This
is for people who think that Ellen White did not hold to the Substitutionary
view of the Atonement. Many of the followers of A. Graham Maxwell think that
Ellen would subscribe to what he terms the “Larger View” which is more similar
to the Moral Influence Theory then to the Penal/ Substitutionary theory. A
search of the MLI software CD Rom of all the published writings of Ellen White
with the addition of a few private collections reveals that she used the term
“Substitute and surety” about Jesus 156 times. The following 55 pages of Ellen
White quotes includes all of those 156 references as well as her other
references where she speaks of Jesus Christ as man’s substitute. If anyone is
honest with themselves they will realize that the term substitute is the
foundation upon which the Penal / Substitutionary theory of the atonement is
based. She is not Substitutionary in
isolated instances but that is her predominate view. She does include some
Moral Influence views also, as does almost all other theories of the Atonement
since it is the clearest and most straight forward of Atonement views and has
been a part of the Substitutionary view of the atonement since the days of Hugo
Grotus.
Before
the comprehensive listing of Ellen White’s
“Substitute” quotes I have created a section which lists her most
exclaimatory comments reflecting her Substitutionary view of the atonement. To
save space relevant sections are quoted in the first section, the following
section contains the entire paragraph quotes.
DA.753.001
Upon Christ as our substitute and surety
was laid the iniquity of us all. He was counted a transgressor, that He might
redeem us from the condemnation of the law. The guilt of every descendant of
Adam was pressing upon His heart. The wrath of God against sin, the terrible
manifestation of His displeasure because of iniquity, filled the soul of His
Son with consternation.
AG.1903-08-19.003
Atlantic Union Gleaner 1903
Our
Only Hope. God's law has lost none
of its force. In his sight sin is still a hateful thing. Because we have
sinned, we must personally bear the condemnation of the law, unless some one
else, one in whom no taint of sin can be found, will bear the condemnation in
our behalf. Without a substitute, we have no hope of pardon and salvation.
BE.1894-11-05.005 Bible Echo 1894
We are not under a system of mere
requirements, mere justice, and unsympathizing rigour. The penalty of
transgressing the law has fallen upon our Substitute and Surety, and for a time
has been suspended, so that the guilty do not feel its weight; but the object
of this suspension is not to teach us that its claims are over, its exactions
set aside, but to attract us to holiness, to obedience.
PT.1886-02-04.001
Present Truth (British) 1886
It was not the dread of death which
caused the inexpressible agony of Jesus…. It was the guilt of sin, bringing the
Father's wrath upon him as man's substitute, that broke the heart of the Son of
God.
SS.1895-11-01.003 Sabbath-School Worker 1895
The plan of redemption is perfect in all
its parts. It does not demerit or lessen the claims of the law of God in one
jot or one tittle in saving the sinner from the just penalty of the law.
Through the provision of the death of God's only-begotten Son in sinners'
behalf, the immutability of the law of God is demonstrated for time and
eternity. Justice honors the law of God in providing a substitute for the
transgressor; for Christ gave his own life a ransom in order that God might be
just and yet be the justifier of him who believes in Jesus. The work of saving
the lost through the merit of Christ magnifies the law and harmonizes with
every perfection of Jehovah. In the plan of salvation the highest honor is paid
to the law of heaven's government, and yet mercy is freely dispensed to the
fallen sons of Adam.
RH.1873-01-21.003 Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 1873
Christ came not confessing his own sins; but
guilt was imputed to him as the sinner's substitute. He came not to repent on
his own account; but in behalf of the sinner. As man had transgressed the law
of God, Christ was to fulfill every requirement of that law, and thus show
perfect obedience. "Lo, I come to do thy will, O God!" Christ honored
the ordinance of baptism by submitting to this rite. In this act he identified
himself with his people as their representative and head. As their substitute,
he takes upon him their sins, numbering himself with the transgressors, taking
the steps the sinner is required to take, and doing the work the sinner must do
RH.1874-03-03.001
Fallen man, because of his guilt, could
no longer come directly before God with his supplications, for his
transgression of the divine law had placed an impassable barrier between the
holy God and the transgressor. But a plan was devised that the sentence of
death should rest upon a substitute of superior value to the law of God. In the
plan of redemption there must be the shedding of blood, for death must come in
consequence of man's sin. The beasts for sacrificial offerings were to
prefigure Christ. In the slain victim, man was to see the fulfillment for the
time being of God's word, "Ye shall surely die." And the flowing of
the blood from the victim would also signify an atonement. There was no virtue
in the blood of animals; but the shedding of the blood of beasts was to point
forward to a Redeemer who would one day come to the world and die for the sins
of men. And thus Christ would fully vindicate his Father's law.
RH.1887-07-05.008
Christ was to die as man's substitute.
Man was a criminal under the sentence of death for transgression of the law of
God as a traitor, a rebel; hence a substitute for man must die as a malefactor,
because he stood in the place of the traitors, with all their treasured sins
upon his divine soul. It was not enough that Jesus should die in order to fully
meet the demands of the broken law, but he died a shameful death. The prophet
gives to the world his words, "I hid not my face from shame and
spitting."
RH.1892-07-05.008
The only definition the Bible gives of
sin is that it is "the transgression of the law." While we are to
repent toward God for the transgression of the law, we are not to look to the
law for remission of sins, or for justification. Neither are we to imagine that
repentance for past sin will be all-sufficient; for in order to be saved, we
must have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. When we accept Christ as our sacrifice,
our substitute, our righteousness, then we behold the Father in a different
light from that in which too many have regarded him in the past.
RH.1896-06-23.003
But he suffered humiliation, agony, and death
in silence, because he had given his life for the life of the world. He was not
compelled to do it, but he volunteered to be man's substitute and surety, and
"the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all." The wages of sin is
death, and he freely offered himself as a propitiation for the sins of men.
RH.1912-11-28.003
The divine Author of salvation left
nothing incomplete in the plan; every phase of it is perfect. The sin of the
whole world was laid upon Jesus, and divinity gave its highest value to the
suffering of humanity in Jesus, that the whole world might be pardoned through
faith in the Substitute.
RH.1899-05-23.008
Christ bore the penalty that would have
fallen upon the transgressor; and through faith the helpless, hopeless
sinnerbecomes 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.
RH.1901-05-07.003 The fiat has gone forth, "The wages
of sin is death." The sinner must feel his guiltiness, else he will never
repent. He has broken the law, and in so doing has placed himself under its
condemnation. The law has no power to pardon the transgressor, but it points him
to Christ Jesus, who says to him, I will take your sin and bear it myself, if
you will accept me as your substitute and surety. Return to your allegiance,
and I will impute to you my righteousness. You will be made complete in me.
RH.1912-11-28.003
The
divine Author of salvation left nothing incomplete in the plan; every phase of
it is perfect. The sin of the whole world was laid upon Jesus, and divinity
gave its highest value to the suffering of humanity in Jesus, that the whole
world might be pardoned through faith in the Substitute.
