Greetings Dave
I decided to look over what SDA people say on this topic of ours, and clues to how SDA people use Scripture to defend their views, so I thought these quotes might help you.
I note for example, that Satan was allowed to visit GOD while sinning, as in Job, and hence explains why it appears a friendly foe, the war in heaven lasted a long time, until Satan killed Jesus, the war in heaven, finally ended. It is no bustle. But a conflict over relationships.
Shalom
absg.adventist.org/pdf.php?file=2013:4Q:TE:PDFs:ETQ413_01.pdfFrom SDA Sabbath School pamphlet studies:
Courtroom
Read Psalm 11:4–7 and Habakkuk 2:20. What else does God do in His heavenly temple, and why is this important for us to know?
Many Psalms reveal that the Lord is not indifferent to the needs of the righteous or to the injustices that they often face. He will react to the issues that cry out for redress, and He will “ ‘justify the righteous and condemn the wicked,’ ” just as any good judge would do (Deut. 25:1, NKJV).
When God judges, the throne room becomes a courtroom and the heavenly throne a judgment seat. The One enthroned is the One who judges (see Ps. 9:4–8), a concept known in the ancient Near East where kings often functioned as judges, as well.
Divine judgment involves both the wicked and the righteous. While the wicked receive a punishment similar to that received by Sodom and Gomorrah, the upright “will behold His face” (Ps. 11:6, 7, NASB). The classic combination of throne room and judgment appears in Daniel 7:9–14 (a significant passage that we will study later). There again, the judgment consists of two strands: a verdict of vindication for the saints and a sentence of condemnation for God’s enemies.
In the book of Habakkuk, after Habakkuk asks God why He is silent about injustice (Habakkuk 1), God answers that He will certainly judge (Hab. 2:1–5). While idols have no “breath” or “spirit” (Hab. 2:19), the Creator God is enthroned in His temple, the heavenly sanctuary, and He is ready to judge.
The prophetic appeal is “ ‘Let all the earth be silent before Him’ ” (Hab. 2:20, NASB). The appropriate attitude toward God’s ruling and judging is awed silence and hushed reverence.
The place where God reveals His special presence and where He is worshiped by the heavenly beings is the same place where He is rendering righteous judgment for all humans: the sanctuary in heaven. God is just, and all our questions about justice will be answered in God’s time, not ours.
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7. War in Heaven—Opposition to the law of God had its beginning in the courts of heaven, with Lucifer, the covering cherub. Satan determined to be first in the councils of heaven, and equal with God. He began his work of rebellion with the angels under his command, seeking to diffuse among them the spirit of discontent. And he worked in so deceptive a way that many of the angels were won to his allegiance before his purposes were fully known. Even the loyal angels could not fully discern his character, nor see to what his work was leading. When Satan had succeeded in winning many angels to his side, he took his cause to God, representing that it was the desire of the angels that he occupy the position that Christ held. 7BC 972.6
The evil continued to work until the spirit of disaffection ripened into active revolt. Then there was war in heaven, and Satan, with all who sympathized with him, was cast out. Satan had warred for the mastery in heaven, and had lost the battle. God could no longer trust him with honor and supremacy, and these, with the part he had taken in the government of heaven, were taken from him. 7BC 973.1
Since that time Satan and his army of confederates have been the avowed enemies of God in our world, continually warring against the cause of truth and righteousness. Satan has continued to present to men, as he presented to the angels, his false representations of Christ and of God, and he has won the world to his side. Even the professedly Christian churches have taken sides with the great apostate (The Review and Herald, January 28, 1909). 7BC 973.2
Cast out of heaven, Satan set up his kingdom in this world, and ever since, he has been untiringly striving to seduce human beings from their allegiance to God. He uses the same power that he used in heaven—the influence of mind on mind. Men become tempters of their fellow men. The strong, corrupting sentiments of Satan are cherished, and they exert a masterly, compelling power. Under the influence of these sentiments, men bind up with one another in confederacies (Letter 114, 1903). 7BC 973.5
