“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” – Revelation 2:10

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the prophetic landscape of the end times, highlighting the world’s descent into chaos, the rise of sin, Satan’s destructive forces, and the pervasive lawlessness that challenges faith. It examines how these elements reveal divine love, outlines duties to the Creator and fellow humans, and urges steadfastness amid trials.

NATIONS IN TURMOIL!

In these tumultuous days, we are called to look with sober eyes at the prophetic warnings concerning the condition of the world in the time of the end. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. We have long been stirred by the words of Revelation 11:18 (KJV): “And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and, behold, thy temple shall be trodden down, and shall be left desolate.” This verse challenges us to consider not only the grim reality of the end times but also the call to faithful witness in the face of lawlessness and divine judgment. In this article, I invite you to join me in a deep exploration of these prophetic concepts. We will examine the state of the world, the manifest sins, and the catastrophic works of Satan, and then ask ourselves: How do these realities reflect God’s love? What responsibilities do we bear toward God and our neighbor? Through a series of structured reflections—each imbued with a blend of heartfelt emotion, biblical exegesis, and practical application—we will be equipped to stand firm for the principles of truth in these perilous times. But understand this, that in the last days there shall come times of difficulty. For people shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power (2 Timothy 3:1-5, KJV). The nations shall see her, and be confounded at all her might: they shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf (Micah 7:16, KJV). “The time is fast approaching when the controlling power of the labor unions will be very oppressive” (Country Living, p. 9, 1946). “The crisis is fast approaching. The rapidly swelling figures show that the time for God’s visitation has about come” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 209, 1885).

INQUITY UNLEASHED!

The prophetic vision of the world in the time of the end is stark and sobering. Revelation 11:18 (KJV) declares, “And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.” This paints a picture of a world consumed by anger and facing divine judgment. We are told that every nation will feel the weight of divine retribution as the world is laid waste. In these verses, the Bible paints a picture of a society overwhelmed by chaos, where even the institutions designed to preserve order crumble under the pressure of iniquity. This echoes the lament of the prophet Jeremiah: “The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem” (Lamentations 4:12). The downfall of even the most established systems serves as a stark reminder of the pervasiveness of end-time turmoil. I recall the words of Ellen G. White in her book The Great Controversy (p. 589, 1888), where she explains, “The culmination of earthly events will reveal the inmost character of nations, exposing the corruption of their institutions and the moral decay of their peoples.” This observation reminds us that the end times are not an abstract future but a very real condition where truth and falsehood are in direct conflict. As we contemplate this vision, we must ask ourselves: How prepared are we to witness and withstand such overwhelming divine judgment? In our study and in our prayer, we learn that while the world may be engulfed in turmoil, God’s promise of reward for His servants stands firm, encouraging us to remain steadfast despite the impending darkness. This promise is beautifully articulated in the words of Isaiah: “Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings” (Isaiah 3:10). For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many (Matthew 24:5, KJV). And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh (Luke 21:28, KJV). “The spirits of devils will go forth to the kings of the earth and to the whole world, to fasten them in deception, and urge them on to unite with Satan in his last struggle against the government of heaven” (The Great Controversy, p. 591, 1888). “The time is coming when Satan will work miracles to confirm minds in the belief that he is Christ” (Evangelism, p. 594, 1946).

SATAN’S STORM SURGE!

At the heart of the prophetic scenario is the manifestation of sin in its most rampant form. “Already the doctrine that men are released from obedience to divine requirements has weakened the sense of obligation and opened the floodgates of iniquity,” as described in The Great Controversy (pp. 589, 590, 1888). This vivid portrayal reminds us that the very principles that once upheld a moral society have been subverted. Instead of being bastions of righteousness, many of our institutions—especially within the family—are now beset by lawlessness, intemperance, and corruption. Consider the family as a microcosm: where once the home was a haven of discipline and godly nurturing, Satan’s influence now spreads like an infectious tide. The KJV reminds us in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Yet, in a society that has largely abandoned this sacred mandate, we see the very fabric of familial integrity unraveling. This disintegration is not merely a modern phenomenon; the apostle Paul warned of it centuries ago, writing, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). The downward spiral of morality is a stark reminder of the consequences of rejecting God’s guidance. Sr. White, in Testimonies for the Church, warns, “When the guardians of faith fail to instill discipline, the home becomes the first casualty of Satan’s invasion” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 712, 1885). In the midst of such moral decay, we are urged to reflect: What is the cost of forsaking divine obedience? The evidence is clear, and it calls us to a higher standard—a standard that, despite being challenged by the prevailing culture, remains the sure foundation of eternal truth. And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name (Revelation 14:11, KJV). He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully (Psalm 24:4, KJV). “The time is coming when we cannot sell at any price. The decree will soon go forth prohibiting men to buy or sell of any man save him that hath the mark of the beast” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 152, 1882). “The time is fast approaching when the controlling power of the labor unions will be very oppressive” (Country Living, p. 9, 1946).

