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Inexhaustible Themes, December 24
Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched
diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which
was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of
Christ, and the glory that should follow.... Which things the angels
desire to look into.
1 Peter 1:10-12
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In this life we can only begin to understand the wonderful theme of
redemption. With our finite comprehension we may consider most earnestly
the shame and the glory, the life and the death, the justice and the mercy,
that meet in the cross; yet with the utmost stretch of our mental powers we
fail to grasp its full significance. The length and the breadth, the depth and
the height, of redeeming love are but dimly comprehended. The plan of
redemption will not be fully understood, even when the ransomed see as
they are seen and know as they are known; but through the eternal ages
new truth will continually unfold to the wondering and delighted mind.
Though the griefs and pains and temptations of earth are ended and the
cause removed, the people of God will ever have a distinct, intelligent
knowledge of what their salvation has cost....
The mystery of the cross explains all other mysteries. In the light that
streams from Calvary the attributes of God which had filled us with fear
and awe appear beautiful and attractive. Mercy, tenderness, and parental
love are seen to blend with holiness, justice, and power. While we behold
the majesty of His throne, high and lifted up, we see His character in its
gracious manifestations, and comprehend, as never before, the significance
of that endearing title, “Our Father.”
It will be seen that He who is infinite in wisdom could devise no plan
for our salvation except the sacrifice of His son. The compensation for
this sacrifice is the joy of peopling the earth with ransomed beings, holy,
happy, and immortal. The result of the Saviour’s conflict with the powers of
darkness is joy to the redeemed, redounding to the glory of God throughout
eternity. And such is the value of the soul that the Father is satisfied with the
price paid; and Christ Himself, beholding the fruits of His great sacrifice, is
satisfied.
Through all eternity the ransomed host will be His chief glory.
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