Tag: High Priest

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The Ephod

TWhen God gave instructions to Moses for the High Priest’s garments, one of the items described was the Ephod. It was a special, beautifully-embroidered, vest-like garment to be worn under the Breastplate. At first it is mentioned as worn solely by the High Priest but later others are mentioned as having Ephods: Gideon (Judges 8:27); Micah (Judges 17:5); Samuel, as a child (1 Samuel 2:18); the 85 Priests that Doeg killed at Nob (1 Samuel 22:18); David (2 Samuel 6:14; 1 Chronicles 15:27).

It seems that at times the Ephod was not used as a piece of clothing: Gideon’s Ephod was “put in his city” and became an item of apostasy for the people of Israel (Judges 8:27); the Ephod at Nob in the time of David’s visit to Ahimelech was somewhat of a decoration, not being worn by anyone (1 Samuel 21:9); Abiathar, a survivor of Doeg’s slaughter of the priests, was carrying an Ephod when he came to David (1 Samuel 23:6) and David asked God’s counsel by means of it (1 Samuel 23:9-11; 30:7, 8).

The Hebrew root word for ephod פֹד (the Hebrew characters pey & daleth) is also the root for a family of words that all mean something akin to “redeem” or “redemption.” Here are those other words:

H6299 פָּדָה pâdâh paw-daw’

A primitive root; to sever, that is, ransom; generally to release, preserve: – X at all, deliver, X by any means, ransom, (that are to be, let be) redeem (-ed), rescue, X surely.

H6302 פָּדוּי pâdûy paw-doo’ee

Passive participle of H6299; ransomed (and so occuring under H6299); as abstraction (in plural masculine) a ransom: – (that are) to be (that were) redeemed.

H6304 פְּדֻת פְּדוּת pedûth pedûth ped-ooth’, ped-ooth’

From H6929; distinction; also deliverance: – division, redeem, redemption.

H6306 פִּדְיֹן פִּדְיוֹן פִּדְיֹם פִּדְיוֹם pidyôm pidyôm pidyôn pidyôn (1,2) pid-yome’, (3,4) pid-yone’

From H6299; a ransom: – ransom, that were redeemed, redemption.

“Ephod” has the letter אֵ (the Hebrew character aleph) prefixed before the פֹד (pey daleth) which in the ancient pictograph characters meant “strength” or “power.” The Ephod symbolized the power of our Redeemer and the Redemption He provides.

H646 אֵפֹד אֵפוֹד ‘êphôd ‘êphôd ay-fode’, ay-fode’

Second form is a rare form; probably of foreign derivation; a girdle; specifically the ephod or high priest’s shoulder piece; also generally an image: – ephod.

The long white robe of fine linen that the High Priest wore was a symbol of Purity and Righteousness, the “Robe of Righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 19:8). The shorter blue coat symbolized Obedience to the Law. The Breastplate was known as the “Breastplate of Judgment” (Exodus 28:29). The golden crown on his forehead symbolized Holiness (Exodus 28:36). It would seem fitting to refer to the Ephod as the “Ephod of Redemption.” These are all significant components of the Salvation that comes to us through our Great Heavenly High Priest, Jesus Christ.

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The Gospel in Stone

There is symbolism in everything about the Sanctuary and its services and the Priests who ministered there. Here is a study about the stones in the High Priest’s Breastplate. There are varying perspectives on this because it is difficult to know exactly what particular stones are referred to from the Hebrew words or what color they were. We looked into multiple commentaries, dictionaries, and lexicons including the Ancient Hebrew Lexicon which gives word meanings based on the ancient Hebrew pictographic characters. We were fascinated by some of the implications that emerged. There seemed to be many characteristics and functions of Christ’s ministry on our behalf that are implied by each of those stones. We share this study not as “orthodox” theology but as another perspective on the incredibly rich mine of truth in the Sanctuary.

And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it. Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof. And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings. And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes. Exodus 28:15-21

Sardius

*H124 אֹדֶם ‘ôdem o’-dem

From H119; redness, that is, the ruby, garnet, or some other red gem: – sardius.

H119 אָדַם ‘âdam aw-dam’

To show blood (in the face), that is, flush or turn rosy: – be (dyed, made) red (ruddy).

H120 אָדָם ‘âdâm aw-dawm’

From H119; ruddy, that is, a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.): – X another, + hypocrite, + common sort, X low, man (mean, of low degree), person.

H121 אָדָם ‘âdâm aw-dawm’

The same as H120; Adam, the name of the first man, also of a place in Palestine: – Adam.

**AHLB 1082 “blood” “red” a red precious stone

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. Romans 5:14, 15

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 1 Corinthians 15:22, 23

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 1 Corinthians 15:45-47

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 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. Hebrews 9:11-15

And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone (sardius ASV): and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. Revelation 4:2, 3

Sardius: Jesus became the second Adam, taking on sinful human flesh, and shedding his blood for us.

Topaz

H6357 פִּטְדָה piṭdâh pit-daw’

Of foreign derivation; a gem, probably the topaz: – topaz.

AHLB 2603 Pitdah: An unknown precious stone.

***TSK Pitdah, is constantly rendered by the LXX τοπαζιον, and Vulgate, topazius, with which agrees Josephus. The topaz is a precious stone, of a pale, dead green, with a mixture of yellow, sometimes of a fine yellow; and hence called chrysolyte by the moderns, from its gold colour.

Topaz: ????

Carbuncle

H1304 בָּרְקַת בָּרְקַת bâreqath bâreqath baw-reh’-keth, baw-rek-ath’

From H1300; a gem (as flashing), perhaps the emerald: – carbuncle.

H1300 בָּרָק bârâq baw-rawk’

From H1299; lightning; by analogy a gleam; concretely a flashing sword: – bright, glitter (-ing, sword), lightning.

AHLB 2041 The shining flash of a sword as it is thrust.

Barqet: An unknown gem probably from its shining.

And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; Revelation 1:16-19

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Revelation 2:15, 16

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Ephesians 6:17

Carbuncle: Jesus, the Word, became a man; His word is a sword, dividing and pruning.

Emerald

H5306 נֹפֶךְ nôphek no’-fek

From an unused root meaning to glisten; shining; a gem, probably the garnet: – emerald.

And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. Revelation 4:2, 3

Again, as the Holy Spirit rested upon the prophet, he sees a door opened in heaven, and hears a voice calling him to look upon the things which shall be hereafter. And he says, “Behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone.” Ministering angels were around about Him, waiting and eager to do His will, while the rainbow of God’s promise, which was a token of His covenant with Noah, was seen by John encircling the throne on high—a pledge of God’s mercy to every repentant, believing soul. It is an everlasting testimony that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” It declares to the whole world that God will never forget His people in their struggle with evil. Manuscript 100, 1893

As the bow in the cloud is formed by the union of the sunlight and the shower, so the rainbow encircling the throne represents the combined power of mercy and justice. It is not justice alone that is to be maintained; for this would eclipse the glory of the rainbow of promise above the throne; man could see only the penalty of the law. Were there no justice, no penalty, there would be no stability to the government of God. AG 70

The One who has stood as our Intercessor; who hears all penitential prayers and confessions; who is represented with a rainbow, the symbol of grace and love, encircling His head, is soon to cease His work in the heavenly sanctuary. Grace and mercy will then descend from the throne, and justice will take their place. He for whom His people have looked will assume His right–the office of Supreme Judge. RH 1/1/89

Emerald: Jesus came to renew the Covenant of mercy and justice with His people.

