Gods Sabbath

G OD ’ S W ITNESSES

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How to Demonstrate God’s Claims

The positions God and Satan occupy in the great controversy are diametrically opposed to each other. The devil’s efforts are concentrated on casting God in a false light, especially in regard to His holy law. He states that it is not possible to keep God’s commandments under all circumstances. God, denying this, af firms that under no circumstances or conditions is law-breaking justified or necessary. Unfortunately, this controversy cannot be settled by declara tion. It had to be submitted to actual contest in which both sides, under the scrutiny of all created beings, demonstrated the real nature of their claims. It may seem surprising that the sheer au thority of God’s word did not obviate this necessity, but the very fact that it did not, clearly proves that the problem could not be solved by declaration alone. Even now, after almost six thousand years of demonstration and counter-demonstration, the issue is not yet fully and finally resolved. God cannot provide this demonstration Himself. He is depend ent on created beings through whom it can be given. They need to be in a position where they can experience prosperity or adversity, health or sickness, life and death, yet still keep His law. Obvious ly, the only beings who qualify are those who dwell on this earth. To illustrate this point, imagine that God has advertised for voluntary witnesses to confirm that He is the God of truth and righteousness when He says that the law can be kept in any sit uation. Joyfully, a bright and holy angel steps forward and indi cates his wish to be such a witness. God says to him, “I need to ask you a few questions to see if you qualify. Firstly, are you able to experience poverty and hardship?” To this, the angel has to reply in the negative as he must to each of the following questions. “Can you become sick?” “Can you face death?” “Can you be physically and mentally tortured for your faith?” The angel’s honest replies leave God with no option but kindly to refuse his offer on the grounds that he does not qualify. No sinless being can give the required demonstration. There fore it is up to human beings to offer themselves as candidates for the task of proving that God’s claim is correct.