The Great Controversy

Chapter 1-DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM: 

One of the most magnificent temples in the entire world, one of the most beautiful cities--the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, by the Romans under Titus. It was an appalling spectacle to the Roman, what was it to the Jew? The whole summit of the hill which commanded the city blazed like a volcano.

Jerusalem, the city that a Roman general tried to save,--but was burned to the ground anyway--in spite of anything men could do to save it.--Because of a prophecy Jesus gave--thirty-nine years before.

Chapter 2-PERSECUTION IN THE FIRST CENTURIES: 

Seated on the Mount of Olives. Jesus foretold to His disciples years to come. He beheld the storms about to fall upon the young church; and, looking into the future, His eyes could see the fierce, wasting tempests that were to beat upon His followers in the ages of darkness that were ahead.

You will want to read Persecution in the First Centuries--the story of the whirlwind that came, the story of why it came: the story of men and women who lived through it--and died in it.

Chapter 3-THE APOSTASY:

For three hundred years fierce persecution lashed at the early Christian church, and, then, in 311 A.D. peace came and gradually things changed. Constantine. the emperor of the Roman Empire, decided for political reasons to become friends with the church--and what it brought changed all history for all time to come.

Compromise, conformity, and persecution of former brethren began. Gradually the church took all the steps down. Read what they were.

Chapter 4-THE WALDENSES:

Many years ago there were a group of people who lived in the mountains of south-central Europe. They loved God and their Bibles; and as a result they were persecuted and hunted for their faith. What caused it all? How did they survive? DID they survive?

How much the world owes these men, and posterity will never know. You will want to read the story of the people that history tried to blot out--the story of the Waldenses.

Chapter 5-JOHN WYCLIFF:

Once there was a time when the common people didn't have Bibles. They weren't allowed to have Bibles. Think of it! No Bibles in the homes anywhere. They weren't allowed to have them. Then came a man who determined to give the Bible to his people.  Read what happened when he did it This is the story of a man of God--the story of John Wycliff.

Chapter 6-JOHN HUSS:

John Huss, the man who would not turn back, though empires toppled and nations warred. John Huss--the man who would not give in. though prison doors beckoned and death awaited him.

John Huss-the man who shook kingdoms and brought the gospel to Europe one hundred years before Martin Luther--and laid the foundation for the great Reformation.

Chapter 7-LUTHER'S SEPARATION FROM ROME:

Foremost among those who were called to lead the church into the great Reformation was the humble, but unshakable man. Martin Luther.

What kind of a man was he? Where did lie come front? And why did he do what he did? Martin Luther--the man who opened the Bible--to a world.

Chapter 8-LUTHER BEFORE THE DIET:

Charles the fifth seemed to be the man for his time--the newly crowned Emperor of Europe. And then he met Martin Luther--and his troubles began. For it led to a battle that would last the rest of his lifetime, a battle that he would ultimately lose.

Hear Martin Luther defend the Word of God before the great men of earth--though he knew it meant his death. This is a story that you will want to read for yourself.

Chapter 9-THE SWISS REFORMER:

The great German Reformation began in the sixteenth century under Martin Luther. The equally important Swiss Reformation began at the same time -under Ulric Zwingll.

Ulric Zwingli was a man for his time. Born a few weeks after Luther, he grew up to stand as a rock for the Bible, under a fury of opposition. The story of a man who would not compromise--and what happened as a result.

Chapter 10-PROGRESS OF REFORM ON GERMANY:

The Emperor Charles the Fifth of Europe had decreed that Martin Luther must die. And then Luther disappeared, as it were from the face of the earth. Who had taken him? His friends, or his enemies? Had the great Reformation, which he had begun, come to a sudden stop?

Chapter 11 PROTEST OF THE PRINCES:

One of the noblest testimonies ever uttered for the Reformation was the protest submitted by the Christian princes at the Diet [Council] of Spires in 1529. The entire future course of the Reformation depended on the decisions they there made. The combined forces of Europe were gathered to crush out the newly begun Reformation. And Christian men protested--and refused to deny their faith--or yours.