Sapphire

H5601 סַפִּיר sappı̂yr sap-peer’

From H5608; a gem (perhaps as used for scratching other substances), probably the sapphire: – sapphire.

H5608 סָפַר sâphar saw-far’

A primitive root; properly to score with a mark as a tally or record, that is, (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively to recount, that is, celebrate: – commune, (ac-) count, declare, number, + penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer.

And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. Exodus 24:10

And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. Ezekiel 1:26

Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne. Ezekiel 10:1

Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God. Numbers 15:38-40

Sapphire: God’s Law is the foundation of His throne, His government. Jesus is God and perfectly lived the Law, showing us the basis for righteousness.

Diamond

H3095 יַהֲלֹם yahălôm yah-hal-ome’

From H1986 (in the sense of hardness); a precious stone, probably onyx: – diamond.

H1986 הָלַם hâlam haw-lam’

A primitive root; to strike down; by implication to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband: – beat (down), break (down), overcome, smite (with the hammer).

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

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. Revelation 3:21

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 1:18

And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. Revelation 6:2

And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. Revelation 14:18-20

Diamond: Jesus has conquered the world, sin, and death.

Ligure

H3958 לֶשֶׁם leshem leh’-shem

From an unused root of uncertain meaning; a gem, perhaps the jacinth: – ligure.

AHLB 2324 An unknown stone.

Fausett’s Bible Cyclopedia: Ligure—magnetic amber stone, drawing wood, iron and brass.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32

Ligure: Jesus draws all men to himself.

Agate

H7618 שְׁבוּ shebû sheb-oo’

From an unused root (probably identical with that of H7617 through the idea of subdivision into flashes or streamers (compare H7632)) meaning to flame; a gem (from its sparkle), probably the agate: – agate.

H7617 שָׁבָה shâbâh shaw-baw’

A primitive root; to transport into captivity: – (bring away, carry, carry away, lead, lead away, take) captive (-s), drive (take) away.

H7632 שָׁבִיב shâbı̂yb shaw-beeb’

From the same as H7616; flame (as split into tongues): – spark.

Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. Psalm 68:18

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Ephesians 4:8

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Revelation 3:1

And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. Revelation 5:6

Agate: Jesus conquered all enemies and freed their captives. He was filled with the Spirit and gifted the Spirit to His people symbolized by the flames of fire.

Amethyst

H306 אַחְלָמָה ‘achlâmâh akh-law’-maw

Perhaps from H2492 (and thus dream stone); a gem, probably the amethyst: – amethyst.

H2492 חָלַם châlam khaw-lam’

A primitive root; properly to bind firmly, that is, (by implication) to be (causatively to make) plump; also (through the figurative sense of dumbness) to dream: – (cause to) dream (-er), be in good liking, recover.

AHLB 2164 Dream: {str: 2492}

An unknown gem probably in the sense of gazing. amethyst| {str: 306}

A vision is to gaze at something. To have visions from God is to be in good favor. This maybe included in the idea along with dreams. It seems to possibly refer to prophesying.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Matthew 5:17

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27

Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Acts 3:24

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. Acts 10:43

Amethyst: Jesus fulfilled the dreams and visions of the prophets regarding the Messiah.

Beryl

H8658 תַּרְשִׁישׁ tarshı̂ysh tar-sheesh’

Probably of foreign derivation (compare H8659); a gem, perhaps the topaz: – beryl.

The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel. Ezekiel 1:16

And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels was as the colour of a beryl stone. Ezekiel 10:9

As the wheel-like complications were under the guidance of the hand beneath the wings of the cherubim, so the complicated play of human events is under divine control. Amidst the strife and tumult of nations, He that sitteth above the cherubim still guides the affairs of the earth. [See Ezekiel 1:4, 26; 10:8; Daniel 4:17, 25, 32.] Ed 178

God is acquainted with every man. Could our eyes be opened we would see that eternal justice is at work in our world. A powerful influence, not under man’s control, is working. Man may fancy that he is directing matters, but there are higher than human influences at work. The servants of God know that He is working to counteract Satan’s plans. Those who know not God cannot comprehend His movements. There is at work a wheel within a wheel. Apparently the complication of machinery is so intricate that man can see only a complete entanglement. But the divine hand, as seen by the prophet Ezekiel, is placed upon the wheels, and every part moves in complete harmony, each doing its specified work, yet with individual freedom of action. 4BC 1161

Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. Daniel 10:5. 6

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:38-40

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Matthew 28:18

Beryl: God’s will and His control over the affairs of this world result in order and harmony. Jesus always did His Father’s will and all the affairs on earth are now in His hands.

Onyx

H7718 שֹׁהַם shôham sho’-ham

From an unused root probably meaning to blanch; a gem, probably the beryl (from its pale green color): – onyx.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18

I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. Daniel 7:9

And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. Mark 9:2, 3

Christ emptied Himself, and took the form of a servant, and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim. As the high priest, after performing his service in the holy of holies, came forth to the waiting congregation in his pontifical robes, so Christ will come the second time clothed in glorious garments of the whitest white, “such as no fuller on earth can whiten them.” He will come in His own glory, and in the glory of His Father, as King of kings and Lord of lords, and all the angelic host will escort Him on His way. Ms 113, 1899

A little longer, and we shall have a robe of purity, whiter than any fuller on earth could whiten it. It is the garment woven in the loom of heaven, not to cover over our sins, for Jesus takes away the sin of the world, but to clothe us in the righteousness of Christ. I want to behold him until I shall be changed into his likeness; for by beholding we become changed. We should talk of the crown of life, of the heaven of bliss that awaits the faithful. May God help us to press the battle to the gate. He will place the crown of life upon our heads as we proclaim, “Worthy, worthy is the Conqueror.” We shall exclaim, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.” ST 4/23/94

Onyx: God offers to whiten our stained, filthy garments and also offers us the perfectly white robe of Christ’s righteousness.

Jasper

H3471 יָשְׁפֵה yâshphêh yaw-shef-ay’

From an unused root meaning to polish; a gem supposed to be jasper (from the resemblance in name): – jasper.

And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. Revelation 4:3

And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; Revelation 21:10, 11

Jasper: Jesus revealed God’s glory.

Summary

Sardius: red, blood, man, Adam

Jesus became the second Adam, taking on sinful human flesh, and shedding his blood for us.

