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The Great Controversy: Annotated

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The Conflict Between Good and Evil Watch the evening news. Turn on your car radio. Scan today's newspaper. What do you see? Hear? Read? A mix of news, good and bad--but mostly bad. Some of it is downright frightening. What is the world coming to? The news media can tell you what's happening. But this book will tell you why. And The Great Controversy will tell you something you'll never hear on the evening newscast. This book will tell you what is going to happen! Unstable economies. Nuclear tensions. Unpredictable terrorism. AIDS. The New Age and the New Right. The occult--and the cults. Where is it all leading? The Great Controversy begins at the dawning of the Christian era, tracing the rise and fall of nations and religious powers down to our day, then plunges ahead to preview the future. And what the book sees coming is based on a source of predictions which has never yet missed in its prophecies. The title of this book refers to the great cosmic war that erupted in the universe thousands of years ago and has raged ever since. Few people alive today realize that this earth is the primary battle zone of that war. And fewer still know why the war is being fought and how and when it will end. But after reading this book, you'll be one of them. About the AuthorEllen White was a woman of remarkable spiritual gifts who lived most of her life during the nineteenth century (1827-1915), yet through her writings she is still making a revolutionary impact on millions of people around the world. During her lifetime she wrote more than 5,000 periodical articles and 40 books; but today, including compilations from her 50,000 pages of manuscript, more than 100 titles are available in English. She is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender. Her writings cover a broad range of subjects, including religion, education, social relationships, evangelism, prophecy, publishing, nutrition, and management. Her life-changing masterpiece on successful Christian living, Steps to Christ, has been published in more than 140 languages. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

778 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1858

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About the author

Ellen Gould White

2,183 books545 followers
In brief, Ellen Gould Harmon White was a woman of remarkable spiritual gifts who lived most of her life during the nineteenth century (1827-1915), yet through her writings she is still making a revolutionary impact on millions of people around the world. During her lifetime she wrote more than 5,000 periodical articles and 40 books; but today, including compilations from her 50,000 pages of manuscript, more than 100 titles are available in English. She is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender. Her writings cover a broad range of subjects, including religion, education, social relationships, evangelism, prophecy, publishing, nutrition, and management. Her life-changing masterpiece on successful Christian living, Steps to Christ, has been published in more than 140 languages. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Mrs. White was more than a gifted writer; they believe she was appointed by God as a special messenger to draw the world's attention to the Holy Scriptures and help prepare people for Christ's second advent. From the time she was 17 years old until she died 70 years later, God gave her approximately 2,000 visions and dreams. The visions varied in length from less than a minute to nearly four hours. The knowledge and counsel received through these revelations she wrote out to be shared with others. Thus her special writings are accepted by Seventh-day Adventists as inspired, and their exceptional quality is recognized even by casual readers. As stated in Seventh-day Adventists Believe ... , “The writings of Ellen White are not a substitute for Scripture. They cannot be placed on the same level. The Holy Scriptures stand alone, the unique standard by which her and all other writings must be judged and to which they must be subject” (Seventh-day Adventists Believe ... , Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Washington D.C., 1988, p. 227). Yet, as Ellen White herself noted, “The fact that God has revealed His will to men through His Word, has not rendered needless the continued presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, the Spirit was promised by our Saviour to open the Word to His servants, to illuminate and apply its teachings” (The Great Controversy, p. vii). The following is a more detailed account of the life and work of this remarkable woman who, meeting all the tests of a true prophet as set forth in the Holy Scriptures, helped found the Seventh-day Adventist church.

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5 stars
377 (69%)
4 stars
61 (11%)
3 stars
48 (8%)
2 stars
34 (6%)
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21 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Eva Seyler.
Author 8 books54 followers
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October 7, 2017
This book, seriously, one of the most profoundly moving pieces of Christian writing I've ever come across. When I sit and contemplate the battle that is going on for our souls, the simplicity of what God has ever required of His people, and the glorious promise of victory to those who endure to the end, I'm overwhelmed.

