an old garment, blindfolding Him, and then struck Him
in the face and cried out, "Prophesy, who is it that smote
Thee?" There was commotion among the angels. They would have
rescued Him instantly; but their commanding angels restrained
them.
Some of the disciples had gained confidence to enter where Jesus
was and witness His trial. They expected that He would manifest
His divine power, and deliver Himself from the hands of His enemies,
and punish them for their cruelty toward Him. Their hopes would
rise and fall as the different scenes transpired. Sometimes they
doubted, and feared that they had been deceived. But the voice
heard at the mount of transfiguration, and the glory they there
beheld, strengthened their faith that He was the Son of God. They
called to mind the scenes which they had witnessed, the miracles
which they had seen Jesus perform in healing the sick, opening
the eyes of the blind, unstopping the deaf ears, rebuking and
casting out devils, raising the dead to life, and even calming
the wind and the sea. They could not believe that He would die.
They hoped that He would yet rise in power, and with His commanding
voice disperse that bloodthirsty multitude, as when He entered
the temple and drove out those who were making the house of God
a place of merchandise, when they fled before Him as if pursued
by a company of armed soldiers. The disciples hoped that Jesus
would manifest His power and convince all that He was the King
of Israel.
Judas was filled with bitter remorse and shame at his treacherous
act in betraying Jesus. And when he witnessed the abuse which
the Saviour endured, he was overcome. He had loved Jesus, but
had loved money more. He had not thought that Jesus would suffer
Himself to be taken by the mob which he led on. He had expected
Him to work a miracle, and deliver Himself from them. But when
he saw the infuriated multitude in the judgment hall, thirsting
for blood, he deeply felt his guilt; and while many were vehemently
accusing Jesus, Judas rushed through the multitude, confessing
that he had sinned in betraying innocent blood. He offered the
priests the money which they had paid him, and entreated them
to release Jesus, declaring that He was entirely innocent.
For a short time vexation and confusion kept the priests silent.
They did not wish the people to know that they had hired one of
the professed followers of Jesus to betray Him into their hands.
Their hunting Jesus like a thief and taking Him secretly, they
wished to hide. But the confession of Judas, and his haggard,
guilty appearance, exposed the priests before the multitude, showing
that it was hatred that had caused them to take Jesus. As Judas
loudly declared Jesus to be innocent, the priests replied, "What
is that to us? see thou to that." They had Jesus in their
power, and were determined to make sure of Him. Judas, overwhelmed
with anguish, threw the money that he now despised at the feet
of those who had hired him, and, in anguish and horror, went and
hanged himself.
Jesus had many sympathizers in the company about Him, and His
answering nothing to the many questions put to Him amazed the
throng. Under all the mockery and violence of the mob, not a frown,
not a troubled expression, rested upon His features. He was dignified
and composed. The spectators looked upon Him with wonder. They
compared His perfect form and firm, dignified bearing with the
appearance of those who sat in judgment against Him, and said
to one another that He appeared more like a king than any of the
rulers. He bore no marks of being a criminal. His eye was mild,
clear, and undaunted, His forehead broad and high. Every feature
was strongly marked with benevolence and noble principle. His
patience and forbearance were so unlike man that many trembled.
Even Herod and Pilate were greatly troubled at His noble, Godlike
bearing.
From the first, Pilate was convicted that Jesus was no common
man. He believed Him to be an excellent character, and entirely
innocent of the charges brought against Him. The angels who were
witnessing the scene marked the convictions of the Roman governor,
and to save him from engaging in the awful act of delivering Christ
to be crucified, an angel was sent to Pilate's wife, and gave
her information through a dream that it was the Son of God in
whose trial her husband was engaged, and that He was an innocent
sufferer. She immediately sent a message to Pilate, stating that
she had suffered many things in a dream on account of Jesus and
warning him to have nothing to do with that holy man. The messenger,
pressing hastily through the crowd, placed the letter in the hands
of Pilate. As he read, he trembled and turned pale, and at once
determined to have nothing to do with putting Christ to death.
If the Jews would have the blood of Jesus, he would not give his
influence to it, but would labor to deliver Him.
When Pilate heard that Herod was in Jerusalem, he was greatly
relieved; for he hoped to free himself from all responsibility
in the trial and condemnation of Jesus. He at once sent Him, with
His accusers, to Herod. This ruler had become hardened in sin.
The murder of John the Baptist had left upon his conscience a
stain from which he could not free himself. When he heard of Jesus
and the mighty works wrought by Him, he feared and trembled, believing
Him to be John the Baptist risen from the dead. When Jesus was
placed in his hands by Pilate, Herod considered the act an acknowledgment
of his power, authority, and judgment. This had the effect to
make friends of the two rulers, who had before been enemies. Herod
was pleased to see Jesus, expecting Him to work some mighty miracle
for his satisfaction. But it was not the work of Jesus to gratify
curiosity or to seek His own safety. His divine, miraculous power
was to be exercised for the salvation of others, but not in His
own behalf.
Jesus answered nothing to the many questions put to Him by Herod;
neither did He reply to His enemies, who were vehemently accusing
Him. Herod was enraged because Jesus did not appear to fear his
power, and with his men of war he derided, mocked, and abused
the Son of God. Yet he was astonished at the noble, Godlike appearance
of Jesus when shamefully abused, and fearing to condemn Him, he
sent Him again to Pilate.
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
part in condemning Jesus others would; the multitude were thirsting
for His blood; and if he did not deliver Him to be crucified,
he would lose his power and worldly honor and would be denounced
as a believer on the impostor. Through fear of losing his power
and authority, Pilate consented to the death of Jesus. And notwithstanding
he placed the blood of Jesus upon His accusers, and the multitude
received it, crying, "His blood be on us, and on our children,"
yet Pilate was not clear; he was guilty of the blood of Christ.
For his own selfish interest, his love of honor from the great
men of earth, he delivered an innocent man to die. If Pilate had
followed his own convictions, he would have had nothing to do
with condemning Jesus.
The appearance and words of Jesus during His trial made a deep
impression upon the minds of many who were present on that occasion.
The result of the influence thus exerted was apparent after His
resurrection. Among those who were then added to the church, there
were many whose conviction dated from the time of Jesus' trial.
Satan's rage was great as he saw that all the cruelty which he
had led the Jews to inflict on Jesus had not called forth from
Him the slightest murmur. Although He had taken upon Himself man's
nature, He was sustained by a Godlike fortitude, and departed
not in the least from the will of His Father. -
The Son of God was delivered to the people to be crucified; with
shouts of triumph they led the dear Saviour away. He was weak
and faint from weariness, pain, and loss of blood by the scourging
and blows which He had received; yet the heavy cross upon which
He was soon to be nailed was laid upon Him. Jesus fainted beneath
the burden. Three times the cross was placed upon His shoulders,
and three times He fainted. One of His followers, a man who had
not openly professed faith in Christ, yet believed on Him, was
next seized. Upon him the cross was laid, and he bore it to the
fatal spot. Companies of angels were marshaled in the air above
the place. A number of Christ's disciples followed Him to Calvary,
in sorrow, and with bitter weeping. They called to mind His triumphal
ride into Jerusalem but a few days before, when they had followed
Him, crying, "Hosanna in the highest!" and strewing
their garments and the beautiful palm branches in the way. They
had thought that He was then to take the kingdom and reign a temporal
prince over Israel. How changed the scene! How blighted their
prospects! Not with rejoicing, not with cheerful hopes, but with
hearts stricken with fear and despair they now slowly, sadly followed
Him who had been disgraced and humbled, and who was about to die.
