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Chapter 3
3-7
. See
EGW comment on Ezekiel 36:25, 26
.
5-8
. See
EGW comment on 2 Corinthians 5:17
.
14, 15
. See
EGW comment on John 12:32
.
14-17(
John 1:29
;
Galatians 6:14
;
Hebrews 2:14
). The Effi-
cacy of the Cross
—The death of Christ upon the cross made sure
the destruction of him who has the power of death, who was the
originator of sin. When Satan is destroyed, there will be none to
tempt to evil; the atonement will never need to be repeated; and
there will be no danger of another rebellion in the universe of God.
That which alone can effectually restrain from sin in this world of
darkness, will prevent sin in heaven. The significance of the death
of Christ will be seen by saints and angels. Fallen men could not
have a home in the paradise of God without the Lamb slain from
the foundation of the world. Shall we not then exalt the cross of
Christ? The angels ascribe honor and glory to Christ, for even they
are not secure except by looking to the sufferings of the Son of God.
It is through the efficacy of the cross that the angels of heaven are
guarded from apostasy. Without the cross they would be no more
secure against evil than were the angels before the fall of Satan.
Angelic perfection failed in heaven. Human perfection failed in
Eden, the paradise of bliss. All who wish for security in earth or
heaven must look to the Lamb of God.
The plan of salvation, making manifest the justice and love of
God, provides an eternal safeguard against defection in unfallen
worlds, as well as among those who shall be redeemed by the blood
of the Lamb. Our only hope is perfect trust in the blood of Him
who can save to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him. The
death of Christ on the cross of Calvary is our only hope in this
world, and it will be our theme in the world to come. Oh, we do
not comprehend the value of the atonement! If we did, we would
talk more about it. The gift of God in His beloved Son was the
expression of an incomprehensible love. It was the utmost that
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