Satan's Refusal to Obey Christ—He [Satan] declares he cannot submit to be under Christ's command, that God's commands alone will he obey. Good angels weep to hear the words of Satan, and to see how he despises to follow the direction of Christ, their exalted and loving Commander. 7BC 973.6
The Father decides the case of Satan, and declares that he must be turned out of heaven for his daring rebellion, and that all those who united with him in his rebellion should be turned out with him. Then there was war in heaven. Christ and His angels fought against Satan and his angels, for they were determined to remain in heaven with all their rebellion. But they prevailed not. Christ and loyal angels triumphed, and drove Satan and his rebel sympathizers from heaven. (Spiritual Gifts 3:38). 7BC 973.7
Rebellion Transferred to This World—When Satan rebelled, there was war in heaven, and he, with all his sympathizers, was cast out. He had held a high office in heaven, possessing a throne radiant with light. But he swerved from his allegiance to the blessed and only Potentate, and fell from his first estate. All who sympathized with him were driven from the presence of God, doomed to be no more acknowledged in the heavenly courts as having a right there. Satan became the avowed antagonist of Christ. On the earth he planted the standard of rebellion, and round it his sympathizers rallied (Manuscript 78, 1905). 7BC 973.8
(2 Corinthians 5:19; Philippians 2:6.) Satan Uprooted From Affections of the Universe—In carrying out his enmity to Christ until He hung upon the cross of Calvary, with wounded, bruised body and broken heart, Satan completely uprooted himself from the affections of the universe. It was then seen that God had in His Son denied Himself, giving Himself for the sins of the world, because He loved mankind. The Creator was revealed in the Son of the infinite God. Here the question, “Can there be self-denial with God?” was forever answered. Christ was God, and condescending to be made flesh, He assumed humanity and became obedient unto death, that He might undergo infinite sacrifice (Manuscript 50, 1900). 7BC 974.1
Re 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
The Opposer is termed an accuser of mankind, not a prosecutor.
The whole of Revelation 12, tells you the Opposer hates mankind because some seek salvation, the powers of Jesus.
(Ephesians 6:10-12.) The Earth a Stage for Horrors—[Revelation 12:17 quoted.] Satanic agencies have made the earth a stage for horrors, which no language can describe. War and bloodshed are carried on by nations claiming to be Christian. A disregard for the law of God has brought its sure result. 7BC 974.9
The great conflict now being waged is not merely a strife of man against man. On one side stands the Prince of life, acting as man's substitute and surety; on the other, the prince of darkness, with the fallen angels under his command [Ephesians 6:12, 13, 10, 11 quoted] (The Review and Herald, February 6, 1900). 7BC 974.10
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www.asitreads.com/blog/2017/8/29/lucifers-fall-his-envy-towards-the-sonBt Paul Chung
Glory of Lucifer
Ellen White makes these statements below about how close in likeness Lucifer was made to God. Yet not the Express image:
“Among the inhabitants of heaven, SATAN, NEXT TO CHRIST, WAS AT ONE TIME MOST HONORED OF GOD, AND HIGHEST IN POWER AND GLORY.” —ST July 23, 1902. {TA 28.2}
“Had not the Lord made the covering cherub so beautiful, SO CLOSELY RESEMBLING HIS OWN IMAGE; had not God awarded him special honor; had anything been left undone in the gifts of beauty and power and honor, then Satan might have had some excuse…” {GCDB, March 2, 1897 par. 33}
“Evil originated with Lucifer, who rebelled against the government of God. Before his fall he was a covering cherub, distinguished by his excellence. GOD MADE HIM good and beautiful, AS NEAR AS POSSIBLE LIKE HIMSELF….{RH September 24, 1901}
“Lucifer had been the covering cherub. He had stood in the light of God’s presence. He had been THE HIGHEST OF ALL CREATED BEINGS, and HAD BEEN FOREMOST IN REVEALING GOD'S PURPOSES TO THE UNIVERSE. { DA 758.4}
“The LORD HIMSELF GAVE TO SATAN HIS GLORY AND WISDOM, AND MADE HIM THE COVERING CHERUB, GOOD, NOBLE, AND EXCEEDING LOVELY.” —ST Sept. 18, 1893.