The mother of Jesus was there. Her heart was pierced with anguish
such as none but a fond mother can feel; yet, with the disciples,
she still hoped that Christ would work some mighty miracle and
deliver Himself from His murderers. She could not endure the thought
that He would suffer Himself to be crucified. But the preparations
were made, and Jesus was laid upon the cross. The hammer and the
nails were brought. The hearts of the disciples fainted within
them. The mother of Jesus was bowed with agony almost beyond endurance.
Before the Saviour was nailed to the cross, the disciples bore
her from the scene, that she might not hear the crashing of the
spikes as they were driven through the bone and muscle of His
tender hands and feet. Jesus murmured not, but groaned in agony.
His face was pale, and large drops of sweat stood upon His brow.
Satan exulted in the suffering through which the Son of God was
passing, yet feared that his efforts to thwart the plan of salvation
had been in vain, that his kingdom was lost, and that he must
finally be destroyed.
After Jesus had been nailed to the cross, it was raised and with
great force thrust into the place which had been prepared for
it in the ground, tearing the flesh and causing the most intense
suffering. To make the death of Jesus as shameful as possible,
two thieves were crucified with Him, one on each side. The thieves
were taken by force, and after much resistance on their part,
their arms were thrust back and nailed to their crosses. But Jesus
meekly submitted. He needed no one to force His arms back upon
the cross. While the thieves were cursing their executioners,
the Saviour in agony prayed for His enemies, "Father, forgive
them; for they know not what they do." It was not merely
agony of body which Christ endured; the sins of the whole world
were upon Him.
As Jesus hung upon the cross, some who passed by reviled Him,
wagging their heads as if bowing to a king, and said to Him, "Thou
that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save
Thyself. If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross."
Satan used the same words to Christ in the wilderness-- "If
Thou be the Son of God." The chief priests, elders, and scribes
mockingly said, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save.
If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross,
and we will believe Him." The angels who hovered over the
scene of Christ's crucifixion were moved to indignation as the
rulers derided Him and said, "If He be the Son God, let Him
deliver Himself". They wished there to come to the rescue
of Jesus and deliver Him, but they were not suffered to do so.
The object of His mission was not yet accomplished.
As Jesus hung upon the cross during those long hours of agony,
He did not forget His mother. She had returned to the terrible
scene, for she could not longer remain away from her Son. The
last lesson of Jesus was one of compassion and humanity. He looked
upon the grief-stricken face of His mother, and then upon His
beloved disciple John. He said to His mother, "Woman, behold
thy son!" Then He said to John, "Behold thy mother!"
And from that hour John took her to his own house.
Jesus thirsted in His agony, and they gave Him vinegar and gall
to drink; but when He tasted it, He refused it. The angels had
viewed the agony of their loved Commander until they could behold
no longer, and they veiled their faces from the sight. The sun
refused to look upon the awful scene. Jesus cried with a loud
voice, which struck terror to the hearts of His murderers, "It
is finished." Then the veil of the temple was rent from the
top to the bottom, the earth shook, and the rocks rent. Great
darkness was upon the face of the earth. The last hope of the
disciples seemed swept away as Jesus died. Many of His followers
witnessed the scene of His sufferings and death, and their cup
of sorrow was full.
Satan did not then exult as he had done. He had hoped to break
up the plan of salvation; but it was laid too deep. And now by
the death of Christ he knew that he himself must finally die,
and his kingdom be given to Jesus. He held a council with his
angels. He had prevailed nothing against the Son of God, and now
they must increase their efforts and with their power and cunning
turn to His followers. They must prevent all whom they could from
receiving the salvation purchased for them by Jesus. By so doing
Satan could still work against the government of God. Also it
would be for his own interest to keep from Jesus as many as possible.
For the sins of those who are redeemed by the blood of Christ
will at last be rolled back upon the originator of sin, and he
must bear their punishment, while those who do not accept salvation
through Jesus will suffer the penalty of their own sins.
The life of Christ had ever been without worldly wealth, honor,
or display. His humility and self-denial had been in striking
contrast to the pride and self-indulgence of the priests and elders.
His spotless purity was a continual reproof of their sins. They
despised Him for His humility, holiness, and purity. But those
who despised Him here will one day see Him in the grandeur of
heaven and the unsurpassed glory of His Father.
In the judgment hall He was surrounded by enemies who were thirsting
for His blood; but those hardened ones who cried out, "His
blood be on us, and on our children," will behold Him an
honored King. All the heavenly host will escort Him on His way
with songs of victory, majesty, and might to Him that was slain,
yet lives again, a mighty conqueror.
Poor, weak, miserable man spat in the face of the King of glory,
while a shout of brutal triumph arose from the mob at the degrading
insult. They marred with blows and cruelty that face which filled
all heaven with admiration. They will again behold that face,
bright as the noonday sun, and will seek to flee from before it.
Instead of that shout of brutal triumph, they will wail because
of Him.
Jesus will present His hands with the marks of His crucifixion.
The marks of this cruelty He will ever bear. Every print of the
nails will tell the story of man's wonderful redemption and the
dear price by which it was purchased. The very men who thrust
the spear into the side of the Lord of life will behold the print
of the spear and will lament with deep anguish the part which
they acted in marring His body.
His murderers were greatly annoyed by the superscription, "The
King of the Jews," placed upon the cross above His head.
But then they will be obliged to see Him in all His glory and
kingly power. They will behold on His vesture and on His thigh,
written in living characters, "King of kings, and Lord of
lords." They cried to Him mockingly, as He hung upon the
cross, "Let Christ, the King of Israel, descend from the
cross, that we may see and believe." They will behold Him
then with kingly power and authority. They will demand no evidence
of His being King of Israel; but overwhelmed with a sense of His
majesty and exceeding glory, they will be compelled to acknowledge,
"Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord."
The shaking of the earth, the rending of the rocks, the darkness
spread over the earth, and the loud, strong cry of Jesus, "It
is finished," as He yielded up His life, troubled His enemies
and made His murderers tremble. The disciples wondered at these
singular manifestations; but their hopes were crushed. They were
afraid that the Jews would seek to destroy them also. They felt
assured that such hatred as had been manifested against the Son
of God would not end with Him. Lonely hours they spent in weeping
over their disappointment. They had expected that Jesus would
reign a temporal Prince, but their hopes died with Him. In their
sorrow and disappointment, they doubted whether He had not deceived
them. Even His mother wavered in her faith in Him as the Messiah.
Notwithstanding the disciples had been disappointed in their hopes
concerning Jesus, they yet loved Him and desired to give His body
an honored burial, but knew not how to obtain it. Joseph of Arimathaea,
a wealthy and influential councilor of the Jews and a true disciple
of Jesus, went privately yet boldly to Pilate and begged from
him the Saviour's body. He dared not go openly, because of the
hatred of the Jews. The disciples feared that an effort would
be made by them to prevent the body of Christ from having an honored
resting place. Pilate granted the request, and the disciples took
the lifeless form down from the cross, while in deep anguish they
mourned over their blighted hopes. Carefully the body was wrapped
in fine linen, and laid in Joseph's new sepulcher.