Their protest at the Diet of Spires that year has given us the name "Protestant." Here you will learn of your spiritual forefathers, the first Protestants--and of the fundamental principles of Protestantism that they have given you.

Chapter 12-THE FRENCH REFORMATION:

Louis de Berquin ranked among the highest nobility of France- and then he found Christ, and what he found was so precious that he was willing to die for his faith--and he did.

Read the story of Berquns struggle to maintain the right-when the majority around him desired only that which might protect themselves. And the men and women who, with him, refused to compromise their faith--the story of the French Reformation.

Chapter 13-SCANDINAVIA:

While Martin Luther was working in Germany, lights were springing up elsewhere--all over Europe. The great Reformation had begun. Menno Simons who found God when a man was martyred, and who himself was used by Heaven to bring thousands in the Netherlands to Christ. William of Orange, who finally won freedom to worship God in Holland.

You will read of Tausen, the "Reformer of Denmark," who came close to death in his efforts to help his people. Olaf and Laurentius Petri, who boldly preached the gospel to the king of Sweden himself,--and won both him and the entire nation for God.

Chapter 14-LATER ENGLISH REFORMERS:

One day William Tyndale said to a learned clergyman, "If God spare my life, ere many years. I will cause a boy that driveth the plow to know more of Scripture than you do."--And he did--for he gave the first printed English Bible to the world--and was betrayed by a friend for doing it. Tyndale--the man who died that you might have the Bible.

And read of John Knox-the man who feared no one; who repeatedly faced-fearlessly-the Queen of Scotland, the woman who had murdered countless Christians before him-until he had won Scotland for God. The story of John and Charles Wesley who brought Christ to two continents, and the burning energy of George Whitefield who could speak to a 100,000 people in a field as if they were but two--and brought millions to their knees in repentance.

Chapter 15-THE FRENCH REVOLUTION:

The terrible French Revolution of 1790 is long since gone, but it is the direct result of a two hundred year struggle over the Bible. History has many lessons. If we will not learn them, we may have to repeat them.

It took place nearly two centuries ago.--but it is full of meaning to us today. The story behind the story of the burning of the Albigenses. the flight of the Huguenots, the event of Bartholomew's Day that brought rejoicing to some--and death to seventy thousand. Countless massacres of Christians led to the deadly harvest of a nation without God--that finally turned of itself. View the terrible experiment of a nation that tried religious persecution, but which turned into atheism--and the startling results.

Chapter 16-THE PILGRIM FATHERS:

Many years ago there were men who found that they could not worship God as they wished--because the laws of the land forbade it. Because of this, they left their homes and journeyed to find a shelter--and freedom of worship--in a new land.

What was the first modern government in history to recognize in the fullest sense, the right of religious freedom? It was little Rhode Island, founded by Roger Williams-the first person in modern times to establish a civil government on the basis of complete liberty of conscience.

Chapter 17-22-THE ADVENT AWAKENING  One of the most surprising and far-ranging religious movements of our time developed over a century ago, when men and women all over the world rediscovered the great truth of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and its nearness. You will want to read of the impact that this made, as, on the wings of the wind, it went from state to state, and from nation to nation.

It is amazing what can happen as men open the Word of God with heart-searching prayer and humility of heart. Some of the most intense revivals of mankind have begun from this simple beginning. And one of the most powerful of our time began in just this way--and spread like wildfire from land to land.

17. Heralds of the Morning 

18. An American Reformer 

19. Light Through Darkness 

20. A Great Religious Awakening 

21. A Warning Rejected 

22. Prophecies Fulfilled 

Chapter 23-WHAT IS THE SANCTUARY?:

The sanctuary built at the command of God was a marvelous structure. Every detail of it has special meaning to us today. But, in a special sense, the way in which its services foretold future events in God's great plan for mankind are especially striking. Here is shown the purpose of the great heavenly sanctuary and what it means in your life today.