ST.1898-04-07.007
Signs of the Times
Man broke the law of God, and defied His
will. This law reveals to the world the attributes of God's character, and not
a jot or tittle of it could be changed to meet man in his fallen condition. God
could not abolish His law to save men; for this would have immortalized
transgression. But He gave men unmistakable evidence that He loved them, and
that justice is the foundation of His throne and the evidence of His love. He carried
out the penalty of transgression, but He allowed it to fall upon a substitute,
even His only-begotten Son
ST.1915-01-05.013
Through the guilty from moral defilement, and
impart to them His own righteousness. He died to make an atonement, to redeem,
cleanse, restore, and exalt man to a place at His right hand.death of Christ a
door of hope was opened for fallen man. Man was under sentence of death for the
transgression of the law of God. He was under condemnation as a traitor, as a
rebel; but Christ came to be his substitute, to die as a malefactor, to suffer
the penalty of the traitors, bearing the weight of their sins upon His divine
soul. He descended lower and lower, till there were no lower depths of
humiliation to sound, in order that He might lift up those who would believe in
Him, and cleanse the
4T.528.001
Testimonies for the Church vol 4 1876-81
We must have a converted ministry. The efficiency and power attending a
truly converted ministry would make the hypocrites in
5T.025.002 1889
In the word of God the mind finds subject
for the deepest thought, the loftiest aspiration. Here we may hold communion
with patriarchs and prophets, and listen to the voice of the Eternal as He
speaks with men. Here we behold the Majesty of heaven as He humbled Himself to
become our substitute and surety to cope singlehanded with the powers of
darkness and to gain the victory in our behalf. A reverent contemplation of
such themes as these cannot fail to soften, purify, and ennoble the heart, and,
at the same time, to inspire the mind with new strength and vigor.
CED.038.001
Christian Education 1893
In the word of God the mind finds subject
for the deepest thought, the loftiest aspiration. Here we may hold communion
with patriarchs and prophets, and listen to the voice of the Eternal as he
speaks with men. Here, we behold the Majesty of heaven, as he humbled himself
to become our substitute and surety, to cope single-handed with the powers of
darkness, and to gain the victory in our behalf. A reverent contemplation of
such themes as these, cannot fail to soften, purify, and ennoble the heart,
and, at the same time, to inspire the mind with new strength and vigor.
CED.112.001
There are but few who have an
appreciation of the grievous character of sin, and who comprehend the greatness
of the ruin that has resulted from the transgression of God's law. By examining
the wonderful plan of redemption to restore the sinner to the moral image of
God, we see that the only means for man's deliverance was wrought out by the
self-sacrifice, and the unparalleled condescension and love of the Son of God.
He alone had the strength to fight the battles with the great adversary of God
and man, and, as our substitute and surety, he has given power to those who lay
hold of him by faith, to become victors in his name, and through his merits.
CED.112.002
We can see in the cross of
CED.119.002
Those who are teaching the most solemn
message ever given to the world, should discipline the mind to comprehend its
significance. The theme of redemption will bear the most concentrated study,
and its depth will never be fully explored. You need not fear that you will
exhaust this wonderful theme. Drink deep of the well of salvation. Go to the
fountain for yourself, that you may be filled with refreshment, that Jesus may
be in you a well of water, springing up unto everlasting life. Only Bible truth
and Bible religion will stand the test of the judgment. We are not to pervert
the word of God to suit our convenience, and worldly interests, but to honestly
inquire, "What wilt thou have me to do?" "Ye are not your own,
for ye are bought with a price."[1 COR. 6:19, 20.] And what a price! Not
"with corruptible things, as silver and gold, . . . but with the precious
blood of Christ."[1 PETER 1:18, 19.] When man was lost, the Son of God
said, I will redeem him, I will become his surety and substitute. He laid aside
his royal robes, clothed his divinity with humanity, stepped down from the
royal throne, that he might reach the very depth of human woe and temptation,
lift up our fallen natures, and make it possible for us to be overcomers,--the
sons of God, the heirs of the eternal kingdom. Shall we then allow any
consideration of earth to turn us away from the path of truth? Shall we not
challenge every doctrine and theory, and put it to the test of God's word?
COL.157.001
Christ's Object Lessons, 1900
Christ has pledged Himself to be our
substitute and surety, and He neglects no one. He who could not see human
beings exposed to eternal ruin without pouring out His soul unto death in their
behalf, will look with pity and compassion upon every soul who realizes that he
cannot save himself.
CT.052.003
Councils to Parents, Teachers and Students 1913
In the word of God the mind finds
subjects for the deepest thought, the loftiest aspirations. Here we may hold communion
with patriarchs and prophets, and listen to the voice of the Eternal as He
speaks with men. Here we behold the Majesty of heaven as He humbled Himself to
become our substitute and surety, to cope singlehanded with the powers of
darkness and to gain the victory in our behalf. A reverent contemplation of
such themes as these cannot fail to soften, purify, and ennoble the heart, and
at the same time to inspire the mind with new strength and vigor.
DA.050.001
Desire of Ages 1898
About forty days after the birth of
Christ, Joseph and Mary took Him to
DA.483.005
"Therefore doth My Father love Me,
because I lay down My life, that I might take it again." That is, My
Father has so loved you, that He even loves Me more for giving My life to
redeem you. In becoming your substitute and surety, by surrendering My life, by
taking your liabilities, your transgressions, I am endeared to My Father.
DA.686.004
Christ was now standing in a different
attitude from that in which He had ever stood before. His suffering can best be
described in the words of the prophet, "Awake, O sword, against My
shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of hosts."
Zech. 13:7. As the substitute and surety for sinful man, Christ was suffering
under divine justice. He saw what justice meant. Hitherto He had been as an
intercessor for others; now He longed to have an intercessor for Himself.
DA.741.002
"That He might sanctify the people
with His own blood," Christ "suffered without the gate." Heb.
13:12. For transgression of the law of God, Adam and Eve were banished from
DA.753.001
Upon Christ as our substitute and surety
was laid the iniquity of us all. He was counted a transgressor, that He might
redeem us from the condemnation of the law. The guilt of every descendant of
Adam was pressing upon His heart. The wrath of God against sin, the terrible
manifestation of His displeasure because of iniquity, filled the soul of His
Son with consternation. All His life Christ had been publishing to a fallen
world the good news of the Father's mercy and pardoning love. Salvation for the
chief of sinners was His theme. But now with the terrible weight of guilt He
bears, He cannot see the Father's reconciling face. The withdrawal of the
divine countenance from the Saviour in this hour of supreme anguish pierced His
heart with a sorrow that can never be fully understood by man. So great was
this agony that His physical pain was hardly felt.
DA.753.002
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.
GC.420.001
1911
Important truths concerning the atonement
are taught by the typical service. A substitute was accepted in the sinner's
stead; but the sin was not canceled by the blood of the victim. A means was
thus provided by which it was transferred to the sanctuary. By the offering of
blood the sinner acknowledged the authority of the law, confessed his guilt in
transgression, and expressed his desire for pardon through faith in a Redeemer
to come; but he was not yet entirely released from the condemnation of the law.