LAWLESS LEGIONS RISE!

As described in The Great Controversy (pp. 589, 590, 1888), “Even now he (Satan) is at work. In accidents and calamities by sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and terrific hail-storms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes, in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power.” The biblical narrative is filled with such language that evokes a sense of unstoppable force—disasters that sweep away the ripening harvest, bringing famine, pestilence, and distress. The KJV paints a picture in Revelation 11:18 of a time when “destruction” will be “upon both man and beast,” leaving devastation in its wake. I find it both chilling and compelling to consider that these catastrophic events are not random acts of nature but are part of a divine economy in which Satan’s rebellion is given its final stage. This resonates with the words of Job: “Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening” (Job 12:14). The overwhelming power of these calamities underscores the urgency of seeking refuge in God. Sr. White urges us in The Great Controversy, “The enemy’s power is great; his means are numerous; yet God, in His wisdom, permits these calamities to serve as a refining fire for His people” (The Great Controversy, p. 590, 1888). As we ponder these truths, we are called to question our own readiness: How will we respond when the very earth trembles under the weight of divine judgment? The reality is that Satan’s work is a clarion call for us to cling ever more tightly to the law of God, for in this struggle, our very survival depends on unwavering fidelity to truth. This steadfastness is beautifully illustrated in Psalm 112:7: “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.” But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up (2 Peter 3:10, KJV). For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:21, KJV). “Satan is working by every deception he can command, that we may not be warned of the grievous sins which will bring the wrath of God upon the world” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 231, 1909). “The restraining Spirit of God is even now being withdrawn from the world. Hurricanes, storms, tempests, fire and flood, disasters by sea and land, follow each other in quick succession” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 408, 1900).

DECEPTIVE PACTS!

Amidst the catastrophic works of Satan, a condition of lawlessness will pervade the earth. This lawlessness is not a mere absence of order but a deep-seated moral decay that affects every level of society. Isaiah 2:3-4 (KJV) speaks of the nations, “And many peoples shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” This passage speaks of a time when the nations will seek God’s law, yet the very same nations, in their pursuit of convenience and self-interest, will plan to subvert this divine order. They will strive to replace God’s law with man’s laws—a plan that reveals their deep-seated rebellion against the Creator. This rebellion echoes the defiant cry of Pharaoh: “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go” (Exodus 5:2). The refusal to submit to God’s authority is a recurring theme throughout history, culminating in the final conflict of the end times. I am reminded of the words of Sr. White in The Great Controversy, where she notes, “In their arrogance, the nations will reject the divine voice, choosing instead the shallow seductions of man’s own devices” (The Great Controversy, p. 590, 1888). As lawlessness grows, the peoples will attempt to consolidate power for themselves, yet in doing so, they unknowingly set the stage for God’s sovereign intervention. We are left to reflect on the irony: the very actions of the nations, intended to secure order, will result in further chaos—a chaos that only the divine law can ultimately remedy. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:8-9, KJV). For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way (2 Thessalonians 2:7, KJV). “The time is coming when Satan will work miracles right in your sight, claiming that he is Christ; and if your feet are not firmly established upon the Rock of Ages, then you will be led away by his deceptions” (Review and Herald, April 14, 1896). “Satan will work his miracles to deceive; he will set up his power as supreme” (Evangelism, p. 593, 1946).

STEADFAST IN STORM!

