The Great Controversy
As taught in the Seventh-day Adventist tradition
The meta-narrative of the cosmic battle between Christ and Satan regarding the character of God, His law, and His sovereignty.
It is a privilege to welcome you to this study of what is perhaps the most foundational and sweeping narrative within the Adventist tradition: The Great Controversy. To the casual observer, the world often appears as a chaotic jumble of events, a mixture of profound beauty and inexplicable suffering. However, when we look through the lens of the cosmic conflict, we begin to realise that there is a deeper, more intentional story unfolding—a meta-narrative that spans the reaches of eternity and involves the very character of our Creator.
By the end of this lesson
- Analyse the biblical origins of evil and the pre-fall status of Lucifer as described in prophetic literature.
- Identify the core accusations made by Satan against God's character and the nature of His divine law.
- Examine the impact of the cosmic conflict on human history, beginning with the deception in the Garden of Eden.
- Evaluate the significance of the life and death of Jesus Christ as the ultimate vindication of God’s character.
- Relate the concept of the Great Controversy to the present reality of suffering and the promise of restoration.
- Distinguish the Adventist 'Great Controversy' model from other theological explanations of theodicy.
Scripture
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