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Selected Messages Book 1
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
would atone for the sins of the world.
Purpose of the Ceremonial Law
If Adam had not transgressed the law of God, the ceremonial law
would never have been instituted. The gospel of good news was first
given to Adam in the declaration made to him that the seed of the
woman should bruise the serpent’s head; and it was handed down
through successive generations to Noah, Abraham, and Moses. The
knowledge of God’s law, and the plan of salvation were imparted to
Adam and Eve by Christ Himself. They carefully treasured the impor-
tant lesson, and transmitted it by word of mouth, to their children, and
children’s children. Thus the knowledge of God’s law was preserved.
Men lived nearly a thousand years in those days, and angels vis-
ited them with instruction directly from Christ. The worship of God
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through sacrificial offerings was established, and those who feared
God acknowledged their sins before Him, and looked forward with
gratitude and holy trust to the coming of the Day Star, which should
guide the fallen sons of Adam to heaven, through repentance toward
God and faith toward our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Thus the
gospel was preached in every sacrifice; and the works of the believers
continually revealed their faith in a coming Saviour. Jesus said to the
Jews: “For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he
wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe
my words?” (
John 5:46, 47
).
It was impossible, however, for Adam, by his example and precepts,
to stay the tide of woe which his transgression had brought upon men.
Unbelief crept into the hearts of men. The children of Adam present
the earliest example of the two different courses pursued by men
with regard to the claims of God. Abel saw Christ figured in the
sacrificial offerings. Cain was an unbeliever in regard to the necessity
of sacrifices; he refused to discern that Christ was typified by the slain