OBJECTION 8. — THE DEVIL IN HEAVEN

The objector further says of the visions: “They teach that the Devil is in Heaven, trying to carry on the work of God.” The view upon which this foolish and wicked misrepresentation is based, is found in Experience and Views, pages 43,44. It is a view of events to occur at the end of the 2300 days, when Jesus changed his position from the holy to the most holy place. The Advent people, the church and the world, were represented as bowed before the throne. A great light was shed forth from the throne over the whole multitude; but only a few would receive it. This we understand to be the great light that came forth upon the doctrine of the advent under the first angel’s message. When Jesus rose up from the throne, or changed his position to the most holy place, those who had received the light and were standing in his counsel, rose up with him, or followed him by faith in the change that he then made. The other portion of the company who had refused the light, were thereby left in ignorance of the change that had been made, and maintained their former position. They were as a consequence, left in darkness. The true light was now shining from another quarter. Not a ray of light was seen to pass to the multitude who still remained where they had stubbornly refused the light that had been tendered to them. This represents the position of the professed church and the world. And that is their position we believe as firmly to-day as we ever did. And more than this, all other classes of Adventists regard them in the same light. What Adventist would think of looking to the world or the nominal churches for light? Not one. They know that they have not the light, but are in error and darkness just as the vision represents them to be. Concerning present truth and present duty, they are in total darkness, and they will remain so, just as long as they persist in occupying their present position. They must be willing to move on with the truth, or there is no more light for them. And this, aside from this controversy on the visions, every Adventist will admit. But God still has a people there, who will yet come out where the light is shining, and rejoice in its sanctifying influence.VEGW 47.1

Then Satan was represented as standing by the throne which Jesus had left, endeavoring to act in his stead, when the multitude sent up their blind petitions, and to affect them in a way to deceive them, and thus best suit his own purposes. From this it is claimed that Satan is seen to be in Heaven; and they then facetiously ask if he is “not in the wrong place for him!” How soon their joy at this discovery would all have been spoiled, if they had taken the trouble to think but a step further. If this vision teaches that the Devil is in Heaven, then, mark, it teaches that the Advent people, the churches and the world are all in Heaven! for these were all represented as bowed right before the same throne, by the side of which Satan was represented as standing; not on which he was said to be sitting, as they falsely assert. But who in his sober senses can be induced to believe that it teaches any such thing as this! Neither does it any more teach that Satan is in Heaven. Any one can see that the representation is simply designed to show the relation that existed between Christ and the world, the change that took place in that relation when he changed his ministration, and how Satan steps in and endeavors to perform the office of a bestower of blessings upon those who have refused the light, in order to render still more complete their willful deception. And who has now seen this verified? In all the false revivals of the land, is there not ample evidence that they were carried on by an influence other than the Spirit of God?VEGW 48.1