Yet there's a definite solemnity about all this, too. In very vivid language, mincing no words, does the author expound on what we can expect if we are of the final generation to live on this earth (which I'm inclined to believe we are). It's not going to be a picnic. In fact, I tremble at the very thought of what awaits us and pray the more earnestly that I personally through the grace and strength of Christ can make it through that time.

More than anything else I want to be with Jesus, and I am so thankful that through prophecy we are told what will happen so we need not guess what's what. We can know if we really care to know.
Profile Image for Marcus Newton.
9 reviews
December 10, 2016
One of the most inspiring books I've ever read. I definitely hold this book to be like the Bible in that it is from the mouth of God and Ellen White was the instrument in order to reveal His will. A must read for any serious student of Prophecy, regardless of denomination or religion. A masterpiece of literally work, it's no wonder it's banned in certain parts of the world. Satan doesn't want you to read this book!
27 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2017
A Must Read Book for Christians

This book is a MUST read for anyone who wants to know the "rest of the story". God has inspired this author just as he has every other bible writer so that we may not be unaware of His plan for us. The content of this book is in perfect unity and harmony with scripture. You will learn things found in the bible that your church has probably never told you. This book is for those who want to discover the truth as it is in Jesus, all the way to the very end.
Profile Image for Maria Cecoi.
45 reviews
October 27, 2020
O carte cu multe semne de întrebare pentru mine. Dumnezeu a fost este si va fi iubire dar totusi nu stiu cind este ziua Domnului , Simbata sau Duminica ?
Aici Este descrisă istoria religiilor. De la început pina in prezent si cum se va sfîrșit .
Recomand cartea celor care iubesc istoria si au răbdare la citit, e o istorie lunga cu suficiente detalii.
Profile Image for Basil Cheddar.
10 reviews
July 27, 2020
Conflict between Good and Bad

This book gives us an in-depth insight of the events that happened after the crucifixion up until the return of Jesus.
Profile Image for Brandon Ford.
31 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2017
A must read for all people really... this book has opened my eyes to the spiritual battle around us.
Profile Image for Costaș Geanina.
6 reviews5 followers
April 25, 2020
Nu poți să rămâi același om care erai înainte de a citi această carte.
Cred că fiecare creștin ar trebui să o citească.
Profile Image for Marren.
348 reviews25 followers
August 10, 2018
One of the most difficult text that I attempted to read(I spent 9 months trying to read this and I developed a frustration:
1. The initial plan of quoting the bible and simply repeating what it says left me with a bland taste to discover more especially since the darn print is so small and the contrast between bold text.
2. Showing that the Sabbath is reputable but relying on defacing of the Roman Catholic Church(they can do that on their own).
3. Making the reader feel so out of the loop yet has a message of inclusion of the spirit.
4. Nothing here about the actual shift between Satan and Christ that is novel from the bible's teachings.
However, there is one section that I appreciated so very much: Martin Luther!
Profile Image for Ionut Alexe.
2 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2024
Honestly, I can't even find the words to be able to do this review of this book as it should be. I just want to say that I have read a lot of books throughout my life, but with so much passion, desire and curiosity I have never read another book in my life and of course no other book has opened my eyes to reality so much. My dear friends, I want to confess to you that this book has changed my whole life and perspective on things. Honestly, it turned me into a different person. I've had it in my library for years, but I've never had the courage to read it, but surely someone put this thought in my heart to read it, and I know that it is God. Please read this book and I promise you will not regret it because I am firmly convinced that this author who wrote the book is definitely inspired by the spirit of God. All I want to say is that this book will remain forever in my heart and I am sure that it will be one of the most important books I have ever read. May the Lord bless you and I hope with all my heart that we will all meet again in heaven.
Profile Image for Lars.
75 reviews6 followers
Read
February 4, 2011
A sweep across history focused on the conflict between God and Satan. While some of the history is questionable and some of the specific predictions increasingly doubtful I find this to be an encouraging piece of Christian litterature.
7 reviews
December 9, 2017
The best book about Christian history. A must read...
Profile Image for Barbara Eichler-Cline.
293 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2020
Amazing