Topaz: ????

Carbuncle: the flash of a sword

Jesus, the Word, became a man; His word is a sword, dividing and pruning.

Emerald: a rainbow (a symbol of the covenant) like an emerald

Jesus came to renew the Covenant of mercy and justice with His people.

Sapphire: God’s Law

God’s Law is the foundation of His throne, His government. Jesus is God and perfectly lived the Law, showing us the basis for righteousness.

Diamond: to strike and overcome

Jesus has conquered the world, sin, and death.

Ligure: magnetic

Jesus draws all men to himself.

Agate: separate flashes of fire; separating captives from captors

Jesus conquered all enemies and freed their captives. He was filled with the Spirit and gifted the Spirit to His people symbolized by the flames of fire.

Amethyst: to dream, have a vision

Jesus fulfilled the dreams and visions of the prophets regarding the Messiah.

Beryl: God’s perfect control

God’s will and His control over the affairs of this world result in order and harmony. Jesus always did His Father’s will and all the affairs on earth are now in His hands.

Onyx: to whiten

God offers to whiten our stained, filthy garments and also offers us the perfectly white robe of Christ’s righteousness.

Jasper: glory

Jesus revealed God’s glory.


  CARBUNCLE
  bâreqath
  FLASHING SWORD
TOPAZ
  piṭdâh
  ? 		SARDIUS
  ‘ôdem
  BLOOD, ADAM

DIAMOND
  yahălôm
  OVERCOME
SAPPHIRE
  sappı̂yr
  GOD’S LAW 		EMERALD
  nôphek
  COVENANT

AMETHYST
  ‘achlâmâh
  VISIONS
AGATE
  shebû
  RELEASE CAPTIVES 		LIGURE
  leshem
  MAGNET

JASPER
  yâshphêh
  GLORY
ONYX
  shôham
  WHITEN 		  BERYL
  tarshı̂ysh
  GOD’S CONTROL

Key to Resource Abbreviations

*H followed by a number–Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary

**AHLB–The Ancient Hebrew Lexicon of the Bible by Jeff Benner

***TSK–Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge

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The High Priest’s Holy Garments

A Picture of the Gospel of Jesus’ Ministry

Exodus 28; 39:1-31

And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. Exodus 28:2

And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod: And thou shalt put the miter upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the miter. Exodus 29:5, 6

The items of clothing that Aaron and the other High Priests wore are a wonderful symbol of various characteristics of Jesus, our great Heavenly High Priest, and the different aspects of His ministry on our behalf. Since we are to have characters like His, these also represent what we are to be like.

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. Hebrews 4:14

In giving the instructions for the High Priest’s garments, God gave specifications for their materials and colors. Here is a brief summary of what those colors symbolized:

White–perfect purity and righteousness (Revelation 19:8)

Scarlet–blood, sacrifice, atonement

Purple–royalty

Blue–the Law, Commandments (Numbers 15:38-40)

Gold–divinity

Breeches (Exodus 28:42, 43)–These were undergarments that all Priests wore, made of fine white linen, covering the waist and thighs. Their purpose was to cover their nakedness, the private areas of their body, so that they would not bear personal iniquity. This is a symbol of purity and righteousness in private matters.

Coat (Exodus 28:39; 39:27)–This was a long garment covering the body down to the ankles, made of fine white linen. All the Priests wore a similar garment. It symbolizes purity and righteousness of the whole body, in public matters.

Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:22, 23

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. Revelation 19:8

Robe of the Ephod (Exodus 28:31, 32; 39:22, 23)–This was a half-length garment, approximately to the knees, made entirely blue. It is a symbol and reminder that obedience to God’s Law is to be seen in our lives. Jesus was totally obedient to His Father’s will. We must be, also.

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. John 6:38

And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. John 8:29

Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: Numbers 15:38, 39

Pomegranates (Exodus 28:33, 34; 39:24-26)–These were tassels made of blue, purple, and scarlet twine in the shape of this fruit. Pomegranates were a fragrant fruit, considered a delicacy. (see Song of Solomon 4:13; 6:11; 7:12) These symbolize, in Jesus, the fruit of keeping the Law (blue), of being Royalty from Heaven (purple), and of being an unselfish Sacrifice (scarlet). We are made members, with Him, of the Royal family, children of the King of Heaven. As such, we abide by the principles and laws that Heaven functions under and we are willing to give ourselves unselfishly in service to the Kingdom. The outgrowth and evidence of this (the fruit) is seen in our lives.

You shall know them by their fruits. Matthew 7:16

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8

Bells (Exodus 28:33, 34; 39:24-26)–These were made of gold and were for the purpose of making a sound that would indicate that the High Priest was alive when he was ministering in the Holy Place since he was hidden from the view of everyone outside by the beautiful veil at the entrance. This did not apply to his ministry in the Most Holy Place since he changed from these beautiful, colorful garments into plain white garments for his ministry on the Day of Atonement. This is a symbol of the fact that, though Jesus is hidden from our view in His Continual mediation on our behalf, we have evidence of His activity through His Word and the ministry of His Spirit and the Angels.

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

Ephod (Exodus 28:6, 7; 39:2-4)–This was a colorful garment, similar to a vest, worn over the blue robe. It was made of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine-twined linen embroidered with gold wire. It again symbolizes Jesus’ obedience, royalty, and unselfish sacrifice on our behalf, along with His Divinity.

Shoulder Stones (Exodus 28:9-12; 39:6, 7)–These were beautiful onyx stones set in gold and engraved with the names of the 12 sons of Jacob in the order of their birth, 6 names on each stone. This showed that the High Priest would bear their names upon his shoulders at all times before the Lord, taking responsibility for their welfare and ministering on their behalf. This tells us that Jesus, as our High Priest, carries each of us on His shoulders, caring for our needs spiritually and physically.

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bore them, and carried them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:9

Breastplate of Judgment (Exodus 28:15-29; 39:8-21)–This item was one span wide (about 9 inches) and two spans long (about 18 inches) and doubled like a pouch. It was made of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine-twined linen embroidered with gold wire, similar to the Ephod. It had 4 rows of 3 stones each set in gold, engraved with the names of the 12 tribes, apparently in the order they camped around the Tabernacle. (see Numbers 2) The High Priest was to bear their names upon his heart in judgment before the Lord continually. This reminds us that each one of us is intimately important to our Great High Priest. He bears us “upon His heart.” We have a righteous Advocate who represents us before the righteous and impartial Judge of the universe, who sees to the very core of all our motives and actions. This may be scary to the person who is deliberate in their sin and unrepentant; but to a repentant sinner it is a great comfort and confidence.

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1, 2

Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30)–These were stones set in the Breastplate for the purpose of guidance, communicating God’s specific will in certain matters. Jesus wants to guide us through life by His Holy Spirit.

