Did Christ bear our sin/guilt? A dialogue with SDA's who say 'No'.

Justification & sanctification in microcosm. No splitting hairs. All are sinners & complete obedience is simply duty - saved or lost. Acceptance is in the beloved alone. But presumption can not abide in the beloved at all. Before Jesus returns all the dead & living will be judged and saved or lost according to the decision upon each individual case. Jesus will bring the results of that judgement. The idea of paper record or forensic salvation without conversion & sanctification is no salvation at all. Christ must fulfil His work within a person on Earth before the person is preadvent judged in Heaven.

If there are places you want more texts - feel free to look them up. All texts are KJV for your reference purposes.

John 3:1-21

Matthew 1:21

Isaiah 53:6 - 12

Ecclesiastes 12:13 - 14

Revelation 14:7

Matthew 22:1 - 14

Luke 20:35 (accounted worthy = imputed & imparted worthiness)
Luke 21:36 (accounted worthy = imputed & imparted worthiness)

The accounting worthy through the merits of the Beloved occurs before the seal of the living God is authorized to be written in the forehead, and the seal of the living God is the proof of being accounted worthy through the merits of the Beloved and ratified by Heaven. It is the sealing of sanctification while on sinful Earth, to continue eternally in Heaven.

Ezekiel 20:12

Ezekiel 36:23

John 17:17 - 26

Ephesians 1:6 - 11

***********************
Christ must cleanse His children internally & externally & they must cooperate to their uttermost. They can not remain defiled and enter Heaven. The unveiled glory of God consumes all traces of sin & sinners. Atonement for sin is accomplished by death alone. Either the death & resurrection & mediation of Jesus & the seal of the living God - or obliteration in the lake of fire. No other options offered in Scripture & SOP.

1 John 3:3 - 10

Colossians 1:27

2 Peter 1:1 - 12

Revelation 21:27

Hebrews 7:25 - 26

Ephesians 5:25 - 27

Hebrews 12:22 - 29

Deuteronomy 4:23 - 26

Nahum 1:1- 15

************************
The atonement on Calvary must be mediated before God the Father by His appointed High Priest in behalf of fallen humanity.

1 Corinthians 15:12-28

Thanks Ed for posting the DA at length. The SOP view of the great controversy between Christ and Satan is a treasure that few of us appreciate as we should. Who else on the face of the earth has been able to set out the characters of God, Christ and Satan like Ellen White? I can imagine that Christ would say of her, none born of women were greater than her, but he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than she.

Here are a few verses from the New Testament that seem to stand out regarding forgiveness of sins. How do we understand these verses if his death/blood was not required for the forgiveness of sins?

Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission (forgiveness) of sins.

Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission (forgiveness).

Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Thanks for joining us LL. Good texts.

Sherlynnu,

Thank you for reposting this very simple truth.

God Bless,

Daryl,
The contrast is that when God judged this group of the living, one group He would (pass over), one group He would (pass through). The difference in passing over and passing through, was the blood of the lamb slain to be roasted whole & not sodden. That lamb typified the One who would die, yet have His life retained in Himself, and would die via the Second Death experience that would torment Him but not force His life from Him, but be the time He would voluntarily lay it down after drinking it's full penalty in our behalf.

Jesus Christ on Calvary is the only one who fits. The lamb & its applied blood in the Egypt of the Exodus time, were then present symbols of Calvary & the work done there and after His ressurection as He mediated the merits of His life (what the blood symbolizes).

Because God's representative passed over the homes with the token of faith in Calvary yet future spared them, but roasted the Lamb Himself instead of them. The took Him into themselves in symbolic lessons by eating of the lamb representing Him after the manner relayed to them by Moses.

No where else were they to eat unsodden meat. The symbolism = righteousness imputed - lamb's blood on the door, righteousness imparted - lamb's blood in the meat.

No blood on the door also = no blood in the meat -no passover lamb. No passing over by the death angel, they themselves are that night held responsible for their sins, without a Saviour.

*************

Bob thanks for replying.

The 4 SOP quotes found by phrase search "is the third angel's message in verity." = 4 hits

1.
Christ and His Righteousness.--Christ and His righteousness--let this be our platform, the very life of our faith.--Review and Herald, Aug. 31, 1905. {Ev 190.2}

The Third Angel's Message in Verity.--Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel's message, and I have answered, "It is the third angel's message in verity."-- Review and Herald, April 1, 1890. {Ev 190.3}

It Presents an Uplifted Saviour.--This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. Many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless love for the human family. All power is given into His hands, that He may dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angel's message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure. {Ev 190.4}

The uplifted Saviour is to appear in His efficacious work as the Lamb slain, sitting upon the throne, to dispense the priceless covenant blessings, the benefits He died to purchase for every soul who should believe on Him. John could not express that love in words; it was too deep, too broad; he calls upon the human family to behold it. Christ is pleading for the church in the heavenly courts above, pleading for those for whom He paid the redemption price of His own lifeblood. Centuries, ages, can never diminish the efficacy of this atoning sacrifice. The message of the gospel of His grace was to be given to the church in clear and distinct lines, that the world should no longer say that Seventh-day Adventists talk the law, the law, but do not teach or believe Christ. {Ev 191.1}

The efficacy of the blood of Christ was to be presented to the people with freshness and power, that their faith might lay hold upon its merits. . . . {Ev 191.2}

For years the church has been looking to man, and expecting much from man, but not looking to Jesus, in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. Therefore God gave to His servants a testimony that presented the truth as it is in Jesus, which is the third angel's message, in clear, distinct lines.--Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 91-93. (1896) {Ev 191.3}

Christ vs. Penance.--When the third angel's message is preached as it should be, power attends its proclamation, and it becomes an abiding influence. It must be attended with divine power, or it will accomplish nothing. . . . {Ev 191.4}

Penances, mortifications of the flesh, constant confession of sin, without sincere repentance; fasts, festivals, and outward observances, unaccompanied by true devotion--all these are of no value whatever. The sacrifice of Christ is sufficient; He made a whole, efficacious offering to God; and human effort without the merit of Christ, is worthless. . . . {Ev 192.1}

The plan of salvation is not understood to be that through which divine power is brought to man in order that his human effort may be wholly successful. . . . {Ev 192.2}

Without the transforming process which can come alone through divine power, the original propensities to sin are left in the heart in all their strength, to forge new chains, to impose a slavery that can never be broken by human power.--Review and Herald, Aug. 19, 1890. {Ev 192.3}

***************

2.
Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel's message,
200
and I have answered, "It is the third angel's message in verity."--1SM 372 (1890). {LDE 199.4}

The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people through Elders [E.J.] Waggoner and [A. T.] Jones. This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. {LDE 200.1}

Many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless love for the human family. All power is given into His hands, that He may dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angel's message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure.--TM 91, 92 (1895). {LDE 200.2}

The message of Christ's righteousness is to sound from one end of the earth to the other to prepare the way of the Lord. This is the glory of God, which closes the work of the third angel.--6T 19 (1900). {LDE 200.3}
*****************

3.
Some of our brethren have expressed fears that we shall dwell too much upon the subject of justification by faith, but I hope and pray that none will be needlessly alarmed; for there is no danger in presenting this doctrine as it is set forth in the Scriptures. If there had not been a remissness in the past to properly instruct the people of God, there would not now be a necessity of calling a special attention to it.... The exceeding great and precious promises given us in the Holy Scriptures have been lost sight of to a great extent, just as the enemy of all righteousness designed that they should be. He has cast his own dark shadow between us and our God, that we may not see the true character of God. The Lord has proclaimed Himself to be "merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." {1SM 372.1}

Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel's message, and I have answered, "It is the third angel's message, in verity."-- The Review and Herald, April 1, 1890. {1SM 372.2}
*************

4.
Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel's message, and I have answered, "It is the third angel's message in verity." The prophet declares, "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory." Brightness, glory, and power are to be connected with the third angel's message, and conviction will follow wherever it is preached in demonstration of the Spirit. How will any of our brethren know when this light shall come to the people of God? As yet, we certainly have not seen the light that answers to this description. God has light for his people, and all who will accept it will see the sinfulness of remaining in a lukewarm condition; they will heed the counsel of the True Witness when he says, "Be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." {RH, April 1, 1890 par. 8}

[ September 04, 2002, 03:47 AM: Message edited by: Edward F Sutton ]

June 11, 1902 The Abiding Trust
By Mrs. E. G. White.

The Gospel
The gospel -- what a treasure-house of knowledge! It is not as a pool that evaporates; not as a broken cistern that loses its treasure, leaving mud and decaying vegetation behind; not as a fountain that once sent forth a living, refreshing, cooling stream, but has ceased to send forth its cooling waters. Your life may be a living spring, that leaps from rock to rock, clear and sparkling with life, refreshing the weary, the thirsty, the heavy-laden. {GH, June 11, 1902 par. 1}

These promises are not made to a few, but to all who will come to the heavenly banquet that God has prepared in sending his Son to our world to die in our behalf, that through faith in him we should become one with God. The praise and glory of his grace, power, and wisdom is the effectual salvation of a peculiar people, zealous of good works. {GH, June 11, 1902 par. 2}

Predestination.
Wonderful possibilities are provided for every one who has faith in Christ. No walls are built to keep any living soul from salvation. The predestination, or election, of which God speaks, includes all who will accept Christ as a personal Saviour, who will return to their loyalty, to perfect obedience to all God's commandments. This is the effectual salvation of a peculiar people, chosen by God from among men. All who are willing to be saved by Christ are the elect of God. It is the obedient who are predestinated from the foundation of the world. "To as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God, even to as many as believed on him." {GH, June 11, 1902 par. 3}

Seal of God
What is the seal of the living God, which is placed in the foreheads of his people? It is a mark which angels, not human eyes, can read; for the destroying angel must see this mark of redemption. The intelligent mind has seen the sign of the cross of Calvary in the Lord's adopted sons and daughters. The sin of the transgression of the law of God is taken away. They have on the wedding garment, and are obedient and faithful to all God's commands. {GH, June 11, 1902 par. 4}

The Church
The Lord's church is to him the dearest object on earth. Creation itself was originated in the purpose of God that he might glorify himself in the redemption of his people. {GH, June 11, 1902 par. 5}

The Plan of Redemption
By Christ the work upon which the fulfillment of God's purpose rests, was accomplished. This was the agreement in the councils of the God-head. The Father purposed in counsel with his Son that the human family should be tested and proved, to see whether they would be allured by the temptations of Satan, or whether they would make Christ their righteousness, keeping God's commandments, and live. God gave to his Son all who would be true and loyal. Christ covenanted to redeem them from the power of Satan, at the price of his own life. {GH, June 11, 1902 par. 6}

The Holy Spirit's Work
When Christ ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit took his place, and was a perfect representation of him. It is the work of the Spirit to administer the richest grace, and make it effectual in the hearts of God's people, that the elect may be gathered into one family. We need more quiet, abiding trust in God, and then the very best and highest activities will be put forth. Not one false movement will be made. {GH, June 11, 1902 par. 7}

Bob, you're the second person in the short life of the thread to mention Maxwell. I'm not sure if the people I know are familiar with him, but you are right about the similarity between their beliefs and Maxwell's.

It is significant to me that this theology is being contrasted to the theology of 1888.

I have heard the same charges by others - not by John or my friends - that you mentioned - that substitution is Pagan. This person was also influenced by Maxwell.

Mark,

You will find that many medical professionals espouse this, since he taught theology for years out at Loma Linda. And his teaching the SS lessons 6 weeks early, and then sending out tapes of those classes, has spread his ideas hither and yon.

After hearing these things, the lingo and all, in my SS class, I was visiting family in another state. A visiting teacher taught the class. He said, "Let's summarize what we've been studying thus far," and he then proceeded to ignore the lesson. He redefined the sin problem, and then asked what the solution might be.

He was using the same lingo as my church member. I shot up my hand and said, "You find a substitute." He said, "How would that work." I explained it, and then he said, "That's a thought. Anyone else have a thought?"

If you know what to listen for, you can tell who has been listening to those tapes.

I wrote a critique of Servants and Friends. Eventually the lady who sends out his books and tapes got ahold of it and called me. She was mad. At one point she said that I had misunderstood, a common ploy of theirs, and that if I had questions about what he was saying, I should have asked him instead of just going by his books and tapes.

I pondered that for awhile and then wrote her and asked her to get Maxwell to say whether he agreed or disagreed with four propositions. If he agreed, then I was indeed mistaken, and would apologize to all who had seen my critique.

She wrote back and said that if I had questions I could read Maxwell's books and listen to his tapes.

After a friend of mine urged me to dialogue with Maxwell, I wrote again and proposed that we dialogue with one ground rule: If one of us provided three inspired statements spanning something like 30 years, the other would agree that what those statements said was the truth. I never heard from either the lady or him.

If someone who claims to be an Adventist can't say that something is true when God said it was, then there really is no point in discussing the matter with them. By every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God we are to live. "It is written."

