Coming of a Deliverer
457
Century after century passed away; finally the voices of the
prophets ceased. The hand of the oppressor was heavy upon Israel.
As the Jews departed from God, faith grew dim, and hope well-nigh
ceased to illuminate the future. The words of the prophets were un-
comprehended by many; and those whose faith should have continued
strong were ready to exclaim, “The days are prolonged, and every
vision faileth.”
Ezekiel 12:22
. But in heaven’s council the hour for the
coming of Christ had been determined; and “when the fullness of the
time was come, God sent forth His Son, ... to redeem them that were
under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
Galatians
4:4, 5
.
Lessons must be given to humanity in the language of humanity.
The Messenger of the covenant must speak. His voice must be heard
in His own temple. He, the author of truth, must separate truth from
the chaff of man’s utterance, which had made it of no effect. The
principles of God’s government and the plan of redemption must be
clearly defined. The lessons of the Old Testament must be fully set
before men.
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When the Saviour finally appeared “in the likeness of men” (
Philip-
pians 2:7
), and began His ministry of grace, Satan could but bruise
the heel, while by every act of humiliation or suffering Christ was
bruising the head of His adversary. The anguish that sin has brought
was poured into the bosom of the Sinless; yet while Christ endured the
contradiction of sinners against Himself, He was paying the debt for
sinful man and breaking the bondage in which humanity had been held.
Every pang of anguish, every insult, was working out the deliverance
of the race.
Could Satan have induced Christ to yield to a single temptation,
could he have led Him by one act or even thought to stain His perfect
purity, the prince of darkness would have triumphed over man’s Surety
and would have gained the whole human family to himself. But while
Satan could distress, he could not contaminate. He could cause agony,
but not defilement. He made the life of Christ one long scene of
conflict and trial, yet with every attack he was losing his hold upon
humanity.
In the wilderness of temptation, in the Garden of Gethsemane,
and on the cross, our Saviour measured weapons with the prince of
darkness. His wounds became the trophies of His victory in behalf