From the opening of the great controversy it has been Satan's purpose to misrepresent God's character and to excite rebellion against His law, and this work appears to be crowned with success. The multitudes give ear to Satan's deceptions and set themselves against God. But amid the working of evil, God's purposes move steadily forward to their accomplishment; to all created intelligences He is making manifest His justice and benevolence. Through Satan's temptations the whole human race have become transgressors of God's law, but by the sacrifice of His Son a way is opened whereby they may return to God. Through the grace of Christ they may be enabled to render obedience to the Father's law. Thus in every age, from the midst of apostasy and rebellion, God gathers out a people that are true to Him--a people "in whose heart is His law." Isaiah 51:7.

Lige fra begyndelsen af den store strid har det været Satans hensigt at stille Guds karakter i et falsk lys og stifte oprør mod hans lov, og disse bestræbelser synes at være kronet med held. Flertallet af menneskene lytter til Satans bedrag og sætter sig op mod Gud. Men midt i ondskaben arbejder Gud støt på at fuldbyrde sine planer. Han åbenbarer sin retfærdighed og godhed over for alle skabninger. På grund af Satans fristelser har hele menneskeheden overtrådt Guds lov; men ved Guds Søns offer er der åbnet en vej tilbage til Gud. Ved Kristi nåde kan menneskene blive sat i stand til at adlyde Faderens lov. Midt i frafald og oprør samler Gud i ethvert slægtled et folk, som er tro mod ham - et folk med hans lov i hjertet.