The women who had been Christ's humble followers while He lived,
would not leave Him until they saw Him laid in the tomb and a
stone of great weight placed before the door, lest His enemies
should seek to obtain His body. But they need not have feared;
for I saw that the angelic host watched with untold interest in
the resting place of Jesus, earnestly waiting for the command
to act their part in liberating the King of glory from His prison
house.
Christ's murderers feared that He might yet come to life and escape
them. They therefore asked of Pilate a watch to guard the sepulcher
until the third day. This was granted, and the stone at the door
was sealed, lest His disciples should steal Him away and say that
He had risen from the dead. -
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 Saviour's
resting place, while angels, unseen, hovered above the sacred
spot. The night wore slowly away, and while it was yet dark, the
watching angels knew that the time for the release of God's dear
Son, their loved 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. His face was like the lightning,
and his garments white as snow. His light dispersed the darkness
from his track and caused the evil angels, who had triumphantly
claimed the body of Jesus, to flee in terror from his brightness
and glory. One of the angelic host who had witnessed the scene
of Christ's humiliation, and was watching His resting place, joined
the angel from heaven, and together they came down to the sepulcher.
The earth trembled and shook as they approached, and there was
a great earthquake.
Terror seized the Roman guard. Where was now their power to keep
the body of Jesus? They did not think of their duty or of the
disciples' stealing Him away. As the light of the angels shone
around, brighter than the sun, that Roman guard fell as dead men
to the ground. One of the angels laid hold of the great stone
and rolled it away from the door of the sepulcher and seated himself
upon it. The other entered the tomb and unbound the napkin from
the head of Jesus. Then the angel from heaven, with a voice that
caused the earth to quake, cried out, "Thou Son of God, Thy
Father calls Thee! Come forth." Death could hold dominion
over Him no longer. Jesus arose from the dead, a triumphant conqueror.
In solemn awe the angelic host gazed upon the scene. And as Jesus
came forth from the sepulcher, those shining angels prostrated
themselves to the earth in worship, and hailed Him with songs
of victory and triumph.
Satan's angels had been compelled to flee before the bright, penetrating
light of the heavenly angels, and they bitterly complained to
their king that their prey had been violently taken from them,
and that He whom they so much hated had risen from the dead. Satan
and his hosts had exulted that their power over fallen man had
caused the Lord of life to be laid in the grave, but short was
their hellish triumph. For as Jesus walked forth from His prison
house a majestic conqueror, Satan knew that after a season he
must die, and his kingdom pass unto Him whose right it was. He
lamented and raged that notwithstanding all his efforts, Jesus
had not been overcome, but had opened a way of salvation for man,
and whosoever would might walk in it and be saved.
The evil angels and their commander met in council to consider
how they could still work against the government of God. Satan
bade his servants go to the chief priests and elders. Said he,
"We succeeded in deceiving them, blinding their eyes and
hardening their hearts against Jesus. We made them believe that
He was an impostor. That Roman guard will carry the hateful news
that Christ has risen. We led the priests and elders on to hate
Jesus and to murder Him. Now hold it before them that if it becomes
known that Jesus is risen, they will be stoned by the people for
putting to death and innocent man."
As the host of heavenly angels departed from the sepulcher and
the light and glory passed away, the Roman guard ventured to raise
their heads and look about them. They were filled with amazement
as they saw that the great stone had been rolled from the door
of the sepulcher and that the body of Jesus was gone. They hastened
to the city to make known to the priests and elders what they
had seen. As those murderers listened to the marvelous report,
paleness sat upon every face. Horror seized them at the thought
of what they had done. If the report was correct, they were lost.
For a time they sat in silence, looking upon one another's faces,
not knowing what to do or what to say. To accept the report would
be to condemn themselves. They went aside to consult as to what
should be done. They reasoned that if the report brought by the
guard should be circulated among the people, those who put Christ
to death would be slain as His murderers. It was decided to hire
the soldiers to keep the matter secret. The priests and elders
offered them a large sum of money, saying, "Say ye, His disciples
came by night, and stole Him away while we slept." And when
the guard inquired what would be done with them for sleeping at
their post, the Jewish officers promised to persuade the governor
and secure their safety. For the sake of money, the Roman guard
sold their honor, and agreed to follow the counsel of the priests
and elders.
When Jesus, as He hung upon the cross, cried out, "It is
finished," the rocks rent, the earth shook, and some of the
graves were opened. When He arose a victor over death and the
grave, while the earth was reeling and the glory of heaven shone
around the sacred spot, many of the righteous dead, obedient to
His call, came forth as witnesses that He had risen. Those favored,
risen saints came forth glorified. They were chosen and holy ones
of every age, from creation down even to the days of Christ. Thus
while the Jewish leaders were seeking to conceal the fact of Christ's
resurrection, God chose to bring up a company from their graves
to testify that Jesus had risen, and to declare His glory.
Those risen ones differed in stature and form, some being more
noble in appearance than others. I was informed that the inhabitants
of earth had been degenerating, losing their strength and comeliness.
Satan has the power of disease and death, and with every age the
effects of the curse have been more visible, and the power of
Satan more plainly seen. Those who lived in the days of Noah and
Abraham resembled the angels in form, comeliness, and strength.
But every succeeding generation have been growing weaker and more
subject to disease, and their life has been of shorter duration.
Satan has been learning how to annoy and enfeeble the race.
Those who came forth after the resurrection of Jesus appeared
to many, telling them that the sacrifice for man was completed,
that Jesus, whom the Jews crucified, had risen from the dead;
and in proof of their words they declared, "We be risen with
Him." They bore testimony that it was by His mighty power
that they had been called forth from their graves. Notwithstanding
the lying reports circulated, the resurrection of Christ could
not be concealed by Satan, his angels, or the chief priests; for
this holy company, brought forth from their graves, spread the
wonderful, joyful news; also Jesus showed Himself to His sorrowing,
heartbroken disciples, dispelling their fears and causing them
joy and gladness.
As the news spread from city to city and from town to town, the
Jews in their turn feared for their lives and concealed the hatred
which they cherished toward the disciples. Their only hope was
to spread their lying report. And those who wished this lie to
be true accepted it. Pilate trembled as he heard that Christ had
risen. He could not doubt the testimony given, and from that hour
peace left him forever. For the sake of worldly honor, for fear
of losing his authority and his life, he had delivered Jesus to
die. He was now fully convinced that it was not merely an innocent
man of whose blood he was guilty, but the Son of God. Miserable
to its close was the life of Pilate. Despair and anguish crushed
every hopeful, joyful feeling. He refused to be comforted and
died a most miserable death.
Herod's heart had grown still harder; and when he heard that Christ
had risen, he was not much troubled. He took the life of James,
and when he saw that this pleased the Jews, he took Peter also,
intending to put him to death. But God had a work for Peter to
do, and sent his angel to deliver him. Herod was visited with
the judgments of God. While exalting himself in the presence of
a great multitude, he was smitten by the angel of the Lord, and
died a most horrible death.
Early in the morning of the first day of the week, before it was
yet light, holy women came to the sepulcher, bringing sweet spices
to anoint the body of Jesus. They found that the heavy stone had
been rolled away from the door of the sepulcher, and the body
of Jesus was not there. Their hearts sank within them, and they
feared that their enemies had taken away the body. Suddenly they
beheld two angels in white apparel, their faces bright and shining.