If Jesus died merely to demonstrate God's undying love for us, why did He wait until 31 AD? And why did He allow the Jews and the Romans to nail Him to a cross? Why didn't the Father do it?

Bob, my brother is a doctor, an LLU grad, and he attended several SS classes with Maxwell. He was vexed by what he heard, especially as he saw the results of Maxwell's teaching played out in the lives of some of his closest friends.

You suggest that we shouldn't dialogue unless there are some ground rules, the main one being that we give scripture its obvious and intended meaning based on the common usage of language. I think that's a good idea, and I think John would agree to that.

In the Alpha crises, Sister White did not cut off discussion with Kellogg at any point that I am aware of. She met his arguments and wrote at length about Kellogg’s ideas in Volume 8 of the Testimonies. I think it becomes us to encourage dialogue.

Also, any time our ideas are closely tested, we should learn something. John and others likely have some valid points in what they are saying. If there wasn’t a fair bit of truth in their arguments, their would be no challenge in meeting them.

I, like many others I assume, am carefully reading and weighing the arguments/positions of this very 'critical' topic.

For now, this is just a message to all posters in this forum. I would like to pose my own questions when I have fully digested (if I can), all that has been written.

Please contributors, (maybe I am talking for others that are viewing this forum, maybe not), but please try to make clear concise statements. Maybe this is just my problem I am not sure, but it is difficult to follow a long post when having to scroll up and down, up and down to check, double check, and sometimes triple check what has been written. We are reading what you have spent considerable time to lay out for us, and I thank you all so much for the time you invest.

One thing though, maybe I have missed it, but is there a short, real short, table like document that could be had to line up the "older view" with the "newer view" so that at a glance we can see the major differences? That way, I would be able to quickly reference a thought/position that arises in a post to see which 'view' the particular thought/position applies to.

Continue to grow... always in Christ.

Dedreic

Thank you for the quotes Ed. I'm sure you're getting at something.

I nominate Bob to set out the old view. Would you mind Bob? I think you're more knowledgable about this than most of us who hold the old view. Do it however you think is best.

Sorry, me again, I must apologize for the appearance of my previous message. I realize mpw that I was reading the first page of this forum and that my post would occur at the bottom of page two, where the message looks out of place.

My inquiry still stands as to the availability of a "cheat sheet" to help decipher the opposing views.

Continue to grow.... always in Christ.

Dedreic

Why the stress upon "I am he" & "for if ye believe not that I am he ye shall die in your sins." What is it about the "I am he" that takes away any & all sins ?

John 8:
21 ¶ Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

John 8:
28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

******************

What do you do to reconcile Isaiah ch 53:if Jesus was just a moral theory?
Isaiah 53:
1 ¶ Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
10 ¶ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

********************

Romans 3:
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Romans 3:25 Whom <3739> God <2316> hath set forth <4388> (5639) to be a propitiation <2435> through <1223> faith <4102> in <1722> his <846> blood <129>, to <1519> declare <1732> his <846> righteousness <1343> for <1223> the remission <3929> of sins <265> that are past <4266> (5761), through <1722> the forbearance <463> of God <2316>;

1 John 2:2 And <2532> he <846> is <2076> (5748) the propitiation <2434> for <4012> our <2257> sins <266>: and <1161> not <3756> for <4012> ours <2251> only <3440>, but <235> also <2532> for <4012> the sins of the whole <3650> world <2889>.

1 John 4:10 Herein <1722> <5129> is <2076> (5748) love <26>, not <3754> that <3756> we <2249> loved <25> (5656) God <2316>, but <235> that <3754> he <846> loved <25> (5656) us <2248>, and <2532> sent <649> (5656) his <846> Son <5207> to be the propitiation <2434> for <4012> our <2257> sins <266>.

2434 ilamov hilasmos hil-as-mos’

a root word; TDNT-3:301,362; n m

AV-propitiation 2; 2

1) an appeasing, propitiating
2) the means of appeasing, a propitiation

2435 ilasthrion hilasterion hil-as-tay’-ree-on

from a derivative of 2433; TDNT-3:318,362; n n

AV-propitiation 1, mercyseat 1; 2

1) relating to an appeasing or expiating, having placating or expiating force, expiatory; a means of appeasing or expiating, a propitiation
1a) used of the cover of the ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies, which was sprinkled with the blood of the expiatory victim on the annual day of atonement (this rite signifying that the life of the people, the loss of which they had merited by their sins, was offered to God in the blood as the life of the victim, and that God by this ceremony was appeased and their sins expiated); hence the lid of expiation, the propitiatory
1b) an expiatory sacrifice
1c) a expiatory victim

2435. ilasthrion hilasterion hil-as-tay’-ree-on; neuter of a derivative of 2433; an expiatory (place or thing), i.e. (concretely) an atoning victim, or (specially) the lid of the Ark (in the Temple):—mercyseat, propitiation.

**************

Messiah - Lived above the mercy seat of the ark, in His pre-incarnate form. He was & still is the Shekinah Himself.

"Christ was their instructor. As He had been with them in the wilderness, so He was still to be their teacher and guide. In the tabernacle and the temple His glory dwelt in the holy shekinah above the mercy seat. In their behalf He constantly manifested the riches of His love and patience. " {COL 288.1}
******************
"Israel had been a favored people; God had made their temple His habitation; it was "beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth." Ps. 48:2. The record of more than a thousand years of Christ's guardian care and tender love, such as a father bears his only child, was there. In that temple the prophets had uttered their solemn warnings. There had the burning censers waved, while incense, mingled with the prayers of the worshipers, had ascended to God. There the blood of beasts had flowed, typical of the blood of Christ. There Jehovah had manifested His glory above the mercy seat. There the priests had officiated, and the pomp of symbol and ceremony had gone on for ages. But all this must have an end. {DA 576.2}
***************

Two lovely cherubs, one on each end of the ark, stood with their wings outstretched above it, and touching each other above the head of Jesus as He stood before the mercy seat. Their faces were turned toward each other, and they looked downward to the ark, representing all the angelic host looking with interest at the law of God. Between the cherubim was a golden censer, and as the prayers of the saints, offered in faith, came up to Jesus, and He presented them to His father, a cloud of fragrance arose from the incense, looking like smoke of most beautiful colors. Above the place where Jesus stood, before the ark, was exceedingly bright glory that I could not look upon; it appeared like the throne of God. As the incense ascended to the Father, the excellent glory came from the throne to Jesus, and from Him it was shed upon those whose prayers had come up like sweet incense. Light poured upon Jesus in rich abundance and overshadowed the mercy seat, and the train of glory filled the temple. I could not long look upon the surpassing brightness. No language can describe it. I was overwhelmed and turned from the majesty and glory of the scene. {EW 252.1}

I was also shown a sanctuary upon the earth containing two apartments. It resembled the one in heaven, and I was told that it was a figure of the heavenly. The furniture of the first apartment of the earthly sanctuary was like that in the first apartment of the heavenly. The veil was lifted, and I looked into the holy of holies and saw that the furniture was the same as in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. The priest ministered in both apartments of the earthly. He went daily into the first apartment, but entered the most holy only once a year, to cleanse it from the sins which had been conveyed there. I saw that Jesus ministered in both apartments of the heavenly sanctuary. The priests entered into the earthly with the blood of an animal as an offering for sin. Christ entered into the heavenly sanctuary by the offering of His own blood. The earthly priests were removed by death; therefore they could not continue long; but Jesus was a priest forever. Through the sacrifices and offerings brought to the earthly sanctuary, the children of Israel were to lay hold of the merits of a Saviour to come. And in the wisdom of God the particulars of this work were given us that we might, by looking to them, understand the work of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary. {EW 252.2}

As Jesus died on Calvary, He cried, "It is finished," and the veil of the temple was rent in twain, from the top to the bottom. This was to show that the services of the earthly sanctuary were forever finished, and that God would no more meet with the priests in their earthly temple, to accept their sacrifices. The blood of Jesus was then shed, which was to be offered by Himself in the heavenly sanctuary. As the priest entered the most holy once a year to cleanse the earthly sanctuary, so Jesus entered the most holy of the heavenly, at the end of the 2300 days of Daniel 8, in 1844, to make a final atonement for all who could be benefited by His mediation, and thus to cleanse the sanctuary. {EW 253.1}

[ September 05, 2002, 02:13 AM: Message edited by: Edward F Sutton ]

Just posting a note to let you all know that Bob informed me that he will be away until Monday, therefore, unless he gets on a computer while he is away, you may not hear from him again until then regarding your request for Bob to provide, and I quote, "the old view."

God Bless you all.

I am observing all this discussion and would like to comment and perhaps tie together some of the various thoughts that have been put forth. First of all, I would like to say that we (John and I) do believe in the exalted position of Christ. We accept all that the Bible says about God's
Son. It is man's doctrines and interpretations that we lay aside so that we may see what God has to say to us in His word about His glorious character and purposes for man. Often, words, expressions, cliches are used without really stopping to think what they mean. Bible texts can be quoted without really stopping to think about what is meant for our interpretation is pre-formed or pre-judged. This inhibits genuine thought and growth. For example; let's stop and think:

When the Saviour said:"this is my body and this is my blood" "take eat and take drink" we know he was instituting a symbolic service. We know that the blood represents the life. Jesus said, 'the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life'. We know that words are thoughts. We know that the Saviour said He spoke not his own thoughts but the thoughts of the Father. So as we think about the meaning here we see that Jesus was bringing to us the mind of God, His thoughts and purposes. As we eat them, take them into our own thoughts and make them ours we become one with God and with His Son as the Saviour prayed for in the garden. It was and is the purpose of the Son to bring many sons to his Father in heaven. In order to do this we must let the Saviour, by his spirit, into our hearts and minds that we may become sons and daughters. It is the spirit of the Son in us that cries, Abba, Father.

The question that was posted deals with How does Christ save Us? What did His death do for me as far as my salvation? What did His life do for me? And what is He doing for me now? How did he fulfill all the rituals of the law that were given to point men to Him and to prophesy His coming"? Was His death necessary in order for God to forgive? Or is it because something more than forgiveness is needed in order for the universe to be secure forever.

I would like to put forth scriptural answers to these questions beginning with the last one.
In Hebrews chapter 10 it says that the sacrifices could not make perfect those who offered them. They were but a reminder of their sins. Christ said that God did not desire sacrifice and offering (though the law required them) but He came to do the will of God and by that will we are sanctified. It says that the covenant He will make with them will be to put His laws in their hearts and minds.

In Isaiah 55:7 the sinner is invited to come to God, for He will have mercy and abundantly or freely pardon. God has always been willing to forgive and to cast our sins into the depths of the sea and remember them no more. But something more is needed for the universe to be secure. The heart had to be changed from a heart of stone and a new heart of flesh and new spirit placed within man. That is accomplished when we let the blood (spirit) of the Son of God cleanse us from sin. When the spirit of the Son of God, who said, 'lo I come to do thy will, my God and not my will but Thy will', comes into our hearts and lives, we die and are born again a new creature delighting to do the will of God, and are empowered to do that will by the living Saviour who dwells within.
Was that too long a sentence? Can you follow me?
Going backward in my list of questions.

How did he fulfill the shadow of the law that were given to point men to Him and to prophesy His coming? Mark, you asked about the passover and of course there are so many more that pointed to Him. He was the Lamb, the wave-sheaf or first fruits, He is the bread, the manna, He is the cleanser of the old leaven of sin, the blood upon the door, the serpent in the wilderness, the water that flowed from the rock and on and on the old testament fortold the wonderful power and ability of the Saviour to do in us all that we could never do for ourselves. And there were those who saw beyond the symbol to the purpose God was trying to accomplish. They entered in by faith into that Son relationship and became the faithful of Hebrews chapter 11. They were the friends of God who walked with Him and talked with Him and were used by Him to help others to follow.

What did His life do for me and what is He doing for me now? Now, in heaven He is a priest after the order of Melchizadek ministering to me the things of God. All that He lived in this life, living the life of the Son of God, He freely gives to those who allow His spirit to enter their hearts.

Now, to the last and perhaps most sought after answer:

What did His death do for me as far as my salvation? In Philippians 2 it says that He was obedient even unto the death of the cross. The Saviour said in Mark 8:34 that whoever would follow Him must take up his cross. Where did the Lord take His cross? To Calvary , to be crucified on it. We must do the same. We each are given a cross and it is whatever in our lives that God will use to put to death all self-will , all desire for self-exaltation, all self-righteousness so that we can truly say with the Saviour, I delight to do thy will, oh my God. To be obedient unto death, the death of self that the Son of God may be born in our hearts. When this happens old things pass away and all things become new. The scales fall off our eyes and we who were blind now see. We are given a robe of His righteousness, but it is not a robe covering our filthiness beneath. It is the only robe we wear! Underneath is a man washed in the blood (spirit) of the Son of God, a new creature, a new life. A life that is really Christ in us, the hope of glory. A life of the faith of the Son of God. Who loved us and gave himself for us. The word used in that verse, propitiation, means to make favourable. Who is it that needed to be made favourable? Did God need to be made favourable to us? It was He who so loved the world that He gave us His Son. We are the ones who had strayed from Him. We are the sheep that needed to be brought back to the fold. The shepherd did not need to be made more loving or forgiving. It is man who is at enmity with Him. We need the change. Forgiveness alone could not do it. The Son of God had to live that life of faith and be able to give it to us. And He did and does. Praise the Lord!