At the right and left of the breastplate were two large stones of great brilliancy. These were known as the Urim and Thummim. By them the will of God was made known through the high priest. When questions were brought for decision before the Lord, a halo of light encircling the precious stone at the right was a token of the divine consent or approval, while a cloud shadowing the stone at the left was an evidence of denial or disapprobation. (Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 351)

And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation. Numbers 27:21

And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. 1 Samuel 28:6

The word Urim is a plural form of the word “light” (H216) in Gen. 1:3. It seems to be referring to the dawn, the first light, the strengthening light (the beginning, the Morning Star) Jesus is the Light of the World, the Author of our faith, the Alpha, the First.

The word Thummim is a plural form of H8537 “integrity” (Ps. 25:21), “perfect” (Ps. 101:2) and seems to be referring to completeness and fullness of integrity, perfection. Jesus is the ultimate example of integrity and perfection. He is the Finisher of our faith, bringing us to perfection and completeness, returning us to innocence. He is the Omega, the Last.

Girdle (Exodus 28:8; 39:29)–This was a sash or belt around the waist made of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine-twined linen embroidered with gold wire. It served to hold the other garments in place.

Miter (Exodus 28:39; 39:28)–This was a turban made of fine white linen wound around the head of the High Priest. It symbolized the perfect purity and righteousness of Jesus’ mind and reminds us of God’s ideal for our minds.

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Philippians 2:15

Crown (Exodus 28:36-38; 39:30, 31)–This was a band of pure gold mounted on a ribbon of blue around the High Priest’s forehead and engraved with the words “Holiness to the Lord” as a signet or seal would be engraved. Its stated purpose was to show that the High Priest would continually bear the iniquity of the holy things. There is much symbolism in this Golden Crown. Jesus is bearing our iniquity, carrying our debt of guilt, so that we will not receive the retribution for it—eternal death. God’s Law was permanently established in His mind and He was holy, totally pure, and consecrated to God. We need to have God’s Law in our minds so that we will be holy and can be sealed with the Seal of God.

This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: Hebrews 8:10

Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. Revelation 7:3

And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with him a hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. Revelation 14:1

Anointing Oil (Exodus 30:22-33; Leviticus 8:12; 21:10; Psalm 133:2)–This was a special and exclusive spice and oil mixture. It was made of pure myrrh, sweet cinnamon, sweet calamus, cassia, and olive oil. God said it was holy and was not to be used for any personal or common purpose. (This should indicate to us how God feels about what we do with what He has declared holy, specifically His holy day, the Sabbath) This special oil was used only for anointing holy things–the Sanctuary, its Furniture, the Priests, etc. [All the Priests were anointed (Exodus 28:41) but the High Priest was the only one who was anointed on his head (Leviticus 8:12; 21:10)] This oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit which came down on Jesus’ head and consecrated Him as the Messiah, the Anointed One. “Messiah” means “the Anointed One.” The only ones who were anointed during Bible times were priests and kings. Also, Elisha was anointed by Elijah. (1 Kings 19:16) Jesus was a Prophet, a Priest, and a King. We also need the Holy Spirit to be active in our minds and hearts in order for us to fulfill God’s purposes.

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Why did Jesus do it?

That little question “Why?” may be a small word but it has huge potential. It is a very important tool, one of the most basic components of science and learning. It shows curiosity and can lead to all sorts of discovery and growth in understanding. As we apply it to the spiritual science of Salvation, it can open many windows to Truth. In this study, I would like to apply the question to the issue of why Jesus did what He did. Why was the Plan of Salvation formulated by Heaven the way it was? Why were its various aspects carried out in the way they were?

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16

It is a great mystery because it is very deep and complicated, but God did not intend for it to be totally incomprehensible.

The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29

We can begin to study it now, with our limited abilities during our life on earth, and continue advanced studies when we are in the eternal kingdom.

The science of redemption is the science of all sciences; the science that is the study of the angels, and of all the intelligences of the unfallen worlds; the science that engages the attention of our Lord and Saviour; the science that enters into the purpose brooded in the mind of the Infinite–“kept in silence through times eternal”; the science that will be the study of God’s redeemed throughout the endless ages. This is the highest study in which it is possible for man to engage. As no other study can, it will quicken the mind, and uplift the soul.  Education, p. 126

The theme of redemption is one that the angels desire to look into; it will be the science and the song of the redeemed throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Is it not worthy of careful thought and study now?  Steps to Christ, p. 88, 89

In giving us His word, God has put us in possession of every truth essential for our salvation. Thousands have drawn water from these wells of life, yet there is no diminishing of the supply. Thousands have set the Lord before them, and by beholding have been changed into the same image. Their spirit burns within them as they speak of His character, telling what Christ is to them, and what they are to Christ. But these searchers have not exhausted these grand and holy themes. Thousands more may engage in the work of searching out the mysteries of salvation. As the life of Christ and the character of His mission are dwelt upon, rays of light will shine forth more distinctly at every attempt to discover truth. Each fresh search will reveal something more deeply interesting than has yet been unfolded. The subject is inexhaustible. 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; and looking to heaven with its unnumbered years he will exclaim, “Great is the mystery of godliness.”

In eternity we shall learn that which, had we received the enlightenment that it was possible to obtain here, would have opened our understanding. The themes of redemption will employ the hearts and minds and tongues of the redeemed through the everlasting ages. They will understand the truths which Christ longed to open to His disciples, but which they did not have faith to grasp. Forever and forever new views of the perfection and glory of Christ will appear. Through endless ages the faithful Householder will bring forth from His treasures things new and old.  Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 133, 134

This study is not an attempt to be comprehensive or conclusive in explaining God’s reasons for what He does, but merely an introduction, a sample, a cupful of the ocean of truth. To ask the question “Why?” is to delve into several different realms of operation, from the simple physical explanation of the method or event (Jesus washed the disciples’ feet because they were dusty.) to the underlying motive and reason behind it (Jesus washed the disciples’ feet because He wanted them to understand certain aspects of His ministry and their personal responsibility.). It is very likely that there is no conclusive answer to the question, “Why?” The more we learn of God’s ways, the more we see the potential for further understanding.

If it were possible for us to attain to a full understanding of God and His word, there would be for us no further discovery of truth, no greater knowledge, no further development. God would cease to be supreme, and man would cease to advance. Thank God, it is not so. Since God is infinite, and in Him are all the treasures of wisdom, we may to all eternity be ever searching, ever learning, yet never exhaust the riches of His wisdom, His goodness, or His power.  Education, p. 172

He who studies most deeply into the mysteries of nature will realize most fully his own ignorance and weakness. He will realize that there are depths and heights which he cannot reach, secrets which he cannot penetrate, vast fields of truth lying before him unentered. He will be ready to say, with Newton, “I seem to myself to have been like a child on the seashore finding pebbles and shells, while the great ocean of truth lay undiscovered before me.” Education, p. 133

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.   Isaiah 55:8, 9

So I have asked, “What was the reason for . . . ?” or “What was accomplished by . . . ?” and I share some of the answers here. The verses and quotes gathered here are separated into a few broad categories to help us get an overview of the Plan. Some don’t fit neatly into just one category but you will get the picture as you study and contemplate the specifics. Some thoughts come from the symbolism of the Sanctuary services in the Old Testament; some are stated directly in both the Old and the New Testaments; some are enlarged in the Spirit of Prophecy. The categories I have included are: Christ’s Incarnation, Death, Resurrection, and Heavenly Ministry. Within those broad categories there are some general subcategories of issues of the great controversy between Christ and Satan that needed to be dealt with: legal issues, personal relationship issues between man and God, revelations of truth about God, Satan, sin, etc. I have not attempted to specifically categorize these but as you contemplate all that Jesus did, you will understand how these are all part of the picture.