“Lucifer was the covering cherub, THE MOST EXALTED OF THE HEAVENLY CREATED BEINGS; HE STOOD NEAREST THE THRONE OF GOD, AND WAS MOST CLOSELY CONNECTED AND IDENTIFIED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF GOD'S GOVERNMENT, MOST RICHLY ENDOWED WITH THE GLORY OF HIS MAJESTY AND POWER.” — ST April 28, 1890.
Lucifer, the “son of the morning,” IN GLORY SURPASSING ALL THE ANGELS THAT SURROUND THE THRONE, . . . [WAS] UNITED IN CLOSEST TIES TO THE SON OF GOD.—DA 435. {TA 28.3}
Lucifer, “son of the morning,” WAS FIRST OF THE COVERING CHERUBS, HOLY AND UNDEFILED. HE STOOD IN THE PRESENCE OF THE GREAT CREATOR, AND THE CEASELESS BEAMS OF GLORY ENSHROUDING THE ETERNAL GOD RESTED UPON HIM.—{PP 35}
All who are determined to hold fast to every feature of our faith should stand against the wiles of the devil. We are all to understand that there is a fallen angel who was once next to Christ in honor among the heavenly host. His work of deception was done in so great secrecy that THE ANGELS IN LESS-EXALTED POSITIONS SUPPOSED THAT HE WAS THE RULER OF HEAVEN. SATAN MADE THE REPRESENTATION THAT ALL WRONG INSINUATIONS EXISTING IN HEAVEN ORIGINATED AMONG THE ANGELS, WHILE HE HIMSELF HAD MADE SUGGESTIONS WHICH WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ENTERTAINED BY THE ANGELS, HAD HE NOT CREATED THEM. He artfully presented these things to God, as having come from the angels, while they all originated with the evil Satan himself. {Lt292-1906.1}
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. {EW 145.1}
Note: Lucifer was a glorious angel who “had been the foremost in revealing God’s purposes to the universe” and was second only to the Son of God in his power, glory and majesty. He was created as near as possible to the image of God. How near is "as near as possible" in terms of God's ability? I would say it is very close, only to be out done by the Son of God. Thus, we may even conclude that if we were able to observe the pre-incarnate Son of God and Lucifer side by side, before the fall, we might actually be tempted to think they were brothers bearing a close resemblance! Inspiration does tell us that Christ was taller though: “Before Christ left heaven and came into the world to die, HE WAS TALLER THAN ANY OF THE ANGELS. He was majestic and lovely." {2SP 39.2} However, even though Lucifer resembled God “as near as possible,” Lucifer did not bear the "express image" of God because Lucifer was a created being. Lucifer was created as close a being to God as a created being could be but Christ was higher in heaven for He was begotten (brought forth) from the very substance (nature) of God. This is the "express image" scripture refers to (Hebrews 1:3). Pre-incarnate Christ therefore was God or divine in nature.