These heavenly beings understood the errand of the women and immediately
told them that Jesus was not there; He had risen, but they could
behold the place where He had lain. They bade them go and tell
His disciples that He would go before them into Galilee. With
fear and great joy the women hurried back to the sorrowing disciples
and told them the things which they had seen and heard.
The disciples could not believe that Christ had risen, but, with
the women who had brought the report, ran hastily to the sepulcher.
They found that Jesus was not there; they saw His linen clothes,
but could not believe the good news that He had risen from the
dead. They returned home marveling at what they had seen, also
at the report brought them by the women. But Mary chose to linger
around the sepulcher, thinking of what she had seen, and distressed
with the thought that she might have been deceived. She felt that
new trials awaited her. Her grief was renewed, and she broke forth
in bitter weeping. She stooped down to look again into the sepulcher,
and beheld two angels clothed in white. One was sitting where
the head of Jesus had lain, the other where His feet had been.
They spoke to her tenderly, and asked her why she wept. She replied,
"They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they
have laid Him."
As she turned from the sepulcher, she saw Jesus standing near,
but knew Him not. He spoke to her tenderly, inquiring the cause
of her sorrow and asking whom she was seeking. Supposing that
He was the gardener, she begged Him, if He had borne away her
Lord, to tell her where he had laid Him, that she might take Him
away. Jesus spoke to her with His own heavenly voice, saying,
"Mary!" She was acquainted with the tones of that dear
voice, and quickly answered, "Master!" and in her joy
was about to embrace Him; but Jesus said, "Touch Me not;
for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren,
and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and
to My God, and your God." Joyfully she hastened to the disciples
with the good news. Jesus quickly ascended to His Father to hear
from His lips that He accepted the sacrifice, and to receive all
power in heaven and upon earth.
Angels like a cloud surrounded the Son of God and bade the everlasting
gates be lifted up, that the King of glory might come in. I saw
that while Jesus was with that bright heavenly host, in the presence
of God, and surrounded by His glory, He did not forget His disciples
upon the earth, but received power from His Father, that He might
return and impart power to them. The same day He returned and
showed Himself to His disciples. He suffered them then to touch
Him; for He had ascended to His Father and had received power.
At this time Thomas was not present. He would not humbly receive
the report of the disciples, but firmly and self-confidently affirmed
that he would not believe unless he should put his fingers in
the prints of the nails and his hand in the side where the cruel
spear was thrust. In this he showed a lack of confidence in his
brethren. If all should require the same evidence, none would
now receive Jesus and believe in His resurrection. But it was
the will of God that the report of the disciples should be received
by those who could not themselves see and hear the risen Saviour.
God was not pleased with the unbelief of Thomas. When Jesus again
met with His disciples, Thomas was with them; and when he beheld
Jesus, he believed. But he had declared that he would not be satisfied
without the evidence of feeling added to sight, and Jesus gave
him the evidence which he had desired. Thomas cried out, "My
Lord and my God!" But Jesus reproved him for his unbelief,
saying, "Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed:
blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."
In like manner those who have had no experience in the first and
second angels' messages must receive them from others who had
an experience and followed down through the messages. As Jesus
was rejected, so I saw that these messages have been rejected.
And as the disciples declared that there is salvation in no other
name under heaven, given among men, so also should the servants
of God faithfully and fearlessly warn those who embrace but a
part of the truths connected with the third message, that they
must gladly receive all the messages as God has given them, or
have no part in the matter.
While the holy women were carrying the report that Jesus had risen,
the Roman guard were circulating the lie that had been put into
their mouths by the chief priests and elders, that the disciples
came by night, while they slept, and stole the body of Jesus.
Satan had put this lie into the hearts and mouths of the chief
priests, and the people stood ready to receive their word. But
God had made this matter sure, and placed this important event,
upon which our salvation depends, beyond all doubt; and it was
impossible for priests and elders to cover it up. Witnesses were
raised from the dead to testify to Christ's resurrection.
Jesus remained with His disciples forty days, causing them joy
and gladness of heart as He opened to them more fully the realities
of the kingdom of God. He commissioned them to bear testimony
to the things which they had seen and heard concerning His sufferings,
death, and resurrection, that He had made a sacrifice for sin,
and that all who would might come unto Him and find life. With
faithful tenderness He told them that they would be persecuted
and distressed; but they would find relief in recalling their
experience and remembering the words which He had spoken to them.
He told them that He had overcome the temptations of Satan and
obtained the victory through trials and suffering. Satan could
have no more power over Him, but would bring his temptations to
bear more directly upon them and upon all who should believe in
His name. But they could overcome as He had overcome. Jesus endowed
His disciples with power to work miracles, and told them that
although they should be persecuted by wicked men, He would from
time to time send His angels to deliver them; their lives could
not be taken until their mission should be accomplished; then
they might be required to seal with their blood the testimonies
which they had borne.
His anxious followers gladly listened to His teachings, eagerly
feasting upon every word which fell from His holy lips. Now they
certainly knew that He was the Saviour of the world. His words
sank deep into their hearts, and they sorrowed that they must
soon be parted from their heavenly Teacher and no longer hear
comforting, gracious words from His lips. But again their hearts
were warmed with love and exceeding joy, as Jesus told them that
He would go and prepare mansions for them and come again and receive
them, that they might be ever with Him. He promised also to send
the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to guide them into all truth.
"And He lifted up His hands, and blessed them." -
All heaven was waiting the hour of triumph when Jesus should ascend
to His Father. Angels came to receive the King of glory and to
escort Him triumphantly to heaven. After Jesus had blessed His
disciples, He was parted from them and taken up. And as He led
the way upward, the multitude of captives who were raised at His
resurrection followed. A multitude of the heavenly host were in
attendance, while in heaven an innumerable company of angels awaited
His coming. As they ascended to the Holy City, the angels who
escorted Jesus cried out, "Lift up your heads, O ye gates;
and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory
shall come in." The angels in the city cried out with rapture,
"Who is this King of glory?" The escorting angels answered
in triumph, "The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty
in battle! Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up,
ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in!"
Again the waiting angels asked, "Who is this King of glory?"
and the escorting angels answered in melodious strains, "The
Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory." And the heavenly
train passed into the city of God. Then all the heavenly host
surrounded their majestic Commander, and with the deepest adoration
bowed before Him and cast their glittering crowns at His feet.
And then they touched their golden harps, and in sweet, melodious
strains filled all heaven with rich music and songs to the Lamb
who was slain, yet lives again in majesty and glory.
As the disciples gazed sorrowfully toward heaven to catch the
last glimpse of their ascending Lord, two angels clothed in white
apparel stood by them and said to them, "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." The disciples and the mother
of Jesus, who with them had witnessed the ascension of the Son
of God, spent the following night in talking over His wonderful
acts and the strange and glorious events which had taken place
within a short time.
Satan again counseled with his angels, and with bitter hatred
against God's government told them that while he retained his
power and authority upon earth their efforts must be tenfold stronger
against the followers of Jesus. They had prevailed nothing against
Christ but must overthrow His followers, if possible. In every
generation they must seek to ensnare those who would believe in
Jesus. He related to his angels that Jesus had given His disciples
power to rebuke them and cast them out, and to heal those whom
they should afflict. Then Satan's angels went forth like roaring
lions, seeking to destroy the followers of Jesus. -
With mighty power the disciples preached a crucified and risen
Saviour. Signs and wonders were wrought by them in the name of
Jesus; the sick were healed; and a man who had been lame from
his birth was restored to perfect soundness and entered with Peter
and John into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God
in the sight of all the people. The news spread, and the people
began to press around the disciples. Many ran together, greatly
astonished at the cure that had been wrought.
