Amen my dear brothers! How important that those seeking truth understand what we three have shared today. We usually quote a paragraph, but today, I am impressed that it is important that we tie a few truths together by sharing a few paragraphs. The great controversy is opened before our eyes and the truth from God and the great lie put forth by Satan are clearly presented that all may see Satan is wrong and God's ways are right.
In the opening of the great controversy, Satan had declared that the law of God could not be obeyed, that justice was inconsistent with mercy, and that, should the law be broken, it would be impossible for the sinner to be pardoned. Every sin must meet its punishment, urged Satan; and if God should remit the punishment of sin, He would not be a God of truth and justice. When men broke the law of God, and defied His will, Satan exulted. It was proved, he declared, that the law could not be obeyed; man could not be forgiven. Because he, after his rebellion, had been banished from heaven, Satan claimed that the human race must be forever shut out from God's favor. God could not be just, he urged, and yet show mercy to the sinner.
But even as a sinner, man was in a different position from that of Satan. Lucifer in heaven had sinned in the light of God's glory. To him as to no other created being was given a revelation of God's love. Understanding the character of God, knowing His goodness, Satan chose to follow his own selfish, independent will. This choice was final. There was no more that God could do to save him. But man was deceived; his mind was darkened by Satan's sophistry. The height and depth of the love of God he did not know. For him there was hope in a knowledge of God's love. By beholding His character he might be drawn back to God.
Through Jesus, God's mercy was manifested to men; but mercy does not set aside justice. The law reveals 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 did not change His law, but He sacrificed Himself, in Christ, for man's redemption. "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself." 2 Corinthians 5:19.
The law requires righteousness,--a righteous life, a perfect character; and this man has not to give. He cannot meet the claims of God's holy law. But Christ, coming to the earth as man, lived a holy life, and developed a perfect character. These He offers as a free gift to all who will receive them. His life stands for the life of men. Thus they have remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. More than this, Christ imbues men with the attributes of God. He builds up the human character after the similitude of the divine character, a goodly fabric of spiritual strength and beauty. Thus the very righteousness of the law is fulfilled in the believer in Christ. God can "be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Romans 3:26...........
At the beginning of the great controversy, the angels did not understand this. Had Satan and his host then been left to reap the full result of their sin, they would have perished; but it would not have been apparent to heavenly beings that this was the inevitable result of sin. A doubt of God's goodness would have remained in their minds as evil seed, to produce its deadly fruit of sin and woe.
But not so when the great controversy shall be ended. Then, the plan of redemption having been completed, the character of God is revealed to all created intelligences. The precepts of His law are seen to be perfect and immutable. Then sin has made manifest its nature, Satan his character. Then the extermination of sin will vindicate God's love and establish His honor before a universe of beings who delight to do His will, and in whose heart is His law.
Well, then, might the angels rejoice as they looked upon the Saviour's cross; for though they did not then understand all, they knew that the destruction of sin and Satan was forever made certain, that the redemption of man was assured, and that the universe was made eternally secure. Christ Himself fully comprehended the results of the sacrifice made upon Calvary. To all these He looked forward when upon the cross He cried out, "It is finished."
Amen!! And not only is Satan's character revealed and God's character revealed, all may now understand the answer to that most common question asked "If your God is all powerful, which He is, and you say His character is revealed as infinite love, then why does He allow bad things to happen to good people? Why are innocent little ones hurt?" We of all people have been greatly blessed with the answer. To whom much is given much is expected. Go forth now and teach this important truth. It will open the door for the salvation of a great multitude.
And, has it not been revealed that we can keep the commandments of God, and how it is that we can do so by being transformed in character. And are we not told how it is that we are transformed from sinner to saint, by beholding His character of justice and love? We can become a partaker of His divine nature. On the cross Jesus finished all that was necessary on His part that a gift was offered to all who would accept it. Genesis 3:15 was completed on God's side, it is left with man to do his part that he might obtain a hatred of Satan and sin. God's part was immeasurably large, our part is immeasurably small. Our part is to behold the glory of God so that we will be re-created in His image (character). 2 Cor. 3:18. When God has a people who have ceased sinning, our part will be finished. Then Jesus will come!
