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Messenger of the Lord - Contents
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    The Purpose of God’s Strategy in the Great Controversy

    God’s purpose in the Controversy is twofold: (1) To demonstrate before all the universe “the nature of rebellion” and, in so doing, “vindicate ... [His] character,” 10Patriarchs and Prophets, 78, 68. and (2) to restore in men and women “the image of God.” More than forgiveness, the goal of the gospel is restoration. 11Education, 125. “The very essence of the gospel is restoration.” The Desire of Ages, 824.MOL 257.4

    The new earth will be populated with those who have let God fulfill His plan for restoring His image in them. Thus, the goal of redemption is not forgiveness but restoration; the purpose of the gospel is to restore all that was harmed by sin, to bring men and women back to their original state, step by step. 12“There are many who will be lost because they depend on legal religion, or mere repentance for sin. But repentance for sin alone cannot work the salvation of any soul ... for this would place all heaven in jeopardy, and make possible a second rebellion.” The Signs of the Times, December 30, 1889. Only by redeeming overcomers (Revelation 3:5, 12, 21) will God be able to “place things on an eternal basis of security.” 13The Desire of Ages, 759.MOL 257.5

    The vindication of God’s fairness and trustworthiness, coupled with the concept of restoration as being the purpose of the gospel brought a Biblical freshness to Ellen White’s theological system and provided coherence to all other aspects of her teachings.MOL 257.6

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