When Jesus died, the priests thought that no more miracles would
be performed among them, that the excitement would die out and
the people would again turn to the traditions of men. But lo!
right among them the disciples were working miracles, and the
people were filled with amazement. Jesus had been crucified, and
they wondered where His followers had obtained this power. When
He was alive, they thought that He imparted power to them; but
when He died, they expected the miracles to cease. Peter understood
their perplexity and said to them, "Ye men of Israel, why
marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though
by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The
God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers,
hath glorified His Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied
Him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him
go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer
to be granted unto you; and killed the Prince of life, whom God
hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And His name
through faith in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see
and know."
The chief priests and elders could not bear these words, and at
their command Peter and John were seized and put in prison. But
thousands had been converted and led to believe in the resurrection
and ascension of Christ by hearing only one discourse from the
disciples. The priests and elders were troubled. They had slain
Jesus that the minds of the people might be turned to themselves;
but the matter was now worse than before. They were openly accused
by the disciples of being the murderers of the Son of God, and
they could not determine to what extent these things might grow
or how they themselves would be regarded by the people. They would
gladly have put Peter and John to death, but dared not, for fear
of the people.
On the following day the apostles were brought before the council.
The very men who had eagerly cried for the blood of the Just One
were there. They had heard Peter deny his Lord with cursing and
swearing when charged with being one of His disciples, and they
hoped again to intimidate him. But Peter had been converted, and
he now saw an opportunity to remove the stain of that hasty, cowardly
denial and to exalt the name which he had dishonored. With holy
boldness, and in the power of the Spirit, he fearlessly declared
unto them, "By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom
ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth
this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which
was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of
the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there
is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must
be saved."
The people were astonished at the boldness of Peter and John and
took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus; for their
noble, fearless conduct was like that of Jesus when before His
enemies. Jesus, by one look of pity and sorrow, reproved Peter
when he had denied Him, and now as he boldly acknowledged his
Lord, Peter was approved and blessed. As a token of the approbation
of Jesus, he was filled with the Holy Spirit.
The priests dared not manifest the hatred which they felt toward
the disciples. They commanded them to go aside out of the council,
and then conferred among themselves, saying, "What shall
we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been
done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem;
and we cannot deny it." They were afraid to have the report
of this good deed spread among the people. Should it become generally
known, the priests felt that their own power would be lost, and
they would be looked upon as the murderers of Jesus. Yet all that
they dared to do was to threaten the apostles and command them
to speak no more in the name of Jesus, lest they die. But Peter
declared boldly that they could but speak the things which they
had seen and heard.
By the power of Jesus the disciples continued to heal the afflicted
and the sick who were brought to them. Hundreds enlisted daily
under the banner of a crucified, risen, and ascended Saviour.
The priests and elders, and those particularly engaged with them,
were alarmed. Again they put the apostles in prison, hoping that
the excitement would subside. Satan and his angels exulted; but
the angels of God opened the prison doors, and, contrary to the
command of the high priests and elders, bade the apostles, "Go,
stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this
life."
The council assembled and sent for their prisoners. The officers
unclosed the prison doors; but those whom they sought were not
there. They returned to the priests and elders and said, "The
prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing
without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no
man within." "Then came one and told them, saying, 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. And when they had brought them,
they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
saying, Did not we 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 man's blood upon us."
Those Jewish leaders were hypocrites; they loved the praise of
men more than they loved God. Their hearts had become so hardened
that the most mighty works wrought by the apostles only enraged
them. They knew that if the disciples preached Jesus, His crucifixion,
resurrection, and ascension, it would fasten guilt upon them as
His murderers. They were not as willing to receive the blood of
Jesus as when they vehemently cried, "His blood be on us,
and on our children."
The apostles boldly declared that they ought to obey God rather
than men. Said Peter, "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus,
whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His
right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance
to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses of
these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given
to them that obey Him." At these fearless words those murderers
were enraged, and determined to imbrue their hands again in blood
by slaying the apostles. They were planning to do this, when an
angel from God moved upon the heart of Gamaliel to counsel the
priests and rulers: "Refrain from these men, and let them
alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come
to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply
ye be found even to fight against God." 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 among the Jewish
leaders themselves a voice in favor of His servants. The work
of the apostles was not finished. They were to be brought before
kings to witness to the name of Jesus and to testify of the things
which they had seen and heard.
The priests unwillingly released their prisoners, after beating
them and commanding them to speak no more in the name of Jesus.
"And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing
that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And
daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach
and preach Jesus Christ." Thus the word of God grew and multiplied.
The disciples boldly testified to the things which they had seen
and heard, and through the name of Jesus they performed mighty
miracles. They fearlessly charged the blood of Jesus upon those
who had been so willing to receive it when they were permitted
to have power over the Son of God.
I saw that 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 Lord's crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension-- important
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
God's 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 of the world. -
Disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and many of the priests
were obedient to the faith. Stephen, full of faith, was doing
great wonders and miracles among the people. The Jewish leaders
were stirred to greater anger as they saw priests turning from
their traditions, and from the sacrifices and offerings, and accepting
Jesus as the great sacrifice. With power from on high, Stephen
reproved the unbelieving priests and elders, and exalted Jesus
before them. They could not withstand the wisdom and power with
which he spoke, and as they found that they could prevail nothing
against him, they hired men to swear falsely that they had heard
him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God. They
stirred up the people and took Stephen, and, through false witnesses,
accused him of speaking against the temple and the law. They testified
that they had heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth would
destroy the customs which Moses gave them.
As Stephen stood before his judges, the light of the glory of
God rested upon his countenance. "And all that sat in the
council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been
the face of an angel." When called upon to answer to the
charges brought against him, he began at Moses and the prophets
and reviewed the history of the children of Israel and the dealings
of God with them and showed how Christ had been foretold in prophecy.
He referred to the history of the temple and declared that God
dwelleth not in temples made with hands. The Jews worshiped the
temple and were filled with greater indignation at anything spoken
against that building than if it had been spoken against God.
As Stephen spoke of Christ and referred to the temple, he saw
that the people were rejecting his words; and he fearlessly rebuked
them: "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears,
ye do always resist the Holy Ghost." While they observed
the outward ordinances of their religion, their hearts were corrupt
and full of deadly evil. He referred to the cruelty of their fathers
in persecuting the prophets, and declared that those whom he addressed
had committed a greater sin in rejecting and crucifying Christ.
"Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?
and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of
the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers."
As these plain, cutting truths were spoken, the priests and rulers
were enraged, and they rushed upon Stephen, gnashing their teeth.
"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly
into heaven, and saw the glory of God," and said, "Behold,
I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right
hand of God." The people would not hear him. "They cried
out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him
with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him."
And he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, lay
not this sin to their charge."