On the Day of Atonement the high priest, having taken an offering from the
congregation, went into the most holy place with the blood of this offering,
and sprinkled it upon the mercy seat, directly over the law, to make
satisfaction for its claims. Then, in his character of mediator, he took the
sins upon himself and bore them from the sanctuary. Placing his hands upon the
head of the scapegoat, he confessed over him all these sins, thus in figure
transferring them from himself to the goat. The goat then bore them away, and
they were regarded as forever separated from the people.
Prophets
and Kings .691.001 1917
Of the suffering Saviour Jehovah Himself
declared through Zechariah, "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and
against the Man that is My Fellow." Zechariah 13:7. As the substitute and
surety for sinful man, Christ was to suffer under divine justice. He was to
understand what justice meant. He was to know what it means for sinners to
stand before God without an intercessor.
PP.366.001
Patriachs and Prophets 1890
In all these revelations of the divine
presence the glory of God was manifested through Christ. Not alone at the Saviour's
advent, but through all the ages after the Fall and the promise of redemption,
"God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself." 2
Corinthians 5:19. Christ was the foundation and center of the sacrificial
system in both the patriarchal and the Jewish age. Since the sin of our first
parents there has been no direct communication between God and man. The Father
has given the world into the hands of Christ, that through His mediatorial work
He may redeem man and vindicate the authority and holiness of the law of God.
All the communion between heaven and the fallen race has been through Christ.
It was the Son of God that gave to our first parents the promise of redemption.
It was He who revealed Himself to the patriarchs. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac,
Jacob, and Moses understood the gospel. They looked for salvation through man's
Substitute and Surety. These holy men of old held communion with the Saviour
who was to come to our world in human flesh; and some of them talked with
Christ and heavenly angels face to face.
SC.014.001
Steps to Christ 1892
Jesus said, "Therefore doth My
Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again."
John 10:17. That is, "My Father has so loved you that He even loves Me
more for giving My life to redeem you. In becoming your Substitute and Surety,
by surrendering My life, by taking your liabilities, your transgressions, I am
endeared to My Father; for by My sacrifice, God can be just, and yet the
Justifier of him who believeth in Jesus."
SPTED.018.001
Special Testimonies on Education 1897
Where shall we find laws more noble,
pure, and just, than are exhibited on the statute-books wherein is recorded the
instruction given to Moses for the children of
SPTED.220.001
The Lord God came down to our world
clothed with the habiliments of humanity, that he might work out in his own
life the mysterious controversy between Christ and Satan. He discomfited the
powers of darkness. All this history is saying to man, I, your substitute and
surety, have taken your nature upon me, showing you that every son and daughter
of Adam is privileged to become a partaker of the divine nature, and through
Christ Jesus lay hold upon immortality. Those who are candidates for this great
blessing should in everything act in a manner to represent the advantages of
their association with the Lord through his revealed truth and through the
sanctification of his Holy Spirit. This will enlarge the mind of the human
agent, fasten it upon sacred things, set it to receive truth, to comprehend
truth, which will lead to the working out of truth through the sanctification
of heart, soul, and character.
223.001
The
object of this great sacrifice should also be kept before them; for it was to
uplift fallen man degraded by sin that this great sacrifice was made. Christ
suffered in order that through faith in him our sins might be pardoned. He
became man's substitute and surety, himself taking the punishment, though all
undeserving, that we who deserved it might be free, and return to our
allegiance to God through the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. He is
our only hope of salvation. Through his sacrifice we who are now on probation
are prisoners of hope. We are to reveal to the universe, to the world fallen
and to worlds unfallen, that there is forgiveness with God, that through the
love of God we may be reconciled to God. Man repents, becomes contrite in
heart, believes in Christ as his atoning sacrifice, and realizes that God is
reconciled to him.
SWK.034.002 The Southern Work 1898
But while Christ pronounced a woe upon
those who did not repent at His preaching, He had a word of encouragement for
the lowly: "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and
prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed
good in thy sight." Many of the colored people are among the lowly who
will receive the Word of God, and shall not this long-neglected work of enlightening
the colored people be entered into perseveringly, and be carried forward all
the more diligently because it has been so long neglected? We must do a work
for the colored race that has not yet been done. "God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him might not
perish, but have everlasting life." The Son of God, the Creator of the
world, sacrificed His own life in order that He might become the Redeemer of
fallen humanity. He made an infinite sacrifice that He might become man's
surety and substitute, and shall we remain indifferent to a downtrodden, abused
race?
AG.1903-08-19.003
Atlantic Union Gleaner 1903
Our Only
Hope. God's law has lost none of its
force. In his sight sin is still a hateful thing. Because we have sinned, we
must personally bear the condemnation of the law, unless some one else, one in
whom no taint of sin can be found, will bear the condemnation in our behalf.
Without a substitute, we have no hope of pardon and salvation.
AG.1903-08-19.007
Justified by
Faith. Sinners are committed for
trial. They must answer to the charge of transgressing God's law. Their only
hope is to accept Christ, their
Substitute. He has redeemed the fallen race from the curse of the law,
having been made sin--a curse--for mankind. Nothing but his grace is sufficient
to free the transgressor from bondage. And by the grace of Christ all who are
obedient to God's commandments are made free.
AU.1900-06-01.014 Australasian Union Conference Record 1900
Christ has pledged Himself to be our
substitute and surety, and He neglects no one. There is an inexhaustible fund
of perfect obedience accruing from His obedience. In heaven His merits, His
self-denial and self-sacrifice, are treasured as incense to be offered up with
the prayers of His people. As the sinner's sincere, humble prayers ascend to
the throne of God, Christ mingles with them the merits of His own life of
perfect obedience. Our prayers are made fragrant by this incense. Christ has
pledged Himself to intercede in our behalf, and the Father always hears His
Son.
BE.1887-01-01.004 Bible Echo 1887
In becoming man's substitute, and bearing
the curse which should have fallen upon him, Christ pledged himself in behalf
of the race to maintain the sacred claims and the exalted honor of his Father's
law. The Father has given the world into the hands of his Son, that through his
mediatorial work he may completely vindicate the holiness and the binding
claims of every precept of the divine law. This is the work of Christ, to
convince men of sin, which is the transgression of the law, and through his
mediation to bring them back to the path of obedience.
BE.1889-01-15.009
The God of the universe has given our
cases in the Judgment into the hands of his Son, one who is acquainted with our
infirmities, and knows that we are but dust. He has taken our nature upon him,
and has himself felt the force of our temptations; he has borne our griefs, and
carried our sorrows. When man rebelled, Christ became his surety and
substitute. He undertook the combat with the powers of darkness; and when
through death he destroyed him that had the power of death, the highest honors
were bestowed upon him. He ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and
sat down at the right hand of God; --the very Jesus who had borne the curse of
sin for us. And there was given him a name that is above every name, that at
the name of Jesus every knee should bow. To him God has delegated his power; he
has the keys of death and the grave.