May the Lord bless and guide you as you ponder what He has done for you.

INCARNATION

The word incarnation means “made flesh.” Jesus, a glorious Heavenly being, the One who came down on Mount Sinai in such awesome majesty that the Israelites thought they would die from the experience, was made visible to humans as an ordinary, physical person.

Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? 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. Isaiah 53:1, 2

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:6-8

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16

Why did Jesus leave His Heavenly glory to come down here and live as an ordinary human?

because the Father loves us and didn’t want us to be lost

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1 John 4:14

to be “God with us”

Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23

to give knowledge of God as our loving Father

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. John 14:6-11

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:1-3

In all the gracious deeds that Jesus did, He sought to impress upon men the parental, benevolent attributes of God. . . . Jesus would have us understand the love of the Father, and He seeks to draw us to Him by presenting His parental grace. . . . It was only by living among men that He could reveal the mercy, compassion, and love of His heavenly Father; for it was only by actions of benevolence that He could set forth the grace of God. . . . The bounties of God’s providence speak to every soul, confirming Christ’s testimony to the supreme goodness of His Father. Sons and Daughters of God, p. 139

to give knowledge of the glory of God

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

to reveal God’s holiness

In the person and work of Christ the holiness of God is revealed; for Christ came to reveal the Father. Satan had cast his shadow athwart the pathway of humanity, and misrepresented the character of God. Signs of the Times, December 11, 1893

to demonstrate the riches of God’s grace

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:7

to reveal God’s name (character)

I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. John 17:6

to demonstrate God’s will

Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. Hebrews 10:9

to glorify the Father

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. John 17:4

to express and demonstrate God’s thoughts and character to the entire universe

By coming to dwell with us, Jesus was to reveal God both to men and to angels. He was the Word of God, – God’s thought made audible. In His prayer for His disciples He says, “I have declared unto them Thy name,” – “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,” – “that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” But not alone for His earthborn children was this revelation given. Our little world is the lesson book of the universe. God’s wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which “angels desire to look,” and it will be their study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song. It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which “seeketh not her own” has its source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto. The Desire of Ages, p. 19, 20

In the light of the Saviour’s life, the hearts of all, even from the Creator to the prince of darkness, are revealed. Satan has represented God as selfish and oppressive, as claiming all, and giving nothing, as requiring the service of His creatures for His own glory, and making no sacrifice for their good. But the gift of Christ reveals the Father’s heart. It testifies that the thoughts of God toward us are “thoughts of peace, and not of evil.” Jeremiah 29:11. It declares that while God’s hatred of sin is as strong as death, His love for the sinner is stronger than death. The Desire of Ages, p. 57

to unveil Satan’s deceptions

Satan represents God’s law of love as a law of selfishness. He declares that it is impossible for us to obey its precepts. The fall of our first parents, with all the woe that has resulted, he charges upon the Creator, leading men to look upon God as the author of sin, and suffering, and death. Jesus was to unveil this deception. As one of us He was to give an example of obedience. For this He took upon Himself our nature, and passed through our experiences. “In all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren.” Hebrews 2:17. If we had to bear anything which Jesus did not endure, then upon this point Satan would represent the power of God as insufficient for us. Therefore Jesus was “in all points tempted like as we are.” Hebrews 4:15. He endured every trial to which we are subject. And He exercised in His own behalf no power that is not freely offered to us. As man, He met temptation, and overcame in the strength given Him from God. He says, “I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Psalm 40:8. As He went about doing good, and healing all who were afflicted by Satan, He made plain to men the character of God’s law and the nature of His service. His life testifies that it is possible for us also to obey the law of God. The Desire of Ages, p. 24

to reveal God’s true character to Satan himself

Christ exposed Satan’s falsehoods and deceiving character, and in many hearts destroyed his corrupting influence. It was this that stirred Satan with such intense hatred. With his hosts of fallen beings he determined to urge the warfare most vigorously; for there stood in the world One who was a perfect representative of the Father, One whose character and practices refuted Satan’s misrepresentation of God. Satan had charged upon God the attribute he himself possessed. Now in Christ he saw God revealed in His true character–a compassionate, merciful Father, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to Him in repentance, and have eternal life. Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 254

to be the Way to God, the Truth about God, the Life from God

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

to “adjust the claims” between heaven and earth (to change our priorities)

Christ’s coming was at a time of intense worldliness. Men were subordinating the eternal to the temporal, the claims of the future to the affairs of the present. They were mistaking phantoms for realities, and realities for phantoms. They did not by faith behold the unseen world. Satan presented before them the things of this life as all-attractive and all-absorbing, and they gave heed to his temptations.

Christ came to change this order of things. He sought to break the spell by which men were infatuated and ensnared. In His teaching He sought to adjust the claims of heaven and earth, to turn men’s thoughts from the present to the future. From their pursuit of the things of time, He called them to make provision for eternity.  Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 366

In his teaching, Christ sought to adjust the claims of heaven and earth. In his lessons of instruction, this was an all important subject. He saw that men are in danger of cherishing an inordinate love for the world. The love of God is supplanted by a love for the world. Nothing but the power of the omnipotent God can dislodge this love. The things which are earthly and temporal lead men away from God, although the advantages to be gained are but an atom in comparison with eternal realities. They have eyes, but they see not aright. Instead of keeping the heavenly world in view, the things of this world are ever before their eyes, and are magnified till they eclipse the world of bliss.

Turning away from heavenly attractions, from imperishable wealth, from peace, from nobility of soul, man pours out his affections on unworthy, unsatisfying things; and by constantly beholding this world, he becomes conformed to it. His mind, capable of elevation, and privileged to grasp the eternal blessedness of the saints, turns away from an eternity of greatness, and allows its powers to be chained like a slave to an atom of a world. It is humiliated and dwarfed by allegiance to worldly things.

