GOD'S FINAL JUDGMENT ON
THE EVIL ANGELS

The presence, work and influence of angels throughout the history of the Great Controversy between Christ and Satan is more of a mystery than a known fact. Nevertheless, most Christians today believe in the existence of angels, good and bad, if they believe in the Bible because the Word of God plainly speaks of angels and their appearances (epiphanies) such as the angel who appeared to Gideon and Gabrielle who appeared to Zacharias in the temple to announce the birth of his son, John, and later to Mary to inform her that she had been chosen to be the mother of the Messiah, Jesus. But what about the evil angels the Bible speaks about?

For example we read in Psalm 78 about evil angels. "He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation by sending evil angels among them." Ps. 78:49.

When Jesus began His ministry of three and one half years the Bible says the devils (plural) knew who He was. Notice: "And He healed may that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew Him." Mark 1:34. And in vs. 24 of this same chapter we read what these evil angels were saying to Jesus before He stopped letting them speak. "And he (evil spirit) cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God."

This is truly amazing that this demon claims to know who Jesus was..."The holy One of God." So, here is an evil angel admitting that Jesus is holy and has come from God. In Matt. 8 we read of two men who were demon possessed men who were living in the tombs in the country of the Gadarenes or Gergesenes. These men were dangerous..."exceeding fierce" so that no one who valued his life went anywhere near them. The devils this time say, "What have we to do with you, Jesus, you Son of God? Are you come here to torment us before the time?"

Here is an evil angel who believes that a time has been set when Jesus is going to "torment" them and this demon is accusing Him of coming too soon to start this torment. So, although these demons seem to know that Jesus is the Son of God they do not have a correct view of His true character of love. This is confirmed by Jude 6 where we read, "And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day." Jude 6. So, we see that a time of "Judgment" or a time of "Decision or Deciding" is coming in the future when these "chains of darkness" are going to be removed by the glorious light of truth.

Having come this far in our present understanding of the character of God, let us go deeper into the very heart of God to see what He has planned in this time of future judgment for not only human beings but angels as well. There are many who have not had the opportunity in this life to even know God and His ways. This would not only include all of the wicked but all the evil angels as well, including Satan himself. In order to understand this future time of judgment let us go to the cross and see what happened there because this will provide us with important clues as to what is going to happen in the future. The apostle Paul speaks in many places about the "Mystery of God," which can also be translated as "secret or hidden." "Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glorification. None of the rulers of this age understand this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him,' God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God." I Cor. 2:6-10. RSV.

The word translated "rulers" is actually "princes" in the KJV, and is referring primarily to Satan and his evil legions and in particular to the human beings under their control who put Jesus to death on the cross, in other words, the Jewish leaders and Roman government. The reality of what Paul is suggesting in this text is quite shocking. Why? Because if the crucifixion event happened due to ignorance then this means those who participated in this crime of all crimes can be forgiven. Even in the Jewish law there were provisions for sins of ignorance. Paul tells us here that there is a "Hidden Wisdom" of God that the people who crucified Jesus did not even know about, let alone understand. If they had known about this they would not have killed Jesus. This is truly amazing. Now, Jesus recognized this while He was still alive on the cross and cried out to His Father to have mercy on them. "Father, forgive them for they don't know or realize what they are doing." Luke 23:34.

Only Doctor Luke mentions this and puts it in the present tense which would be expressed as continuous action...i.e., "He kept on saying or continued says, 'Father, forgive them for they don't know what they are doing." Because of our carnal natures we do not look at people's actions the same way God does because His ways are higher and better than our ways. Isa. 55. This affects and colors our interpretation of Scripture. We know that Jesus categorically forgave everyone who crucified Him. Someone will say, "Well sure He did, but they never accepted it." I agree with that conclusion. They suffered in their lifetimes because of what they did and there is more suffering coming fo them in the final day of judgment when they are raised from the dead after the 1,000 years. However, there is something that we have never looked at very closely unless we wanted to prove we were right about a certain doctrine, such as the stated of the dead. And that is this: The people who crucified Jesus did not receive or accept His forgiveness in the "age" in which they lived. Now, let me ask you a question. When Jesus said, "Father, forgive them," how long was that forgiveness good for? Was there a time limit on it? Let's try and come at this same question from a different angle and in a different light. Let's look at God's forgiveness at Calvary as if it were a redeemable gift certificate. Ok. Now, let's ask another question. How long are God's "GIFT CERTIFICATES" good for? Is there an expiration date on them? What does the bible say? Let's read it. "FOR THE GIFTS AND CALLING OF GOD ARE WITHOUT REPENTANCE." Rom. 11:29. The ML (Modern Language and RSV both say: "are irrevocable." The LB (Living Bible) says, "For God's gifts and His call can never be withdrawn; He will never go back on His promises." That reminds me of Hebrews 13:8. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever." "I am the Lord, I change not." Mal. 3:6. "My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips." Psalm 89:34. Beloved, that forgiveness Jesus extended at the cross is for all eternity because GOD NEVER CHANGES.

