At the opening of the story of mankind all was sinless. All was a “yes” to the decision of the heavenly Father to bring forth persons made in his image and likeness, a startling decision that flesh and blood would share in God’s powers of knowing and willing. It was the grand experiment, and even the angels were amazed at this next step in God’s unfolding plan.

They rejoiced to have man as their friend, knowing that man’s destiny was to join them forever in heaven. The fallen angels did not see this creation of man in the same way. Their places were now vacant and God had chosen to fill these places with creatures much more lowly in stature than the mighty, but fallen, angels.

Thus, the contest began, a struggle that will continue to the end of time when, finally, Jesus will put all creation under his power and will wipe out death and sin forever. These are the shapers of human history. Although many shape the course of human history, man, of course, is at the center, the main actor, the one who ultimately must make the decision. However, these other forces are powerful. They, too, shape human history. I will unfold this story to enlighten all because many are quite unaware of the powers they face every day and of the helps that the heavenly Father wants to provide.