Do you see why we emphasize what God emphasized in His word? Why Jesus is called the SON of God? It is His faith as a Son that has given Him the exalted position He holds. Philippians. He is at the right hand of God, sharing His throne, receiving the adoration of men and angels. He is our Lord and God because He made the Father His Lord and God. If we let Him live His life of faith in us we also will sit with him on his throne even as He sits on His father's throne. Not that we will be Him. But we will be sons and daughters like Him. One with Him and with His Father. One in thought, character and purpose. The universe will be one and forever secure because the issues have been dealt with. Praise the Lord!

There is more to His life and death, such as the conflict with Satan, and the revelation of the Fathers glory, but so much for now.

But the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.

Debbie, thank you that beautiful explanation. But it left me with a question: what did Jesus do for my salvation that I cannot do for myself?

Hi Debbie. It's good to hear from you. I'm so glad you joined us. I don't mean to flatter, but you have a talent for writing that I didn't know about.

One of the main ideas that I am hearing expressed here in different ways is that God loved us and it was not necessary for Christ to die in order for God to love us. This is true enough, but it was because the Father, the Son and the Spirit loved us that together they devised a way of lifting us from our moral ruin. It was not enough to love us only. We had to be restored. The love of the Deity for humanity was truly the prime mover. But it moved according to the plans they concluded amoung themselves for our restoration.

The Blood of Christ is spirit and life, but it also cleanses. It is not enough to recieve the water of life from the side of Jesus, we must also be cleaned and rejuvinated by the blood. John stresses that, besides the Spirit, the other witnesses are not just the water only, - that is enlightenment - but are the water and the blood - enlightnement and life. The life is in the blood, because it is the blood that cleanses from sin. The washing of water is by the Word which enligbtens us. The washing of blood is by Word which cleanses us. What do you think?

Oh boy, am I confused - I thought that Christ's sacrifice was the only way to God...am I naive??/

Hi Mike,

I would like to give a few scriptures in answer to your question

Romans ch.7
24 O wretched man that I am ! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. …
Romans ch.8
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do (what I could not do), in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Hebrews ch.2
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Mathew ch.12
28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

Ephesians ch.2
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace;

Romans ch.3
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through the faith by his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

And yes Mark, what you said in your last post in reference to the love of God and man's need is indeed correct, and it is what I stated in my first post in different words.

The entire significant difference is in man's understanding of the character of God. God's Love & Forgiveness. God loved and was able and willing to forgive at any time. We were not able to receive the forgiveness and his love, due to the bondage of fear of death (our legal-istic righteousness).

Yes indeed we needed to be saved, not from God's righteousness, but from our righteousness (Sin).

The idea of paying the penalty of God's Law establishes our righteousnes, imposes it upon God. Whereas the truth of his glory(righteousness) breaks the power of the enemy,which has kept us in bondage of fear of death. Christ came to bring us this glory.

John ch.17
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Exodus ch.34
5 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.
6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

Shalom

There is no need to be confused.

Christ shed His blood so that you can be forgiven, for without the shedding of blood there is no remission, or forgiveness, of sin.

Who knows where that is in the Bible?

Matthew 26
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Hebrews 9
22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

John, thank you for those clear answers from the word of God.

Genesis 2
16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Well, they didn't die the day they ate the forbidden fruit. Why not? Is God a liar? Or did someone else die in their place?

Dear Brother Mike: I'll take your question at face value and answer like this:

There is no part of salvation we can do for ourselves except to give Him our sin and self-polluted hearts and let Him give us a new one! The trouble man often has is that he has no problem seeing what sin is; that he knows is wrong. But what gives sin its power and authority in our lives is self and self is tied up so much with our righteousness and self-value that only the power of God can break through and conquer it.

For example I was once talking with a sister who was sharing with me something that she struggled with the most. It gave her more trouble than anything else, caused her more distress and caused her to be most un-Christlike. It was - a clean house! Why did it give her so much trouble? Why couldn't she give it up? Because it was good. It was not a sin. It was something she valued. It represented all her value as a woman and wife and housekeeper. Yet it made her sin and she could not see how to give it up. Many Christians have similar struggles and yet they BELIEVE THAT CHRIST DIED FOR THEM. In order to live with themselves as Christians they have to convince themselves that they are saved, so they just say that they are sinners and Christ knows their hearts. They somehow feel that someday they will overcome these things but this is not what saves them anyway, it's BELIEVING THAT CHRIST DIED FOR THEM.

But in their lives there is no joy, no testimony, no spiritual life. Their Christian lives become a round of just doing what they have always believed is God's will. What they know is right. But if they were honest they would admit that something is missing. Like the rich young ruler they would say: "All these things have I done from my youth, what lack I yet?" But when the Saviour says, "Sell all thou hast and follow me," they cannot. Why? Because what they have is their righteousness. All their Sabbath-keeping and tithe paying and vegetarianism and all the other good things that go with it. All that E.G.White says children and home and marriage should be, all their ideals. But Christ says, "I want them all". Lay them down at my feet and don't you pick one of them up. I will give you my righteousness in my way in my time and you will know that it is I who does it all. When I give it to you, you will not have to fight for it or defend it. I will do it.

Do you know what happens when we experience this? The ropes are cut and life with Christ becomes a glorious adventure of Faith! Everyday is an experience of watching Him do for me what I KNOW I could never do or be. Do you know what this experience does to marriage! To any trial or difficulty? It all becomes the glorious wearing of that beautiful robe of His righteousness! But it costs something. We can no longer fit into other people's moulds of what they think we should be or do. A precious relationship with God through His Son is born and your loyalty is to Him alone. You can never go back. Heaven's windows and doors are opened to you and you can't get enough. His word becomes as if you never read it before. It becomes the voice of God to your soul. And it's food. Hymns you have sung all your life take on new meaning and you wonder how you never heard it before.

May God grant to every reader of these words this glorious experience!

And I know exactly what someone is going to say: "Does that mean you're perfect and you never sin?"

It means, you become a son or daughter of God. Yes, He disciplines His children and He prunes His vines and you will experience it as never before. But it's because you're His child that He does it. And you will wonder why these things never bothered you before. But you will have His joy, peace and approval knowing that you are His and that there is nothing standing between you and Him.

1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

What is the 'death' that Paul teaches that is the wages of sin?

Is this death an eternal separation from God? Is this new or old? or is it one truth that stays the same?

Jesus is the bridge across the gulf that separates us from the Father (at least I have always believe this). If Jesus is not this, how do we regain the perfection, (Be ye perfect just as your Father is perfect)? How do we face the eternal death for our/human actions without this bridge?

If you do not take Jesus as the bridge, then we need a clear, concise definition of just who, what, Jesus was or is?

Which view do I fall in?

Remembering to grow... always in Christ.

Dedreic

Debbie, I totally agree with your description of life in Christ. And it is unfortunate that some people object by asking - "So, you never sin?" I believe conversion is a process and product. During the process of conversion the Holy Spirit influences us to lay aside our defects of character. Once this process is completed we experience the miracle of rebirth, we are born again a new man in Christ. We are dead to sin and awake to Christ and His righteousness. We are free from moral sin, and free to grow in grace and mature in the fruits of the Spirit.

We are also finally free to sin and free not to sin. We are no longer the slaves of sin. Romans 6 makes all this very clear. We do not and cannot sin so long as we are connected to Christ, so long as we are walking in the Spirit and the mind of the new man we will not choose to sin. 1 John 3 makes this very clear. In order to sin we must first resurrect the mind of the old man and then we can only sin. To restore the relationship our sin severed we must experience the gift of repentance. 1 John 2:1,2.

Debbie, here's where I'm not sure what you're saying about sin, death and Jesus. The wages of sin is death. The Bible makes that very clear. But how come I'm able to sin without dying? The first death cannot be the wages of sin because that's what the second death is all about. Can you please explain why we are able to sin without dying the second death?

When we sin, we do die, we die spiritually. Separation from the Spirit of life is death. "In the day that thow eatest thereof, ye shall surley die", Spiritual death is exactly what happened. The execution of second death is not until the end of the thousand years, but it remains a spiritual death unless one [reconects with the sourse of eternal life. Adam and Eve hid themselves and were afraid of God...never again were they to speak to Him Face to face...They died a spiritual death then and there and would not have ever had a chance to be saved, unless they repented and were converted just as the sinners today. "As soon as there was sin there was a Saviour"...A new birth was needed for this sinful pair, or they would have been eternally separated from God and destined for the fires of Hell. The same with us ...when we sin knowingly, we separate oursilves from The Saviour, and the connection is broken, not because of God , but because we choose to sever the relationship by sin. We live until our natural death, but without a new birth in Christ....We are spiritually dead and eternally lost.

If Jesus Christ was not willing to take our guilt, Die our Second/eternal death as our substitute.....there would have been no plan of Salvation, all would have been lost and Satan would be the Victor.

Let us rejoice, for we know who is the winner of this great controversy, Jesus Christ our Example/substitute/Saviour.

Thank you God for your unspeakable Gift.

[ September 06, 2002, 07:27 PM: Message edited by: Charlene Van Hook ]

I have followed this thread with interest, and would like to briefly share some thoughts. I will present 3 small statements, and follow it with the scriptures that these thoughts are based on. This is not necessarily a reply to the previous post.

1. Since Adam's sin, we are subjects of the law and its consequences. All have been concluded under sin, and every person is guilty before God.

Rom. 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Rom. 2:9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Rom 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Also see Romans 7:2-4

2. Unless the Son of God had died on the cross, we could not have been freed from the curse and bondage of the law. The curse of the law is that it demands perfect obedience, and without perfect obedience the sinner is condemned to death. It (the law) can not offer forgiveness; salvation and justification are not possible
through it.

Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the
Spirit through faith.

Gal. 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

3. By becoming a curse for us, through his death on the cross, he has redeemed us from this curse, which, if we were to bear, would mean eternal death to us. In 2 Corinthians 5:21 it is stated that "he was made sin for us, who knew no sin", which is an equivalent phrase to him "being made a curse for us". Through this redemption, we can now have forgiveness of sins through his blood.

Col. 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Mat. 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

His death has redeemed the believer from the curse of the law unto the adoption of sons. Without his death, this would not have been possible, for he redeemed them that were under the law, that they MIGHT receive the adoption of sons (Gal. 4:4).

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then
heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

It is my hope and prayer that we may all gain further insight to truth through meaningful discourse in forums like this. Sabbath blessings to all.

Leif

[ September 07, 2002, 03:42 PM: Message edited by: Leif ]

Adam's sin = immediate death.

Jesus Christ - stepped in and took the stroke and put it on a promissory note(His own life & salvation & right to exist) - in the upper room & Gethsemene - that note was called & on Calvary paid.

Adam's sin called for the immediate death of the human race. Christ immediatly made Himself surity for the human race or they would have died then.