When Jesus stood upon the Mount of Olives and began to announce the principles of His kingdom He also began destroying all the false concepts that the religions of men had been teaching about Him. As His ministry continued on day by day He kept on saying, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest...and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out...if any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink...And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all (men) unto me." Matt. 11:28; John 6:37; 12:32.

The word "men" is supplied and is not in the original. Jesus here included all of the angels...both good and evil...all would be drawn unto Him. In the Hebrew mind time was not the main consideration...it was the event that mattered. The Calvary event transcends all time, irresistible in its universal appeal to all created beings in every age. And there are ages yet to come...the millennium and then the great age of the ages after the 1,000 years when the glory of God will flood the earth with a fiery revelation of truth and righteousness which will purify and cleanse..." truly and literally "burning the hell (sin or unrighteousness) out of every sinner and demon who is still resisting His love. Please notice this obscure and mysterious little verse in Jude 6. "And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day." Jude 6.

My friend, what do you think the judgment day is for anyway? Do you think it is for God to have one, grand, final meeting to prove that He is right and to tell all the wicked how mad he is at them and how much He hates them and then to burn them to little crisps in the sight of all the universe to show how powerful He is so He can say to the rest of His creatures, "You better never disobey in the future or the same thing will happen to you?" How much love do you think that would inspire? None at all. In fact, it would only generate a terrible fear. No, my friend, the final judgment is the day of GOOD NEWS, not Bad news. Jesus is going to reveal how much He loves all the lost. And this fiery revelation of love is going to be very painful to them for they are not going to accept it at first. It is going to be a very fiery ordeal for them. But His hand will be stretched out sill just as it has been for all eternity. "Come to Me and be healed...I love you with an everlasting love. Jer. 31:3. Therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee." This is His everlasting covenant which He alone has enough patience and love to keep.

Now, let us examine this covenant idea for a moment because it is a simple and easy subject to understand. It is not only a window through which we may peek to see inside of God's heart of love, it is a very large door we can go through. A covenant is simply an agreement between two people. It can also be called a contract or a deal. But the word I like best is "PROMISE." The reason I like that is because God never breaks His promises! When God makes a deal it is done forever. Now, let us look at the promise God made to Israel.

Let's look first at what Paul says: "I say then, has God cast away His people? God forbid." Rom. 11:1. KJV. Paul continues on in this chapter to reason with his readers about God's covenant promise with Israel. He says He knows what He is talking about because he himself is a Jew, of the tribe of Benjamin. He refers to Elijah who condemned Israel and claimed to be the only one who was faithful. He told God, "...I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life to take it away." I Kings 19:14. What was the Lord's response to Elijah's mournful lament? He acted like He had not even heard a word but simply said, "Oh, Elijah, it is time to get back to the business at hand. We have a lot of work to do." "Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when you come, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria and Jehu the son of Nimshi shall you anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shall you anoint to be prophet in your room." And then as a grand finale to this tall order he adds this little P.S., as it were, "Oh, by the way Elijah, just so you will know," "Yet, I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which has not kissed him."

This was indeed a shocking revelation to Elijah for he had never met even one of them. It just proves that man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart and does not judge the way we judge, for His thoughts and ways are not like ours. They are much higher than our ways. Isa. 55:8, 9. It just proves that man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart and does not judge the way we judge. I Sam. 16:7. Then Paul talks about the rest of Israel which were not part of the Remnant, but were still Israelites to whom God had made a promise. They didn't keep their end of the bargain. They broke the covenant and forsook the living God. So, what will God do about that? Will He break His promise too? "You broke your word to Me, so now I am going to break My Word to you." Oh, no, my friend. God is not like that at all. We may be unfaithful to Him but He is never unfaithful to us. He never leaves us nor forsakes us.

Now, beloved, we are about to learn something really exciting about our God. Listen: "For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar, as it is written, That thou might be justified in thy sayings, and might overcome when thou are judged." Rom. 3:3, 4. I want you to notice that word "judged" for we are going to come back to that in just a minute. But first, let me share with you how the LB paraphrases the above text. "True, some of them were unfaithful, but just because they broke their promises to God, does that mean God will break His promises? Of course not!" Now, some of you may remember in former issues of this paper how we re-examined that little verse in Rev. 14:7..."FEAR GOD, AND GIVE GLORY TO HIM, FOR THE HOUR OF HIS JUDGMENT IS COME:" And we discovered that this hour or time of judgment is not when God is judging or condemning mankind...oh, no. On the contrary. It is, in fact, a time in history when, at the end of this age, even today, that God Himself is allowing us to put Him on trial and make a judgment or decision about His wonderful character of love. And out of this judgment will come an Elect (Matt. 24:24) also known as the Barley or Little Company (EW 270-272) who will have the Father's Name written in their foreheads. This will be the "first-born" or the "first-fruits" of Jesus' labor and sacrifice in Gethsamane when He sweat blood and then later, on the hill called Calvary, His blood was shed when they nailed Him to that cruel cross. Even Pilate declared at Christ's trial, "BEHOLD THE MAN."

