Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

with the curse. He had knowledge of the inestimable value of eternal riches
that man had not. He had experienced the pure contentment, the peace,
exalted holiness, and unalloyed joys of the heavenly abode. He had realized,
before his rebellion, the satisfaction of the full approval of God. He had once
a full appreciation of the glory that enshrouded the Father, and knew that
there was no limit to his power.
Satan knew what he had lost. He now feared that his empire over the
world was to be contested, his right disputed, and his power broken. He
knew, through prophecy, that a Savior was predicted, and that his kingdom
would not be established in earthly triumph and with worldly honor and
display. He knew that ancient prophecies foretold a kingdom to be
established by the Prince of Heaven upon the earth, which he claimed as his
dominion. This kingdom would embrace all the kingdoms of the world, and
then his power and his glory would cease, and he would receive his
retribution for the sins he had introduced into the world, and for the misery
he had brought upon man. He knew that everything which concerned his
prosperity was pending upon his success or failure in overcoming Christ with
his temptations in the wilderness. He brought to bear upon Christ every
artifice and force of his powerful temptations to allure him from his
allegiance.
It is impossible for man to know the strength of Satan's temptations to
the Son of God. Every temptation that seems so afflicting to man in his daily
life, so difficult to resist and overcome, was brought to bear upon the Son of
God in as much greater degree as his excellence of character was superior to
that of fallen man.
Christ was tempted in all points like as we are. As man's representative,
he stood the closest test and proving of God. He met the strongest force of
Satan. His most wily temptations Christ has tested and conquered in behalf
of man. It is impossible for man to be tempted above what he is able to bear
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