BE.1892-11-01.006
But many say that Jesus was not like us,
that He was not as we are in the world, that He was divine, and therefore we
cannot overcome as He overcame. But this is not true; "for verily He took
not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abraham. . . .
For in that He Himself hath suffered, being tempted, He is able to succor them
that are tempted." Christ knows the sinner's trials; He knows his
temptations. He took upon Himself our nature; He was tempted in all points like
as we are. He has wept, He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. As
a man He lived upon earth. As a man He ascended to heaven. As a man He is the
substitute of humanity. As a man He liveth to make intercession for us. As a
man He will come again with kingly power and glory to receive those who love
Him, and for whom He is now preparing a place. We should rejoice and give
thanks that God "hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the
world in righteousness, by that man whom He hath ordained."
BE.1893-03-15.003
Jesus is our atoning sacrifice. We can
make no atonement for ourselves; but by faith we can accept the atonement that
has been made. "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for
the unjust, that He might bring us to God." "Ye were not redeemed
with corruptible things, . . . but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a
lamb without blemish and without spot." No man of earth, no angel of
heaven, could have paid the penalty for sin. Jesus was the only one who could
save rebellious man. In Him divinity and humanity are combined, and this was
what gave efficacy to the offering on
BE.1893-07-15.009
In becoming man's substitute, in bearing
the curse which should fall upon man, Christ has pledged Himself in behalf of
the race to maintain the sacred and exalted honour of his Father's law. He came
to convince men of sin, which is the transgression of the law, and through
divine mediation, bring them back to obedience to God's commandments. God has
given the world into the hands of Christ, that He may completely vindicate the
binding claims of the law, and make manifest the holiness of every principle.
Christ was the Father's "appointed heir of all things, by whom also He
made the worlds." He was the "brightness of his glory, and the
express image of his person." And He upheld "all things by the word
of his power." He possessed divine excellence and greatness; and it
pleased the Father that in Him all fulness should dwell. Christ exchanged the
throne of light and glory which He had with the Father, counting it not a thing
to be desired to be equal with God while man was lost in sin and misery. He
came from heaven to earth, clothed his divinity with humanity, and bore the
curse as surety for the fallen race. He was not compelled to do this; but He
chose to bear the results of man's transgression, that man might escape eternal
death.
BE.1893-12-01.008
In the great battle fought between the
Prince of light and the prince of darkness, Jesus gained the victory in behalf
of humanity. Had Satan gained a degree of advantage, as he did with the first
Adam, the human family would have been left under his control, and without one
ray of hope they would have perished from the earth. But in behalf of the human
race, Jesus conquered the fallen foe: Satan was vanquished. Through the victory
of Christ, the human race was elevated in moral value, not because of anything
they had done, but because of the great work that had been wrought out for them
through the only begotten Son of God. As man's substitute and surety, in human
nature, through divine power, Christ placed man on vantage ground. In believing
on Him as our personal Saviour, we place ourselves under his blood-stained
banner, and the wicked one cannot take us from under his standard, as long as
we desire to prove loyal to Him who has died for us.
BE.1894-02-26.007
Let us heed the message of the True
Witness, given to us in warning. If we have sinned, "we have an Advocate
with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." He, our substitute and
surety, stands before the mercy-seat, pleading our cause in the courts of God.
And in sympathy with their loved Commander, all the heavenly intelligences have
an intense interest in all that concerns us. Will it not work us good to
comprehend this fact, that the angels are commissioned to minister to all who
shall be heirs of salvation, who are lawfully striving to win the crown of
life?
BE.1894-03-26.003
Those who receive Christ are melted and
subdued by the manifestation of His love in His humiliation, suffering, and death
in their behalf. They behold Him as their substitute and surety, as pledging
Himself to accomplish their full salvation through a plan that is consistent
with the justice of God, and which vindicates the honour of His law. But there
are some who are stirred with strong emotion as they view the humiliation of
Jesus, who shrink from following in His footsteps when they understand that
they must be sharers in His humiliation and suffering. When Jesus asks the
surrender of self without reserve, when He asks compliance with His government,
and that they shall walk in humble obedience and implicit trust, their nature
rebels. "No," says the proud heart; "we want to keep our
independence." But this is the very thing that Jesus wants you to have. It
was that you might be freed from the slavery of sin that He died on
BE.1894-07-02.003
All legalism, all the sorrow and woe by
which you may encompass yourself, will not give you one moment of relief. You
cannot rightly estimate sin. You must accept God's estimate, and it is heavy
indeed. If you bore the guilt of your sin, it would crush you; but the sinless
One has taken your place, and though undeserving, He has borne your guilt. By
accepting the provision God has made, you may stand free before Him in the
merit and virtue of your Substitute.
BE.1894-11-05.005
We are not under a system of mere
requirements, mere justice, and unsympathizing rigour. The penalty of
transgressing the law has fallen upon our Substitute and Surety, and for a time
has been suspended, so that the guilty do not feel its weight; but the object
of this suspension is not to teach us that its claims are over, its exactions
set aside, but to attract us to holiness, to obedience. Nothing is changed
except the manner of bringing men to obey the law. Obey its claims we must. The
first step toward obedience is repentance. We are to see the excellence of its
requirements by beholding the wrong of disobedience.
BE.1899-05-01.008
The great Intercessor presents His
petition to the Father. No middle-man comes between the sinner and Christ. No
dead prophet, no buried saint, is seen. Christ Himself is our advocate. All
that the Father is to His Son, He is to those whom His Son in humanity
represented. In every line of His work Christ acted as a representative of the
Father. He lived as our substitute and surety. He laboured as He would have His
followers labour, unselfishly appreciating the value of every human being for
whom He suffered and died.
Mrs. E. G. White.
BT.1908-02-01.002
The Son of God in becoming man's
substitute, and bearing the curse which should fall upon man, pledged Himself
in behalf of the race, to maintain the honor of the law of God. The Father has
given the world into the hands of Christ, that through His mediatorial work He
may save the sinner, and completely vindicate the claims of the law. His
mission was to convince men of sin,--which is the transgression of the law, and
through the merits of His blood, and by His mediation. He was to bring them
back to obedience. Through the sacrifice of Christ, the law could be
maintained, and the sinner could be pardoned,--not only freed from the power of
sin, but renewed "after the image of Him that created him." Col.
3:10.
BT.1915-09-01.004
The working of the vigilant foe in
presenting to Christ the vast proportions of transgression, caused such
poignant pain, that He felt that He could not remain in the immediate presence
of any human being. He could not bear that even His disciples should witness
His agony as He contemplated the woe of the world. Even His most dearly loved
friends must not be in His companionship. The sword of justice was unsheathed,
and the wrath of God against iniquity rested upon man's substitute, Jesus
Christ, the only begotten of the Father.
BT.1915-09-01.005
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.
GCB.1899-10-01.018 General Conference Bulletins 1899
Christ accepts the surrender of the soul.