*************

SOP quotes begin

"There was to be co-operation between man and God. But this plan was greatly interfered with by Adam's transgression. Satan led him to sin, and the Lord would not communicate with him after he had sinned as he did when he was without sin. {CC 20.5}

After the fall Christ became Adam's instructor. He acted in God's stead toward humanity, saving the race from immediate death. He took upon him the office of mediator. Adam and Eve were given a probation in which to return to their allegiance, and in this plan all their posterity were embraced. {CC 20.6}

Without the atonement of the Son of God there could have been no communication of blessing or salvation from God to man. God was jealous for the honor of His law. The transgression of that law had caused a fearful separation between God and man. To Adam in his innocence was granted communion, direct, free, and happy, with his Maker. After his transgression, God would communicate to man only through Christ and angels. {CC 20.7}
*****************

"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:6, 7. {HP 153.1}

The degree of light given is the measure of responsibility. The path to heaven will be made plain to all who are faithful in the use of the knowledge they may obtain in regard to the future life. . . . Look at the first act of transgression in the Garden of Eden. To Adam and Eve were plainly stated the laws of Paradise, with the penalty for willful disobedience. They disobeyed, and disobedience brought its sure result. Death entered the world. {HP 153.2}

Transgression is disobedience to the commands of God. Had these commands always been obeyed, there would have been no sin. The penalty of transgression is always death. Christ averted the immediate execution of the death sentence by giving His life for man. . . . Justice requires that men shall have light, and it also requires that he who refuses to walk in the Heaven-given light, the giving of which cost the death of the Son of God, must receive punishment. It is a principle of justice that the guilt of the sinner shall be proportionate to the knowledge given, but not used, or used in a wrong way. God expects human beings to walk in the light, to testify before angels and before men that they acknowledge Christ as the great propitiation for sin and that they respect His sacrifice as their greatest blessing. . . . {HP 153.3}

For time and for eternity the sacrifice of the Son of God to save the fallen race will have a binding claim on man. If God had failed to act His part, if He had not fully revealed His will, if He had given human beings any reason for neglecting the great salvation, man might plead ignorance as a valid excuse. But He has made the way plain. He would have all men to be saved. To some is given greater light than to others. Each will be judged by the light given him. . . . God designed that you should cherish as sacred the light given you. {HP 153.4}

****************
"Those only who acknowledge the binding claim of the moral law can explain the nature of the atonement. Christ came to mediate between God and man, to make man one with God by bringing him into allegiance to His law. There was no power in the law to pardon its transgressor. Jesus alone could pay the sinner's debt. But the fact that Jesus has paid the indebtedness of the repentant sinner does not give him license to continue in transgression of the law of God; but he must henceforth live in obedience to that law. {1SM 229.2}

The law of God existed before the creation of man or else Adam could not have sinned. After the transgression of Adam the principles of the law were not changed, but were definitely arranged and expressed to meet man in his fallen condition. Christ, in counsel with His Father, instituted the system of sacrificial offerings; that death, instead of being immediately visited upon the transgressor, should be transferred to a victim which should prefigure the great and perfect offering of the Son of God. {1SM 230.1}

The sins of the people were transferred in figure to the officiating priest, who was a mediator for the people. The priest could not himself become an offering for sin, and make an atonement with his life, for he was also a sinner. Therefore, instead of suffering death himself, he killed a lamb without blemish; the penalty of sin was transferred to the innocent beast, which thus became his immediate substitute, and typified the perfect offering of Jesus Christ. Through the blood of this victim, man looked forward by faith to the blood of Christ which would atone for the sins of the world. {1SM 230.2}
*******************
5 (John 1:1-3, 14; Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 2:14-18; see EGW on Acts 15:11). Acting in God's Stead.--Adam and Eve were given a probation in which to return to their allegiance; and in this plan of benevolence all their posterity were embraced. After the Fall, Christ became Adam's instructor. He acted in God's stead toward humanity, saving the race from immediate death. He took upon Him the work of mediator between God and man. In the fullness of time He was to be revealed in human form. He was to take His position at the head of humanity by taking the nature but not the sinfulness of man (ST May 29, 1901). {7BC 912.8}
(Acts 4:12; Heb. 7:25; 9:22; 1 John 1:7-9.) Faith in the Blood of Christ.--God is approached through Jesus Christ, the Mediator, the only way through which He forgives sins. God cannot forgive sins at the expense of His justice, His holiness, and His truth. But He does forgive sins and that fully. There are no sins He will not forgive in and through the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the sinner's only hope, and if he rests here in sincere faith, he is sure of pardon and that full and free. There is only one channel and that is accessible to all, and through that channel a rich and abundant forgiveness awaits the penitent, contrite soul and the darkest sins are forgiven. {7BC 912.9}

Mark,

Sins forgiven are forgiven provisionally. Until the time of the blotting out of sin that concurs with the time of sealing, any living person can return to those sins or if unforgiving of others have the old forgiveness annulled and the guilt restored them .

Those sins are laid upon Jesus and stored in the Heavenly Sanctuary till the blotting out work, which then frees up those sins to be removed and in the king of kings function - as king of kings - Jesus puts the sins upon Azazal prepatory to having him lead away and securely restrained. (remind me to give references later).

Appendix C - The Atonement

Appendix C
Part I--Atoning Sacrifice

I. Centrality of the Atoning Cross

The sacrifice of Christ as atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster.--Gospel Workers, p. 315. {7ABC 457.1}

It [the cross] is the central pillar on which hangs the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory which is for those who accept that cross. Under and around the cross of Christ, that immortal pillar, sin shall never revive, nor error obtain control.--Letter 124, 1900. {7ABC 457.2}

The Sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light that streams from the cross of Calvary. I present before you the great, grand monument of mercy and regeneration, salvation and redemption,--the Son of God uplifted on the cross. This is to be the foundation of every discourse given by our ministers.--Gospel Workers, p. 315. {7ABC 457.3}

The cross of Calvary challenges, and will finally vanquish every earthly and Hellish power. In the cross all influence centers, and from it all influence goes forth. It is the great center of attraction; for on it Christ gave up His life for the human race. This sacrifice was offered for the purpose of restoring man to his original perfection; yea, more. It was offered to give him an entire transformation of character, making him more than a conqueror. . . . {7ABC 457.4}

If the cross does not find an influence in its favor, it creates an influence. Through generation succeeding generation, the truth for this time is revealed as present truth. Christ on the cross was the medium whereby mercy and truth met together, and righteousness and peace kissed each other. This is the means that is to move the world.-- Manuscript 56, 1899. {7ABC 457.5}

There is one great central truth to be kept ever before the mind in the searching of the Scriptures--Christ and Him crucified. Every other truth is invested with influence and power corresponding to its relation to this theme. It is only in the light of the cross that we can discern the exalted character of the law of God. The soul palsied by sin can be endowed with life only through the work wrought out upon the cross by the Author of our salvation.--Manuscript 31, 1890. {7ABC 458.1}

Hanging upon the cross Christ was the gospel. . . . This is our message, our argument, our doctrine, our warning to the impenitent, our encouragement for the sorrowing, the hope for every believer. If we can awaken an interest in men's minds that will cause them to fix their eyes on Christ, we may step aside, and ask them only to continue to fix their eyes upon the Lamb of God.-- Manuscript 49, 1898. {7ABC 458.2}

Gather up the strongest affirmative statements regarding the atonement made by Christ for the sins of the world. Show the necessity for this atonement.--Evangelism, p. 187. {7ABC 458.3}

The fact that the companions of Christ in His crucifixion were placed the one on His right hand and the other on His left is a significant one; His cross is placed in the very center of the world . --Manuscript 52, 1897. {7ABC 458.4}

Christ and Him crucified, is the message God would have His servants sound through the length and breadth of the world. The law and the gospel will then be presented as a perfect whole.-- The Review and Herald, Sept. 29, 1896. {7ABC 458.5}

Never should a sermon be preached, or Bible instruction in any line be given, without pointing the Hearers to "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. Every true doctrine makes Christ the center, every precept receives force from His words.--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 54. {7ABC 458.6}

To remove the cross from the Christian would be like blotting out the sun from the sky. The cross brings us near to God, reconciling us to Him. . . . Without the cross, man could have no union with the Father. On it depends our every hope.--The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 209, 210. {7ABC 458.7}

The study of the incarnation of Christ, His atoning sacrifice, and mediatorial work, will employ the mind of the diligent student as long as time shall last.--Gospel Workers, p. 251. {7ABC 458.8}

Christ crucified for our sins, Christ risen from the dead, Christ ascended on high, is the science of salvation that we are to learn and to teach.--Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 287. {7ABC 459.1}

No discourse should ever be presented without presenting Christ and Him crucified as the foundation of the gospel.--Ibid., vol. 4, p. 394. {7ABC 459.2}

We must become exponents of the efficacy of the blood of Christ, by which our own sins have been forgiven.--Ibid., vol. 6, p. 82. {7ABC 459.3}

Science is too limited to comprehend the atonement; the mysterious and wonderful plan of redemption is so far-reaching that philosophy can not explain it; it will ever remain a mystery that the most profound reason can not fathom. If it could be explained by finite wisdom, it would lose its sacredness and dignity. It is a mystery that One equal with the eternal Father should so abase Himself as to suffer the cruel death of the cross to ransom man; and it is a mystery that God so loved the world as to permit His son to make this great sacrifice.--The Signs of the Times, Oct. 24, 1906. {7ABC 459.4}

It is Satan's studied purpose to keep souls from believing in Christ as their only hope; for the blood of Christ that cleanseth from all sin is efficacious in behalf of those only who believe in its merit.--Gospel Workers, p. 162. {7ABC 459.5}

II. Complete Sacrificial Atonement Made on Cross

He [Christ] planted the cross between Heaven and earth, and when the Father beheld the sacrifice of His Son, He bowed before it in recognition of its perfection. "It is enough," He said. "The Atonement is complete."--The Review and Herald, Sept. 24, 1901. {7ABC 459.6}

Type met antitype in the death of Christ, the Lamb slain for the sins of the world. Our great High Priest has made the only sacrifice that is of any value in our salvation. When He offered Himself on the cross, a perfect atonement was made for the sins of the people. We are now standing in the outer court, waiting and looking for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.--The Signs of the Times, June 28, 1899. {7ABC 459.7}

Our great High Priest completed the sacrificial offering of Himself when He suffered without the gate. Then a perfect atonement was made for the sins of the people. Jesus is our Advocate, our High Priest, our Intercessor. Our present position therefore is like that of the Israelites, standing in the outer court, waiting and looking for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.--Manuscript 128, 1897. {7ABC 459.8}

The time had come for the universe of Heaven to accept their King. Angels, cherubim and seraphim, would now stand in view of the cross. . . . The Father accepts the Son. No language could convey the rejoicing of Heaven or God's expression of satisfaction and delight in His only begotten Son as He saw the completion of the atonement.--The Signs of the Times, Aug. 16, 1899. {7ABC 460.1}

The Father demonstrates His infinite love for Christ, who paid our ransom with His blood, by receiving and welcoming Christ's friends as His friends. He is satisfied with the atonement made. He is glorified by the incarnation, the life, death, and mediation of His Son.--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 364. {7ABC 460.2}

The Father gave all honor to the Son, seating Him at His right hand, far above all principalities and power. He expressed His great joy and delight in receiving the Crucified One and crowning Him with glory and honor. And all the favors He has shown to His Son in His acceptance of the great atonement are shown to His people. . . . God loves them as He loves His son. . . . The seal of Heaven has been affixed to Christ's atonement. His sacrifice is in every way satisfactory.--The Signs of the Times, Aug. 16, 1899. {7ABC 460.3}

The sacrifice of Christ is sufficient; He made a whole, efficacious offering to God; the human effort without the merit of Christ, is worthless.--The Review and Herald, Aug. 19, 1890 (March 24, 1896). {7ABC 460.4}

As the sacrifice in our behalf was complete, so our restoration from the defilement of sin is to be complete.--The Ministry of Healing, p. 451. {7ABC 460.5}

His death on the cross of Calvary was the climax of His humiliation. His work as a redeemer is beyond finite conception. Only those who have died to self, whose lives are hid with Christ in God, can have any conception of the completeness of the offering made to save the fallen race.--Letter 196, 1901. {7ABC 460.6}

III. Incarnation Prerequisite to Atoning Sacrifice

Christ has purchased the world by making a ransom for it, by taking human nature. He was not only the offering, but He Himself was the Offerer. He clothed His divinity with humanity, and voluntarily took upon Him human nature, making it possible to offer Himself as a ransom.--Manuscript 92, 1899. {7ABC 460.7}

Not one of the angels could have become surety for the human race: their life is God's; they could not surrender it. The angels all wear the yoke of obedience. They are the appointed messengers of Him who is the commander of all Heaven. But Christ is equal with God, infinite and omnipotent. He could pay the ransom for man's freedom. He is the eternal, self-existing Son, on whom no yoke had come; and when God asked, "whom shall I send?" He could reply, "Here am I; send me." He could pledge Himself to become man's surety; for He could say that which the highest angel could not say,--I have power over My own life, "power to lay it down, and . . . power to take it again."--The Youth's Instructor, June 21, 1900. {7ABC 461.1}

Man could not atone for man. His sinful, fallen condition would constitute him an imperfect offering, an atoning sacrifice of less value than Adam before his fall. God made man perfect and upright, and after his transgression there could be no sacrifice acceptable to God for him, unless the offering made should in value be superior to man as He was in his state of perfection and innocency. {7ABC 461.2}

The divine Son of God was the only sacrifice of sufficient value to fully satisfy the claims of God's perfect law. The angels were sinless, but of less value than the law of God. They were amenable to law. They were messengers to do the will of Christ, and before him to bow. They were created beings, and probationers. Upon Christ no requirements were laid. He had power to lay down his life, and to take it again. No obligation was laid upon him to undertake the work of atonement. It was a voluntary sacrifice that He made. His life was of sufficient value to rescue man from his fallen condition.--The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2 (1877 ed.), pp. 9, 10. {7ABC 461.3}

IV. Spotless Christ Was Perfect Offering

Christ could not have done this work had He not been personally spotless. Only One who was Himself perfection could be at once the sin bearer and the sin pardoner. He stands before the congregation of His redeemed as their sin-burdened, sin-stained surety, but it is their sins He is bearing. All through His life of humiliation and suffering, from the time that He was born an infant in Bethlehem till He hung on the cross of Calvary, and cried in a voice that shook the universe, "It is finished," the Saviour was pure and spotless.--Manuscript 165, 1899. {7ABC 461.4}