So, this trial or judgment began at the cross but extends on into and beyond the millennial age into the great "age of the ages," (Eph. 2:7; 3:21) when all the wicked, including Satan and his angels, will be in this great "LAKE OF FIRE," outside the Holy City.

Paul was a master at rhetoric and logic going on and on in his discourses, piling one proof upon another. But let's try and boil it all down here to a few sentences so we can grasp its simplicity. In v. 12 Paul says that the falling away or backsliding of Israel caused the world to become rich in a spiritual sense. Paul, of all Jews, knew this better than anyone because he became an apostle to the Gentiles which was a scandal to the Jews. Why? Because everyone considered the Gentiles lost and beyond redemption...no hope for them. That's what Paul thought too...that is, until Jesus appeared to him on the Damascus road and made him the greatest missionary of the his day to the entire Gentile world so all the Gentile world could be RECONCILED back to God. V. 15. But Paul is just getting warmed up here because he is building up to two very big punch lines.

First of all, he tells us that there is a mystery to be solved here and he doesn't want us to be ignorant of this mystery or secret. And that is: God plans to save the entire human race. "...Lest you be wise in your own conceits, I want you to understand this mystery, brethren: a hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles come in, AND SO ALL ISRAEL WILL BE SAVED; as it is written, 'The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will banish ungodliness from Jacob'; and this will be My covenant with them when I take away their sins." Rom. 11:25, 26. I can just hear someone saying about now...Well, Pastor Clute, I never knew Paul wrote that. Isn't that just an isolated verse? No, it isn't. Let me share with you at least two others from Paul's writings.

In the first chapter of Ephesians Paul speaks about this same mystery in this way: "Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him." Eph. 1:9, 10.

Then in Phil. 2:5-11 Paul tells us that the entire Creation, including those "under the earth" which he must have been shown existed, but we have not known about until recently. Actually, there are underground facilities and even cities which have been constructed in this century, according to eye witness reports. The powers that be, NWO or international bankers, who have the money to construct such an underground world, in order to carry out their secret plans have evidently already prepared a place of safety for themselves from the coming holocaust they plan to unleash on the surface of this planet. After the 1000 years, all these people will also be resurrected to face the final judgment. And every one of them are going to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. And this bowing down and confessing is going to BRING GLORY TO GOD THE FATHER.

The first time I read that verse with the correct understanding I was totally shocked, because it was the first time that I realized my former interpretation was wrong. I could not logically refute it because it was in complete harmony with God's true character of love. Still, it really hurt my pride because I didn't like to admit that my theology had been wrong. But what I saw for the very first time, which is really what convinced me, was that this bowing the knee and confessing the name of Jesus could not be forced or faked. Because if it were forced or faked then it would not bring any glory to God. Only a true and genuine confession would bring glory to God. A few years later I heard Louis Abbott explain in his video interview, made a month before he died in 1998, at age 80, that in the original Greek, the word "confess" is even stronger, meaning to "avow" and "give and sing praises." But here is the real clincher. "NO MAN CAN SAY THAT JESUS IS THE LORD, BUT BY THE HOLY GHOST." I Cor. 12:3. Therefore, it would be impossible for these people to bow down and confess that Jesus is Lord unless it was really genuine conversion experience.

So, it took me some time to work through all this in my mind but I finally accepted the fact that God would eventually be successful in reconciling everyone of His creatures back to Himself in His great and final revelation of Himself in this great Age of the Ages after the millennium. I believe this is what Jesus was referring to in Matt. 12:32 when He warned the people of His generation or age that a certain sin against the Holy Spirit would not be forgiven in "this world (age)" nor in "the world or age to come" which would be the age or period of 1,000 years during which all the wicked will be dead. But after this 1,000 years is expired or finished then the "glory of God" will fill the earth as we read in Isa. 40:5. "And the glory (character) of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together." In addition to that, Isa. 53:11 reveals that Jesus shall see the TRAVAIL OF HIS SOUL AND SHALL BE SATISFIED. Would this mighty Creator God of the universe be satisfied with anything less than total victory over sin and death?

Would the great Shepherd of Time and Eternity be satisfied if even one of His sheep is still lost out there in the mountains? Of course not! How could He? He would go out and search for it and never come back until He found it. As I said, it was not easy for me to humble my pride so I could accept this. But as Martin Luther once said, "I would gladly exchange one truth for a thousand errors." Once I understood this glorious truth I desired others to understand it as well and began sharing it. How shocked I was to discover that very few wished to hear this glorious "good news" that Jesus planned to eventually rescue all of His lost creation. How sad it is to hear otherwise enlightened and sincere men of God still preaching the old Jonathan Edwards version of eternal hell fire.