He has pledged himself to be our substitute and surety, and he neglects no one.
There is an inexhaustible fund of perfect obedience accruing from his
obedience. How is it that such an infinite treasure is not appreciated? In
heaven the merits of Christ, his self-denial and self-sacrifice, are treasured
up as incense, to be offered up with the prayers of his people. As sincere,
humble prayers ascend to the throne of God, Christ mingles with them the merits
of his life of perfect obedience. Our prayers are made fragrant by this
incense. Christ has pledged himself to intercede in our behalf, and the Father
always hears his Son. Pray then; pray without ceasing; an answer is sure to
come. But let me speak in warning. If any man regard iniquity in his heart, the
Lord will not hear him.
GCB.1901-04-23.004
The Scriptures teach us to seek for the
sanctification to God of body, soul, and spirit. In this work we are to be
laborers together with God. Much may be done to restore the moral image of God
in man, to improve the physical, mental, and moral capabilities. Great changes
can be made in the physical system by obeying the laws of God and bringing into
the body nothing that defiles. And while we can not claim perfection of the
flesh, we may have Christian perfection of the soul. Through the sacrifice made
in our behalf, sins may be perfectly forgiven. Our dependence is not in what
man can do; it is in what God can do for man through Christ. When we surrender
ourselves wholly to God, and fully believe, the blood of Christ cleanses from
all sin. The conscience can be freed from condemnation. Through faith in his
blood, all may be made perfect in Christ Jesus. Thank God that we are not
dealing with impossibilities. We may claim sanctification. We may enjoy the
favor of God. We are not to be anxious about what Christ and God think of us,
but about what God thinks of Christ, our Substitute. Ye are accepted in the
Beloved. The Lord shows, to the repenting, believing one, that Christ accepts
the surrender of the soul, to be molded and fashioned after his own likeness.
MS.1893-04-12.002 Messenger
In the council of heaven provision was
made that man, though a transgressor, should not perish in his disobedience,
but through faith in Christ as his substitute and surety might become the elect
of God, predestinated unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself,
according to the good pleasure of his will. God wills that all men should be
saved; and in giving his only begotten Son as man's ransom, He has made ample
provision of the salvation of the world. None need perish unless they refuse to
be adopted as children of God through Christ Jesus. Many permit pride to hinder
them from accepting of the provisions of salvation. They will not consent to
have the grace of Christ imparted to them through faith in his name; but human
merit will not make man acceptable before God. No dependence can be placed upon
their works; for without Christ they can do no good thing. The elect are those
who are chosen through Christ unto sanctification of the spirit and belief of
the truth. But God willeth not the misery of any one of his creatures; it is
his desire that none should be lost, but all should come to repentance and to
the acknowledging of the truth.
MS.1893-04-26.005
The fallen race could be restored only
through the merit of Him who was equal with God. Though so highly exalted,
Christ consented to take upon Him human nature, that He might work in behalf of
man, and reconcile to God his disloyal subject. Christ pleads his merit in our
behalf. As our substitute and surety, He undertook to combat the powers of
darkness in our behalf, and prevailed against the enemy of our souls,
presenting to us the cup of salvation. The Prince of Life consented to bear
insult and mockery, pain and death. Upon the cross of Calvary He paid
redemption's price for a lost world. It was the world that He loved, the one
lost sheep that He would bring back to his fold. The cross of
MS.1893-05-10.002
Under the covenant of grace, the
conditions of eternal life are precisely the same as those given to man in
PR.1909-01-28.006
Where shall we find laws more noble,
pure, and just than are exhibited on the statute-books that record the
instruction given to Moses for the children of
PT.1886-02-04.001
Present Truth (British) 1886
It was not the dread of death which
caused the inexpressible agony of Jesus. To believe this would be to place him
beneath the martyrs in courage and endurance; for many of those who have died
for their faith, yielded to torture and death, rejoicing that they were accounted
worthy to suffer for Christ's sake Christ was the prince of sufferers; but it
was not bodily anguish that filled him with horror and despair; it was a sense
of the malignity of sin, a knowledge that man had become so familiar with sin
that he did not realize its enormity, that it was so deeply rooted in the human
heart as to be well-nigh impossible to eradicate. It was the guilt of sin,
bringing the Father's wrath upon him as man's substitute, that broke the heart
of the Son of God. Every pang that he endured upon the cross, the blood-drops
that flowed from his head, his hands, and feet, the agony that racked his
frame, and the unutterable anguish that filled his soul at the hiding of his
Father's face, speak to man, saying, It is for love of thee that the Son of God
consents to have these heinous crimes laid upon him; for thee he spoils the
domain of death, and opens the gates of Paradise and immortal life. He who
stilled the angry waves by his word, and walked the foam-capped billows, who
made devils tremble, and disease flee from his touch, who opened the eyes of
the blind, and raised the dead to life,--offers himself upon the cross as the
all-sufficient sacrifice for man.
PT.1890-01-30.006
Jesus is the only hope of the soul. By faith
every soul may say with the Psalmist, "Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and
there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee." The moment the sinner
lays hold of Christ by faith, his sins are no longer upon him. Christ stands in
the sinner's place, and declares, "I have borne his guilt, I have been
punished for his transgressions, I have taken his sins, and put My
righteousness upon him." In Christ the sinner stands guiltless before the
law. But how vain is the hope of entering heaven if we have no present faith in
Christ, no delight in spiritual things, no joy in anticipating the joys of
heaven. The child of God finds his comfort and peace in Christ. He delights to
dwell upon the holiness of his future, immortal home. The Lord commands,
"Be ye holy, for I am holy." The Christian's constant endeavour
should be to come into perfect conformity to the life of Christ, we must look
away from the darkness, and face the light. Do not, by your attitude of
unbelief, charge God with partiality or unfaithfulness. Your doubt casts
reflections upon the verity of His promises. When in living faith you come to
Jesus, and become doers of His Word, you will taste and see that the Lord is
good. You will say to all, "By His stripes we are healed." You will
think of Jesus, you will talk of Jesus, as One who is willing and able to save
to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him. If you believe in Christ as
your Saviour, His perfect obedience is set to your account. You are pardoned as
you look to Jesus as your substitute and surety. The promise of God is,
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
SS.1895-11-01.003 Sabbath-School Worker 1895
The plan of redemption is perfect in all
its parts. It does not demerit or lessen the claims of the law of God in one
jot or one tittle in saving the sinner from the just penalty of the law.
Through the provision of the death of God's only-begotten Son in sinners'
behalf, the immutability of the law of God is demonstrated for time and
eternity. Justice honors the law of God in providing a substitute for the
transgressor; for Christ gave his own life a ransom in order that God might be
just and yet be the justifier of him who believes in Jesus. The work of saving
the lost through the merit of Christ magnifies the law and harmonizes with
every perfection of Jehovah. In the plan of salvation the highest honor is paid
to the law of heaven's government, and yet mercy is freely dispensed to the
fallen sons of Adam. Every believing soul, cooperating with the great Restorer,
is blessed with heavenly grace, and endowed with the richest treasures of the
glory of God. The imagination cannot picture anything more glorious than that
which is attained through the plan of redemption. Well may we exclaim, "O
the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!"