In the midst of this global disorder, the prophetic word reveals that a dramatic reversal will take place. Revelation 17:13 (KJV) foretells that “the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.” This symbolizes the transfer of power from the corrupt earthly kingdoms to a divine authority. While the nations are busy plotting and planning, their efforts are ultimately subverted by the sovereign power of God, who will raise up His chosen representatives to reign over the kingdoms of this world. This divine intervention is foreshadowed in the book of Daniel: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever” (Daniel 2:44). The establishment of God’s eternal kingdom signals the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Moreover, the religious world will be caught in an unholy alliance, as “Papists, Protestants, and worldlings alike accept the form of godliness without the power; they will seek for a grand movement for the conversion of the world and the ushering in of the millennial reign of peace” (The Great Controversy, p. 589, 1888). Simultaneously, Revelation 13:14-15 warns of a counterfeit spiritual movement, an unholy alliance that deceives the multitudes through miracles and false prophecies, stating, “And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” This deception echoes the warning of Jesus: “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matthew 24:24). The prevalence of false teachings underscores the importance of discerning truth from error. This duality—the genuine transfer of power on one hand and the counterfeit on the other—creates a poignant tension. It calls us to discernment: How do we differentiate between the true workings of God and the deceptive allure of man’s constructs? Sr. White advises, “Let every soul be on the alert, for Satan’s devices are subtle and insidious; his alliance with human institutions is his final ploy to undermine God’s truth” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 712, 1885). Our challenge is to remain vigilant, keeping our focus on the unchanging law of God amid shifting human alliances. For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect (Mark 13:22, KJV). And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14, KJV). “The enemy is preparing for his last campaign against the church. He has so concealed himself from view that many can hardly believe that he exists, much less can they be convinced of his amazing activity and power” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 294, 1885). “Satan will work his miracles to deceive; he will set up his power as supreme” (Evangelism, p. 593, 1946).

MERCY AMID JUDGMENT!

The very essence of our Christian witness is encapsulated in the call to stand firm for the principles of truth. “There is a prospect before us of a continual struggle, at the risk of imprisonment, loss of property, and even of life itself, to defend the law of God, which is made void by the laws of men” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 712, 1885). This sobering declaration compels us to consider the personal cost of discipleship. As we look around at a world steeped in moral relativism and spiritual compromise, we recognize that our stand for truth is not a passive posture but an active, often perilous, commitment. In the KJV, 2 Timothy 3:12 reminds us, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” This verse, coupled with the stark realities described above, reinforces the notion that our journey is fraught with challenges. Yet, it is precisely in these struggles that our faith is refined. The apostle Peter encourages us: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13). Suffering for our faith is not a sign of defeat but a badge of honor, identifying us with Christ. Sr. White writes in Testimonies for the Church (Vol. 5, p. 712, 1885), “The trials of the end time are the very means by which the character of the faithful is perfected, and the treasures of heaven are secured.” In the face of persecution, we must ask ourselves: Are we willing to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel? Our response must be resolute, for the integrity of our witness and the future of our eternal home depend on it. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10, KJV). These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33, KJV). “The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 363, 1958). “The persecution that is carried on among church members is a most terrible thing. It is true that some have committed sins, but their sin is not the cause of their persecution. The hatred that prompts the strife is without cause” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, p. 347, 1993).

When we consider the grim realities of lawlessness, catastrophic judgments, and spiritual deception, one might wonder how these harsh truths reflect the love of God. Yet, in the midst of judgment there is an undeniable outpouring of divine love—a love that seeks to correct, refine, and ultimately restore. The KJV assures us in Romans 2:4, “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” This shows that even in His wrath, God’s love is manifest; His judgments are tempered with mercy, intended to bring sinners to repentance and salvation. The prophet Ezekiel reminds us: “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11). God’s desire is not to punish but to redeem. Sr. White emphasizes this in The Desire of Ages (p. 22, 1898): “God permits the sinner to reap the result of his own course, that he may be led to see its sinfulness and turn from it.” Through divine discipline, God expresses His care, ensuring that we do not perish but are drawn back into His everlasting embrace. In this light, we see that the end-time trials are not a sign of abandonment but a demonstration of God’s relentless love—a love that calls us to return to Him, to be refined, and to ultimately share in His glory. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8, KJV). The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). “Every manifestation of God’s power for His people arouses the enmity of Satan. Every time God works in their behalf, Satan with his angels is aroused to destroy or deceive them” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 687, 1890). “The Lord Jesus Christ has infinite tenderness for those whom He has purchased at the cost of His own sufferings in the flesh, that they should not perish with the devil and his angels, but that He may claim them as His chosen ones” (Selected Messages, book 3, p. 197, 1980).

The Scriptures make it clear that my duty is to remain steadfast in worship and obedience. In Psalm 119:105 (KJV), it is written, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” I must commit myself to a life of prayer, diligent study, and active participation in the sacred community. The apostle Paul exhorts us: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). Our lives should be a continual offering of worship to God. Sr. White exhorts in Steps to Christ (p. 67, 1892): “Let the soul be drawn out and upward, that God may grant us a breath of the heavenly atmosphere.” Personally, I am called to continually examine my heart and actions, ensuring that I align my will with God’s divine law. The evidence of God’s love—reflected in His patience and enduring mercy—compels me to respond in gratitude with complete obedience. Thus, my responsibility is not only to proclaim His word but also to embody it in every facet of my life, knowing that in doing so, I become a living testament to His redeeming love. If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15, KJV). But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22, KJV). “It is the duty of every child of God to explain the Scriptures to those who know not the truth. He should present the Word of God in its true light—as a guide to heaven” (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 432, 1913). “Obedience to God must be rendered from a sense of principle, and the motive must be right. It must flow from a heart renewed by divine grace” (Signs of the Times, May 1, 1884).

