The Great Controversy stands as Ellen G. White's most widely distributed work, a sweeping 678-page narrative of the cosmic conflict between Christ and Satan from earth's destruction in A.D. 70 through eternity. This masterpiece traces the church through centuries of persecution, compromise, and reformation, showing God's hand preserving His truth despite Satan's attacks. Beginning with Jerusalem's fall, White chronicles the Dark Ages when papal Rome dominated, the Reformation's light breaking through with Wycliffe, Huss, Luther, and other reformers, the Great Advent Awakening worldwide, and prophecies leading to earth's final crisis. Central to the book is the sanctuary doctrine, showing Christ's ministry in heaven and investigative judgment beginning 1844. White describes the three angels' messages calling people from Babylon, the mark of the beast crisis over worship, persecution of Sabbath-keepers, the close of probation, seven last plagues, Satan's final deceptions, Christ's glorious return, millennium, and ultimate eradication of sin. Throughout, the theme resounds: God vindicates His character, Satan is utterly defeated, and loyal followers inherit new earth where sin never rises again.
Absolutely essential for every Seventh-day Adventist—defines prophetic identity. Powerful for understanding world history from biblical perspective. Anyone confused about current events needs this prophetic roadmap. New believers require this comprehensive view of great controversy. This is THE book for understanding Adventism.
“It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God who shall be alive upon the earth when celestial glory and a repetition of the persecutions of the past are blended.”
“God's people, some in prison cells, some hidden in solitary retreats in forests and mountains, still plead for divine protection.”
“Soon there appears in the east a small black cloud, about half the size of a man's hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour.”
“Sin could never enter again into the universe. Through eternal ages all are secure from apostasy.”