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?<\/p>\n
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.<\/em> 1 Timothy 3:16<\/p>\n It is a great mystery because it is very deep and complicated, but God did not intend for it to be totally incomprehensible.<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> Deuteronomy 29:29<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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. \u00a0<\/em>Education<\/u>, p. 126<\/p>\n 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?<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0Steps to Christ<\/u>, p. 88, 89<\/p>\n 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.”<\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0Christ’s Object Lessons<\/u>, p. 133, 134<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0Education<\/u>, p. 172<\/p>\n 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.”<\/em> Education<\/u>, p. 133<\/p>\n 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.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Isaiah 55:8, 9<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n May the Lord bless and guide you as you ponder what He has done for you.<\/p>\n INCARNATION<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> Isaiah 53:1, 2<\/p>\n 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. <\/em>John 1:14<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> Philippians 2:6-8<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> 1 Timothy 3:16<\/p>\n Why did Jesus leave His Heavenly glory to come down here and live as an ordinary human?<\/p>\n because the Father loves us and didn’t want us to be lost<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> John 3:16<\/p>\n And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.<\/em> 1 John 4:14<\/p>\n to be “God with us”<\/strong><\/p>\n Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.<\/em> Isaiah 7:14<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> Matthew 1:23<\/p>\n to give knowledge of God as our loving Father<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> John 14:6-11<\/p>\n 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;<\/em> Hebrews 1:1-3<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> Sons and Daughters of God<\/u>, p. 139<\/p>\n to give knowledge of the glory of God<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> 2 Corinthians 4:6<\/p>\n to reveal God’s holiness<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> Signs of the Times, December 11, 1893<\/p>\n to demonstrate the riches of God’s grace<\/strong><\/p>\n That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.<\/em> Ephesians 2:7<\/p>\n to reveal God’s name (character)<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> John 17:6<\/p>\n to demonstrate God’s will<\/strong><\/p>\n Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God.<\/em> Hebrews 10:9<\/p>\n to glorify the Father<\/strong><\/p>\n I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.<\/em> John 17:4<\/p>\n to express and demonstrate God’s thoughts and character to the entire universe<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> The Desire of Ages<\/u>, p. 19, 20<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> The Desire of Ages<\/u>, p. 57<\/p>\n to unveil Satan’s deceptions<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> The Desire of Ages<\/u>, p. 24<\/p>\n to reveal God’s true character to Satan himself<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> Selected Messages, Book 1<\/u>, p. 254<\/p>\n to be the Way to God, the Truth about God, the Life from God<\/strong><\/p>\n Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.<\/em> John 14:6<\/p>\n to “adjust the claims” between heaven and earth (to change our priorities)<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em><\/p>\n 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. \u00a0<\/em>Christ’s Object Lessons<\/u>, p. 366<\/p>\n 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.<\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/em><\/p>\n 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?”<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Review and Herald, February 2, 1897<\/p>\n 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.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Signs of the Times, June 26, 1893<\/p>\n 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. <\/em>Signs of the Times, July 17, 1893<\/p>\n 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.”<\/em> Signs of the Times, December 11, 1893<\/p>\n to confirm the Covenant<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> Daniel 9:27<\/p>\n to bring grace and truth<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> John 1:17, 18<\/p>\n to strengthen seekers, reveal the Father, restore God’s image in man<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> The Youth’s Instructor, October 27, 1898<\/p>\n to counteract evil and restore humanity to original purity<\/strong><\/p>\n He<\/em> (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.<\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Review and Herald, November 8, 1892<\/p>\n to take away (lift and bear) sin<\/strong><\/p>\n And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.<\/em> 1 John 3:5<\/p>\n to give us assurance of deliverance from sin’s power<\/strong><\/p>\n “God with us” is the surety of our deliverance from sin, the assurance of our power to obey the law of heaven.<\/em> The Desire of Ages<\/u>, p. 24<\/p>\n to be our example of a holy life<\/strong><\/p>\n For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.<\/em> John 13:15<\/p>\n 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:<\/em> 1 Peter 2:21-23<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> Sons and Daughters of God<\/u>, p. 42<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> Sons and Daughters of God<\/u>, p. 43<\/p>\n to call sinners to repentance<\/strong><\/p>\n I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.<\/em> Luke 5:32<\/p>\n to condemn sin in the flesh<\/strong> (“There is no excuse for sin. A human can fully obey.”)<\/p>\n 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.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Romans 8:3, 4<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> Manuscript Releases<\/u>, Vol. 6, p. 395<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> Pacific Union Recorder, February 16, 1905<\/p>\n to find and save the lost<\/strong><\/p>\n For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.<\/em> Luke 19:10<\/p>\n to save from sin<\/strong><\/p>\n And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.<\/em> Matthew 1:21<\/p>\n For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.<\/em> John 3:17<\/p>\n Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.<\/em> Acts 4:12<\/p>\n to qualify to be humanity’s High Priest<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> Hebrews 2:16-18<\/p>\n to give life<\/strong><\/p>\n 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;<\/em> John 5:24-26<\/p>\n For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.<\/em> John 6:33<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> John 6:40<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> John 6:44<\/p>\n 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. \u00a0<\/em>John 6:47-51<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> John 6:57, 58<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> John 10:10<\/p>\n to bring freedom<\/strong><\/p>\n If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.<\/em> John 8:36<\/p>\n to receive authority to judge<\/strong><\/p>\n And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.<\/em> John 5:27<\/p>\n to elevate man in the scale of moral worth<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> Review and Herald, February 15, 1898<\/p>\n to reveal heavenly things so we can understand them and believe<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> John 3:11-13<\/p>\n to grant discernment<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> John 9:39<\/p>\n to reveal truth (light) and encourage saving faith<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> John 3:16-21<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> John 5:24<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> John 8:12<\/p>\n 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.<\/em> John 18:37<\/p>\n That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.<\/em> John 1:9<\/p>\n to transform us from servants to friends<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> John 15:14, 15<\/p>\n to grant the privilege of being sons of God<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> John 1:12-14<\/p>\n to consummate our adoption as sons of God<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> Galatians 4:4-6<\/p>\n to instate us as heirs of God<\/strong><\/p>\n Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.<\/em> Galatians 4:7<\/p>\n to establish the Kingdom<\/strong><\/p>\n And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.<\/em> Luke 4:43<\/p>\n to instill God’s attributes in us<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> The Desire of Ages<\/u>, p. 762<\/p>\n to justify the government of God<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/em> The Desire of Ages<\/u>, p.D 26<\/p>\n DEATH<\/strong><\/p>\n Why did Jesus have to die?<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n to be the epitome of supreme, divine love<\/strong><\/p>\n Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.<\/em> John 15:13<\/p>\n