SS.1895-12-01.001
Through the obedience of the Son of God,
through his submission to bear the death penalty for human transgression, the
law is magnified and made honorable before the universe. Angels, cherubim,
seraphim, and worlds unfallen behold the honor of the law vindicated and
exalted. Through the unfolding of the perfection of the divine nature they see
the image of God restored to man and the honor of the divine government
maintained. The wisdom of God has abounded towards all the sons and daughters
of Adam. Christ laid down his life, shed his blood, suffered the death penalty
for the sinner, and became the Sin Bearer for every repenting, believing soul.
We see sin fully punished in the Substitute and the sinner fully saved through
his merit. We see the law of God highly exalted, with no jot or tittle of its
authority laid aside, while the transgressor, relying upon the merit of the
Substitute, is justified by the law. Through the plan of salvation we see mercy
and truth met together, righteousness and peace embracing each other. There is
no vacillation in the principles of God's commandments, but they are pronounced
by the angels of heaven, by the inhabitants of unfallen worlds, and by souls
justified, as "holy, and just, and good."
WB.1902-09-09.006
Worker's Bulletin 1902
Christ Our Righteousness.
I am sorry that so many are doubtful in
regard to justification by faith, and that some are standing in opposition to
the light that God has given on this subject. Sinners are committed for trial.
They must answer the charge of transgressing God's law. Their only hope is to
accept Jesus Christ, their Substitute. He has redeemed the fallen race from the
curse of the law, having been made sin,--a curse,--for them. Nothing but the
grace of Christ is sufficient to free the transgressor from bondage. Through
His grace those who are obedient to God's commandments are made free. If
sinners repent their pardon is procured through the merits of Christ. Those who
understand this matter in its true bearing will more fully comprehend the
glorious, wondrous plan of salvation. They will not desire to argue just what
is meant by Christ being our righteousness, nor will they desire to try to
explain questions that do not in any way make more plain the terms of
salvation. It is not essential to understand the precise particulars in regard
to the relation of the two laws. It is of far greater consequence that we know
whether we are justified or condemned by the holy precepts of God's law.
RH.1873-01-21.003 Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 1873
Christ came not confessing his own sins;
but guilt was imputed to him as the sinner's substitute. He came not to repent
on his own account; but in behalf of the sinner. As man had transgressed the
law of God, Christ was to fulfill every requirement of that law, and thus show
perfect obedience. "Lo, I come to do thy will, O God!" Christ honored
the ordinance of baptism by submitting to this rite. In this act he identified
himself with his people as their representative and head. As their substitute,
he takes upon him their sins, numbering himself with the transgressors, taking
the steps the sinner is required to take, and doing the work the sinner must
do. His life of suffering and patient endurance after his baptism were an
example to converted sinners of what they should endure and patiently suffer in
consequence of their transgressions and sins. John finally yielded to the
request of Christ, notwithstanding his feelings of unworthiness to baptize him,
and performed the service. He led the Saviour of the world down into the river
RH.1874-02-24.021
A council was held in Heaven, which
resulted in God's dear Son undertaking to redeem man from the curse and from
the disgrace of Adam's failure, and to conquer Satan. Oh, wonderful
condescension! The Majesty of Heaven, through love and pity for fallen man,
proposed to become his substitute and surety. He would bear man's guilt. He
would take the wrath of his Father upon himself, which otherwise would have
fallen upon man because of his disobedience.
RH.1874-03-03.001
Fallen man, because of his guilt, could
no longer come directly before God with his supplications, for his
transgression of the divine law had placed an impassable barrier between the
holy God and the transgressor. But a plan was devised that the sentence of death
should rest upon a substitute of superior value to the law of God. In the plan
of redemption there must be the shedding of blood, for death must come in
consequence of man's sin. The beasts for sacrificial offerings were to
prefigure Christ. In the slain victim, man was to see the fulfillment for the
time being of God's word, "Ye shall surely die." And the flowing of
the blood from the victim would also signify an atonement. There was no virtue
in the blood of animals; but the shedding of the blood of beasts was to point
forward to a Redeemer who would one day come to the world and die for the sins
of men. And thus Christ would fully vindicate his Father's law.
RH.1874-08-18.002
Christ did not appear to notice the
reviling taunts of Satan. He was not provoked to give him proofs of his power.
He meekly bore his insults without retaliation. The words spoken from Heaven at
his baptism were very precious, evidencing to him that his Father approved the
steps he was taking in the plan of salvation as man's substitute and surety.
The opening heavens, and descent of the heavenly dove, were assurances that his
Father would unite his power in Heaven with that of his Son upon the earth, to
rescue man from the control of Satan, and that God accepted the effort of
Christ to link earth to Heaven, and finite man to the infinite.
RH.1874-08-18.007
The Saviour of the world became sin for
the race. In becoming man's substitute, Christ did not manifest his power as
the Son of God. He ranked himself among the sons of men. He was to bear the
trial of temptation as a man, in man's behalf, under the most trying
circumstances, and leave an example of faith and perfect trust in his Heavenly
Father. Christ knew that his Father would supply him food when it would gratify
him to do so. He would not in this severe ordeal, when hunger pressed him
beyond measure, prematurely diminish one particle of the trial allotted to him
by exercising his divine power.
RH.1874-08-18.012
The exalted Son of God in assuming humanity
draws himself nearer to man by standing as the sinner's substitute. He
identifies himself with the sufferings and afflictions of men. He was tempted
in all points as a man is tempted, that he might know how to succor those who
should be tempted. Christ overcame on the sinner's behalf.
RH.1881-03-08.006
Jesus, our substitute, consented to bear
for man the penalty of the law transgressed. He clothed his divinity with
humanity, and thus became the Son of man, a Saviour and Redeemer. The very fact
of the death of God's dear Son to redeem man, shows the immutability of the
divine law. How easily, from the transgressor's standpoint, could God have
abolished his law, thus providing a way whereby men could be saved, and Christ
remain in Heaven! The doctrine which teaches freedom, through grace, to break
the law, is a fatal delusion. Every transgressor of God's law is a sinner, and
none can be sanctified while living in known sin.
RH.1882-07-11.015
In the word of God the mind finds
subjects for the deepest thought, the loftiest aspirations. Here we may hold
communion with patriarchs and prophets, and listen to the voice of the Eternal
as he speaks with men. Here we behold the Majesty of Heaven, as he humbled
himself to become our substitute and surety, to cope singlehanded with the
powers of darkness, and to gain the victory in our behalf. A reverent
contemplation of such themes as these cannot fail to soften, purify, and
ennoble the heart, and at the same time to inspire the mind with new strength
and vigor.