God bore long with Lucifer. The spirit of discontent was a new element, strange, unaccountable. LUCIFER HIMSELF DID NOT SEE WHITHER HE WAS DRIFTING. But such efforts as infinite love and wisdom only could devise were made to convince him of his error. He was made to see what would be the result of persisting in revolt." {EP 12.3}
“Before the fall of Satan, the Father consulted his Son in regard to the formation of man. They purposed to make this world, and create beasts and living things upon it, and to make man in the image of God, to reign as a ruling monarch over every living thing which God should create. When Satan learned the purpose of God, HE WAS ENVIOUS AT CHRIST, AND JEALOUS BECAUSE THE FATHER HAD NOT CONSULTED HIM IN REGARD TO THE CREATION OF MAN.” {3SG 36.1}
"Lucifer was convinced that he was in the wrong. He saw that ‘the Lord is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works’ (Psalm 145:17), that the divine statutes are just and that he ought to acknowledge them as such before all heaven. HAD HE DONE THIS, HE MIGHT HAVE SAVED HIMSELF AND MANY ANGELS. IF HE HAD BEEN WILLING TO RETURN TO GOD, satisfied to fill the place appointed him in God’s great plan, HE WOULD HAVE BEEN REINSTATED IN HIS OFFICE. The time had come for a final decision; he must yield to the divine sovereignty or place himself in open rebellion. He nearly reached the decision to return, BUT PRIDE FORBADE HIM. It was too great a sacrifice for one who had been so highly honored to confess that he had been in error!" {EP 12.4}
"Lucifer pointed to the LONG-SUFFERING OF GOD AS AN EVIDENCE of his own superiority, an indication that the King of the universe would yet accede to his terms. If the angels would stand firmly with him, he declared, they could yet gain all that they desired. He fully committed himself to the great controversy against his Maker. THUS IT WAS THAT LUCIFER, THE LIGHT BEARER," BECAME SATAN, “the adversary” of God and holy beings." {EP 13.1}
“At length all the angels are summoned to appear before the Father, to have each case decided. Satan unblushingly makes known to all the heavenly family his discontent, that Christ should be preferred before him, to be in such close conference with God, and he be uninformed as to the result of their frequent consultations. God informs Satan that this he can never know. THAT TO HIS SON WILL HE REVEAL HIS SECRET PURPOSES, and that all the family of Heaven, Satan not excepted, were required to yield implicit obedience. Satan boldly speaks out his rebellion, and points to a large company who think God is unjust in not exalting him to be equal with God, and in not giving him command above Christ. HE [SATAN] DECLARES HE CANNOT SUBMIT TO BE UNDER CHRIST’S COMMAND, THAT GOD’S COMMANDS ALONE WILL HE OBEY. Good angels weep to hear the words of Satan, and to see how he despises to follow the direction of Christ, their exalted and loving commander.” (E.G. White, Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, p. 37)
“All the angels were astir. Satan was warring against the government of God, because [he was] ambitious to exalt himself and UNWILLING TO SUBMIT TO THE AUTHORITY OF GOD’S SON, Heaven’s great commander.” (E.G. White, Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, p. 37.1)
“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 HONOR IN HEAVEN NEXT TO GOD.” {EW 145.1}
Satan, who was once a beautiful angel in the heavenly courts, became a fallen angel because HE DID NOT WANT TO OCCUPY A SECONDARY PLACE, BUT TO BE NEXT TO GOD. HE WOULD HAVE THE LORD JESUS BECOME SECOND TO HIM, for his own glory was very precious in his own sight. He was jealous of Christ, the Saviour. Study the Word of God, and see what this jealousy led to in the end. There is nothing to be gained by jealousies. Although in the beginning Satan was an exalted angel of great glory in the heavenly courts, that glory became extinguished THROUGH HIS CRAVING TO BE THE HIGHEST ONE NEXT TO GOD. {Ms74-1910.6}
Rejecting with disdain the entreaties of the loyal angels, he denounced them as deluded slaves. HE WOULD NEVER AGAIN ACKNOWLEDGE THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST. He had determined to claim the honor which should have been given him. And he promised those who would enter his ranks a new and better government under which all would enjoy freedom. Great numbers of the angels signified their purpose to accept him as their leader. He hoped to win all the angels to his side, TO BECOME EQUAL WITH GOD HIMSELF, and to be obeyed by the entire host of heaven." {EP 13.2}
“Well, Lucifer, he was striving; he had glory in the heavenly courts, BUT HE WAS STRIVING FOR CHRIST’S PLACE NEXT TO GOD. NEXT HE WANTED TO BE GOD, but he could not obtain that.” {Ms86-1910.29}
Note: What is interesting to note here is that this covering cherub didn't necessarily want to occupy the Father’s position (at least not initially) but “desired to receive the highest honor in heaven “NEXT TO GOD” which would make his position ABOVE Christ but not necessarily above God. But in the end, Lucifer, not having fulfilled his initial efforts to , his goes after the position of the Father
"By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up BECAUSE OF THY BEAUTY, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee." — Ezekiel 28:16-17 (KJV)
Lucifer was jealous because his wisdom had been corrupted. What wisdom? The wisdom which came from God. But he began to think that the wisdom was inherent in himself:
”There was a time when Satan was in harmony with God, and it was his joy to execute the divine commands. His heart was filled with love and joy in serving his Creator, UNTIL HE BEGAN TO THINK THAT HIS WISDOM WAS NOT DERIVED FROM GOD, BUT WAS INHERENT IN HIMSELF, and that he was as worthy as was God to receive honor and power.—ST Sept. 18, 1893. {TA 31.3}
He believed that he was as bright and as beautiful as was his creator. He wanted to share in the worship given to the Father and Son. The issue is about worship. He (Lucifer) wanted a three being government in heaven where he would receive worship just as does the Father and Son.
