The Great Controversy Theme
The whole Bible tells one big story: a conflict between Jesus and Satan over whether God’s way of running things is actually good, and whether His guidance is something we need or something we can live without. It’s been playing out on earth since the very beginning, and it’s headed toward an ending where everyone, even those who rejected God, will agree that He was right all along.
Frequently asked questions
How does this theme shape Adventist belief?
It's the big-picture lens for everything else. It's why doctrines like judgment, the sanctuary, and the Second Coming all matter: they're chapters in how this conflict finally gets resolved.
Bible references
Revelation 12:7-9Show verseHide verse
7There was war in the sky. Michael and his angels made war on the dragon. The dragon and his angels made war.
8They didn’t prevail, neither was a place found for them any more in heaven.
9The great dragon was thrown down, the old serpent, he who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
Read it on Bible GatewayRevelation 20:9-10Show verseHide verse
9They went up over the width of the earth, and surrounded the camp of the saints, and the beloved city. Fire came down out of heaven from God and devoured them.
10The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
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World English Bible (public domain)