Calvary
117
ministering in the temple before the vail which separated the holy from
the most holy place. Suddenly they felt the earth tremble beneath them,
and the vail of the temple, a strong, rich drapery that had been renewed
yearly, was rent in twain from top to bottom by the same bloodless
[167]
hand that wrote the words of doom upon the walls of Belshazzar’s
palace. The most holy place, that had been sacredly entered by human
feet only once a year, was revealed to the common gaze. God had ever
before protected his temple in a wonderful manner; but now its sacred
mysteries were exposed to curious eyes. No longer would the presence
of God overshadow the earthly mercy-seat. No longer would the light
of his glory flash forth upon, nor the cloud of his disapproval shadow,
the precious stones in the breastplate of the high priest.
When Christ died upon the cross of Calvary, a new and living way
was opened to both Jew and Gentile. The Saviour was henceforth
to officiate as Priest and Advocate in the Heaven of heavens. From
henceforth the blood of beasts offered for sin was valueless; for the
Lamb of God had died for the sins of the world. The darkness upon
the face of nature expressed her sympathy with Christ in his expiring
agony. It evidenced to humanity that the Sun of Righteousness, the
Light of the world, was withdrawing his beams from the once favored
city of Jerusalem, and from the world. It was a miraculous testimony
given of God, that the faith of after generations might be confirmed.
Jesus did not yield up his life till he had accomplished the work
which he came to do; and he exclaimed with his parting breath, “It is
finished!” Angels rejoiced as the words were uttered; for the great plan
of redemption was being triumphantly carried out. There was joy in
Heaven that the sons of Adam could now, through a life of obedience,
be exalted finally to the presence of God. Satan was defeated, and
[168]
knew that his kingdom was lost.
When the Christian fully comprehends the magnitude of the great
sacrifice made by the Majesty of Heaven, then will the plan of salvation
be magnified before him, and to meditate upon Calvary will awaken
the deepest and most sacred emotions of his heart. Contemplation of
the Saviour’s matchless love should absorb the mind, touch and melt
the heart, refine and elevate the affections, and completely transform
the whole character. The language of the apostle is, “I determined not
to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”
And we may look toward Calvary and exclaim, “God forbid that I