Jesus came to change this order of things, to correct this wide-spread evil. He lifts up his voice as the voice of God in warnings, reproofs, and entreaties, seeking to break the spell which infatuates, enslaves, and ensnares men. He presents before them the future eternal world, and addressing them in decided language, says, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”   Review and Herald, February 2, 1897

Our Saviour came to the world to adjust the claims between heaven and earth. He knows that man, formed in his image, has been endowed by his Creator in such a way that he may rise to the highest eminence of moral efficiency through cooperation with divine agency provided for his assistance. With what sorrow Jesus looks upon man wasting his energies in pursuit of that which profiteth nothing. In tones of sorrow in which mingle tears, Jesus asks, “What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? “The arch-deceiver has inspired in man, by his temptations, by his presentation of flattering inducements, an inordinate desire to get the riches of this world, and he leads men to practice every form of sin in order that they may gain every earthly treasure. In the acquirement of this world’s wealth, the precious promises of God are cast aside as worthless. Through the service of mammon the love of God has been expelled from the heart, and the love of the world has rushed in to fill the vacuum, and to firmly enthrone itself in the heart, to rule and reign in the life. The power of God alone can force it from its usurped position. Through love of the world the spiritual vision is blinded, and the pleasures and attractions of the future world are hid from sight.   Signs of the Times, June 26, 1893

Our Saviour’s work is to adjust the claims between earthly and heavenly interests, to put the duties and responsibilities of the life that now is in proper relation to those that pertain to eternal life. The fear and love of God are the first things that should claim our attention. We cannot afford to put off that which concerns our soul’s interest till tomorrow. The life which we now live we are to live by faith in the Son of God. We are redeemed from the beggarly elements of the world with a redemption that is full and complete, that cannot be increased by any supplement from human sources. Signs of the Times, July 17, 1893

The commonplace matters of time and earth had engrossed the minds of the people at the time of Christ, just as Satan had designed that they should. Sin had expelled from the heart the love of God, and instead of the love of God there was found in the heart the love of the world, the love of sinful indulgence of evil passions. Christ alone could adjust the claims between heaven and earth. Man’s vision had become blinded, because he did not keep in view the spiritual and eternal world. But the kind of teaching that Christ gave to the world did not harmonize with the teaching of the scribes and Pharisees; for their religion consisted in a round of forms and ceremonies, and the offering of sacrifices, which had been designed by Christ to keep his sacrifice in mind, had lost its significance. Unless the sacrifices were offered in faith, accompanied with contrition and humility, they were valueless in the eyes of God, and even an abomination to him. God repeatedly had declared that the sacrifices acceptable to him were a broken and a contrite heart. He said, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Signs of the Times, December 11, 1893

to confirm the Covenant

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. Daniel 9:27

to bring grace and truth

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 1:17, 18

to strengthen seekers, reveal the Father, restore God’s image in man

The Lord Jesus came to strengthen every earnest seeker for truth, he came to reveal the Father. He allowed nothing to divert his mind from the great work of restoring the moral image of God in man. The Youth’s Instructor, October 27, 1898

to counteract evil and restore humanity to original purity

He (God, the Father) would have us comprehend something of his love in giving his Son to die that he might counteract evil, remove the defiling stains of sin from the workmanship of God, and re-instate the lost, elevating and ennobling the soul to its original purity through Christ’s imputed righteousness.

The only way in which the fallen race could be restored was through the gift of his Son, equal with himself, possessing the attributes of God. Though so highly exalted, Christ consented to assume human nature, that he might work in behalf of man and reconcile to God his disloyal subject. When man rebelled, Christ pleaded his merit in his behalf, and became man’s substitute and surety. He undertook to combat the powers of darkness in man’s behalf, and he prevailed, conquering the enemy of our souls, and presenting to man the cup of salvation.   Review and Herald, November 8, 1892

to take away (lift and bear) sin

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 1 John 3:5

to give us assurance of deliverance from sin’s power

“God with us” is the surety of our deliverance from sin, the assurance of our power to obey the law of heaven. The Desire of Ages, p. 24

to be our example of a holy life

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. John 13:15

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 1 Peter 2:21-23

In His earthly life the Saviour gives us an example of the hallowed lives that may be ours if we will devote our days to doing good to the souls that need our help. Sons and Daughters of God, p. 42

It is your work to impress upon your children in their early years the thought that they are formed in the image of God. Christ came to this world to give them a living example of what they all must be, and parents who claim to believe the truth for this time are to teach their children to love God and to obey His law. Sons and Daughters of God, p. 43

to call sinners to repentance

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Luke 5:32

to condemn sin in the flesh (“There is no excuse for sin. A human can fully obey.”)

For what the law 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: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.   Romans 8:3, 4

Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh, by a pure and holy life to condemn sin in the flesh. He came to our world to represent the character of God, and it is our work to represent the character of Christ. Manuscript Releases, Vol. 6, p. 395

Christ pleased not Himself. His whole life was the development of a pure, disinterested benevolence. He assumed human nature to show to the fallen world, to Satan and his synagogue, and to the heavenly universe, that human nature, united with the divine nature, could become entirely obedient to the law of God, that His followers could manifest the glory of God by their love and unity for one another, that they could give evidence that God has sent His Son to save sinners. Pacific Union Recorder, February 16, 1905

to find and save the lost

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10

to save from sin

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:17

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

to qualify to be humanity’s High Priest

For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore 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, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Hebrews 2:16-18

to give life

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; John 5:24-26

For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. John 6:33

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:40

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.  John 6:47-51

As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. John 6:57, 58

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

to bring freedom

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36

to receive authority to judge

And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. John 5:27

to elevate man in the scale of moral worth

While on earth, Christ accomplished the work for which he left the throne of God in heaven. He worked for humanity, that through his work, humanity might be elevated in the scale of moral value with God. He assumed human nature, that he might elevate the human family, make them partakers of the divine nature, and place them on vantage-ground with God. His every action had been in behalf of the fallen world, – to seek the sheep that had strayed from the fold, and bring it back to God. Review and Herald, February 15, 1898

to reveal heavenly things so we can understand them and believe

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. John 3:11-13

to grant discernment

And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. John 9:39

to reveal truth (light) and encourage saving faith

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. John 3:16-21

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. John 18:37

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John 1:9

to transform us from servants to friends

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. John 15:14, 15

to grant the privilege of being sons of God

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:12-14

to consummate our adoption as sons of God

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Galatians 4:4-6

to instate us as heirs of God

Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Galatians 4:7

to establish the Kingdom

And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. Luke 4:43

to instill God’s attributes in us

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. The Desire of Ages, p. 762

to justify the government of God

Through Christ’s redeeming work the government of God stands justified. The Omnipotent One is made known as the God of love. Satan’s charges are refuted, and his character unveiled. Rebellion can never again arise. Sin can never again enter the universe. Through eternal ages all are secure from apostasy. By love’s self-sacrifice, the inhabitants of earth and heaven are bound to their Creator in bonds of indissoluble union. The Desire of Ages, p.D 26

DEATH

Why did Jesus have to die?