Christ was without sin, else His life in human flesh and His death on the cross would have been of no more value in procuring grace for the sinner than the death of any other man. While He took upon Him humanity, it was a life taken into union with Deity. He could lay down His life as priest and also victim. He possessed in Himself power to lay it down and take it up again. He offered Himself without spot to God.--Manuscript 92, 1899. {7ABC 461.5}

When He uttered the cry "It is finished," Christ knew that the battle was won. As a moral conqueror, He planted His banner on the eternal heights. Was there not joy among the angels? Not a son, not a daughter of Adam, but could now lay hold on the merits of the spotless Son of God, and say, Christ has died for me. He is my Saviour.--Manuscript 111, 1897. {7ABC 462.1}

As the sinbearer, and priest and representative of man before God, He [Christ] entered into the life of humanity, bearing our flesh and blood. The life is in the living, vital current of blood, which blood was given for the life of the world. Christ made a full atonement, giving His life as a ransom for us. He was born without a taint of sin, but came into the world in like manner as the human family. He did not have a mere semblance of a body, but He took human nature, participating in the life of humanity. According to the law Christ Himself gave, the forfeited inheritance was ransomed by the nearest of kin. Jesus Christ laid off His royal robe, His kingly crown, and clothed His divinity with humanity, in order to become a substitute and surety for humanity, that dying in humanity He might by His death destroy him who had the power of death. He could not have done this as God, but by coming as man Christ could die. By death He overcame death. The death of Christ bore to the death him who had the power of death, and opened the gates of the tomb for all who receive Him as their personal Saviour.--Letter 97, 1898. {7ABC 462.2}

V. Guilt and Punishment Transferred to Substitute

In dying upon the cross, He transferred the guilt from the person of the transgressor to that of the divine Substitute, through faith in Him as his personal Redeemer. The sins of a guilty world, which in figure are represented as "red as crimson," were imputed to the divine Surety.--Manuscript 84a, 1897. {7ABC 462.3}

The holy Son of God has no sins or griefs of His own to bear: He was bearing the griefs of others; for on Him was laid the iniquity of us all. Through divine sympathy He connects Himself with man, and as the representative of the race He submits to be treated as a transgressor. He looks into the abyss of woe opened for us by our sins, and proposes to bridge the gulf of man's separation from God.--Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, Aug. 1, 1892. {7ABC 462.4}

He was overwhelmed with horror at the fearful work that sin had wrought. His burden of guilt, because of man's transgression of the Father's law, was so great that human nature was inadequate to bear it. The sufferings of martyrs can bear no comparison with the agony of Christ. The divine presence was with them in their sufferings; but the Father's face was hidden from His dear Son.--Ibid. {7ABC 463.1}

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ suffered in man's stead, and the human nature of the Son of God staggered under the terrible horror of the guilt of sin. . . . {7ABC 463.2}

The power that inflicted retributive justice upon man's substitute and surety, was the power that sustained and upheld the suffering One under the tremendous weight of wrath that would have fallen upon a sinful world. Christ was suffering the death that was pronounced upon the transgressors of God's law.--Manuscript 35, 1895. {7ABC 463.3}

What sustained the Son of God in His betrayal and trial? He saw of the travail of His soul and was satisfied. He caught a view of the expanse of eternity and saw the happiness of those who through His humiliation should receive pardon and everlasting life. He was wounded for their transgressions, bruised for their iniquities. The chastisement of their peace was upon Him, and with His stripes they were healed. His ear caught the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.--Testimonies, vol. 8, pp. 43, 44. {7ABC 463.4}

VI. Christ Both Sacrificial Offering and Officiating Priest

The infinite sufficiency of Christ is demonstrated by His bearing the sins of the whole world. He occupies the double position of offerer and of offering, of priest and of victim. He was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. "The prince of this world cometh," He declares, "and findeth nothing in Me." He was a Lamb without blemish, and without spot.--Letter 192, 1906. {7ABC 463.5}

As the high priest laid aside his gorgeous pontifical robes, and officiated in the white linen dress of a common priest, so Christ emptied Himself, and took the form of a servant, and offered the sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim.--The Southern Watchman, Aug. 6, 1903. {7ABC 463.6}
VII. The Cross Central in the Atonement

The cross must occupy the central place because it is the means of man's atonement and because of the influence it exerts on every part of the divine government.--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 236. {7ABC 464.1}

The atonement of Christ is not a mere skillful way to have our sins pardoned; it is a divine remedy for the cure of transgression and the restoration of spiritual health. It is the heaven-ordained means by which the righteousness of Christ may be not only upon us, but in our hearts and characters.--Letter 406, 1906. {7ABC 464.2}

Without shedding of blood there is no remission for sin. He must suffer the agony of a public death on the cross, that witness of it might be borne without the shadow of a doubt.--Manuscript 101, 1897. {7ABC 464.3}

Adam listened to the words of the tempter, and yielding to his insinuations, fell into sin. Why was not the death penalty at once enforced in his case?--Because a ransom was found. God's only begotten Son volunteered to take the sin of man upon Himself, and to make an atonement for the fallen race. There could have been no pardon for sin had this atonement not been made. Had God pardoned Adam's sin without an atonement, sin would have been immortalized, and would have been perpetuated with a boldness that would have been without restraint.--The Review and Herald, April 23, 1901. {7ABC 464.4}

In the councils of heaven the cross was ordained as the means of atonement. This was to be God's means of winning men to Him. Christ came to this earth to show that in humanity He could keep the holy law of God.--Manuscript 165, 1899. {7ABC 464.5}

Christ gave Himself an atoning sacrifice for the saving of a lost world.--Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 208. {7ABC 464.6}

VIII. Atoning Provisions Embrace All Mankind

Christ's atonement includes the whole human family. No one, high or low, rich or poor, free or bond, has been left out of the plan of redemption.--Letter 106, 1900. {7ABC 464.7}

Christ suffered without the gates of Jerusalem, for Calvary was outside the city walls. This was to show that He died, not for the Hebrews alone, but for all mankind. He proclaims to a fallen world that He is their Redeemer, and urges them to accept the salvation He offers.--The Watchman, Sept. 4, 1906. {7ABC 464.8}

As the high priest sprinkled the warm blood upon the mercy-seat while the fragrant cloud of incense ascended before God, so, while we confess our sins and plead the efficacy of Christ's atoning blood, our prayers are to ascend to heaven, fragrant with the merits of our Saviour's character. Notwithstanding our unworthiness, we are to remember that there is One who can take away sin, and who is willing and anxious to save the sinner. With His own blood He paid the penalty for all wrong-doers.--The Review and Herald, Sept. 29, 1896. {7ABC 464.9}

Jesus refused [after the resurrection] to receive the homage of His people until He had the assurance that His sacrifice was accepted by the Father. He ascended to the heavenly courts, and from God Himself heard the assurance that His atonement for the sins of men had been ample, that through His blood all might gain eternal life.--The Desire of Ages, p. 790. {7ABC 465.1}

The sins of the people were transferred in figure to the officiating priest, who was a mediator for the people. The priest could not himself become an offering for sin, and make an atonement with his life, for he was also a sinner. Therefore, instead of suffering death himself, he killed a lamb without blemish; the penalty of sin was transferred to the innocent beast, which thus became his immediate substitute, and typified the perfect offering of Jesus Christ. Through the blood of this victim, man looked forward by faith to the blood of Christ which would atone for the sins of the world.--The Signs of the Times, March 14, 1878. {7ABC 465.2}

IX. Manifold Results of the Atonement

The atonement of Christ sealed forever the everlasting covenant of grace. It was the fulfilling of every condition upon which God suspended the free communication of grace to the human family. Every barrier was then broken down which intercepted the freest fulness of the exercise of grace, mercy, peace and love to the most guilty of Adam's race.--Manuscript 92, 1899. {7ABC 465.3}

In our behalf He died on the cross of Calvary. He has paid the price. Justice is satisfied. Those who believe in Christ, those who realize that they are sinners, and that as sinners they must confess their sins, will receive pardon full and free.--Letter 52, 1906. {7ABC 465.4}

By transgression man was severed from God, the communion between them was broken, but Jesus Christ died upon the cross of Calvary, bearing in His body the sins of the whole world; and the gulf between heaven and earth was bridged by that cross. Christ leads men to the gulf, and points to the bridge by which it is spanned, saying, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." God gives us a probation in which we may prove whether or not we will be loyal to Him.--Manuscript 21, 1895. {7ABC 465.5}

The atoning sacrifice seen through faith brings peace and comfort and hope to the trembling soul weighed down beneath the sense of guilt. The law of God is the detector of sin, and as the sinner is drawn to the dying Christ, he sees the grievous character of sin, and repents and lays hold on the remedy, the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world.--The Review and Herald, Sept. 2, 1890. {7ABC 466.1}

Thus, through the crucifixion of Christ, human beings are reconciled to God. Christ adopts the outcasts, and they become His special care, members of the family of God, because they have accepted His Son as their Saviour. To them is given power to become the Sons of God, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. They gain an intelligent knowledge of what Christ is to them and of the blessings they may receive as members of the lord's family. And in His infinite condescension God is pleased to stand to them in the relation of Father.--Letter 255, 1904. {7ABC 466.2}

The world does not acknowledge that, at an infinite cost, Christ has purchased the human race. They do not acknowledge that by creation and by redemption He holds a just claim to every human being. But as the Redeemer of the fallen race, He has been given the deed of possession, which entitles Him to claim them as His property.--Letter 136, 1902. {7ABC 466.3}

Christ pledged Himself to become his substitute and surety, giving man a second trial. When man transgressed even the smallest precept of Jehovah, it was disobedience just the same as though the test were larger. But how is the grace, mercy, and love provided! The divinity of Christ undertook to bear the sins of the transgressor. This ransom is on solid ground; this pledged peace is for the heart that receives Jesus Christ. And in receiving Him by faith we are blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.--Manuscript 114, 1897. {7ABC 466.4}

Christ received His death wound, which was the trophy of His victory, and the victory of all who believe in Him. These wounds annihilated the power of Satan over every loyal, believing subject in Jesus Christ. By the suffering and death of Christ, human intelligences, fallen because of the sin of Adam, are through their acceptance of Christ and faith in Him, elevated to become heirs of immortality and an eternal weight of glory. The gates of the heavenly Paradise are thrown open to the inhabitants of this fallen world. Through faith in the righteousness of Christ, rebels against the law of God may lay hold upon the Infinite, and become partakers of everlasting life.--Letter 103, 1894. {7ABC 466.5}

"And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die." This is the crisis of the world. If I become the propitiation for the world, it will be lighted up. The defaced image of God would be reproduced and restored, and a family of believing saints will finally inhabit the heavenly home. This is the result of the crucifixion of Christ and the restoration of the world.--Manuscript 33, 1897. {7ABC 467.1}

Our ransom has been paid by our Saviour. No one need be enslaved by Satan. Christ stands before us as our divine example, our all powerful Helper. We have been bought with a price that it is impossible to compute. Who can measure the goodness and mercy of redeeming love?--Manuscript 76, 1903. {7ABC 467.2}

God testified to the great work of atonement in reconciling the world to Himself, by giving Christ's followers a true understanding of the kingdom which He was establishing upon the earth, the foundation of which His own hand had laid. {7ABC 467.3}

The Father gave all honor to His Son, seating Him at His right hand, far above all principalities and power. He expressed His great joy and delight in receiving the Crucified One, and crowning Him with glory and honor. And all the favors He has shown to His Son in His acceptance of the great atonement are shown to His people. Those who have united their interests in love with Christ are accepted in the Beloved. They suffer with Christ, and His glorification is of great interest to them, because they are accepted in Him. God loves them as he loves his Son.--The Signs of the Times, Aug. 16, 1899. {7ABC 467.4}

X. Righteousness Provided Through Atonement

It was evident to him that the law did not abate one jot of its justice, but through the atoning sacrifice, through the imputed righteousness of Christ, the repentant sinner stands justified before the law. {7ABC 467.5}

Christ bore the penalty that would have fallen upon the transgressor; and through faith the helpless, hopeless sinner becomes a partaker of the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust. Christ imputes His perfection and righteousness to the believing sinner when he does not continue in sin, but turns from transgression to obedience of the commandments.-- The Review and Herald, May 23, 1899. {7ABC 467.6}

The only One who could with hope approach God in humanity was the only begotten Son of God. That sinful, repentant human beings might be received by the Father, and clothed with the robe of righteousness, Christ came to the earth, and made an offering of such value that he redeemed the race. Through the sacrifice made on Calvary is offered to everyone the sanctification of grace. --Letter 67, 1902. {7ABC 468.1}

It is only through faith in Christ that sinners may have the righteousness of Christ imputed unto them, and that they may be "made the righteousness of God in him." Our sins were laid on Christ, punished in Christ, put away by Christ, in order that his righteousness might be imputed to us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Although sin was charged to His account on our behalf, yet He remained perfectly sinless.--The Signs of the Times, May 30, 1895. {7ABC 468.2}