RH.1884-08-19.011
In the word of God we find subject for
the deepest thought; its truths arouse to the loftiest aspiration. Here we hold
communion with patriarchs and prophets, and listen to the voice of the Eternal
as he speaks with men. Here we behold what the angels contemplate with
wonder,--the Son of God, as he humbled himself to become our substitute and
surety, to cope single-handed with the powers of darkness, and to gain the
victory in our behalf.
RH.1885-02-17.018
No deep-seated love for Jesus can dwell
in the heart that does not see and realize its own sinfulness. The soul that is
transformed by grace will admire his divine character; but if we do not see our
own moral deformity, it is unmistakable evidence that we have not had a view of
the beauty and excellence of Christ. The less we see to esteem in ourselves,
the more we shall see to esteem in the infinite purity and loveliness of our
Saviour. A view of our own sinfulness drives us to Him who can pardon. Jesus will
accept us; for his word is pledged. As our substitute, he takes our guilt on
his own soul, and imputes his righteousness to the sinner. When the soul,
realizing its helplessness, reaches out after Christ, he will reveal himself in
power. The more our sense of need drives us to him and to the word of God, the
more enlarged views we shall have of his character, and the more fully we shall
reflect his image,--show in our own lives the excellence of his character.
RH.1886-03-02.008
Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and
all the patriarchs and prophets, heard the gospel through Christ; they saw the
salvation of the race through the substitute and surety, Jesus, the world's
Redeemer. They saw a Saviour to come to the world in human flesh, and communed
with him in his divine majesty. Abraham walked and talked with the heavenly
angels who came to him in the garb of humanity. Jacob talked with Christ and
angels. Moses held converse with Jesus face to face as one who speaketh with a
friend.
RH.1887-04-19.012
Jesus endured the painful fast in our
behalf, and conquered Satan in every temptation, thus making it possible for
man to conquer in his own behalf, and on his own account, through the strength
brought to him by this mighty victory gained as man's substitute and surety. We
thank the Lord that a victory was gained upon these points, even here in Basel;
and we hope to carry our brethren and sisters up to a still higher standard to
sign the pledge to abstain from Java coffee and the herb that comes from China.
We see that there are some who need to take this step in reform. There are some
who are nervous, and they should abstain from these nerve-weakening narcotics,
that they may place themselves in right relation to the laws of life and
health. These injurious stimulants are doing great harm to their nervous
system. The machinery of nature is aroused to unwonted activity to be followed
by reaction, and the coffee and tea must be used by them to keep up their
strength and again urge up their powers. Unnatural activity is the result, and
by this continual course of indulgence of appetite the natural vigor of the
constitution becomes gradually and imperceptibly impaired. If we would preserve
a healthy action of all the powers of the system, nature must not be forced to
unnatural action. Nature will stand at her post of duty, and do her work wisely
and efficiently, if the false props that have been brought in to take the place
of nature are expelled.
RH.1887-07-05.008
Christ was to die as man's substitute.
Man was a criminal under the sentence of death for transgression of the law of
God as a traitor, a rebel; hence a substitute for man must die as a malefactor,
because he stood in the place of the traitors, with all their treasured sins
upon his divine soul. It was not enough that Jesus should die in order to fully
meet the demands of the broken law, but he died a shameful death. The prophet
gives to the world his words, "I hid not my face from shame and
spitting."
RH.1888-02-14.012
When man placed himself in opposition to
the will of the Father, infinite pity filled the breast of the Son of God. He
offered his life to pay the penalty of the broken law, that man might have
another trial. He promised to give those who believed in him grace to resist
temptation, and power to build up a righteous character, through keeping the
commandments of God. Our Saviour purchased this privilege for us at an infinite
cost. How blind must man be to his own interests, that he does not accept the
terms of God, and receive eternal life! It is a solemn thought that the
condition of man required the sacrifice of the Son of God in order that he
might be redeemed from a life of sin to a life of faith and obedience. Though
the race has fallen in rebellion, and ruin awaits those who neglect so great a
salvation, Christ has promised to "make a man more precious than fine
gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir." This honor will be
conferred upon man, because the Son of God, as his substitute and surety, has
imparted to him his own righteousness. Our precious Saviour laid aside his
royal robes, stepped down from his royal throne, and was made man, that he
might bring man into harmony with his God.
RH.1888-02-28.005
When Christ bowed on the banks of
RH.1888-07-17.011
Those who are teaching the most solemn message
ever given to the world, should discipline the mind to comprehend its
significance. The theme of redemption will bear the most concentrated study,
and its depth will never be fully explored. You need not fear that you will
exhaust this wonderful theme. Drink deep of the well of salvation. Go to the
fountain for yourself, that you may be filled with refreshment, that Jesus may
be in you a well of water, springing up unto everlasting life. Only Bible truth
and Bible religion will stand the test of the judgment. We are not to pervert
the word of God to suit our convenience and worldly interest, but to honestly
inquire, "What wilt thou have me to do?" "Ye are not your own,
for ye are bought with a price." And what a price! Not "with
corruptible things, as silver and gold," "but with the precious blood
of Christ.' When man was lost, the Son of God said, I will redeem him, I will
become his surety and substitute. He laid aside his royal robes, clothed his
divinity with humanity, stepped down from the royal throne, that he might reach
the very depth of human woe and temptation, lift up our fallen natures, and
make it possible for us to be overcomers,--the sons of God, the heirs of the
eternal kingdom. Shall we then allow any consideration of earth to turn us away
from the path of truth? Shall we not challenge every doctrine and theory, and
put it to the test of God's word?
RH.1888-07-24.004
To-day let the question come home to the
heart of every one who professes the name of Christ, "Dost thou believe in
the Son of God?" Not, "Do you admit that Jesus is the Redeemer of the
world?" Not to soothe your conscience and the consciences of others by
saying, "I believe," and think that is all there is to be done. But
do you believe with all your heart that Jesus is your Saviour? Do you bring him
into your life, and weave him into your character, until you are one with
Christ? Many accept Jesus as an article of belief, but they have no saving
faith in him as their sacrifice and Saviour. They have no realization that
Christ has died to save them from the penalty of the law which they have
transgressed, in order that they may be brought back to loyalty to God. Do you
believe that Christ, as your substitute, pays the debt of your transgression?
Not, however, that you may continue in sin, but that you may be saved from your
sins; that you, through the merits of his righteousness, may be re-instated to
the favor of God. Do you know that a holy and just God will accept your efforts
to keep his law, through the merits of his own beloved Son who died for your
rebellion and sin?