This is a question that many Bible students have pondered. It is not merely the question “Why did Jesus die?” but “Why did He HAVE TO die?” Because sin is such a serious problem, much more serious than our human minds can comprehend, God had to use drastic action to solve it. He had to go to the absolute ultimate extreme to completely eradicate it from His universe or He ran the risk of it cropping up again. Jesus accomplished many things through His work on earth, but one of the most basic purposes for His death was to get our attention and change how we think so we would return to God. The sin problem was such a serious threat to us and the rest of the universe, and such a difficult issue to solve because of our rebellious heart condition, that anything less than what He did would not have been adequate. If Christ had not suffered and died, there would have been unresolved issues and unanswered questions that would have posed a risk to the security of the universe. God did everything He possibly could to make sure that sin and all of its manifestations would never come up again.

to be the epitome of supreme, divine love

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:9, 10

Christ draws the sinner by the exhibition of his love upon the cross, and this softens the heart, impresses the mind, and inspires contrition and repentance in the soul. Review and Herald, April 1, 1890

to be God’s Lamb

And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. Genesis 22:8

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. . . . And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! John 1:29, 36

to be our Substitute in bearing the results of sin

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: Galatians 1:4

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. Galatians 3:13.

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Isaiah 53:4-12

Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. “With His stripes we are healed.” The Desire of Ages, p. 25

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.  The Desire of Ages, p. 686

Under the mighty impulse of his love, he took our place in the universe, and invited the ruler of all things to treat him as representative of the human family. He identified himself with our interests, bared his breast for the stroke of death, took man’s guilt and its penalty, and offered in man’s behalf a complete sacrifice to God.   Review and Herald, April 18, 1893

He stood in the place where fallen man was to stand under the descending stroke of justice, and, innocent, he suffered for the guilty, in order that those who believe in him as their personal Saviour, should be accounted guiltless.   The Home Missionary, December 1, 1894

to be the propitiation for our sins

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; Romans 3:25

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

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

Just a quick note about propitiation: a propitiation is an effort to win or regain the favor of (a god, spirit, or person) by doing something that pleases them. (from the New Oxford American Dictionary) An example in the Bible is what Jacob did for Esau in Genesis 32:13-21. We humans have each offended the Ruler of the Universe, yet He gave us a propitiation in an attempt to win us back. Amazing!

to bring about atonement / reconciliation

Leviticus 4-6, 16

And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Romans 5:11

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.  Romans 5:8-10

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19

The humanity of Christ reached to the very depths of human wretchedness, and, identified itself with the weaknesses and necessities of fallen man, while his divine nature grasped the Eternal. His work in bearing the guilt of man’s transgression was not to give him license to continue to violate the law of God, which made man a debtor to the law, which debt Christ was himself paying by his own suffering. The trials and sufferings of Christ were to impress man with a sense of his great sin in breaking the law of God, and to bring him to repentance and obedience to that law, and through obedience to acceptance with God. His righteousness he would impute to man, and thus raise him in moral value with God, so that his efforts to keep the divine law would be acceptable. Christ’s work was to reconcile man to God through his human nature, and God to man through his divine nature. Review and Herald, August 4, 1874

to preserve from destruction and death

For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. Exodus 12:12, 13

to purify from defilement of death

Numbers 19

His blood is for our atonement

For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. Leviticus 17:11

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

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

to save from the serpent’s deadly bite

And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Numbers 21:8, 9

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:14-19

to restore to us the privilege of choosing our master

For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. . . . But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. Romans 6:20, 22

You must remember that your will is the spring of all your actions. This will, that forms so important a factor in the character of man, was at the Fall given into the control of Satan; and he has ever since been working in man to will and to do of his own pleasure, but to the utter ruin and misery of man. But the infinite sacrifice of God in giving Jesus, His beloved Son, to become a sacrifice for sin, enables Him to say, without violating one principle of His government: “Yield yourself up to Me; give Me that will; take it from the control of Satan, and I will take possession of it; then I can work in you to will and to do of My good pleasure.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 515

to expose sin

If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. John 15:22-24

Calvary alone can reveal the terrible enormity of sin. Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 116

The offensive character of sin can be estimated only in the light of the cross. When men urge that God is too merciful to punish the transgressors of his law, let them look to Calvary; let them realize that it was because Christ took upon himself the guilt of the disobedient, and suffered in the sinners stead, that the sword of justice was awakened against the Son of God. It was to save us from shame and everlasting contempt that he endured the scorn and mockery which the world heaped upon him. It was our sins that caused the Saviour of the world such intense agony, pouring darkness into his soul, and extorting from his pale lips the anguished cry, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”   Signs of the Times, January 6, 1881

to reveal the thoughts of men

By the life and the death of Christ, the thoughts of men also are brought to view. From the manger to the cross, the life of Jesus was a call to self-surrender, and to fellowship in suffering. It unveiled the purposes of men. Jesus came with the truth of heaven, and all who were listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit were drawn to Him. The worshipers of self belonged to Satan’s kingdom. In their attitude toward Christ, all would show on which side they stood. And thus everyone passes judgment on himself. The Desire of Ages, p. 57

to expose Satan’s true character

At the cross of Calvary, love and selfishness stood face to face. Here was their crowning manifestation. Christ had lived only to comfort and bless, and in putting Him to death, Satan manifested the malignity of his hatred against God. He made it evident that the real purpose of his rebellion was to dethrone God, and to destroy Him through whom the love of God was shown. The Desire of Ages, p. 57

Not until the death of Christ was the character of Satan clearly revealed to the angels or to the unfallen worlds. The archapostate had so clothed himself with deception that even holy beings had not understood his principles. They had not clearly seen the nature of his rebellion. The Desire of Ages, p. 758

Satan saw that his disguise was torn away. His administration was laid open before the unfallen angels and before the heavenly universe. He had revealed himself as a murderer. By shedding the blood of the Son of God, he had uprooted himself from the sympathies of the heavenly beings. Henceforth his work was restricted. Whatever attitude he might assume, he could no longer await the angels as they came from the heavenly courts, and before them accuse Christ’s brethren of being clothed with the garments of blackness and the defilement of sin. The last link of sympathy between Satan and the heavenly world was broken. The Desire of Ages, p. 761

to show that God perfectly blends justice and mercy, law and love

By His life and His death, Christ proved that God’s justice did not destroy His mercy, but that sin could be forgiven, and that the law is righteous, and can be perfectly obeyed. Satan’s charges were refuted. God had given man unmistakable evidence of His love.

Another deception was now to be brought forward. Satan declared that mercy destroyed justice, that the death of Christ abrogated the Father’s law. Had it been possible for the law to be changed or abrogated, then Christ need not have died. But to abrogate the law would be to immortalize transgression, and place the world under Satan’s control. It was because the law was changeless, because man could be saved only through obedience to its precepts, that Jesus was lifted up on the cross. Yet the very means by which Christ established the law Satan represented as destroying it. Here will come the last conflict of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. The Desire of Ages, p. 762, 763

to fulfill the plan made at the very beginning

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 1 Peter 1:18-20

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Revelation 13:8

The instant man accepted the temptations of Satan, and did the very things God had said he should not do, Christ, the Son of God, stood between the living and the dead, saying, “Let the punishment fall on Me. I will stand in man’s place. He shall have another chance.” Letter 22, Feb. 13, 1900

to save man while maintaining the dignity and honor of God’s Law

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; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Romans 3:25, 26

The transgression of God’s law made the death of Christ essential to save man and yet maintain the dignity and honor of the law. Christ took upon Himself the condemnation of sin. He opened His bosom to the woes of man. He who knew no sin became sin for us.