I saw that Stephen was a mighty man of God, especially raised
up to fill an important place in the church. Satan exulted in
his death; for he knew that the disciples would greatly feel his
loss. But Satan's triumph was short; for in that company, witnessing
the death of Stephen, there was one to whom Jesus was to reveal
Himself. Saul took no part in casting the stones at Stephen, yet
he consented to his death. He was zealous in persecuting the church
of God, hunting them, seizing them in their houses, and delivering
them to those who would slay them. Saul was a man of ability and
education; his zeal and learning caused him to be highly esteemed
by the Jews, while he was feared by many of the disciples of Christ.
His talents were effectively employed by Satan in carrying forward
his rebellion against the Son of God, and those who believed in
Him. But God can break the power of the great adversary and set
free those who are led captive by him. Christ had selected Saul
as a "chosen vessel" to preach His name, to strengthen
His disciples in their work, and to more than fill the place of
Stephen.
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 and caused him to fall quickly to the ground. He heard a
voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?"
Saul inquired, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And the Lord said,
"I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to
kick against the pricks." And Saul, trembling and astonished,
said, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" And the
Lord said, "Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be
told thee what thou must do."
The men who were with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but
seeing no man. As the light passed away and Saul arose from the
earth and opened his eyes, he found himself totally deprived of
sight. The glory of the light of heaven had blinded him. They
led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus, and he was three
days without sight, neither did he eat nor drink. The Lord then
sent His angel to one of the very men whom Saul had hoped to take
captive and revealed to him in vision that he should go into the
street called Straight, "and inquire in the house of Judas
for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, and hath
seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his
hand on him, that he might receive his sight."
Ananias feared that there might be some mistake in this matter,
and began to relate to the Lord what he had heard of Saul. But
the Lord said unto Ananias, "Go thy way: for he is a chosen
vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings,
and the children of Israel: for I will show him how great things
he must suffer for My name's sake." Ananias followed the
directions of the Lord, and entered into the house, and putting
his hands on him, 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."
Immediately Saul received sight and arose and was baptized. He
then taught in the synagogues that Jesus was indeed the Son of
God. All who heard him were amazed and inquired, "Is not
this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem,
and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound
unto the chief priests?" But Saul increased the more in strength,
and confounded the Jews. They were again in trouble. All were
acquainted with Saul's opposition to Jesus and his zeal in hunting
out and delivering up to death all who believed on His name; and
his miraculous conversion convinced many that Jesus was the Son
of God. Saul related his experience in the power of the Holy Spirit.
He was persecuting unto death, binding and delivering into prison
both men and women, when, as he journeyed to Damascus, suddenly
a great light from heaven shone round about him, and Jesus revealed
Himself to him, and taught him that He was the Son of God.
As Saul thus boldly preached Jesus, he exerted a powerful influence.
He had a knowledge of the Scriptures, and after his conversion
a divine light shone upon the prophecies concerning Jesus, which
enabled him clearly and boldly to present the truth and to correct
any perversion of the Scriptures. With the Spirit of God resting
upon him, he would in a clear and forcible manner carry his hearers
down through the prophecies to the time of Christ's first advent
and show them that the scriptures had been fulfilled which referred
to His sufferings, death, and resurrection. -
As the chief priests and rulers witnessed the effect of the relation
of Paul's 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.
Led by Satan, the unbelieving Jews watched the gates of Damascus
day and night, that as Paul should pass out, they might immediately
kill him. But Paul had been informed that the Jews were seeking
his life, and the disciples let him down over the wall in a basket
by night. At this failure to carry out their purposes, the Jews
were ashamed and indignant, and Satan's object was defeated.
After this, Paul went to Jerusalem to join himself to the disciples;
but they were all afraid of him. They could not believe that he
was a disciple. His life had been hunted by the Jews in Damascus,
and his own brethren would not receive him; but Barnabas took
him and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how
he had seen the Lord in the way and that he had preached boldly
at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
But Satan was stirring up the Jews to destroy Paul, and Jesus
bade him leave Jerusalem. In company with Barnabas, he went into
other cities, preaching Jesus and working miracles, and many were
converted. As one man was healed who had always been lame, the
people who worshiped idols were about to sacrifice to the disciples.
Paul was grieved, and told them that he and his fellow laborer
were only men and that the God who made heaven and earth, the
sea, and all things that are therein, must alone be worshiped.
Thus Paul exalted God before the people; but he could scarcely
restrain them. The first conception of faith in the true God,
and of the worship and honor due to Him, was being formed in their
minds; and as they were listening to Paul, Satan was urging on
the unbelieving Jews of other cities to follow after Paul to destroy
the good work wrought through him. These Jews stirred up the minds
of those idolaters by false reports against Paul. The wonder and
admiration of the people now changed to hate, and they who a short
time before were ready to worship the disciples, stoned Paul and
drew him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But as the
disciples were standing about Paul and mourning over him, to their
joy he rose up and went with them into the city.
Again, as Paul and Silas preached Jesus, a certain woman possessed
with a spirit of divination followed them, crying, "These
men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us
the way of salvation." Thus she followed the disciples many
days. But Paul was grieved; for this crying after them diverted
the minds of the people from the truth. Satan's object in leading
her to do this was to disgust the people and destroy the influence
of the disciples. Paul's spirit was stirred within him, and he
turned and said to the spirit, "I command thee in the name
of Jesus Christ to come out of her"; and the evil spirit
was rebuked, and left her.
Her masters were pleased that she cried after the disciples; but
when the evil spirit left her, and they saw her a meek disciple
of Christ, they were enraged. They had gathered much money by
her fortunetelling, and now the hope of their gain was gone. Satan's
object was defeated; but his servants caught Paul and Silas, and
drew them into the market place, unto the rulers, and to the magistrates,
saying, "These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our
city." And the multitude rose up together against them, and
the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat
them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, 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 the
Lord accompanied them within the prison walls, and caused their
imprisonment to tell to the glory of God, and show to the people
that God was in the work, and with His chosen servants.
At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God,
and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations
of the prison were shaken; and I saw that immediately the angel
of God loosed everyone's bands. The keeper of the prison, upon
awaking and seeing the prison doors open, was affrighted. He thought
that the prisoners had escaped, and that he must be punished with
death. But as he was about to kill himself, Paul cried with a
loud voice, saying, "Do thyself no harm: for we are all here."
The power of God there convicted the jailer. He called for a light,
and springing in, came trembling and fell down before Paul and
Silas, and brought them out, and said, "Sirs, what must I
do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." The
keeper of the prison then assembled his whole household, and Paul
preached unto them Jesus. Thus the jailer's heart was united to
those of his brethren, and he washed their stripes, and he and
all his house were baptized that night. He then set food before
them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
The wonderful news of the manifestation of the power of God in
opening the prison doors, and in the conversion of the keeper
and his family, was soon spread abroad. The rulers heard of these
things, and were afraid, and sent to the jailer, requesting him
to let Paul and Silas go. But Paul would not leave the prison
in a private manner; he was not willing that the manifestation
of the power of God should be concealed. He said unto them, "They
have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast
us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily;
but let them come themselves and fetch us out." When these
words were told to the magistrates, and it was known that the
apostles were Roman citizens, the rulers were alarmed for fear
they would make complaint to the emperor of their unlawful treatment.
And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired
them to depart out of the city.