RH.1888-07-24.014
How bitterly do many of the ministers who
stand in the sacred desk denounce the royal law of God, and many of them
profess to be wholly sanctified to his service. They are of the class who break
the law, and teach others to do the same; but does not Jesus say,
"Whosoever shall break one of the least of these commandments and teach
men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven?" The True
Witness presents encouragements to all who are seeking to walk in the path of
humble obedience, through faith in his name. He declares, "To him that
overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame,
and am set down with my Father in his throne." These are the words of our
Substitute and Surety. He who is the divine Head of the church, the mightiest
of conquerors, would point his followers to his life, his toils, his
self-denials, his struggles, and sufferings, through contempt,through
rejection, ridicule, scorn, insult, mockery, falsehood, up the path of Calvary
to the scene of the crucifixion, that they might be encouraged to press on
toward the mark for the prize and reward of the overcomer. Victory is assured
through faith and obedience. Let us make an application of the words of Christ
to our own individual cases. Are we poor, and blind, and wretched, and
miserable? Then let us seek the gold and white raiment that he offers. The work
of overcoming is not restricted to the age of the martyrs. The conflict is for
us, in these days of subtle temptation to worldliness, to self-security, to
indulgence of pride, covetousness, false doctrines, and immorality of life.
"By their fruits ye shall know them," and every church is to bear the
test of God's law. Shall we stand before the proving of God?
RH.1888-08-21.014
There are but few who have an
appreciation of the grievous character of sin, and who comprehend the greatness
of the ruin that has resulted from the transgression of God's law. By examining
the wonderful plan of redemption to restore the sinner to the moral image of
God, we see that the only means for man's deliverance was wrought out by the
self-sacrifice, and the unparalleled condescension and love of the Son of God.
He alone had the strength to fight the battles with the great adversary of God
and man, and, as our substitute and surety, he had given power to those who lay
hold of him by faith, to become victors in his name, and through his merits.
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We can see in the cross of
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There is no argument in favor of the
unchangeable character of God's law, so forcible as that presented in the cross
of
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After the temptation, it seemed as if the
Son of God would die on the field of conflict; but the angels ministered unto
him, and he was revived. He became our surety and substitute, and he can be
"touched with the feeling of our infirmities," for he "was in
all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." How is it that men can
make their hearts like adamant, and not be moved by the love of Christ? Through
the merit of Christ's blood, every one can be a conqueror. Jesus has brought
moral power to combine with human effort, whereby we may obtain the victory.
Christ is our helper, and he invites us to take hold of his strength, and we
shall make peace with him. In our conscious weakness we are to lay hold of his
merit, and we may become triumphant through the grace of the Man of Nazareth.
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This earth was the field of battle; here
the Son of God had to contend with the wily foe in our behalf. Behold him on
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Christ passed from this scene of glory to
one of the greatest temptation. He went into the wilderness, and there Satan
met him, and tempted him on the very points where man will be tempted. Our
Substitute and Surety passed over the ground where Adam stumbled and fell. And
the question was, Will he stumble and fall as Adam did over God's commandments?
He met Satan's attacks again and again with, "It is written," and
Satan left the field of conflict a conquered foe. Christ has redeemed Adam's
disgraceful fall, and has perfected a character of perfect obedience, and left
an example for the human family, that they may imitate the Pattern. He had
failed on one point in reference to the law of God, he would not have been a
perfect offering; for it was on one point only that Adam failed.
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Jesus withstood all the temptations of
Satan, and through Christ we may withstand them. Through Jesus we may overcome
the love for earthly treasures. Our Saviour withstood on every point the test
of temptation, and in this way he has made it possible for man to overcome. Now,
there is enough in this idea, in this thought, to fill our hearts with
gratitude every day of our lives. As Jesus was accepted as our substitute and
surety, every one of us will be accepted if we stand the test and trial for
ourselves. He took our nature that he might become acquainted with the trials
wherewith man should be beset, and he is our mediator and intercessor before
the Father.
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Through Christ, restoration as well as reconciliation
is provided for man. The gulf that was made by sin has been spanned by the
cross of
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Without the grace of Christ, the sinner
is in a hopeless condition; nothing can be done for him; but through divine
grace, supernatural power is imparted to the man, and works in mind and heart
and character. It is through the impartation of the grace of Christ that sin is
discerned in its hateful nature, and finally driven from the soul temple. It is
through grace that we are brought into fellowship with Christ, to be associated
with him in the work of salvation. Faith is the condition upon which God has
seen fit to promise pardon to sinners; not that there is any virtue in faith
whereby salvation is merited, but because faith can lay hold of the merits of
Christ, the remedy provided for sin. Faith can present Christ's perfect
obedience instead of the sinner's transgression and defection. When the sinner
believes that Christ is his personal Saviour, then, according to his unfailing
promises, God pardons his sin, and justifies him freely. The repentant soul
realizes that his justification comes because Christ, as his substitute and
surety, has died for him, is his atonement and righteousness.
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Those who do neglect the great gift of
salvation, will have no second probation provided for them, but will be left
without hope. The Son of the infinite God was the author of our salvation. He
covenanted from the first to be man's substitute, and he became man that he
might take upon himself the wrath which sin had provoked. The plan of
redemption called forth the amazement of the heavenly hosts. The angels looked
with wonder to see the mystery wrought out before them in the life of the Son
of God. They saw the Redeemer take step after step down the path of humiliation.
They saw him rejected, denied, insulted, abused, and crucified, and yet it was
something beyond all finite intelligence to comprehend the full mystery of
redemption.
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The divine Author of salvation left
nothing incomplete in the plan; every phase of it is perfect. The sin of the
whole world was laid upon Jesus, and divinity gave its highest value to the
suffering of humanity in Jesus, that the whole world might be pardoned through
faith in the Substitute. The most guilty need have no fear but that God will
pardon, for because of the efficacy of the divine sacrifice the penalty of the
law will be remitted. Through Christ the sinner may return to allegiance to
God. How wonderful is the plan of redemption in its simplicity and fullness. It
not only provides for the full pardon of the sinner, but also for the
restoration of the transgressor, making a way whereby he may be accepted as a
son of God. Through obedience he may be the possessor of love and peace and
joy. His faith may unite him in his weakness to Christ, the source of divine
strength; and through the merits of Christ he may find the approval of God,
because Christ has satisfied the demands of the law, and he imputes his
righteousness to the penitent, believing soul. The spotless robe woven in the
loom of heaven, covers the contrite one, and he wills to be obedient, taking
the yoke of Christ, suffering as Christ suffered when he walked a man among
men.
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Every eye in the unfallen universe is
bent upon those who profess to be Christ's followers. Here, in this atom of a
world, an earnest warfare is going on,--a battle in which Christ, our
substitute and surety, has engaged in our behalf, and conquered. Now we,
Christ's purchased possession, must become soldiers of his cross, and conquer
in our own behalf, on our own account, through the power and wisdom given us
from above. The influence of the cross of
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The highest angel in heaven had not the
power to pay the ransom for one lost soul. Cherubim and seraphim have only the
glory with which they are endowed by the Creator as his creatures, and the
reconciliation of man to God could be accomplished only through a mediator who
was equal with God, possessed of attributes that would dignify, and declare him
worthy to treat with the Infinite God in man's behalf, and also represent God
to a fallen world. Man's substitute and surety must have man's nature, a
connection with the human family whom he was to represent, and, as God's
ambassador, he must partake of the divine nature, have a connection with the
Infinite, in order to manifest God to the world, and be a mediator between God
and man.