The Lord made a full and complete sacrifice upon the cross, the shameful cross, that men might be complete in the great and precious gift of His righteousness. We have God's pledge that He will bind men closely to His great heart of infinite love in the bonds of the new covenant of grace. All who will give up their hope of paying for their salvation, or earning it, and will come to Jesus just as they are, unworthy, sinful, and fall upon His merits, holding in their plea the pledged word of God to pardon the transgressor of His law, confessing their sins and seeking pardon, will find full and free salvation.--Letter 148, 1897. {7ABC 468.3}

XI. Redemptive Price Completely Paid on Calvary

The ransom paid by Christ--the atonement on the cross--is ever before them.--Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 190. {7ABC 468.4}

On the cross of Calvary He paid the redemption price of the race. And thus He gained the right to rescue the captives from the grasp of the great deceiver, who by a lie framed against the government of God, caused the fall of man, and who thus forfeited all claim to be called a loyal subject of God's kingdom. {7ABC 468.5}

Satan refused to let his captives go. He held them as his subjects because of their belief of his lie. He had thus become their jailor. But he had no right to demand that a price be paid for them; because he had not obtained possession of them by lawful conquest, but under false pretense. {7ABC 468.6}

God, being the creditor, had a right to make any provision for the redemption of human beings. Justice demanded that a certain price be paid. The Son of God was the only One who could pay
this price. He volunteered to come to this earth and pass over the ground where Adam fell. He came as the redeemer of the lost race, to conquer the wily foe, and by His steadfast allegiance to right, to save all who should accept Him as their Saviour.--Letter 20, 1903. {7ABC 468.7}

Christ alone could bear the message of man's deliverance. He came with a full and complete ransom. He came to bring life and immortality within the reach of the fallen race. As the Life-giver, He assumed our nature, that He might reveal the character of God, and stamp His image on all who would receive Him. He became man that through His infinite sacrifice God might receive the homage of the restored race. . . . The science of redemption is as high as heaven, and its value is infinite. This truth is so broad, so deep, so high, that beside it all the wisdom of earth's wisest men sinks into insignificance. In comparison with the knowledge of God, all human knowledge is as chaff. And the way of salvation can be made known only by God.--Manuscript 69, 1897. {7ABC 469.1}

All that God and Christ could do has been done to save sinners. Transgression placed the whole world in jeopardy, under the death sentence. But in heaven there was heard a voice saying, I have found a ransom. Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, was made sin for fallen man. "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Christ gave Himself as a ransom. He laid off His royal robe. He laid aside His kingly crown, and stepped down from His high command over all heaven, clothing His divinity with humanity that He might carry all the infirmities and bear all the temptations of humanity.--Letter 22, 1900. {7ABC 469.2}

XII. Justice and Mercy Blend at Cross

Justice and Mercy stood apart, in opposition to each other, separated by a wide gulf. The Lord our Redeemer clothed His divinity with humanity, and wrought out in behalf of man a character that was without spot or blemish. He planted His cross midway between heaven and earth, and made it the object of attraction which reached both ways, drawing both Justice and Mercy across the gulf. Justice moved from its exalted throne, and with all the armies of heaven approached the cross. There it saw One equal with God bearing the penalty for all injustice and sin. With perfect satisfaction Justice bowed in reverence at the cross, saying, It is enough.--General Conference Bulletin, Fourth Quarter, 1899, vol. 3, p. 102. {7ABC 469.3}

Christ's death proved God's administration and government to be without a flaw. Satan's charge in regard to the conflicting attributes of justice and mercy was forever settled beyond question. Every voice in heaven and out of heaven will one day testify to the justice, mercy, and exalted attributes of God. It was in order that the heavenly universe might see the conditions of the covenant of redemption that Christ bore the penalty in behalf of the human race.--Manuscript 128, 1897. {7ABC 470.1}

His [Christ's] object was to reconcile the prerogatives of justice and mercy, and let each stand separate in its dignity, yet united. His mercy was not weakness, but a terrible power to punish sin because it is sin; yet a power to draw to it the love of humanity. Through Christ Justice is enabled to forgive without sacrificing one jot of its exalted holiness.--General Conference Bulletin, Fourth Quarter, 1899, vol. 3, p. 102. {7ABC 470.2}

Justice demands that sin be not merely pardoned, but the death penalty must be executed. God, in the gift of His only begotten Son, met both these requirements. By dying in man's stead, Christ exhausted the penalty and provided a pardon.--Manuscript 50, 1900. {7ABC 470.3}

God bowed His head satisfied. Now justice and mercy could blend. Now He could be just, and yet the Justifier of all who should believe on Christ. He [God] looked upon the victim expiring on the cross, and said, "It is finished. The human race shall have another trial." The redemption price was paid, and Satan fell like lightning from heaven.--Youth's Instructor, June 21, 1900. {7ABC 470.4}

The only-begotten Son of God took upon Him the nature of man, and established His cross between earth and heaven. Through the cross, man was drawn to God, and God to man. Justice moved from its high and awful position, and the heavenly hosts, the armies of holiness, drew near to the cross, bowing with reverence; for at the cross justice was satisfied. Through the cross the sinner was drawn from the stronghold of sin, from the confederacy of evil, and at every approach to the cross his heart relents and in penitence he cries, "It was my sins that crucified the Son of God." At the cross he leaves his sins, and through the grace of Christ His character is transformed. The Redeemer raises the sinner from the dust, and places him under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.--The Signs of the Times, June 5, 1893.

(471) {7ABC 470.5}
XIII. Atonement Vindicates God's Changeless Law

The cross speaks to the hosts of heaven, to worlds unfallen, and to the fallen world, the value which God has placed upon men, and of His great love wherewith He has loved us. It testifies to the world, to angels, and to men, the immutability of the divine law. The death of God's only begotten Son upon the cross in the sinner's behalf is the unanswerable argument as to the changeless character of the law of Jehovah.--The Review and Herald, May 23, 1899. {7ABC 471.1}

The cross of Christ testifies to the sinner that the law is not changed to meet the sinner in his sins, but that Christ has made an offering of Himself that the transgressors of the law might have an opportunity to repent. As Christ bore the sins of every transgressor so the sinner who will not believe in Christ as his personal Saviour, who rejects the light that comes to him, and refuses to respect and obey the commandments of God, will bear the penalty of his transgression.--Manuscript 133, 1897. {7ABC 471.2}

The death of Christ was to be the convincing, everlasting argument that the law of God is as unchangeable as His throne. The agonies of the garden of Gethsemane, the insult, the mockery, the abuse heaped upon God's dear Son, the horrors and ignominy of the crucifixion, furnish sufficient and thrilling demonstration that God's justice, when it punishes, does the work thoroughly. The fact that His own Son, the Surety for man, was not spared, is an argument that will stand to all eternity before saint and sinner, before the universe of God, to testify that He will not excuse the transgressor of His law.--Manuscript 58, 1897. {7ABC 471.3}

Satan is continuing the work on earth that he commenced in heaven. He leads men to transgress the commandments of God. The plain "Thus saith the Lord" is put aside for the "thus saith" of men. The whole world needs to be instructed in the oracles of God, to understand the object of the atonement, the at-one-ment, with God. The object of this atonement was that the divine law and government might be maintained. The sinner is pardoned through repentance toward God and faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. There is forgiveness of sin, and yet the law of God stands immutable, eternal as His throne. There is no such thing as weakening or strengthening the law of Jehovah. As it has always been, so it is. It cannot be repealed or changed in one principle. It is eternal, immutable as God Himself.--Manuscript 163, 1897. {7ABC 471.4}

Satan endeavored to keep hidden from the world the great atoning sacrifice which reveals the law in all its sacred dignity, and impresses hearts with the force of its binding claims. He was warring against the work of Christ, and united all his evil angels with human instrumentalities in opposition to that work. But while he was carrying on this work, heavenly intelligences were combining with human instrumentalities in the work of restoration. The cross stands as the great center of the world, bearing a certain testimony that the cross of Christ will be the condemnation of every transgressor of the law of God. Here are the two great powers, the power of truth and righteousness and the working of Satan to make of none effect the law of God.--Manuscript 61, 1899. {7ABC 472.1}

The death of Christ removes every argument that Satan could bring against the precepts of Jehovah. Satan has declared that men could not enter the kingdom of heaven unless the law was abolished, and a way devised by which transgressors could be reinstated into the favor of God, and made heirs of heaven. He made the claim that the law must be changed, that the reins of government must be slackened in heaven, that sin must be tolerated, and sinners pitied and saved in their sins. But every such plea was cast aside when Christ died as a substitute for the sinner. --The Signs of the Times, May 21, 1912. {7ABC 472.2}

XIV. Atonement Result of Divine Love

The atonement of Christ was not made in order to induce God to love those whom He otherwise hated; and it was not made to produce a love that was not in existence; but it was made as a manifestation of the love that was already in God's heart, an exponent of the divine favor in the sight of heavenly intelligences, in the sight of worlds unfallen, and in the sight of a fallen race. . . . We are not to entertain the idea that God loves us because Christ has died for us, but that He so loved us that He gave His only-begotten Son to die for us.--The Signs of the Times, May 30, 1893. {7ABC 472.3}

As the Saviour is lifted up before the people, they will see His humiliation, His self-denial, His self-sacrifice, His goodness, His tender compassion, His sufferings to save fallen man, and will realize that the atonement of Christ was not the cause of God's love, but the result of that love. Jesus died because God loved the world. --The Review and Herald, Sept. 2, 1890. {7ABC 472.4}

The Father loves us, not because of the great propitiation, but He provided the propitiation because He loves us. Christ was the medium through which He could pour out His infinite love upon a fallen world. "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself." God suffered with His Son, in the agony of Gethsemane, the death of Calvary; the heart of Infinite Love paid the price of our redemption--The Home Missionary, April, 1893. {7ABC 472.5}

XV. Atoning Provision Greater Than Man's Need

Justice demanded the sufferings of a man. Christ, equal with God, gave the sufferings of a God. He needed no atonement. His suffering was not for any sin He had committed; it was for man --all for man; and His free pardon is accessible to all. The suffering of Christ was in correspondence with His spotless purity; His depth of agony, proportionate to the dignity and grandeur of His character. Never can we comprehend the intense anguish of the spotless Lamb of God, until we realize how deep is the pit from which we have been rescued, how grievous is the sin of which mankind is guilty, and by faith grasp the full and entire pardon.--The Review and Herald, Sept. 21, 1886. {7ABC 473.1}

The divine Son of God was the only sacrifice of sufficient value to fully satisfy the claims of God's perfect law. The angels were sinless, but of less value than the law of God. They were amenable to law. They were messengers to do the will of Christ, and before Him to bow. They were created beings, and probationers. Upon Christ no requirements were laid. He had power to lay down His life, and to take it again. No obligation was laid upon Him to undertake the work of atonement. It was a voluntary sacrifice that He made. His life was of sufficient value to rescue man from his fallen condition.--The Review and Herald, Dec. 17, 1872. {7ABC 473.2}

The work of God's dear Son in undertaking to link the created with the Uncreated, the finite with the Infinite, in His own divine person, is a subject that may well employ our thoughts for a lifetime. This work of Christ was to confirm the beings of other worlds in their innocency and loyalty, as well as to save the lost and perishing of this world. He opened a way for the disobedient to return to their allegiance to God, while by the same act He placed a safeguard around those who were already pure, that they might not become polluted.--The Review and Herald, Jan. 11, 1881. {7ABC 473.3}

XVI. Typical Sacrifices Prefigure Lamb of God

The sacrificial offerings, and the priesthood of the Jewish system, were instituted to represent the death and mediatorial work of Christ. All those ceremonies had no meaning, and no virtue, only as they related to Christ, who was Himself the foundation of, and who brought into existence, the entire system. The Lord had made known to Adam, Abel, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and the ancient worthies, especially Moses, that the ceremonial system of sacrifices and the priesthood, of themselves, were not sufficient to secure the salvation of one soul. {7ABC 474.1}

The system of sacrificial offerings pointed to Christ. Through these, the ancient worthies saw Christ, and believed in Him.-- The Review and Herald, Dec. 17, 1872. {7ABC 474.2}

Christ, in counsel with His Father, instituted the system of sacrificial offerings; that death, instead of being immediately visited upon the transgressor, should be transferred to a victim which should prefigure the great and perfect offering of the Son of God. {7ABC 474.3}

The sins of the people were transferred in figure to the officiating priest, who was a mediator for the people. The priest could not himself become an offering for sin, and make an atonement with his life, for he was also a sinner. Therefore, instead of suffering death himself, he killed a lamb without blemish; the penalty of sin was transferred to the innocent beast, which thus became his immediate substitute, and typified the perfect offering of Jesus Christ. Through the blood of this victim, man looked forward by faith to the blood of Christ which would atone for the sins of the world.--The Signs of the Times, March 14, 1878. {7ABC 474.4}