What was the reason for the fall of Lucifer? What was the reason for his dissatisfaction? Lucifer was envious of Christ’s position as the Son of God; namely, Christ had been in “all” the councils of God, while Lucifer was not permitted to enter into these divine purposes. Lucifer did however was the most prominent in rank (next to Christ) in carrying out God's purposes and was privy to know most purposes of God (except for the ones that he wasn't permitted to know).
“The creation of our world was brought into the councils of heaven. THERE THE COVERING CHERUB PREPARED HIS REQUEST THAT HE SHOULD BE MADE PRINCE TO GOVERN THE WORLD THEN IN PROSPECT. THIS WAS NOT ACCORDED HIM. Jesus Christ was to rule the earthly kingdom; under God He engaged to take the world with all its probabilities. The law of heaven should be the standard law for this new world, for human intelligences. Lucifer was jealous of Christ and THIS JEALOUSY WORKED INTO REBELLION and he carried with him a large number of the holy angels. Jesus, the Son of God, was not deceived by Lucifer’s sophistry. He stood true to principle and resisted every line of reasoning of Lucifer and all the angels who had taken sides with him, thus evidencing that as He stood, every angel might have stood.”
Lucifer CAREFULLY CONCEALED from the angels his real sentiments and purposes; and when he had succeeded in turning them from their loyalty, and the terrible results of his work were manifest, HE TRIED TO MAKE IT APPEAR THAT HE HAD NOT BEEN THE ORIGINATOR OF THE EVIL. He led the ones he had deceived to engage in warfare against Christ and the loyal angels, urging them on with the hope that they could overcome Christ and dethrone God. With Lucifer on the throne, as ruler in heaven, he told them that a better order of things would be brought in.” {Lt356-1907.12}
Satan wished TO CHANGE THE GOVERNMENT OF GOD, to fix his own seal to the rules of God’s kingdom. Christ would not be brought into this desire, and here the warfare against Christ commenced and waxed strong. WORKING IN SECRECY BUT KNOWN TO GOD, Lucifer became a DECEIVING CHARACTER. He told falsehood for truth. {Ms57-1890.2}
"...It was his policy to perplex with subtle arguments concerning the purposes of God. Everything that was simple he shrouded in mystery, and by artful perversion cast doubt upon the plainest statements of Jehovah. And HIS HIGH POSITION, SO CLOSELY CONNECTED WTH THE DIVINE GOVERNMENT, GAVE GREATER FORCE to his representations. {PP 41.3}
MANY WERE DISPOSED TO REPENT of their disaffection and seek to be again received into favor with the Father and His Son. BUT LUCIFER NOW DECLARED THAT THE ANGELS WHO HAD UNITED WITH HIM HAD GONE TOO FAR TO RETURN; GOD WOULD NOT FORGIVE. For himself, he was determined never again to acknowledge the authority of Christ. The only course remaining was to assert their liberty and gain by force the rights which had not been accorded them.” {EP 13.4}
The King of the universe summoned the heavenly hosts before Him, that in their presence HE MIGHT SET FORTH THE TRUE POSITION OF HIS SON and show the relation He sustained to all created beings. {PP 36.2}”
“The great Creator assembled the heavenly host, that He might in the presence of all the angels CONFER SPECIAL HONOR UPON HIS SON. The Son was seated on the throne with the Father, and the heavenly throng of holy angels was gathered around them. The Father then made known that IT WAS ORDAINED BY HIMSELF THAT CHRIST, HIS SON, SHOULD BE EQUAL WITH HIMSELF; so that wherever was the presence of His Son, it was as His own presence. The word of the Son was to be obeyed as readily as the word of the Father. His Son He had invested with authority to command the heavenly host. Especially was His Son to work in union with Himself in the anticipated creation of the earth and every living thing that should exist upon the earth. His Son would carry out His will and His purposes but would do nothing of Himself alone. The Father’s will would be fulfilled in Him.” (Ellen G. White, Lift Him Up, p. 18 )
