Conflict of the Ages

"Patriarchs and Prophets" opens the "Conflict of the Ages" series. It chronicles the vast saga of humanity, from Earth's creation to King David's reign. The author uniquely highlights Earth's role in the cosmic struggle between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. The book unravels the heartbreaking heavenly rebellion that transpired eons ago and underscores that this perpetual war between God and Satan impacts every person. The book illuminates how this battle between good and evil was reflected in the experiences of Old Testament figures. "Patriarchs and Prophets" delves into critical existential inquiries: What is our origin? What future awaits us? Why does an omnipotent God permit evil's relentless expansion and devastating aftermath? By exploring these complex issues, the author seeks to reconcile contradictions in God's nature and actions. We learn about God's grand creation, humanity's fall, and God's redemption plan through the stories and teachings of Old Testament figures. It prompts us to contemplate our lives within the broader context of the cosmic battle between good and evil and our ultimate destiny.

Ellen Gould White (1827 – 1915) was a cofounder of what later became known as the Seventh-day Adventist Church. As one of the five volumes of her "Conflict of the Ages" series, 'The Desire of Ages' is a book about the life and significance of Jesus Christ. White does not relate the story of Jesus in chronological order, but by theme. The book begins with the prophecy about the name, Immanuel, and proceeds with the birth of Jesus and his later life and ministry, including the miracles of Christ, his teachings to his disciples, and his death, resurrection, and ascension. White's interpretation of scripture is quite unique, and supplied a theological foundation for the creation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. While its popularity has never been restricted to the aforementioned denomination, the book has caused controversy and has drawn criticism from Christian theologians.

The Desire of Ages lays out the life of Christ so intimately that the listener will feel as if he or she were walking the paths of Galilee with the master relaying a parable, or sitting on the Mount of Olives watching the agony of our Lord. At its heart, the book is devotional saying to the listener that Jesus Christ fulfills the deepest longings of the human soul. "Without distinction of age, or rank, or nationality, or religious privilege, all are invited to come unto Him and live."

The Great Controversy is the story of how the forces of good triumph over the forces of evil. The story picks up with the destruction of Jerusalem and continues down the ages to the present. It is a story of truth and how it was lost by many, but not all then gradually rediscovered by the broader Christian community through the Reformation. It climaxes with the eschaton and delineates how we in the present can navigate the final moments of earth's history.