After Paul's conversion, he visited Jerusalem and there preached
Jesus and the wonders of His grace. He related his miraculous
conversion, which so enraged the priests and rulers that they
sought to take his life. But that he might be saved, Jesus again
appeared to him in a vision while he was praying, and said unto
him, "Get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not
receive thy testimony concerning Me." Paul answered, "Lord,
they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that
believed on Thee: and when the blood of Thy martyr Stephen was
shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and
kept the raiment of them that slew him." Paul thought that
the Jews in Jerusalem could not resist his testimony; that they
would consider that the great change in him could be wrought only
by the power of God. But the reply was more decided than before:
"Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles."
During Paul's absence from Jerusalem, he wrote many letters to
different places, relating his experience and bearing a powerful
testimony. But some strove to destroy the influence of those letters.
They were forced to admit that his letters were weighty and powerful,
but they declared that his bodily presence was weak and his speech
contemptible.
The facts in the case were that Paul was a man of great learning,
and his wisdom and manners charmed his hearers. Learned men were
pleased with his knowledge, and many of them believed on Jesus.
When before kings and large assemblies, he would pour forth such
eloquence as would fascinate all before him. This greatly enraged
the priests and elders. Paul could readily enter into deep reasoning
and, soaring up, carry the people with him in the most exalted
trains of thought, bringing to view the deep riches of the grace
of God and portraying before them the amazing love of Christ.
Then with simplicity he would come down to the understanding of
the common people and in a most powerful manner relate his experience,
which called forth from them an ardent desire to become the disciples
of Christ.
Again the Lord appeared to Paul and revealed to him that he must
go up to Jerusalem, that he would there be bound and suffer for
His name. Although he was a prisoner for a great length of time,
yet the Lord carried forward His special work through him. His
bonds were to be the means of spreading the knowledge of Christ
and thus glorifying God. As he was sent from city to city for
his trial, his testimony concerning Jesus and the interesting
incidents of his own conversion were related before kings and
governors, that they should be left without excuse concerning
Jesus. Thousands believed on Him and rejoiced in His name. I saw
that God's special purpose was fulfilled in the journey of Paul
upon the sea; He designed that the ship's crew might thus witness
the power of God through Paul and that the heathen also might
hear the name of Jesus, and that many might be converted through
the teaching of Paul and by witnessing the miracles he wrought.
Kings and governors were charmed by his reasoning, and as with
zeal and the power of the Holy Spirit he preached Jesus and related
the interesting events of his experience, conviction fastened
upon them that Jesus was the Son of God. While some wondered with
amazement as they listened to Paul, one cried out, "Almost
thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Yet the most of those
who heard thought that at some future time they would consider
what they had heard. Satan took advantage of the delay, and, as
they neglected the opportunity when their hearts were softened,
it was forever lost. Their hearts became hardened.
I was shown the work of Satan in first blinding the eyes of the
Jews so that they would not receive Jesus as their Saviour; and
next in leading them, through envy because of His mighty works,
to desire His life. Satan entered one of Christ's own followers
and led him on to betray Him into the hands of His enemies, that
they might crucify the Lord of life and glory.
After Jesus arose from the dead, the Jews added sin to sin as
they sought to hide the fact of His resurrection by hiring the
Roman guard to testify to a falsehood. But the resurrection of
Jesus was made doubly sure by the resurrection of a multitude
of witnesses at the same time. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared
to His disciples, and to above five hundred at once, while those
whom He brought up with Him appeared unto many, declaring that
Jesus had risen.
Satan had caused the Jews to rebel against God by refusing to
receive His Son, and by staining their hands with His most precious
blood. No matter how powerful the evidence now produced that Jesus
was the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world, they had murdered
Him, and would not receive any evidence in His favor. Their only
hope and consolation, like that of Satan after his fall, was in
trying to prevail against the Son of God. They therefore continued
their rebellion by persecuting the disciples of Christ, and putting
them to death. Nothing fell so harshly on their ears as the name
of Jesus whom they had crucified; and they were determined not
to listen to any evidence in His favor. As when the Holy Spirit
through Stephen declared the mighty evidence of Jesus' being the
Son of God, they stopped their ears lest they should be convinced.
Satan had the murderers of Jesus fast in his grasp. By wicked
works they had yielded themselves his willing subjects, and through
them he was at work to trouble and annoy the believers in Christ.
He worked through the Jews to stir up the Gentiles against Jesus
and against those who followed Him. But God sent His angels to
strengthen the disciples for their work, that they might testify
of the things they had seen and heard, and at last by their steadfastness,
seal their testimony with their blood.
Satan rejoiced that the Jews were safe in his snare. They still
continued their useless forms, their sacrifices, and ordinances.
As Jesus hung upon the cross and cried, "It is finished,"
the veil of the temple was rent in twain from top to bottom, to
signify that God would no longer meet with the priests in the
temple, to accept their sacrifices and ordinances, and also to
show that the partition wall between the Jews and the Gentiles
was broken down. Jesus had made an offering of Himself for both,
and if saved at all, both must believe in Him as the only offering
for sin, the Saviour of the world.
When the soldier pierced the side of Jesus as He hung upon the
cross, there came out two distinct streams, one of blood, the
other of water. The blood was to wash away the sins of those who
should believe in His name, and the water was to represent that
living water which is obtained from Jesus to give life to the
believer.
I was carried forward to the time when heathen idolaters cruelly
persecuted and killed the Christians. Blood flowed in torrents.
The noble, the learned, and the common people were alike slain
without mercy. Wealthy families were reduced to poverty, because
they would not yield their religion. Notwithstanding the persecution
and sufferings which these Christians endured, they would not
lower the standard. They kept their religion pure. I saw that
Satan exulted and triumphed over their sufferings. But God looked
upon His faithful martyrs with great approbation. The Christians
who lived in that fearful time were greatly beloved of Him, because
they were willing to suffer for His sake. Every suffering endured
by them increased their reward in heaven.
Although Satan rejoiced because of the sufferings of the saints,
yet he was not satisfied. He wanted control of the mind as well
as the body. The sufferings that they endured only drove them
closer to the Lord, leading them to love one another, and causing
them to fear more than ever to offend Him. Satan wished to lead
them to displease God; then they would lose their strength, fortitude,
and firmness. Although thousands were slain, yet others were springing
up to supply their places. Satan saw that he was losing his subjects;
for although they suffered persecution and death, yet they were
secured to Jesus Christ, to be the subjects of His kingdom. Satan
therefore laid his plans to fight more successfully against the
government of God and overthrow the church. He led the heathen
idolaters to embrace a part of the Christian faith. They professed
to believe in the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, and
proposed to unite with the followers of Jesus, without a change
of heart. Oh, the fearful danger of the church. It was a time
of mental anguish. Some thought that if they should come down
and unite with those idolaters who had embraced a portion of the
Christian faith, it would be the means of their full conversion.
Satan was seeking to corrupt the doctrines of the Bible.
I saw that at last the standard was lowered, and that the heathen
were uniting with the Christians. Although these worshipers of
idols professed to be converted, they brought their idolatry with
them into the church, only changing the objects of their worship
to images of saints, and even of Christ and of Mary His mother.
As the followers of Christ gradually united with them, the Christian
religion became corrupted and the church lost its purity and power.
Some refused to unite with them; such preserved their purity and
worshiped God alone. They would not bow down to an image of anything
in the heavens above or in the earth beneath.
