Chapter 8—Atoning Provisions Embrace All
Mankind
Christ’s atonement includes the whole human family. No one, high
or low, rich or poor, free or bond, has been left out of the plan of
redemption.—
Letter 106, 1900
.
Christ suffered without the gates of Jerusalem, for Calvary was
outside the city walls. This was to show that He died, not for the
Hebrews alone, but for all mankind. He proclaims to a fallen world
that He is their Redeemer, and urges them to accept the salvation He
offers.—
The Watchman, September 4, 1906
.
As the high priest sprinkled the warm blood upon the mercy-seat
while the fragrant cloud of incense ascended before God, so, while
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we confess our sins and plead the efficacy of Christ’s atoning blood,
our prayers are to ascend to heaven, fragrant with the merits of our
Saviour’s character. Notwithstanding our unworthiness, we are to
remember that there is One who can take away sin, and who is willing
and anxious to save the sinner. With His own blood He paid the penalty
for all wrong-doers.—
The Review and Herald, September 29, 1896
.
Jesus refused [after the resurrection] to receive the homage of His
people until He had the assurance that His sacrifice was accepted by
the Father. He ascended to the heavenly courts, and from God Himself
heard the assurance that His atonement for the sins of men had been
ample, that through His blood all might gain eternal life.—
The Desire
of Ages, 790
.
The sins of the people were transferred in figure to the officiating
priest, who was a mediator for the people. The priest could not himself
become an offering for sin, and make an atonement with His life, for
he was also a sinner. Therefore, instead of suffering death himself,
he killed a lamb without blemish; the penalty of sin was transferred
to the innocent beast, which thus became his immediate substitute,
and typified the perfect offering of Jesus Christ. Through the blood of
this victim, man looked forward by faith to the blood of Christ which
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