The great truth that was to be kept before men, and imprinted upon mind and heart, was this, "Without shedding of blood is no remission." In every bleeding sacrifice was typified "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Christ Himself was the originator of the Jewish system of worship, in which, by types and symbols, were shadowed forth spiritual and heavenly things. Many forgot the true significance of these offerings; and the great truth that through Christ alone there is forgiveness of sin, was lost to them. The multiplying of sacrificial offerings, the blood of bulls and goats, could not take away sin.-- The Signs of the Times, Jan. 2, 1893. {7ABC 474.5}

The great lesson embodied in the sacrifice of every bleeding victim, impressed in every ceremony, inculcated by God Himself was that through the blood of Christ alone is forgiveness of sins; yet how many carry the galling yoke and how few feel the force of this truth and act upon it, personally, and derive the blessings they might through a perfect faith in the blood of the Lamb of God, realizing that through Him only is forgiveness of sins, believing that when repented of He forgives them, whether great or small. O! What a blessed Saviour!--Letter 12, 1892. {7ABC 474.6}

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. . . . Through the shed blood he looked forward to the future sacrifice, Christ dying on the cross of Calvary; and trusting in the atonement that was there to be made, he had witness that he was righteous, and his offering accepted.--Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 72. {7ABC 475.1}

XVII. The Cross Gave Death Stroke to Satan

He [Christ] died on the cross to give the death-stroke to Satan, and to take away the sin of every believing soul.--Manuscript 61, 1903. {7ABC 475.2}

What right had Christ to take the captives out of the enemy's hands? The right of having made a sacrifice that satisfies the principles of justice by which the kingdom of heaven is governed. He came to this earth as the Redeemer of the lost race, to conquer the wily foe, and, by His steadfast allegiance to right, to save all who accept Him as their Saviour. On the cross of Calvary He paid the redemption price of the race. And thus He gained the right to take the captives from the grasp of the great deceiver, who, by a lie, framed against the government of God, caused the fall of man, and thus forfeited all claim to be called a loyal subject of God's glorious everlasting kingdom.--The Signs of the Times, Sept. 30, 1903. {7ABC 475.3}

Christ on the cross not only draws men to repentance toward God for the transgression of His law--for whom God pardons He first makes penitent--but Christ has satisfied justice; He has proffered Himself as an atonement. His gushing blood, His broken body satisfy the claims of the broken law, and thus He bridges the gulf which sin has made. He suffered in the flesh that with His bruised and broken body He might cover the defenseless sinner. The victory gained at His death on Calvary broke forever the accusing power of Satan over the universe and silenced his charges that self-denial was impossible with God and therefore not essential in the human family.--Manuscript 50, 1900. {7ABC 475.4}

He [Christ] planted His cross midway between heaven and earth, that He might wrestle with and overcome the powers of darkness. He gave His life for the life of sinners, and Satan, the prince of the world, was cast out.--Manuscript 44, 1901. {7ABC 475.5}

Soon was to be offered the great Sacrifice to which all the Jewish offerings pointed. When with the cross before Him, the Saviour uttered the sublime prediction, "Now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up, shall draw all men unto me," He saw that the great apostate, who had been expelled from heaven, was the central power in the earth. Looking for Satan's throne, He found it set up where God's should have been. He saw all men worshiping the apostate, who inspired them with rebellion. The inhabitants of this world had prostrated themselves at Satan's feet. Christ declared, Where stands Satan's throne, there shall stand My cross, the instrument of humiliation and suffering.--Manuscript 165, 1899. {7ABC 476.1}

Christ was crucified, but in wondrous power and glory He rose from the tomb. He took in His grasp the world over which Satan claimed to preside, and restored the human race to favor with God. And at this glorious completion of His work, songs of triumph echoed and re-echoed through the unfallen worlds. Angel and archangel, cherubim and seraphim, joined in the chorus of victory.--The Youth's Instructor, April 16, 1903. {7ABC 476.2}

XVIII. Atonement Never to Be Repeated

The death of Christ upon the cross made sure the destruction of him who has the power of death, who was the originator of sin. When Satan is destroyed, there will be none to tempt to evil; the atonement will never need to be repeated; and there will be no danger of another rebellion in the universe of God. That which alone can effectually restrain from sin in this world of darkness, will prevent sin in heaven. The significance of the death of Christ will be seen by saints and angels. Fallen men could not have a home in the paradise of God without the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Shall we not then exalt the cross of Christ?--The Signs of the Times, Dec. 30, 1889. {7ABC 476.3}

Part II--High-Priestly Application of Atoning
Sacrifice

I. Ministers the Benefits of Complete Atoning Sacrifice

These are our themes--Christ crucified for our sins, Christ risen from the dead, Christ our intercessor before God; and closely connected with these is the office work of the Holy Spirit.-- Evangelism, p. 187. {7ABC 476.4}

The great Sacrifice had been offered and had been accepted, and the Holy Spirit which descended on the day of Pentecost carried the minds of the disciples from the earthly sanctuary to the heavenly, where Jesus had entered by His own blood, to shed upon His disciples the benefits of His atonement.--Early Writings, p. 260. {7ABC 477.1}

Our Saviour is in the sanctuary pleading in our behalf. He is our interceding High Priest, making an atoning sacrifice for us, pleading in our behalf the efficacy of His blood.--Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 370. {7ABC 477.2}

Every one who will break from the slavery and service of Satan, and will stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel, will be kept by Christ's intercessions. Christ, as our Mediator, at the right hand of the Father, ever keeps us in view, for it is as necessary that He should keep us by His intercessions as that He should redeem us with His blood. If He lets go His hold of us for one moment, Satan stands ready to destroy. Those purchased by His blood, He now keeps by His intercession.-- Manuscript 73, 1893. {7ABC 477.3}

Thank God that He who spilled His blood for us, lives to plead it, lives to make intercession for every soul who receives Him. . . . We need to keep ever before us the efficacy of the blood of Jesus. That life-cleansing, life-sustaining blood, appropriated by living faith, is our hope. We need to grow in appreciation of its inestimable value, for it speaks for us only as we by faith claim its virtue, keeping the conscience clean and at peace with God. {7ABC 477.4}

This is represented as the pardoning blood, inseparably connected with the resurrection and life of our Redeemer, illustrated by the ever-flowing stream that proceeds from the throne of God, the water of the river of life.--Letter 87, 1894. {7ABC 477.5}

Christ died to make an atoning sacrifice for our sins. At the father's right hand He is interceding for us as our High Priest. By the sacrifice of His life He purchased redemption for us. His atonement is effectual for every one who will humble himself, and receive Christ as his example in all things. If the Saviour had not given His life as a propitiation for our sins, the whole human family would have perished. They would have had no right to heaven. It is through His intercession that we, through faith, repentance, and conversion, are enabled to become partakers of the divine nature, and thus escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.--Manuscript 29, 1906. {7ABC 477.6}

(stopped paragraph spacing here)

This prayer [of John 17] is a lesson regarding the intercession that the Saviour would carry on within the veil, when His great sacrifice in behalf of men, the offering of Himself, should have been completed. Our Mediator gave His disciples this illustration of His ministration in the heavenly sanctuary in behalf of all who will come to Him in meekness and humility, emptied of all selfishness, and believing in His power to save.--Manuscript 29, 1906 (SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1145). {7ABC 478.1}
II. Ministry Applies and Completes Transaction of Cross

The intercession of Christ in man's behalf in the sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the cross. By His death He began that work which after His resurrection He ascended to complete in heaven. We must by faith enter within the veil, "whither the forerunner is for us entered." Hebrews 6:20. There the light from the cross of Calvary is reflected. There we may gain a clearer insight into the mysteries of redemption.--The Great Controversy, p. 489. {7ABC 478.2}
Christ's words on the mountainside were the announcement that His sacrifice in behalf of man was full and complete. The conditions of the atonement had been fulfilled; the work for which He came to this world had been accomplished. He had won the kingdom. He had wrested it from Satan, and had become heir of all things. He was on His way to the throne of God, to be honored by angels, principalities, and powers. He had entered upon His mediatorial work. Clothed with boundless authority, He gave His commission to the disciples, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."--Manuscript 138, 1897. {7ABC 478.3}
Thank God that He who spilled His blood for us, lives to plead it, lives to make intercession for every soul who receives Him. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. It speaketh better things

(479)

than the blood of Abel, for Christ ever liveth to make intercession for us. We need to keep ever before us the efficacy of the blood of Jesus.--Letter 87, 1894. {7ABC 478.4}
Jesus stands before the Father, continually offering a sacrifice for the sins of the world. He is the minister of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. The typical offerings of the Jewish tabernacle no longer possess any virtue. A daily and yearly atonement is no longer necessary. But because of the continual commission of sin, the atoning sacrifice of a heavenly Mediator is essential. Jesus, our great high priest, officiates for us in the presence of God, offering in our behalf His shed blood.-- The Youth's Instructor, April 16, 1903. {7ABC 479.1}
By His spotless life, His obedience, His death on the cross of Calvary, Christ interceded for the lost race. And now, not as a mere petitioner does the Captain of our salvation intercede for us, but as a conqueror claiming His victory. His offering is complete, and as our intercessor He executes His self-appointed work, holding before God the censer containing His own spotless merits and the prayers, confessions, and thanksgiving of His people. Perfumed with the fragrance of His righteousness, these ascend to God as a sweet savor. The offering is wholly acceptable, and pardon covers all transgression. To the true believer Christ is indeed the minister of the sanctuary, officiating for him in the sanctuary, and speaking through God's appointed agencies.--The Signs of the Times, Feb. 14, 1900. {7ABC 479.2}
In the courts above, Christ is pleading for His church-- pleading for those for whom He has paid the redemption price of His blood. Centuries, ages, can never lessen the efficacy of His atoning sacrifice. Neither life nor death, height nor depth, can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus; not because we hold Him so firmly, but because He holds us so fast.--The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 552, 553. {7ABC 479.3}
Jesus is our great High Priest in heaven. And what is He doing?--He is making intercession and atonement for His people who believe in Him.--Testimonies to Ministers, p. 37. {7ABC 479.4}
God is approached through Jesus Christ, the Mediator, the only way through which He forgives sins. God cannot forgive sins at the expense of His justice, His holiness, and His truth. But He does forgive sins and that fully. There are no sins He will not forgive in and through the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the sinner's only hope, and if he rests here in sincere faith, he is sure of

(480)

pardon and that full and free. There is only one channel and that is accessible to all, and through that channel a rich and abundant forgiveness awaits the penitent, contrite soul and the darkest sins are forgiven. {7ABC 479.5}
These lessons were taught to the chosen people of God thousands of years ago; repeated in various symbols and figures that the work of truth might be riveted in every heart, that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins.--Letter 12, 1892. {7ABC 480.1}
Christ died for us, and receiving His perfection, we are entitled to heaven. To all who believe in Him, He gives power to become the sons of God. Because He lives, we shall live also. He is our Advocate in the courts above. This is our only hope.-- Manuscript 29, 1906. {7ABC 480.2}
By pledging His own life, Christ has made Himself responsible for every man and woman on the earth. He stands in the presence of God, saying, Father, I take upon Myself the guilt of that soul. It means death to him if he is left to bear it. If he repents, he shall be forgiven. My blood shall cleanse him from all sin. I gave My life for the sins of the world. {7ABC 480.3}
If the transgressor of God's law will see in Christ his atoning sacrifice, if he will believe in Him who can cleanse from all unrighteousness, Christ will not have died for him in vain.--The Review and Herald, Feb. 27, 1900. {7ABC 480.4}
"In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God [mark the words], to make reconciliation for the sins of the people," through the atonement. The repenting sinner is to believe in Christ as his personal Saviour. This is his only hope. He may lay hold on the merits of the blood of Christ, presenting to God the crucified and risen Saviour as his worthiness. Thus through Christ's offering of Himself, the innocent for the guilty, every obstruction is removed, and the pardoning love of God flows forth in rich streams of mercy to fallen man.-- Letter 91, 1895. {7ABC 480.5}
As we acknowledge before God our appreciation of Christ's merits, fragrance is given to our intercessions. Oh, who can value this great mercy and love. As we approach God through the virtue of Christ's merits, we are clothed with His priestly vestments. He places us close by His side, encircling us with His human arm, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite. He puts His merits, as sweet incense, in a censer in their

(481)

hands, in order to encourage their petitions. He promises to hear and answer their supplications.--Letter 22, 1898. {7ABC 480.6}
Today He [Christ] is making an atonement for us before the Father. "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." Pointing to the palms of His hands, pierced by the fury and prejudice of wicked men, He says of us, "I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands" [Isa. 49:16]. The Father bows in recognition of the price paid for humanity, and the angels approach the cross of Calvary with reverence. What a sacrifice is this! Who can fathom it! It will take the whole of eternity for man to understand the plan of redemption. It will open to him line upon line, here a little and there a little.-- Manuscript 21, 1895. {7ABC 481.1}
III. Christ Ministering in Heavenly Sanctuary

We are in the great day of atonement, and the sacred work of Christ for the people of God that is going on at the present time [1882] in the heavenly sanctuary, should be our constant study. --Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 520. {7ABC 481.2}
O that all could behold our precious Saviour as He is, a Saviour. Let His hand draw aside the veil which conceals His glory from our eyes. It shows Him in His high and holy place. What do we see? Our Saviour, not in a position of silence and inactivity. He is surrounded with heavenly intelligences, cherubims and seraphims, ten thousand times ten thousand of angels. All these heavenly beings have one object above all others, in which they are intensely interested,--His church in a world of corruption.--Letter 89c, 1897. {7ABC 481.3}
He is in His holy place, not in a state of solitude and grandeur, but surrounded by ten thousand times ten thousand of heavenly beings who wait to do their Master's bidding. And He bids them go and work for the weakest saint who puts his trust in God. High and low, rich and poor, have the same help provided. --Letter 134, 1899. {7ABC 481.4}
Do not place your influence against God's commandments. That law is just as Jehovah wrote it in the temple of heaven. Man may trample upon its copy here below, but the original is kept in the ark of God in heaven; and on the cover of this ark, right above that law, is the mercy seat. Jesus stands right there before that ark to mediate for man.--Manuscript 6a, 1886 (SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 1109).