Amazing book. That can be read, reread, and read again with new comprehension. Life changing wisdom, no matter your age.
Profile Image for Abigaela Asofiei.
20 reviews5 followers
April 24, 2020
Una dintre foarte puținele cărți capabile să schimbe vieți și perspective.
19 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2024
"The Great Controversy" by Ellen G. White is a seminal work within Christian literature, presenting an expansive narrative that spans from the destruction of Jerusalem through to the projected end of the world. White frames history as a cosmic battle between Christ and Satan, interpreting biblical prophecy and historical events through this dualistic lens. The book's detailed recounting of religious history and its future predictions are meticulously researched and richly detailed, providing a narrative that is both educational and spiritually uplifting for its intended audience.

Nevertheless, the dense and didactic nature of White's writing may be daunting for casual readers. The text's length and complex structure sometimes detract from its pacing, potentially overwhelming those unfamiliar with its historical and theological context. Critics might argue that its detailed focus on doctrinal correctness and prophetic fulfillment could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of broader theological themes, such as grace, redemption, and the diverse nature of Christian experience across different cultures and epochs.
Profile Image for Chandra.
19 reviews
January 6, 2025
Extremely DARK, depressing, and very Terrible! Page 422 and 485- Satan is Adventist's final sin bearer. NO! That job was Christ's ALONE!! Jesus finished that on the cross!
This whole book reeks of heresy and is devoid of the gospel. WHERE is Jesus and his saving work? Not here! There's no hope in Adventism and they have a different Jesus and a gospel that is twice cursed. Galatians 1:6-9.
DON'T recommend it! If you encounter this book in a thrift store, pull it and show management page 422 and 485-486. It's straight-up cult material!
1 review
January 29, 2020
FINALLY!!

The Great Controversy has been on my list to read for some time. I was pleased to discover that it is available at Amazon, as well as other books by it's author Ellen G. White.

Their is so much wisdom and usable knowledge for those seeking spiritual insights and personal development in these pages. Which is why I stopped reading so that I could order a couple of hard copies for friends that I would love to have meaningful discussions with.
1 review
May 20, 2020
Excellent Read

Understanding the battle that raged in heaven, and continues on for our lives, even today, and the sacrifice offered for our Salvation, is highlighted through every page. This book is a must read for all called by His name, and those desirous of learning the truth just the same.
Profile Image for Camella Hunte.
30 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2022
Life Restoration Messages

These messages are relevant today more than they were before. They points us to the Lord, the Saviour,the Jesus Christ and most importantly the God of the Bible. Though written decades and century ago, speaks to us today in a manner that we can understand and the obedience of God's laws justified.
Profile Image for Beth Williams.
374 reviews
July 24, 2024
Super interesting and new (to me) perspective of the second coming. Much less ominous than The Left Behind series. I wish I had been given this when I was eight-12 years old when I read Left Behind and was absolutely terrified. Not sure I completely agree with everything here - but will continue to keep it in mind on further studies.
9 reviews
September 18, 2024
Inspirational

A beautiful and inspired, deeply Biblical exposition on God’s plan for humanity. You should never miss it.
It is great for a morning reading and a quiet time with God.
4 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2025
An Inspired Work

The breath of the scope of this work is a testament to its inspiration! From the time of the fall of Rome to the ushering in of the Heavenly kingdom, the reader is led on a sacred journey - almost too good to be true! But thank GOD that it is true! Wonderful!
3 reviews
January 12, 2018
Wonderful!

Complete history of the Christian world. You decide how your life story will end. Don’t be on the outside of the city.
1 review
April 21, 2020
I thought it was very good and informative . I am reading more of her books and a lot more of the Bible and going to Church on the Sabbath !
1 review1 follower
March 23, 2023
Besides religion, I learned many interesting things related history.
The book is worth reading no matter your religion.
1 review
May 8, 2024
O carte de sute de pagini care NU merită nici cinci minute din viața ta! Să citez pe cineva de pe goodreads: aș vrea să pot da recenzii negative, aceasta ar primi - 5.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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