War came and the result was that Lucifer, with his party, was thrown out of heaven; and thus there has been in our world a rebellious party ever since. Let no man suppose that these angels became saints. Through satanic agencies, the great exaltation of certain ones became united to have a change in the divine order. The efforts made to correct the evil matter were not a success. There was war in heaven and the rebellion was overcome. Heaven was closed against them.” (E.G. White, Manuscript 90-1910.5)
"I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; ... I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:13, 14. Though honored above the heavenly host, he ventured to covet homage due alone to the Creator. This prince of angels aspired to power that was the prerogative of Christ alone."
“It means that when the ANGELS came to claim the highest place in heaven, ABOVE the only begotten Son of God, it was not give THEM. And BECAUSE THEY DID NOT RECEIVE IT, THERE WAS WAR IN HEAVEN, and THOSE that wanted a higher place, TO CROWD OUT CHRIST JESUS, WERE CAST OUT because they WOULD NOT REPENT and accept the rule of God; and they may be listening to me today.” {Ms84-1910.36}
Note: Satan fell from his once exalted position but he was not yet banished from Heaven, for in the days of Job he presented himself before God along with the sons of God. Job 1:6.
By shedding the blood of the Son of God, HE HAD UPROOTED HIMSELF FROM THE SYMPATHIES OF THE HEAVENLY BEINGS. HENCEFORTH HIS WORK WAS RESTRICTED. Whatever attitude he might assume, he could no longer await the angels as they came from the heavenly courts, and before them accuse Christ’s brethren of being clothed with the garments of blackness and the defilement of sin. The last link of sympathy between Satan and the heavenly world was broken. {DA 761.2}
The above statement indicates that God did not banish satan from Heaven until "the last link of sympathy between Satan and the heavenly world was broken!" Wow! That is an amazing demonstration of God's mercy and love and justice! In the same manner, not one sinner will die the second death until ALL the saints have examined the books and the records and unitedly pronounce the judgment.
Why God Did Not Destroy Satan
“God could employ only such means as were consistent with truth and righteousness. Satan could use what God could not—flattery and deceit. It was therefore necessary to demonstrate before the inhabitants of heaven and all the world that God’s government is just, His law perfect. Satan had made it appear that he himself was seeking to promote the good of the universe. The true character of the usurper must be understood by all. He must have time to manifest himself by his wicked works.” {EP 14.2}
Even when Satan was cast out of heaven, Infinite Wisdom did not destroy him. The allegiance of His creatures must rest upon a conviction of His justice and benevolence. The inhabitants of heaven and of the world could not then have seen the justice of God in the destruction of Satan. Had he been immediately blotted out of existence, some would have served God from fear rather than from love. The influence of the deceiver would not have been fully destroyed, nor would the spirit of rebellion have been utterly eradicated. For the good of the entire universe through ceaseless ages he must more fully develop his principles, that his charges against the divine government might be seen in their true light and that the justice of God and the immutability of His law might be forever placed beyond question.” {EP 15.1}
Satan’s rebellion was to be a lesson to the universe through all coming ages—a perpetual testimony to the nature of sin and its terrible results. Thus the history of this experiment of rebellion was to be a perpetual safeguard to all holy beings to prevent them from being deceived as to the nature of transgression. {EP 15.2}
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." James 2:19
Ellen White comments on James 2:19,
“The statement is made that the devil believed and trembled. "WHILE HE WAS IN HEAVEN, HE BELIEVED THAT CHRIST WAS THE SON OF GOD", and when upon this earth he was in conflict with Him here on the field of battle.” {CTr 220.3}
