The Great Controversy is the climactic final volume of the Conflict of the Ages series -- and one of the most significant books Ellen G. White ever wrote. Beginning with the destruction of Jerusalem, it traces the long conflict between Christ and Satan through the persecution of the early church, the long centuries of the Dark Ages, the courage of the Reformers, the great advent awakening, and on into the future -- through the final crisis, the close of probation, the Second Coming, the millennium, and the ultimate destruction of sin and the making of all things new. It reveals the unseen hand of God in history and unmasks the strategies of the enemy, closing with the glorious restoration of a universe cleansed forever from evil.

In the 1911 preface, Ellen White states the book's purpose plainly: to trace the history of the great controversy in past ages, and especially to present it in a way that sheds light on the fast-approaching struggle of the future. She wanted to prepare God's people for the last great conflict over worship and loyalty, to expose Satan's deceptions, and to vindicate the character and government of God. She urged that this book be circulated more widely than any of her other works, because it contains the story of the past, the present, and the future.

Every believer preparing for the last days, and anyone interested in the history of the Christian church, the Reformation, and Bible prophecy concerning end-time events. Its later chapters on the final crisis, religious liberty, and the Second Coming are of special importance to Seventh-day Adventists. It is also one of the most powerful books to share with others.

Pacific Press Publishing Association / Review and Herald Publishing Association

The Great Controversy contains 42 chapters spanning from the fall of Jerusalem to the earth made new. Because of its scope, the chapters below are grouped by the historical era they cover. The complete chapter-by-chapter text is available free at the read link.