Some have advanced to the annihilation or extinction theory, as the early Adventists did after 1844. But 44 years later some of these same people rejected the first rays of the light which is soon to enlighten the whole world. EGW was a humble searcher and learner. When she first heard Dr E. J. Waggoner speak on Righteousness by Faith in the Autumn of 1888, she declared openly to the brethren at that conference, "Dr. Waggoner has spoken to us in a straightforward manner. There is precious light in what he has said. I want to receive every ray of light that God shall send me, though it should come through the humblest of His servants." These messages that Jones & Waggoner preached rocked and divided the church at that time. That is what truth always does, for God's holy word is like a sword and that is precisely what Jesus said He had come to bring on the earth... "A sword" and "fire." Mt 10:34; Lk 12:49. A couple of years ago I read "The Glad Tidings" which was first published in 1900 by E.J. Waggoner. Robert J. Wieland discovered an old copy in 1938 and after some minor editing Pacific Press re-published it about 1970 or so. When I gave a copy of my second manuscript on the character of God to Elder Wieland one night after his meeting in Medford, Oregon, he took it home and read it that night. The next day he handed it back to me and said, "Mike, this was the message of 1888." I was so shocked by his statement that it took quite a while to understand what he meant. But I finally figured it out after I read one of A.T. Jones' lectures in which he emphasized over and over that Jesus never used force like Rome. He said that there was a power in the "right" or "truth or light" that was the secret of the gospel. "The power of right as against might can never use any might! Do you not see that in that lies the very spirit that is called Non-resistance of Christians, that is, the very spirit of Jesus Christ, which is non-resistance? Could Christ use might in demonstrating the power of right as against might? No...the power or right as against might, is in the right, not in the might. The might is in the right itself. And he who is pledged to the principle of right as against might, and in whom that is to be demonstrated, can never appeal to any kind of might that may be brought against it. That is the secret. Then don't you see that explains in a word why it is that Christ was like a lamb in the presence of this might that was brought against Him? He had nothing to do with using any might in opposing them. When Peter drew the sword, and would defend Him, he said, 'Put up your sword; he that taketh the sword shall perish by the sword.' Consequently, when tempted and tried as He was, when He was spit upon, when they struck Him in the face and on the hand, in all His public ministry His hand was never raised to return the blow. Not even the impulse to make any such motion was ever allowed. Yet He has our human nature, in which such impulses are so natural. When we get hold of that, all things will be explained as to what we shall do here, there, or the other place. We are pledged to allegiance to the power of right as against might-the power of love." 1895 GC Lectures Page 31. Lesson 22. Alonzo T. Jones.

Now, what I intend to show here is that what we just read from Jones and what I will show you from Waggoner was the beginning of the final message:

("Behold," say the Scripture, "the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee." Isa. 60:2. It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy and truth...(Isa. 40:9, 10 then quoted) Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to the people, 'Behold your God.' The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love." COL 415.)

Jones and Waggoner were attacked, spoken against and persecuted by the brethren so much that they both eventually severed their relationship with the SDA organization, but they never gave up their faith in the Lord. They were like the two faithful spies, Joshua and Caleb, who were hated and almost stoned to death by the people who wanted to believe the lying and false testimony of the Ten Spies. See "Patriarchs & Prophets," pgs 390, 391. "The ten unfaithful spies, divinely smitten by the plague, perished before the eyes of all Israel: and in their fate the people read their own doom." PP 391. If you read the history of that generation their punishment was to wander in the desert for forty years. Joshua and Caleb grew old too but did not die. Instead they both entered into the promised land. It is most interesting how a whole "nation" of professed believers in the Third Angels' message has also passed off the scene since 1888. History has a way of repeating itself.

Now, when I finally sat down and read Waggoner's "Glad Tidings," I was surprised to read these words on page 13 where he is talking about the "Will of God." "The will of God is our sanctification. I Thess. 4:3. He wills that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth." I Tim. 2:4. (The word "all" was italicized by the editor, not me. Now watch what Waggoner does). "And He 'accomplishes all things according to the counsel of His will.' Eph. 1:11. 'Do you mean to teach universal salvation?' someone may ask. We mean to teach just what the Word of God teaches-that 'the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.' Titus 2:11, RV. I want to pause here to say that Waggoner realized that the plain and logical interpretation of these verses teach Universal Salvation. And the Holy Spirit led him to say, "We mean to teach just what the Word of God teaches." So, when we read these words today we can see how plain this message was. But it was not time for them to see and embrace it, which is level four, when they had already rejected level one. So, Waggoner added, "but the majority spurn it and throw it away." And this is true. But the concept of the "ages" and the Greek word "Aion" was not fully understood at that time.

But today this message is going all over the earth. More web sites are going on line all the time proclaiming the character of God message including UR. At the same time the hell fire preachers are diminishing. Someone has estimated that about 6 to 8 billion people are alive today on planet earth. If the days of Noah are similar to our day we could expect that that same number perished in the flood. Add to that all the people who have lived and died since the flood which is probably at least another 6 to 8 billion. So, the total number of people who have ever lived in this earth would be somewhere between 18 to 24 billion. Can you imagine that according to most preachers today probably less than ten per cent of that number will ever be saved and the rest will burn forever in hell fire or just never exist again after the lake of fire consumes them all to ashes. Some may even go as high as 33% being saved based upon Zech. 13, which I do not believe applies to the short period of time after the 1,000 years but before the 1,000 years begin.

