Chapter 152—Exile from Heaven’s Throne
Who, being in the form of God, ... was made in the likeness of men:
and ... humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the
death of the cross.
Philippians 2:6-8
.
In order to fully realize the value of salvation, it is necessary to understand
what it cost. In consequence of limited ideas of the sufferings of Christ, many
place a low estimate upon the great work of the atonement. The glorious plan
of man’s salvation was brought about through the infinite love of God the
Father. In this divine plan is seen the most marvelous manifestation of the
love of God to the fallen race. Such love as is manifested in the gift of God’s
beloved Son amazed the holy angels. “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
). This Saviour was the brightness of
His Father’s glory and the express image of His person. He possessed divine
majesty, perfection, and excellence. He was equal with God. “It pleased the
Father that in him should all fulness dwell” (
Colossians 1:19
)....
Christ consented to die in the sinner’s stead, that man, by a life of
obedience, might escape the penalty of the law of God.
Jesus was the majesty of heaven, the beloved commander of the angels,
who delighted to do His pleasure. He was one with God, “in the bosom of
the Father” (
John 1:18
), yet He thought it not a thing to be desired to be
equal with God while man was lost in sin and misery. He stepped down from
His throne, He left His crown and royal scepter, and clothed His divinity
with humanity. He humbled Himself even to the death of the cross, that
man might be exalted to a seat with Him upon His throne. In Him we have
a complete offering, an infinite sacrifice, a mighty Saviour, who is able to
save unto the uttermost all that come unto God by Him. In love He comes
to reveal the Father, to reconcile man to God, to make him a new creature
renewed after the image of Him who created him.
Our heavenly Father made an infinite sacrifice in giving His Son to die
for fallen man. The price paid for our redemption should give us exalted
views of what we may become through Christ.
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