12. What will be the final outcome in the great controversy between Christ and Satan?

The cosmic view unveils Satan’s attempt to remove Christ from His rightful place. Throughout history, Satan has also sought to persecute God’s people and wipe them off the face of the earth. This diabolical effort was particularly fierce during the 1260 prophetic days (years), mentioned seven times in the books of Daniel and Revelation, and ending in 1798. JTL15 15.1

The year 1798 marks the beginning of the “time of the end” (Daniel 11:33-35; 12:4) and an escalating conflict over whether God or Satan is worthy of worship. The religiopolitical power symbolized by the horn with the eyes and mouth of a man on Daniel’s fourth beast (Daniel 7:8) will join with the two-horned beast (Revelation 13:11-17) to force observance of the false day of worship on pain of death. JTL15 15.2

In his last struggle against God and His church, Satan attempts by economic boycott and threat of death to overthrow the faith of believers in Christ and His seventh-day Sabbath. The Sabbath is the Creator’s own memorial of His creative power, and He requires its observance. JTL15 15.3

Adherence to the fourth commandment will precipitate Satan’s final assault on God’s people (Revelation 12:17—13:18). As the pre-Advent investigative phase of judgment ensues (See My Journey to Life, Step #27), the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14 will be proclaimed to every country, and people group, in the entire world. Many will enter a covenant with God—with His law written in their hearts—and give steadfast obedience to their Creator and Redeemer. JTL15 15.4

At the zenith of Satan’s last strike against God’s people, Jesus descends from heaven with mighty power to rescue His people. The wicked are destroyed by the brightness of His coming, (2 Thessalonians 2:8) while Satan’s final annihilation comes at the end of the millennium. (See My Journey to Life, Step #27). God’s hand, although countered by satanic activity, nevertheless has moved human history to its consummation: the Second Coming of Christ, the eradication of Satan and all the forces of evil, and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom. JTL15 15.5

Considering all these climactic events soon to come, let us choose daily to be at-one-ment with Jesus, reflect His beautiful character in our lives, and rest in the security of His salvation! JTL15 15.6