Satan exulted over the fall of so many; and then he stirred up
the fallen church to force those who would preserve the purity
of their religion either to yield to their ceremonies and image
worship or be put to death. The fires of persecution were again
kindled against the true church of Christ, and millions were slain
without mercy.
It was presented before me in the following manner: A large company
of heathen idolaters bore a black banner, upon which were figures
of the sun, moon, and stars. This company seemed to be very fierce
and angry. I was then shown another company bearing a pure white
banner, upon which was written, "Purity and holiness unto
the Lord." Their countenances were marked with firmness and
heavenly resignation. I saw the heathen idolaters approach them,
and there was a great slaughter. The Christians melted away before
them; and yet the Christian company pressed the more closely together,
and held the banner more firmly. As many fell, others rallied
around the banner and filled their places.
I saw the company of idolaters consulting together. Failing to
make the Christians yield, they agreed to another plan. I saw
them lower their banner and then approach that firm Christian
company and make propositions to them. At first their propositions
were utterly refused. Then I saw the Christian company consulting
together. Some said that they would lower the banner, accept the
propositions, and save their lives, and at last they could gain
strength to raise their banner among the heathen. A few, however,
would not yield to this plan, but firmly chose to die holding
their banner rather than to lower it. Then I saw many lower the
banner and unite with the heathen; but the firm and steadfast
would again seize it and bear it on high. I saw that persons were
continually leaving the company of those who bore the pure banner,
and were uniting with the idolaters under the black banner, to
persecute those bearing the white banner. Many were slain, yet
the white banner was held high, and believers were raised up to
rally around it.
The Jews who first aroused the rage of the heathen against Jesus
were not to escape unpunished. In the judgment hall, as Pilate
hesitated to condemn Jesus, the infuriated Jews cried, "His
blood be on us, and on our children." The fulfillment of
this terrible curse which they called down upon their own heads,
the Jewish nation has experienced. The heathen and those called
Christians alike have been their foes. Those professed Christians,
in their zeal for Christ, whom the Jews crucified, thought that
the more suffering they could bring upon them, the better would
God be pleased. Many of the unbelieving Jews were therefore killed,
while others were driven from place to place and were punished
in almost every manner.
The blood of Christ and of the disciples, whom they had put to
death, was upon them, and they were visited with terrible judgments.
The curse of God followed them, and they were a byword and a derision
to the heathen and to so-called Christians. They were degraded,
shunned, and detested, as if the brand of Cain were upon them.
Yet I saw that God had marvelously preserved this people and scattered
them over the world that they might be looked upon as specially
visited by the curse of God. I saw that God had forsaken the Jews
as a nation; but that individuals among them will yet be converted
and be enabled to tear the veil from their hearts and see that
the prophecy concerning them has been fulfilled; they will receive
Jesus as the Saviour of the world and see the great sin of their
nation in rejecting and crucifying Him. -
It has ever been the design of Satan to draw the minds of the
people from Jesus to man, and to destroy individual accountability.
Satan failed in his design when he tempted the Son of God; but
he succeeded better when he came to fallen man. Christianity became
corrupted. Popes and priests presumed to take an exalted position,
and taught the people to look to them for the pardon of their
sins, instead of looking to Christ for themselves.
The people were wholly deceived. They were taught that the popes
and priests were Christ's representatives, when in fact they were
the representatives of Satan, and those who bowed to them worshiped
Satan. The people called for the Bible; but the priests considered
it dangerous to let them have it to read for themselves, lest
they should become enlightened and expose the sins of their leaders.
The people were taught to receive every word from these deceivers
as from the mouth of God. They held that power over the mind which
God alone should hold. If any dared to follow their own convictions,
the same hate which Satan and the Jews exercised toward Jesus
would be kindled against them, and those in authority would thirst
for their blood.
I was shown a time when Satan especially triumphed. Multitudes
of Christians were slain in a dreadful manner, because they would
preserve the purity of their religion. The Bible was hated, and
efforts were made to rid the earth of it. The people were forbidden
to read it, on pain of death; and all the copies which could be
found were burned. But I saw that God had a special care for His
Word. He protected it. At different periods there were but a very
few copies of the Bible in existence, yet He would not suffer
His Word to be lost, for in the last days copies of it were to
be so multiplied that every family could possess it. I saw that
when there were but few copies of the Bible, it was precious and
comforting to the persecuted followers of Jesus. It was read in
the most secret manner, and those who had this exalted privilege
felt that they had had an interview with God, with His Son Jesus,
and with His disciples. But this blessed privilege cost many of
them their lives. If discovered, they were taken to the headsman's
block, to the stake, or to the dungeon to die of starvation.
Satan could not hinder the plan of salvation. Jesus was crucified,
and rose again the third day. But Satan told his angels that he
would make the crucifixion and resurrection tell to his advantage.
He was willing that those who professed faith in Jesus should
believe that the laws regulating the Jewish sacrifices and offerings
ceased at the death of Christ, if he could push them farther and
make them believe that the law of ten commandments also died with
Christ.
I saw that many readily yielded to this device of Satan. All heaven
was moved with indignation as they saw the holy law of God trampled
underfoot. Jesus and all the heavenly host were acquainted with
the nature of God's law; they knew that He would not change or
abrogate it. The hopeless condition of man after the fall caused
the deepest sorrow in heaven, and moved Jesus to offer to die
for the transgressors of God's holy law. But if that law could
be abrogated, man might have been saved without the death of Jesus.
Consequently His death did not destroy the law of His Father,
but magnified and honored it and enforced obedience to all its
holy precepts.
Had the church remained pure and steadfast, Satan could not have
deceived them, and led them to trample on the law of God. In this
bold plan, Satan strikes directly against the foundation of God's
government in heaven and on earth. His rebellion caused him to
be expelled from heaven. After he rebelled, in order to save himself
he wished God to change His law, but was told before the whole
heavenly host that God's law was unalterable. Satan knows that
if he can cause others to violate God's law, he has gained them
to his cause; for every transgressor of that law must die.
Satan decided to go still farther. He told his angels that some
would be so jealous of God's law that they could not be caught
in this snare; the ten commandments were so plain that many would
believe that they were still binding, and therefore he must seek
to corrupt only one of the commandments. He then led on his representatives
to attempt to change the fourth, or Sabbath, commandment, thus
altering the only one of the ten which brings to view the true
God, the Maker of the heavens and the earth. Satan presented before
them the glorious resurrection of Jesus, and told them that by
His rising on the first day of the week, He changed the Sabbath
from the seventh to the first day of the week.
Thus Satan used the resurrection to serve his purpose. He and
his angels rejoiced that the errors they had prepared took so
well with the professed friends of Christ. What one looked upon
with religious horror, another would receive. Thus different errors
were received and defended with zeal. The will of God, so plainly
revealed in His Word, was covered up with errors and traditions,
which have been taught as the commandments of God. Although this
heaven-daring deception will be suffered to be carried on until
the second appearing of Jesus, yet through all this time of error
and deception, God has not been left without witnesses. Amid the
darkness and persecution of the church there have always been
true and faithful ones who kept all of God's commandments.
I saw that the angelic host were filled with amazement as they beheld the sufferings and death of the King of glory. But I saw that it was no marvel to them that the Lord of life and glory, He who filled all heaven with joy and splendor, should break the bands of death, and walk forth from His prison house, a triumphant conqueror. Therefore, if either of these events s