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Chapter 29—The Sufferings of Christ
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.” 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 fullness
dwell.” “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to
be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took
upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of
men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself,
and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
Christ consented to die in the sinner’s stead, that man, by a life
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of obedience, might escape the penalty of the law of God. His death
did not make the law of none effect; it did not slay the law, lessen
its holy claims, nor detract from its sacred dignity. The death of
Christ proclaimed the justice of His Father’s law in punishing the
transgressor, in that He consented to suffer the penalty of the law
Himself in order to save fallen man from its curse. The death of
God’s beloved Son on the cross shows the immutability of the law of
God. His death magnifies the law and makes it honorable, and gives
evidence to man of its changeless character. From His own divine
lips are heard the words: “Think not that I am come to destroy the
law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” The
death of Christ justified the claims of the law.
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