Not Force, but Character

The great controversy is not a controversy over power but a controversy over allegations against the character of God.

This distinction shifts the entire paradigm of the conflict. It is not a battle that can be resolved through sheer force, displays of might, or the subjugation of one side by another. Instead, it is a controversy rooted in allegations, doubts, and accusations about who God is, and whether His nature is truly just, loving, and good. Such a dispute, by its very nature, cannot be settled through force or power because that would only serve to validate the very accusations being made. Only a demonstration of character, consistent, transparent, and undeniable goodness, justice, and love can address the heart of the matter.

The accusations against God’s character are ancient, echoing through the ages. They suggest that God is arbitrary, tyrannical, or unloving, that His ways are unfair or His motives impure. These claims, whether whispered by a fallen angel or murmured in the hearts of humanity, strike at the foundation of trust in the divine. If God is not good, if His character is flawed, then the entire moral and spiritual order of the universe is called into question. Again, power alone cannot refute such allegations. A display of omnipotence might silence dissent temporarily, but it would not answer the deeper question of whether God is worthy of love, loyalty, and worship. Force can compel obedience, but only character can inspire trust.

You know, when someone accuses you of something truly nasty, something you didn’t do, but it’s so offensive that it naturally provokes anger, the instinct to lash out at the accuser can be strong. But responding with that kind of intensity, like smacking them, would ironically serve to confirm their false narrative. It gives weight to the accusation, even though it was baseless to begin with. That’s the trap we humans can easily fall for (but not our God) because provocation pulls us into a reaction that makes us look like exactly what we’re not.

And I don’t mean to suggest that God had the instinct or temptation to use force to resolve the situation. Being perfect in nature, He isn’t stirred or provoked the way we are when falsely accused. Our instinct to defend ourselves, to protect our name and reputation, often comes from a place of pride, fear, or brokenness. It’s the result of our sinfulness, our fragility. But if you are truly perfect, your name doesn’t need that kind of defending. It probably just needs time. It stands secure, upheld by the unwavering integrity of your character. False accusations lose their power in the presence of perfect righteousness because truth doesn’t panic under threats or questionings.

And so what we see is God using time. And because we are finite and He is infinite, He uses revelation to make His character known.

The implications of this are profound for humanity. If the controversy is about character, then it is not just a cosmic drama played out in the heavens. It extends to every individual heart, where the same questions arise: Do we trust God’s character? Do we believe He is who He claims to be? Do we act as if He is good and genuinely loves us? The accusations against God often find their echo in human doubts, fears, and rebellions. Yet, just as God answers through demonstration, He invites humanity to participate in this demonstration as well. Our task as His creatures in this controversy is to stand up for goodness, justice, and love.