Each year, North American households receive free copies of a 150-year-old book, The Great Controversy. millions more are shared around the world.
is written by ellen g. White, a prolific 19th- and 20th-century author and co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. looks at key parts of history through the lens of biblical prophecy, as well as offering insights to navigate our daily lives in an ever-changing world.
The book was most likely distributed as a free gift from various supporting ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. in this way, those who are interested in a spiritual perspective on the religious and political struggles of our world can study this information in their own time, at their own pace.
To learn more about this book and why it is so important to the Adventist denomination, we will give you an overview of its contents:
- the context of current events
- how we can prepare for our future life
- explores the biblical concept of “antichrist”
- the reformation and the formation of Protestantism
- explores biblical concepts such as the sanctuary, life after death, and the Sabbath
- perception about future events
- encourages the personal bible study
the great controversy can help us understand current events
It’s natural to be curious about what’s going on in the world and how things got to where they are today. This book was written to help us understand the “whats” and “whys” behind the progression of our global history.
many people, even those who don’t identify as religious, seem to feel that the world is heading towards some sort of global event or paradigm shift.
Christians believe that event will be the second coming of Christ. other religions also believe that there will be a decisive divine move to triumph over evil. others believe the world will eventually become so greedy and war-torn that civilization could nearly destroy itself, or at least deplete natural resources.
the great controversy was written using the bible as a basis for interpreting how the story has unfolded. So many important events from the past align with specific predictions in Bible prophecy, and it can be fascinating to go over it all.
And even as we study the messy history of our world, the great controversy also holds out the hope we can all have in Jesus Christ.
reminds readers to be prepared for what’s to come
Nothing quite compares to the helplessness one can feel when unprepared for a major event.
students fear a pop quiz they are not prepared for.
Brides worry about having everything ready for their wedding day.
moms-to-be want everything ready before the baby is born.
Party hosts work tirelessly to make sure everything is ready for when their guests arrive.
the bible encourages us to be prepared for the second coming of christ. the day of his return will be glorious for those who await him. but it will look scary to those who don’t expect it.
the great controversy helps readers keep in mind that everything in this life leads to the day when jesus returns to set everything right again. We don’t have to feel unprepared or powerless, even when the world seems to be falling apart around us.
explores the theme of the antichrist
The Bible’s Book of Revelation remains one of the mysteries of Christianity. And within that book, there is a lot of discussion about the power that is against Christ, known as the “antichrist.”
So, who is the antichrist and how can we identify this person(s)?
If you’ve wondered about this, there’s another reason to consider reading this book.
By outlining the characteristics and exploring scriptural clues to this power, the great controversy helps us figure out who the antichrist might be and how to remain faithful to god even as much of the world is puzzled by the antichrist.
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explores the reformation and the formation of Protestantism
Whether you’re an Adventist, Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, or Methodist, the Reformation is a crucial part of the history of Christianity. Knowing what led to the Reformation and what was accomplished by the stance of reformers such as Martin Luther, Huldrych Zwingli, and John Calvin (and others) helps us understand how things became how they are today.
By reading this book, you gain deep insight into this significant moment in the history of the world and of Christianity.
includes biblical doctrines such as the sanctuary, death, and the Sabbath
When we were little, we needed someone to cut our food into smaller bites. As adults, we do this for children so they can eat safely and comfortably.
certain concepts in the bible are also better understood when broken down into parts, so we can “digest” them a bit more easily.
The importance of the sanctuary, the Sabbath, what happens at the moment of death and the second coming are some teachings that can be a lot to meditate on mentally. but it gets easier the more we study, just as it does for any complex subject.
the great controversy helps break down these doctrines so we can see how they came together.
says what is going to happen in the future
yes, really.
one of the most important questions of the human mind is, “what is going to happen?”
Children want to know what will be served in the cafeteria for lunch and young adults may want to know who they will marry. there is always a point in our lives where we become increasingly curious about something in the future.
That curiosity also extends to spiritual matters. God knew that we would be curious about the future and He does not want us to worry (Matthew 6:25-34) or operate within a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).
while two thirds of the great controversy relate to past events, the last third covers future events in correlation to the words of bible prophecy. God, in his infinite love for us, has given us a glimpse of what the future holds. this kind of information will encourage us to stay focused on him when a difficult future befalls our planet.
encourages further bible study
1 John 4:1 says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (ESV).
When you read a book like The Great Controversy (or any book that claims to be inspired), the only way to know if it’s believable or not is to compare it to the Bible. this book encourages you to do just that.
“go to the instruction and testimony of god! if they do not speak according to this, it will not dawn on them” (Isaiah 8:20, csb).
if you decide to read the great controversy, know that you will be advised to go back to your definitive guide, the bible, to prove what the book says. Any text other than the Bible that urges us to action should also encourage us to continue studying the Bible.
When society seems divided over an issue and you seem to be caught in the middle, not knowing what to do…do your research.
You don’t have to take anyone’s word that this book is worth or isn’t. the best way to be sure is to start with the first chapter and see for yourself.
seeking the wisdom of god, he will guide you on the path you should follow.