So, beloved, we are talking here about the destruction and loss of at least two-thirds of all the people who have ever lived on this planet or approximately 16 billion souls. When I discuss this with pastors and laymen they usually say something to the effect that "God must prove that He is a just and righteous judge. He must destroy all the sinners in order to get rid of the sin."

In "Barne's Practical Sermons," pp 123-125, Albert Barnes, the famous preacher and commentator says he cannot understand why so many sinners have to be lost and burn up in the fires of hell. He said that the subject greatly distressed his soul and he had not one ray of light as to why it was so. Here are just a few of his many anguished words on this subject: "I do not understand these facts; and I make no advance toward understanding them. I do not know that I have a ray of light on this subject...my whole soul pants for light and relief on these questions. But i get neither...I see not ray to disclose to me the reason why sin came into the world, why the earth is strewed with the dying and the dead, and why a man must suffer to all eternity...I have never seen a particle of light thrown on these subjects that has given a moment's ease to my tortured mind; nor have I an explanation to offer, or a thought to suggest which would be of relief to you...when I see the great mass of them wholly unconcerned; and when I feel that God only can save them, and yet he does not do it, I am struck dumb. It is all dark, dark, dark, to my soul, and I cannot disguise it." Page 34. "Is Hell Eternal or Will God's Plan Fail?"

Beloved friend of mine, I did not wish to bare my own soul to you for it is actually embarrassing. But I must honestly tell you that when I used to think of all the lost of the ages outside those city walls and how the dear heart of Jesus would be breaking and all the saints of the ages and angels weeping and crying it just broke my heart and I would weep myself so hard I could not even keep on driving my car but had to stop and pray. But then I would remember that each person has free will, etc. and that weak, insipid little argument would temporarily give me some relief. But the day finally came when the Lord knew that I was ready for one of the most glorious revelations of truth He had ever given to me.

It came from a woman I had barely known and only talked to once or twice before in my life, a woman who had suffered greatly in her search for truth and was not ashamed or afraid to share her experience. She had called me once or twice before asking about other topics such as UFOs, etc. But said nothing about her believe in UR. At the time she had been quite ill. She was a re-tired teacher and educator in the Seattle area, having held important positions in the public school system. She had been raised by a strict SDA mother. Shortly before or after she retired she became quite ill. This had affected her speech and mind somewhat so when she called me she did not sound her normal self. Of course, I didn't know her at all at that time. But later on some friends told me that she wanted to meet me in person so the next time I was in the Seattle area they arranged for me to go for a visit in her luxurious home where I met her and her husband. I was surprised not only by her gracious manner but her obvious high intellect. I would never have guessed it was the same person. I didn't have much time that night to visit so she came right to the point the Lord had obviously put on her heart to ask me. "Pastor Clute, do you think there is any hope for Satan and the evil angels?" I told her that according to my understanding of the Bible and SOP they had sealed their fate at the cross. She did not argue or debate that point but simply asked me again. "But, what if Lucifer was sorry and repented? Would the Lord take Him back?" This really put me on the spot as I did not have time to debate the question nor did I wish to offend her being a guest in her own home. So, I told her that hypothetically speaking, knowing the character of God as I did after all my research, that if Lucifer truly repented then I suppose the Lord would take him back, but I added that as far as I knew there was no prophecy in the Bible that indicated this would ever happen. She then handed me a book and asked if I would be interested in re-printing it. For some reason, my suspicions had been aroused and I surmised this book had something to do with the questions she had been asking me. I thumbed quickly through this little volume which already looked like it had seen its better days. It was obviously self-published decades ago and did not have a very professional look. Nor did the subject titles seem at all familiar. It obviously was not an Adventist book. I told my hostess that I didn't think I was interested as I had other publishing projects. Besides it had a copyright on it, I pointed out, which would preclude my publishing it even if I so desired.

Later I learned that she had accepted the concept of Universal Salvation one day after walking out on her veranda. She was looking in the distance out over the lake and suddenly she had this burst of inspiration, like a flash of light, and in that instant she knew that everything, including all of creation is in God's hands and in that one day he would set all things right and all of His creatures would return to His throne. She felt a peace like she had never felt before. Several scriptures had been impressed upon her mind during this brief interlude. She quickly wrote them out and shared them with her weekly Friday night group she hosted. One of the young men expanded upon these ideas and later gave me a copy. But before that something else happened that was to totally change my life.