(482) {7ABC 481.5}
We all need to keep the subject of the sanctuary in mind. God forbid that the clatter of words coming from human lips should lessen the belief of our people in the truth that there is a sanctuary in heaven, and that a pattern of this sanctuary was once built on this earth. God desires His people to become familiar with this pattern, keeping ever before their minds the heavenly sanctuary, where God is all and in all.--Letter 233, 1904. {7ABC 482.1}
Jesus is our advocate, our High Priest, our Intercessor. Our position is like that of the Israelites on the Day of Atonement. When the High Priest entered the most holy place, representing the place where our High Priest is now pleading, and sprinkled the atoning blood upon the mercy seat, no propitiatory sacrifices were offered without. While the priest was interceding with God, every heart was to be bowed in contrition, pleading for the pardon of transgression.--The Signs of the Times, June 28, 1899. {7ABC 482.2}
IV. Second Phase of Priesthood Embraces Judgment

He fulfilled one phase of His priesthood by dying on th

Thanks so much Ed. I've read a sampling, and I plan to read it all carefully. As I read her statements I was impressed again that Ellen White knew God like no other modern writer.

John asked: "Where in the scriptures does it say that the Saviour died the 'second death'?"

John, I believe Jesus "tasted" (Heb 2:9) the second death when He consumed the cup of trembling on Calvary. I don't think He died the second death. I believe He conquered sin and the second death for all mankind. He is now the lawful owner of sin and the keys of hell and of death.

The sanctuary message makes it very clear that Satan, the scapegoat, dies the second death in the lake of fire with the sins of the saved at the end of the millennium. Jesus, the Lord's goat, does not die the second death.

Jesus tasted, consumed and conquered the second death, therefore, He earned the right to own our sin and second death. As lawful owner it is His responsibility to eliminate them at the end of time. But if Jesus had died the second death it is already eliminated and Satan would not die with the sins of the saved. He would die with only his sins.

Because Jesus drained the dregs of the cup, born again believers do not have to pay the second death penalty for their own sins and guilt. That's why Adam and Eve did not die the second death the very moment they ate the forbidden fruit. Jesus isolated the consequences and penalty of sin within Himself by drinking the cup. He did not die the second death, rather He quarantined it within Himself.

What do you think?

Mark,

I think you really missed the point about ga'al. Ga'al is a term based in the legal system of the Hebrews. It is also based upon the principle of one person being able to pay a debt for a relative, and redeem that person from the obligation of a debt that he/she could not pay. This tieing of the Redeemer of Isreal to a legal principle of redemption, or paying a debt that the debtor could not pay, shows that we do have a legal debt. One that we cannot pay ourselves. Thus anything at all that denies that Jesus, our Kinsman-Redeemer(ga'al), paid a legal debt for us, denies clear scriptural evidence to the contrary.

The Passover, while an excellent example of how God works is not a legal principle, but an institution, a ceremony to remind of how God has passed over our sins when we claim the blood of Jesus.

I'm not putting down the Passover in way, shape, or form, but am saying that ga'al is clear evidence of payment of a legal debt.

I would like to submit the following quote for your consideration, what death did Jesus die?

Bible Training School--- 09-01-15---Gethsemane

In the garden of Gethsemane Christ suffered in man's stead, and the human nature of the Son of God staggered under the terrible horror of the
guilt of sin, until from His pale and quivering lips was forced the agonizing cry, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me:" but if there be no other way by which the salvation of man may be accomplished, then "not as I will, but as Thou wilt." Human nature would then and there have died under the horror of the sense of sin, had not an angel from heaven
strengthened Him to bear the agony. The power that inflicted retributive justice upon man's substitute and surety, was the power that sustained and upheld the suffering One under the tremendous weight of wrath that would have fallen upon a sinful world. Christ was suffering the death that was pronounced upon the transgressors of God's law.

Can't get much clearer than that, Charlene.

Daryl and Charlene, please note what the quote says and doesn't say: "Christ was suffering the death that was pronounced upon the transgressors of God's law."

Drinking the cup of trembling was indeed painful and caused superhuman suffering. But please notice that the quote does not say that Jesus died the second death. If Jesus had died the second death there would have been no resurrection on Sunday morning.

Also, please explain why the Scapegoat dies the second death and not the Lord's goat.

1Jo 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Mike, It seems clear form these texts what the outcome was/will be...Deity does not die, Jesus being fully God and fully man with sinful nature humanity......His sinful human nature and the sins of all humanity [wages] experienced the second death according to the scriptures and the quote by SOP. His resurrection is our assurance that when our sinful nature is crucified, and we drink the cup that He asks us to drink, we will in His strength raise from our grave to eternal life.

What was the wage that had to be paid? Eternal death. Who paid it? Jesus, A willing victim, because of our transgressions

Charlene, I'm sorry, but I don't find in the Bible or the SOP where Jesus died the second death. It clear that He suffered tasting and conquering the second death by drinking the cup of God's wrath, but nowhere does it say that He died the second death.

Please show me a plain statement in the Bible or the SOP where it says Jesus died the second death. It just doesn't exist.

On the cross Jesus was still very much alive when He cried, "It is finished." John 19:30. What He came to accomplish for us in the outer court, while a man on earth, was finished BEFORE He died. He conquered the second death before He died the first death. Death is defeat, not victory. The suffering of the second death is what separates it from the first death. The suffering of the second death is the wages of sin, death itself is relief from the suffering. And Jesus survived this suffering and lived to declare, It is finished. He defeated the second death, not the other way round.

If Jesus had died the second death, then upon His resurrection (which, according to the Bible is not possible) the great controversy would have ended then and there. Nothing further would have been required of Him as our Saviour - no work in the holy place, and no work in the most holy place. For, in the lake of fire, where the second death happens, sin is eliminated.

If Jesus had died the second death, instead of consuming it completely, then death would have been the winner on the cross. How much more was left over if Jesus died before the cup was empty? But if He emptied the cup before He died, then He defeated the second death. And His journey in and out of the tomb of the first death was merely to demonstrate His ownership of the keys of hell and of death, which He used to enter and exit the grave.

To conquer and to defeat the second death on the cross accomplishes more for our salvation than to succomb to it. There can be no question as to whether or not Jesus defeated the second death on the cross since He was alive after He won. Now that He is the lawful owner of our sin and second death, it is His responsibility to eliminate them in the lake of fire at the end of time. This He will do by transferring them upon the head of Satan, the scapegoat. It is the Devil that dies the second, eternal death with our sin, not Jesus.

I realize that people who resist this understanding of the second death are concerned that if Jesus did not die the second death then He cannot be our Saviour. But the furthest thing is the truth. Because Jesus conquered, consumed and defeated the second death on the cross of Calvary is precisely what makes Him our dear, precious Saviour. By draining the entire cup of wrath there was nothing left over for us to drink. He had to be alive in order to drain the cup, and by living through the entire experience He proved to be victorious, not defeated.

Charlene, please answer my question about the Scapegoat, the Lord's goat, and the second death.

[ September 11, 2002, 12:11 PM: Message edited by: Mike Lowe ]

Gary, thank you for your response. There is no difference between the first and second death, so far as being dead is concerned. The difference has to do with drinking the cup of wrath BEFORE dying. The shame, guilt and suffering that precedes death is the second death experience.

By drinking this cup on our behalf, Jesus earned the right to own our sin and second death. Draining the cup as our Substitute satisfies the demands of the law. He conquered death by 1) drinking the cup of the second death and, 2) by entering and exiting the portals of the first death. He is twice a winner.

As lawful owner of sin and death, it is His responsibility to eliminate them in the lake of fire at the end of time. This He will do by transferring our sin and second death upon the head of Satan, the scapegoat, who will die the eternal death with our sin in the lake of fire.

If we say Jesus died the second death, then we are also saying He is the scapegoat. This would be a terrible mistake.

I hope that makes more sense.

[ September 11, 2002, 10:55 PM: Message edited by: Mike Lowe ]

Sept. 12, 1891. God's Love for Us. "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Jesus took the sinner's place. He became "sin for us, who knew no sin." The God of justice did not spare His Son. In the secret place of the Most High a voice was heard: "Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts." The whole debt for the transgressor of God's law was demanded from our Mediator. A full atonement was required. How appropriate are the words of Isaiah, "It pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief." His soul was made "an offering for sin." "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities."

Jesus suffered the extreme penalty of the law for our transgressions, and justice was fully satisfied. The law is not abrogated; it has lost not one jot of its force. Instead, it stands forth in holy dignity, Christ's death on the cross testifying to its immutability. Its demands have been met, its authority maintained. God spared not His only begotten Son. To show the depth of His love for man, He delivered Him up for us all. "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Behold Him dying on the cross. Behold Him who was equal with God, mocked and derided by the mob. Behold Him in Gethsemane, bowed under the burden of the sins of the whole world.

Was the penalty remitted because He was the Son of God? Were the vials of wrath withheld from Him who was made sin for us? Without abatement the penalty fell upon our divine-human Substitute.

Hear His cry, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" He was treated as a sinner that we might be treated as righteous, that God might be just and yet the justifier of the sinner.

I ask the impenitent, What greater evidence do you want that God is a God of justice? If the sword of justice woke in its might against the Fellow of the Almighty, and was not sheathed until bathed in the blood of God's only begotten Son, what will be the punishment of those who refuse to accept the atoning sacrifice? When the Son of God interposed in man's behalf, and humbled Himself on Calvary, angels drew back in amazement. Can those for whom this great sacrifice was made escape the wrath of God if they are indifferent to this great salvation? Those who choose to continue in sin will be without a shadow of excuse. Calvary is the only argument that will be used against them.

The love existing between the Father and His Son cannot be portrayed. It is measureless. In Christ God saw the beauty and perfection of excellence that dwells in Himself. Wonder, O heavens, and be astonished. O earth, for God spared not His own Son, but gave Him up to be made sin for us, that those who believe may be made the righteousness of God in Him. "God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Language is too feeble for us to attempt to portray the love of God. We believe it, we rejoice in it, but we cannot comprehend it.
Giving Christ, God has given everything. Nothing greater, nothing more costly, could He bestow. In giving His Son, He gave all heaven, not because of any goodness or righteousness that we possess, but because He loved us. {18MR 335-77}
_________________________________________

Satan with his fierce temptations wrung the heart of Jesus. The Saviour could not see through the portals of the tomb. Hope did not present to Him His coming forth from the grave a conqueror, or tell Him of the Father's acceptance of the sacrifice. He feared that sin was so offensive to God that Their separation was to be eternal. Christ felt the anguish which the sinner will feel when mercy shall no longer plead for the guilty race. It was the sense of sin, bringing the Father's wrath upon Him as man's substitute, that made the cup He drank so bitter, and broke the heart of the Son of God. {DA 753}

~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_

If Jesus didn't die the second death, how is it he couldn't see beyone the portals of the tomb? He paid the whole debt demanded by the law and that debt is the second death, eternal separation from God.

quote:

---

But those who have not, through repentance and faith, secured pardon, must receive the penalty of transgression--"the wages of sin." They suffer punishment varying in duration and intensity, "according to their works," but finally ending in the second death. Since it is impossible for God, consistently with His justice and mercy, to save the sinner in his sins, He deprives him of the existence which his transgressions have forfeited and of which he has proved himself unworthy. Says an inspired writer: "Yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be." And another declares: "They shall be as though they had not been." Psalm 37:10; Obadiah 16. Covered with infamy, they sink into hopeless, eternal oblivion. {GC 544.2}

The sinner is not immortal; for God has said, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Eze. 18:4). This means all that it expresses. It reaches farther than the death which is common to all; it means the second death 1SM 297

---