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312
The Story of Redemption
standing between God and guilty man, a restraint was upon the
people; but when He stepped out from between man and the Father,
the restraint was removed and Satan had entire control of the finally
impenitent.
It was impossible for the plagues to be poured out while Jesus
officiated in the sanctuary; but as His work there is finished, and His
intercession closes, there is nothing to stay the wrath of God, and it
breaks with fury upon the shelterless head of the guilty sinner, who
has slighted salvation and hated reproof. In that fearful time, after
the close of Jesus’ mediation, the saints were living in the sight of
a holy God without an intercessor. Every case was decided, every
jewel numbered. Jesus tarried a moment in the outer apartment
of the heavenly sanctuary, and the sins which had been confessed
while He was in the most holy place were placed upon Satan, the
originator of sin, who must suffer their punishment. [
Note.—This
suffering of Satan is in no sense a vicarious atonement. As indicated
in a previous chapter: “As man’s substitute and surety, the iniquity
of men was laid upon Christ.” (See p. 225.) But after those who
accept Christ’s sacrifice have been redeemed, it is certainly just that
Satan, the originator of sin, should suffer the final punishment. As
Mrs. White has said elsewhere, “When the work of atonement in
the heavenly sanctuary has been completed, then in the presence of
God and heavenly angels, and the host of the redeemed, the sins of
God’s people will be placed upon Satan; he will be declared guilty
of all the evil which he has caused them to commit.”—
The Great
Controversy, 658
.—Compilers.
]
[404]
Too Late! Too Late!
Then I saw Jesus lay off His priestly attire and clothe Himself
with His most kingly robes. Upon His head were many crowns,
a crown within a crown. Surrounded by the angelic host, He left
heaven. The plagues were falling upon the inhabitants of the earth.
Some were denouncing God and cursing Him. Others rushed to the
people of God and begged to be taught how they might escape His
judgments. But the saints had nothing for them. The last tear for
sinners had been shed, the last agonizing prayer offered, the last
burden borne, the last warning given. The sweet voice of mercy