Come view the sanctuary of prophecy--the most magnificent structure in all the universe--and the ministry of Christ on your behalf within it. A door opened for you--to the throne of God.

Chapter 24-IN THE HOLY OF HOLIES:

The subject of the sanctuary is the key which unlocks many truths long buried and lost to us--truths that are to be found in the Bible.

The study of the Biblical sanctuary opens to view a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious, as it reveals the work that Christ is now carrying on for us in heaven.

Chapter 25-GOD'S LAW IMMUTABLE:

One of the most solemn warnings ever given in Scripture is to be found in the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of the book. Revelation. What IS the Mark of the Beast? When will it be given? Who will receive it? And most important, can you and I avoid receiving it.

This is something you will not want to miss. It contains facts you should know. We are living very near the end and thinking men recognize that we are nearing an immense crisis.

Chapter 26-A WORK OF REFORM:

Here is part of God's beautiful plan to restore to His people truths long forgotten that they need today.

Our God is a great God-and as we study His Word and trust Him to lead. He will open up to us pathways that will bring us all the way--to the City of the great King-to that wonderful home He is preparing for us.

Chapter 27-MODERN REVIVALS:

What has happened to our time? Ministries that don't minister, revivals that don't revive. Revivals of yesteryear brought deep heart-searching humility, wrestling for souls, conversions that shrank not at self-denial and sacrifice.

But times have changed. The world is literally coming into the church. What has happened? And why has it happened?

Chapter 28-THE INVESTIGATIVE JUDGMENT:

"I beheld." says the prophet Daniel, "till thrones were cast down, and One that was Ancient of Days did sit. A fiery stream came forth from before Him. The judgment was set and the books were opened."

What subject is more important than that of the judgment? How urgent it is that we learn all that we can about this great day- that is so soon to come upon us all. The Bible tells us so much about it: when it will conducted, who will take part, the books of record, the Statute Book, our Advocate. The investigative judgment--one of the most solemn events on all history--a matter that affects every one of us.

Chapter 29-THE ORIGIN OF EVIL:

How DID it all begin? Why IS there sin anyway? Here is one of the most sweeping chapters in this entire study of ages. Read that most amazing of stories--how sin began.

Although surrounded by continual selflessness, something happened. What could turn an angel of light into a devil--and do it right in the middle of heaven? This is something you will want to read. It will tell you why God had to wait--and the wonderful future in store for His children--because He did.

Chapter 30-ENMITY BETWEEN MAN AMD SATAN:

Satan does everything He can to cast his hellish shadow over us, that we shall not see the glorious beauty of God's love and mercy. But, Jesus by His wondrous grace implants a renewed nature in the hearts of all who cry unto Him for strength and help.

To the humble, repentant, believing soul--nothing is withheld that he needs--that he may keep close to his precious Jesus. Here is a chapter with a beautiful promise.

Chapter 31 AGENCY OF EVIL SPIRITS:

If Satan could, he would blot out every Christian from the face of the earth. If he could-he could blot everyone else, too. With countless evil angels to do his bidding, and with a mind far in advance of own, we are no match for his power and cunning.

But in Christ there is the needed power. Our danger is in not recognizing the strength and number of Satan's host- and thus thinking ourselves safe. We do not flee to Christ, moment by moment, for the help we need.

Chapter 32-SNARES OF SATAN:

Satan is determined to entrap everyone who would seek to become a Christian. And he wants their children as well. Many are caught every day, not realizing how he operates.

This chapter tells about Satan's tool box, for he has scores of devices to destroy souls--and generally they don't even know what happened to them. Here are Satan's sixty- five snares.

Chapter 33-THE FIRST GREAT DECEPTION:

One of the most fantastic deceptions of all time actually began with Satan. And few today recognize it for what it really is. Yet, with it. he catches souls and holds them fast. In this chapter you will find the heart of the spider--web-how Satan uses the dead--to catch the living.