REFLECTIONS REVEALED!

Equally important is the responsibility I bear toward my neighbor. In the midst of the unholy alliances and moral decay described in prophecy, I am called to be a beacon of genuine compassion and righteousness. The KJV reminds us in Galatians 6:2, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” While this verse does not substitute for the commandment of love, it underscores the practical outworking of our faith in community. In our daily interactions, I must strive to extend the same grace and mercy that God has lavished upon me, regardless of our differences. This echoes the words of the prophet Micah: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8). Our actions towards others should reflect the justice, mercy, and humility that God demonstrates towards us. Sr. White in Ministry of Healing (p. 147, 1905) writes, “True goodness is the outworking of the indwelling Christ in the life. It is not something put on from without, but the genuine fruit of the Spirit dwelling within.” In a world rife with lawlessness and spiritual compromise, my neighbor—be they Jew, Christian, Muslim, or adherent of any faith tradition—deserves the compassion and respect that reflect the character of Christ. My call is to serve as an ambassador of God’s love, bridging divides and offering hope amid despair. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Matthew 22:39, KJV). Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful (Luke 6:36, KJV). “The Lord Jesus Christ has infinite tenderness for those whom He has purchased at the cost of His own sufferings in the flesh, that they should not perish with the devil and his angels, but that He may claim them as His chosen ones” (Selected Messages, book 3, p. 197, 1980). “We are to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are to be interested in everything that concerns them, and if we forget them, when they are in need of sympathy, in need of our ministrations and our loving words, we shall not meet the claims that God has upon us” (Review and Herald, July 13, 1897).

ETERNAL ECHOES!

As we contemplate these weighty prophecies, we are reminded that the end times, as depicted in the KJV and expounded in Sr. White’s writings, are both a warning and an invitation. A warning that the world is on the brink of divine judgment, characterized by rampant sin, catastrophic natural disasters, and a pervasive spirit of lawlessness. Yet it is also an invitation to stand firm, to defend the law of God at any cost, and to live a life marked by obedience, love, and genuine faith. We have seen that while Satan is actively unleashing his wrath upon the earth, God’s love remains a steady, unchanging beacon—guiding, correcting, and calling us back to His holy ways. For us, this is not a call to mere intellectual assent but a summons to practical, lived holiness. We are challenged to be the salt and light in a world that desperately needs the preservation of truth and the transformative power of God’s love. Whether it is through the personal sacrifice of standing for truth, the diligent pursuit of spiritual disciplines, or the compassionate outreach to our neighbors, our response must be unwavering. We are reminded that, as Sr. White so poignantly stated in Testimonies for the Church (Vol. 5, p. 712, 1885), “The end is near, and the faithful must be found watching.” The prophetic words we have examined—drawn from Revelation, Isaiah, and the inspired writings of Sr. White—speak to a world on the brink of divine reckoning. The state of the world in the time of the end is marked by rampant sin, catastrophic calamities, and a pervasive spirit of lawlessness. Yet, amid this chaos, there remains an unyielding call to stand firm for the truth. As we face the prospect of imprisonment, loss, and even death for defending God’s law, we are comforted by the knowledge that God’s love is ever-present. It refines us, strengthens us, and compels us to live lives that are pleasing in His sight. Our responsibilities toward God are clear: to cling to His word, to embody His truth in our daily lives, and to remain steadfast in worship and obedience. Likewise, our duty toward our neighbor calls us to extend genuine compassion and practical help, reflecting the character of Christ in a fractured world. May we, therefore, embrace these truths with courage and conviction, knowing that in our steadfast witness, the glory of God is revealed. Let us, as a community, take these prophetic warnings and promises to heart, and let them shape our lives and ministries in these critical times. Together, we can stand firm as the final bulwark of truth, illuminated by the eternal light of God’s word. May the grace ofour Lord Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit empower us to face these challenges with unwavering faith and deep, abiding love for God and one another. For in our steadfastness, we herald the coming of His kingdom, where righteousness and peace shall reign forever. Amen.

Revelation 3:10 (KJV): “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search

SELF-REFLECTIONS

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about these topics in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?