Even though I told this woman I was not interested in re-printing the book she was impressed to send it to me anyway. You should have seen the manilla envelope this book arrived in. It was so ripped and torn I have no idea how it made the trip to Scappoose where we were living at the time. When I opened it there was the title again, "IS HELL ETERNAL OR WILL GOD'S PLAN FAIL?" It had 346 pages with 30 chapters. For some strange reason I sensed I had a Divine appointment with this little book. Strange as it may seem to my readers the Lord had been preparing me for this moment. How? Well, I had been thinking all week about the evil angels after the 1,000 years and how Jesus would have to say goodbye to each one. He knew them all by name as He had created each one. A popular song I heard on the radio kept coming to my mind. The male artist was trying to say good bye to his girl friend. The words went like this: "Before we say goodbye, let me hold you one more time, let me feel your heart beat close to mine." And this really got to me as I imagined Jesus giving each angel a final hug and good bye before they left him for the final time. I could not help weeping profusely as I thought of this. How could He stand it. How could our precious Lord Jesus Christ stand to go into eternity with such an emptiness in his heart. Now, this was just the evil angels. What about all of the human beings He had created as well?

Well, I had never even given it much thought before. Our theology taught that the wicked had all the chances they needed and they had rejected them all. They were unfit for heaven and wouldn't like it anyway. That pretty well settled it for me. I had kept the law all of my life as a strict Seventh-day Adventist. I had denied myself the "pleasures" of this life which I really didn't know anything about as I never had much money to spend anyway. I never smoked, drank, had sex before marriage, robbed any banks, got into any fights, never been in jail except once as a colporteur when selling Christian books, I was 19 trying to get a colporteur scholarship up in the state of Washington. I was in for 24 hours and then paid a $10.00 bail and they let me go. That was back in 1958. I was rather proud of it, after Jesus and Paul and many Christians were in jail for preaching the gospel. So, this was my life. I lived for God, went to church, obeyed all the church rules and many I had made up for myself that the church didn't even require. I was a super strict Christian. I deserved to go to heaven and by George, these dirty sinners deserved to die. That was my attitude.

But now, the Lord was changing me. He was letting me look much deeper inside of His heart and it made me cry. Jesus was very sad. I thought of Isa. 53:11, "He shall see the travail of His soul and be satisfied." I knew that Jesus would never be satisfied until all of His lost sheep were back safely in the fold. But how could such a seemingly impossible task be accomplished? I did not have clue one.

So, I began looking through the chapter titles of this book and came to Chapter XXVI, "CONCERNING THE SALVATION OF ANGELS AND DEMONS." I told the Lord, "Ok, I will read this one chapter and if you can convince me that you are able to save that rotten old Devil known as Satan, then I will read the rest of the book. So, I began. On page 260 I read: "Satan and his coadjutors are the great sinners in the universe. They were sons of God, now they are prodigal sons. God does not hate any of His creatures, even when they sin; He hates the sin, but not the sinner. His heart still yearns over them. The flight of time does not change God's love..The hosts of fallen angels are fallen sons of God." I was impressed. This is just what the Lord had been telling me the last few days. Amazing!! On page 262 I read further how some Christians have a personal hatred and animosity toward Satan. But the author pointed out that it is not in the Spirit of Christ to hate the sinner no matter how vile he may be. Then the next paragraph really got to me. Notice: "Again we read in God's Word that 'the devils (demons) also believe, and tremble' James 2:19. In the trembling there is hope. They are not 'past feeling.' They will be hard to reach, it may take a long time. Only God has the patience, love, and power. 'His grace is sufficient.' The harder the case, the greater the glory." Then he referred to Acts 19:14-16 where the demons acknowledged the authority of Jesus and Paul but not of a chief priest named Sceva whom the demons attacked. All seven of these proud sons of this priest fled out of the house naked and wounded. The author, Charles Pridgeon made the point that these demons "fought for the authority of Christ." He pointed out that if a savage insisted upon the authority of Christ and His Name being used by those alone who had the right to use it, they who witnessed it would say there was something in that savage upon which to work. He had a point and I could not argue with him. Pridgeon has another chapter in which he deals with the idea of a "Nidus" or ground left for God to work upon in the lives of His enemies. He says that whatever the Lord cannot overrule for good, He restrains until the final judgment. Then on page 264 Pridgeon asked if the death of Christ on Calvary accomplished anything for angels and especially anything for fallen angels or demons? Col. 1:20 tells us that everything in heaven has been reconciled. "Through the precious blood, all in the heavens as well as in the earth are to be reconciled. Then on page 265 he referred to Phil 2:10, 11 which I have already explained. I knew that text and suddenly I realized that the conversion of Satan and his angels would truly be something to rejoice over and truly bring glory to God and His kingdom. My will to resist was weakening more and more. Then on page 268 I saw his reference to I Cor. 2:8 which says that the "Princes of this world" would not have crucified Jesus on the cross if they had known all that was involved. "There was evidently much ignorance on the part of evil men and the evil angels. In the typical teaching of the old dispensations, it is sins of ignorance that are provided for in their sacrifices (Lev. 4:1; Num. 15:28). How much more in the antitype, the precious blood of Christ, is there provision for all sins of ignorance." Then on page 269 he explained that the word "destroyed" simply means to "render ineffective or conquer." It did not mean to put out of existence or to grind Satan down to powder. "God's method of conquering is always to 'overcome evil with good. He is never satisfied with a negative result. He does not end with trying and imprisoning an enemy; He converts them into friends." (2 Kings 6:21-23). Then on page 271 he speaks of the doctrine of election as being misunderstood, "because it is a small part of the arc of the circle of God's great purpose of salvation. God purposes the salvation of all ( 2 Pet 3:9; I Tim. 2:4). And in order to the accomplishment of this great purpose, He selects His first agents. When our Lord desired to give the gospel to all Israel, He chose but twelve disciples...He is no 'respecter of persons.' He elects and trains a few as the best means to reach the remainder. 'Christ the first-fruits; afterward (centuries later on) they that are Christ's at His coming,' and these are 'a kind of first -fruits;' (James 1:18). And 'then cometh the end,' the end of the ages, when the whole harvest is reaped and saved (I cor. 15:23, 28). In this light, in place of the doctrine of election being a stumbling-block, it becomes a help in the revelation of God's plan in the ages. 'Elect angels' means nothing less than the saving of some angels in order to the salvation of all angels ultimately, for His elections are always a first-fruit; and a first fruit of any kind of crop is a promise of the whole harvest."