“When Satan and THE SON OF GOD first met in conflict, Christ was the commander of the heavenly hosts; and Satan, the leader of revolt in heaven, was cast out. Now their condition is apparently reversed, and Satan makes the most of his supposed advantage. ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL OF THE ANGELS, HE SAYS, HAS BEEN BANISHED FROM HEAVEN. THE APPEARANCE OF JESUS INDICATES THAT HE IS THAT FALLEN ANGEL, forsaken by God, and deserted by man. A DIVINE BEING WOULD BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN HIS CLAIM BY WORKING A MIRACLE; “IF THOU BE THE SON OF GOD, command this stone that it be made bread.” SUCH AN ACT OF CREATIVE POWER, URGES THE TEMPTER, WOULD BE CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE OF DIVINITY. IT WOULD BRING THE CONTROVERSY TO AN END.{DA 119.2}
Note: What an incredible irony for Satan, a fallen angel himself, to insinuate that Christ might be that fallen “ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL OF THE ANGELS”, had been “BANISHED FROM HEAVEN” and “EXILED TO EARTH”.
“He claimed direct authority from Heaven to demand proof of Christ that he was the Son of God. He taunted him with being a poor representative of the angels, much less their high Commander, the acknowledged King in the royal courts; and insinuated that his present appearance indicated that he was forsaken of God and man. HE DECLARED THAT IF HE WERE THE SON OF GOD HE WAS EQUAL WITH GOD AND SHOULD EVIDENCE THIS by working a miracle to relieve his hunger. He then urged him to change the stone at his feet to bread, and AGREED THAT IF THIS WERE DONE HE WOULD AT ONCE YIELD HIS CLAIMS TO SUPERIORITY, AND THE CONTEST BETWEEN THE TWO SHOULD BE FOREVER ENDED.{2SP 91.2}
Note: Regarding Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness we read “And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” — Matt 4:3-4
What most failed to grasp is the context in which Jesus made the point that He would live by the Word of God. What Jesus was saying is that He believed that He is the Son of God, because that is what proceeded “out of the mouth of God” just prior to Him being led into the wilderness, “lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matt 3:17
“Satan flattered himself that he could lead Christ to doubt the words spoken from heaven at His baptism. IF HE COULD TEMPT HIM TO QUESTION HIS SONSHIP, and doubt the truth of the word spoken by His Father, he would gain a great victory.” – {Con 40.2} {1SM 275.1}
So it was in answer to this temptation that Jesus said “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God,” which means, Jesus’ purpose in speaking those words was to say that He believed God’s own words that were just spoken declaring Him to be His “beloved Son.”
So often we read “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God,” and just understand it in a generic context and nothing more — completely missing the fact that those words were spoken to show Jesus’ faith in His Father’s Words declaring Him to be His Son!
Lucifer, who was determined to have Christ’s place in the heavenly courts, lost his glorious position and was exiled to this world. In contrast to this, Christ laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown and came to this world to stand at the head of humanity as man’s Saviour. HE TRANSFERRED HIS HOME TO THE WORLD OCCUPIED BY FALLEN HUMAN BEINGS, BUT HIS CHARACTER AND HIS RELATIONSHIP TO GOD WERE UNCHANGED…
Note: These inspired quotes help us to understand a core component of the great controversy. Lucifer tried to make the Son of God out to be a son of God like the angels were (sons by creation) instead of a Divine Son (a Son begotten). Please think about it. Did Jesus look anything like an angel here? Of course not! He looked like an emaciated human. So then why did satan say he looked like a fallen angel? It should be apparent that the enemy was going back to the original issue of the controversy! In the quotes above he tried to goad the Son of God into using His Divine power and breaking the plan of salvation by falsely claiming that if He did so then it would end the contest between them.