Messenger of the Lord

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,” ¹⁰ and (2) to restore in men and women “the image of God.” More than forgiveness, the goal of the gospel is restoration. ¹¹ 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 Only by redeeming overcomers (Revelation 3:5, 12, 21) will God be able to “place things on an eternal basis of security.” ¹³ 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