These are but a brief survey of just one chapter of this book and I close with this one last idea about the Lake of Fire found on pages 272, 273. "We saw that fire and brimstone meant one thing, viz., that the word 'brimstone' defined the character of the fire. We were surprised to find that the word 'brimstone' was the same word as 'divine,' and the verb derived from the same signified 'to fumigate,' 'to purify,' 'to dedicate to a god.' The lake of fire and brimstone is the lake of divine purification which dedicates to the living God those who have to endure such judgments." One last comment on the suffering in the Lake of Fire itself. If God is not the author of literal fire, which it is very easy to prove He is not by citing Moses at the burning bush (Presence of God) which was not literal fire and the tongues of fire on the heads of the 120 on the day of Pentecost, which represented the Holy Ghost. That fire was symbolical of the Presence of God, again, not a literal fire. And finally, in Acts 9 we read of Saul of Tarsus being engulfed and bathed in the light of the presence of the Living Christ...yet not a hair of Saul's head was singed nor was he burned in any way. The light only had the effect on him as not being able to see for a brief period of three days, which was symbolical of his doctrinal blindness. This light or "fire" or "brightness of His coming" to Saul did nothing but burn away the sinful dross of his false theology, destroying the darkness in his mind and flooding it with the light of the glorious presence of the everlasting Christ. If you would like to have a copy of this book for yourself you may obtain one by sending $12.95 to God's Last Call Ministries P O Box 777 Newberg, OR 97132.

In the early days of the pioneers after the 1844 disappointment EGW spoke and wrote a lot about "Present Truth." Another way to express this same idea is "Progressive Revelation." Before she died Sr. White wrote that God would give His people more light, especially on the character of God which would be the final message to go to the world. COL 414, 415, TM 50. In Jude 6 we read about the angels which kept not their first estate but left their own habitation. These angels are said to be "reserved in everlasting (age lasting) chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day." The obvious implication in this verse is that during the final days of the judgment these chains of darkness will be broken. But how? By turning on the lights. This is the normal way to destroy darkness in a dark room or unlighted room. All you have to do is flick the switch up and presto, the lights come on and the darkness is no more. When the Holy City New Jerusalem comes down from God out of heaven to this earth it will bring with it the saints inside the city who have stored in their minds and lives the accumulated knowledge and information gathered during the full 6,000 year period of the Great Controversy between Christ and Satan. The gates of the city are never closed, Rev. 21:25 and Ezek. 47 is a prophecy about the waters (people) flowing out of the House (New Jerusalem) into the desert to give life to all with whom they come in contact. I have written an entire article on this subject, entitled, "IT'S GATES ARE NEVER CLOSED." You can ask for it when you write and also read it on the web site. The hungry and thirsty souls dying for lack of food and water will be so happy to enter in through the gates of the city. But first they must be cleansed from all of their unrighteousness. This is what the "Lake of Fire" is for...this is its purpose. The suffering of each sinner will be similar to the suffering of Saul of Tarsus as they see the error of their ways and struggle to give up their prideful opinions and ways. It may take three days as in the case of Saul or it may take seven years or more as in the case of King Nebuchadnezzar.

In spite of all this evidence there are always some people who will object on the basis that God cannot force the will. Jesus told us that if He were lifted up (on the cross to be crucified) that He would "draw all" unto Himself. This indicates that in the ages to come every one of His creatures will eventually be drawn back to Him by His eternal love. It will be a choice that they make with their own will. Let me illustrate it this way. If a bank officer called and told you that an error had just been discovered in the accounting department and they were giving you credit for an extra $1 Million would you tell them to get lost and hang up the phone. I don't think so. Or what if the IRS told you an error had been made in your favor and you would soon receive a refund in the mail for $50,000.00 would you send the check back to them when it came? Ridiculous, you say. Of course, it is. And it is just as ridiculous to believe that anyone would say, "No, God, I don't want you or your heaven." The only reason anyone ever says that right now is because they have heard that God is a cruel monster who hurts, destroys and kills people as many preachers teach from the pulpit. In 2 Kings 7:1-20, there is an amazing story that took place in the days of Elisha the prophet. The Syrians had surrounded the city of Samaria and the people were starving to death. But during the night the Syrians heard the noise of chariots and horses and so they fled in the twilight, leave behind much spoil, including lots of food. Four lepers who were sitting outside the city starving to death decided they would be better off turning themselves over to the Syrians as prisoners for some food, it they would allow it. But when they approached the camp they discovered the entire army had fled.

