"The Great Controversy" is a significant work by Ellen G. White that details the cosmic conflict between Christ and Satan. Her writings provide insight into the book's theme, its creation, and its importance. ### The Central Theme The book's central theme is the ongoing struggle between good and evil, which began in heaven and will conclude with the eradication of sin. * **A Universal Conflict:** "For six thousand years the great controversy has been in progress; the Son of God and His heavenly messengers have been in conflict with the power of the evil one, to warn, enlighten, and save the children of men." (GC 656.1) * **God's Vindication:** The conflict is not just with Satan but also with humanity, as all have made their decision. "The time has come for God to vindicate the authority of His downtrodden law. Now the controversy is not alone with Satan, but with men. 'The Lord hath a controversy with the nations;' 'He will give them that are wicked to the sword.'" (GC 656.1) ### The Writing Process Ellen White described the process of writing "The Great Controversy" as a solemn and spiritually profound experience. * **Divine Revelation:** She stated that the content was shown to her in visions. "In the vision at Lovett's Grove, most of the matter of ‘The Great Controversy,’ which I had seen ten years before, was repeated, and it was shown that I must write it out." (LS88 338.1) * **Spiritual Warfare:** She felt the weight of the subject and the opposition from forces of darkness. "It was shown, too, that I should have to contend with the powers of darkness, for Satan would make strong efforts to hinder me; but that I must put my trust in God, and angels would not leave me in the conflict." (LS88 338.1) * **A Solemn Experience:** "I have been writing upon the first volume of Great Controversy , and it makes me feel very solemn as I review these important subjects—creation and the events from the fall of Satan to the fall of Adam. The Lord seems very near me as I write, and I am deeply moved as I contemplate this controversy from the beginning to the present time." (5T 572.3) ### Purpose and Scope The book was intended to reveal the devices of Satan and show the history of the conflict from its beginning to its end. It is part of a larger body of work detailing salvation history. * **Early Plans:** Plans for the book were laid out early. It was first known as "Spiritual Gifts," Vol. 1, which dealt with "the fall of man, the plan of redemption, and the history of the church from the time of Christ to the new earth." (LS 162.2) * **Part of a Series:** "The Great Controversy" is a key volume in a series that includes "Patriarchs and Prophets" and "The Desire of Ages," which together cover the entire biblical narrative and the history of the Christian church. (LS 431) ### The Final Resolution The book culminates with the final and complete end of the conflict, resulting in a clean and harmonious universe. * **The End of Sin:** "The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation." (GC88 678.3) * **God's Love Prevails:** "From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love." (GC88 678.3)