Chapter 34-SPIRITUALISM:

There is a channel that is regarded as sacred by many--through which Satan binds souls. Voices speak, appearances are made,--and a bewitching power enters another life. Many consider it but fakery, but then they see a more than human power revealed, and they are led on--to their death.

It can begin so simply, but later there seems no escape. Learn now, so you can protect your loved ones--from the lure of the spirit world.

Chapter 35-AIMS OF BABYLON:

Quietly, forces are at work in our land, to undermine our Christian faith. And yet but few are aware of these developments. Liberties that so many take for granted were not won in a day. They took centuries to gain--and they can go very quickly.

A danger is impending. God's Word reveals it-the deadly nature of which--will soon come with devastating power.

Chapter 36-THE IMPENDING CONFLICT:

God never forces the will or the conscience, but in both Satan delights. And in the near future a renewal of this is to be seen, according to Scripture. Errors that strike insolently against the authority of heaven will soon be brought boldly to the front--and given legal backing.

Will you and I be ready for the final conflict described in Revelation? Here you will learn for yourself the issues of Satan's master plan.

Chapter 37-SCRIPTURES A SAFEGUARD:

The last great delusion is soon to open before us. So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true, that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Bible.

And yet but few value the Bible with all their heart, study it with all their might, in preparation for what is soon to come on all the earth. Few are prepared to resist Satan's special device--to attract attention to man in place of God and His Word.

Chapter 38-FINAL WARNING:

Satan's power to deceive can be very great--when men are ignorant. In every age there has been a decided struggle of truth against error. But the greatest one is just ahead. One of the most massive crises of the ages is just before mankind. Of Babylon at this time, it is declared in Scripture, "Her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities."

Revelation 13 predicts that a time is just before us when those who honor fundamental Bible truths, will be denounced as enemies of law and order. We must individually know the Word of God for ourselves--that we may stand on the right side in that day.

Chapter 39-THE TIME OF TROUBLE:

The time is coming--is just ahead-when mercy will no longer plead for earth's guilty inhabitants. Every case will have been decided-for life or for death. Some will be ready, others will not--but for all probation will have closed, 

"As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the coming of the Son of Man." And now, again, we are living in the days of Noah and Sodom. A time of feasting and reverie and wickedness. But soon-probation is to close. Men today fear in their hearts that perhaps soon it may indeed end. --What will happen when it does end?

Chapter 40-GOD'S PEOPLE DELIVERED:

The eyes of heaven are fixed on the crisis just ahead, and at its height--God will step in. Revelation has ominous prophecies--that apply to our time and beyond. Learn of that time when the protection of human laws shall be withdrawn from those who honor the Word of God, and there is a simultaneous movement for their destruction.

And, just beyond, when the firmament seems filled with radiant forms as Jesus returns for His own, His countenance outshining the dazzling brightness of the noonday sun,--as the King of Kings descends upon a cloud, wrapped in flaming fire.

Chapter 41-DESOLATION OF THE EARTH:

This world is tottering, ready to fall--and what will come after? This chapter is a penetrating analysis of the millennium--that time not far off when time shall stand still,--when Satan will be bound and there will be a time of reckoning.

View that time of a controversy nearing its end. A time to think and recall it in detail. Something you won't want to miss--the story of the millennium.

Chapter 42-THE CONTROVERSY ENDED:

Here's the story of a battle that never takes place, after a preparation that involves whole nations. The story of Satan's last fight for supremacy--and then a view of the great white Throne and the final judgment.--And the awesomely beautiful heaven that follows for God's people. The story of the end of sin.--and of life in the new earth. A story that helps us want to be there.

All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God's redeemed at that time. Unfettered by mortality, they will wing their tireless flight to worlds afar. With unutterable delight, the children of earth will enter into the joy and wisdom of unfallen beings. Here is the story of life in the New Earth--a story we want a part in.  

APPENDIX:   Some Interesting Historical Notes. 

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