The lepers had themselves a feast and carried off silver and gold and hid it. All of a sudden they realized while they were getting rich the city was still starving to death. So, after they talked it over among themselves they agreed, "we better go tell the king and his household before something bad happens to us. At first the king didn't believe them but finally checked it out and found it was true. Soon word spread like wildfire among the population that there was food just outside the city. Now, how many of those people do you suppose ran out there to get some free food? Do you think some of them sat back and said, "No, I would rather stay in here and starve than eat that old defiled Gentile food." Of course not. Why, they all went out there and ate their fill. And that is what is going to happen in the great judgment day when Jesus and the all the saints in the city sing the song of Moses and the Lamb and make their beautiful invitation. "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Rev. 22:17.

The story of Absalom is another example. Although he was banished from the king's presence because he had killed his brother for raping Tamar, he was still on David's mind day and night. Joab, David's general of the army, realized this and 'fetched...a wise woman...' from Tekoah to persuade David into devising a plan whereby Abasalom might be restored to royal favor. Here is the heart of her speech. "For we all must die and then like water spilled on the earth which cannot be recovered. God however, does not sweep away life, but rather takes measures so as not to keep the banished away from Himself." 2 Sam. 14:14. MLV.

Please keep in mind that God has never hurt or killed an evil angel or Satan. They are all still alive and well. But during the 1,000 years they are going to stay here on this dark planet, by their own choice, just like cockroaches run and hide in the darkness, so they will hide away here while the rest of the universe is celebrating the return of all the Father's prodigal sons. During this 1,000 years Satan and his angels will suffer great mental anguish as they are moved to review over and over all of their evil deeds and failures. Notice this next verse which indicates God is even using the church to witness to Satan and his angels: "And to make all (men & angels) see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God." Eph. 3:10. The RSV says: "That through the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. The word "men" is supplied and not in the original just as it is in John 12:32 where it says, "I will draw all (men) unto me."

At the cross every creature in the universe was drawn to Jesus Christ. The Bible clearly says that "the devils (demons) also believe and tremble. James 2:19. In that trembling there is hope. They are not 'past feeling.' They will be hard to reach, it may take a long time. Only God has the patience, love and power. 'His grace is sufficient.' The harder the case the greater the glory.

In the book, "Desire of Ages," the author, EGW, tells us that all of the angels, good and bad, were drawn to the Garden of Gethsamane, to watch Jesus ask the Father to let the cup pass from His trembling lips. They wanted to see if He would be willing to drink that cup and go all the way to the cross and be willing to get nailed up there with not one single person believing in Him or appreciating what He was doing for them. He was alone. Would He go through with it or wipe the sweat and blood from His brow and return to heaven and let the human race suffer and die alone. The evil angels waited until the very last minute to see what He would do. So, when we read in I Peter 1:12 that "The angels desire to look into" the plan of salvation we now know what that means. It is not talking only about the holy angels. In Psalm 2 we read: "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." What does this mean? One of the most famous and greatest of the church fathers, Eusebius of Caesarea, 265-340 AD was the Bishop of Caesarea in Palestine and friend of the emperor Constantine. Here is how Eusebius interpreted Ps. 2. "The Son 'breaking in pieces' His enemies is for the sake of remolding them, as a potter remolds his own work; as Jer. 18:6 says: i.e., to restore them once more to their former state." Page 283. The doctrine of "Universal Restoration" was taught by many of the church fathers during the first three centuries.

Charles Pridgeon states: "It is passing strange that we have to wait 553 years after Christ before any attempt is made officially to condemn the doctrine of restitution, and then many of those who began to dominate Christian thought could not even read the New Testament in the original Greek." So the church became Latinized and/or Romanized with the false doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church which teaches eternal hell fire and that God destroys. No wonder the world was in the Dark Ages for over 1,000 years.

I could continue on piling proof on top of proof but this is sufficient for anyone who is willing to check it out for themselves. The study of God's character is progressive and encompasses much more than the basic idea that God does not destroy although that is where we begin. God is a life God. He forever and only gives life...that is His very essence and nature. All who allow themselves to be drawn into His great heart of kindness, love and compassion will experience that love and be transformed by it into His glorious likeness. That is what the Lord is waiting for...a people who are willing and eager to become like Him. May each of us have that experience is my earnest and sincere prayer. Your friend always in the precious and holy name of our Blessed Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Your friend always in Him, Pastor Mike Clute.