As man’s substitute and surety, the iniquity of men was laid upon Christ; He was counted a transgressor that He might redeem them from the curse of the law. . . . He, the Sin-Bearer, endures judicial punishment for iniquity and becomes sin itself for man.

Sin, so hateful to His sight, was heaped upon Him till He groaned beneath its weight. The despairing agony of the Son of God was so much greater than His physical pain, that the latter was hardly felt by Him.

God permits His Son to be delivered up for our offenses. He Himself (God) assumes toward the Sin-Bearer (Christ) the character of a judge, divesting Himself of the endearing qualities of a father.

Herein His love commends itself in the most marvelous manner to the rebellious race.

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 that God will not 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.  The Faith I Live By, p. 104

to glorify the Father

Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. John 13:31, 32

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: John 17:1

to grant repentance, forgiveness, justification

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:46

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:31

Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Acts 13:38, 39

to gather God’s children

And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. John 11:49-52

to win the kingdom back from Satan

Christ’s sacrifice in behalf of man was full and complete. The condition of the atonement had been fulfilled. The work for which He had come 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 the heavenly host. Clothed with boundless authority, He gave His disciples their commission, “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.” Matthew 28:19, 20. Acts of the Apostles, p. 29, 30

to reveal the effect sin has on God

Few give thought to the suffering that sin has caused our Creator. All heaven suffered in Christ’s agony; but that suffering did not begin or end with His manifestation in humanity. The cross is a revelation to our dull senses of the pain that, from its very inception, sin has brought to the heart of God. Every departure from the right, every deed of cruelty, every failure of humanity to reach His ideal, brings grief to Him. When there came upon Israel the calamities that were the sure result of separation from God, – subjugation by their enemies, cruelty, and death, – it is said that “His soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.” “In all their affliction He was afflicted: . . . and He bare them, and carried them all the days of old.” Judges 10:16; Isaiah 63:9. Education, p. 263

to lead us to hate sin

The Spirit reveals the ingratitude of the heart that has slighted and grieved the Saviour, and brings us in contrition to the foot of the cross. By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh; and as we look upon Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for the sins that have brought anguish upon Him. Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin. The Desire of Ages, p. 300

to destroy sin and Satan and make the universe secure

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8

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.” The Desire of Ages, p. 764

RESURRECTION

What was the purpose and result of Jesus’ resurrection?

to demonstrate His power of life and authority over death

He will swallow up death in victory; Isaiah 25:8

Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. John 10:17, 18

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: John 11:25

to destroy the devil

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15

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; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Hebrews 2:14, 15

When Jesus was laid in the grave, Satan triumphed. He dared to hope that the Saviour would not take up His life again. He claimed the Lord’s body, and set his guard about the tomb, seeking to hold Christ a prisoner. He was bitterly angry when his angels fled at the approach of the heavenly messenger. When he saw Christ come forth in triumph, he knew that his kingdom would have an end, and that he must finally die. The Desire of Ages, p. 782

to be Firstfruits, the hope of the harvest

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.  1 Corinthians 15:20-23

The sheaf dedicated to God represented the harvest. So Christ the first fruits represented the great spiritual harvest to be gathered for the kingdom of God. His resurrection is the type and pledge of the resurrection of all the righteous dead. “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14. The Desire of Ages, p. 785

to raise some saints as Firstfruits with Himself

And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.   Matthew 27:52, 53

As Christ arose, He brought from the grave a multitude of captives. The earthquake at His death had rent open their graves, and when He arose, they came forth with Him. They were those who had been co-laborers with God, and who at the cost of their lives had borne testimony to the truth. Now they were to be witnesses for Him who had raised them from the dead.

During His ministry, Jesus had raised the dead to life. He had raised the son of the widow of Nain, and the ruler’s daughter and Lazarus. But these were not clothed with immortality. After they were raised, they were still subject to death. But those who came forth from the grave at Christ’s resurrection were raised to everlasting life. They ascended with Him as trophies of His victory over death and the grave. These, said Christ, are no longer the captives of Satan; I have redeemed them. I have brought them from the grave as the first fruits of My power, to be with Me where I am, nevermore to see death or experience sorrow.

These went into the city, and appeared unto many, declaring, Christ has risen from the dead, and we be risen with Him. Thus was immortalized the sacred truth of the resurrection. The risen saints bore witness to the truth of the words, “Thy dead men shall live, together with My dead body shall they arise.” Their resurrection was an illustration of the fulfillment of the prophecy, “Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.” Isaiah 26:19. The Desire of Ages, p. 786

to receive the right to give immortality

In our Saviour the life that was lost through sin is restored; for He has life in Himself to quicken whom He will. He is invested with the right to give immortality. The life that He laid down in humanity, He takes up again, and gives to humanity. The Desire of Ages, p. 786, 787

HEAVENLY WORK

What is Jesus doing for us now in Heaven?

providing the gift of the Holy Spirit

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;  John 14:16

integrating us into the heavenly family

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12

God did not deem the principle of salvation complete while invested only with His own love. By His appointment He has placed at His altar an Advocate clothed with our nature. As our Intercessor, His office work is to introduce us to God as His sons and daughters. Christ intercedes in behalf of those who have received Him. To them He gives power, by virtue of His own merits, to become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. And 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 for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 363, 364

transforming us from rebels to cooperative subjects

But God is clothed with power; he is able to take those who are dead in trespasses and sins, and by the operation of the Spirit which raised Jesus from the dead, transform the human character, bringing back to the soul the lost image of God. Those who believe in Jesus Christ are changed from being rebels against the law of God into obedient servants and subjects of his kingdom. They are born again, regenerated, sanctified through the truth. The Youth’s Instructor, February 7, 1895

refining and purifying His people

Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. Malachi 3:1-3

bringing us to repentance and forgiveness

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:31

presenting our requests to the Father

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. John 14:13, 14

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:23, 24

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Ephesians 2:18

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 1 John 5:14, 15

our Advocate with the Father

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 1 John 2:1

our High Priest in the Heavenly Temple

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Romans 8:34

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.  Hebrews 7:24, 25

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. Hebrews 8:1-3

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9:11, 12

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. Hebrews 9:15

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Hebrews 9:24-26

completing the process of Atonement

Leviticus 16

And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.  Daniel 8:14

preparing a home for His people

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3

receiving the Kingdom

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. Daniel 7:13, 14

He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. Luke 19:12